The 2026 Draft Thread - Day 3

[method man]

On Day 3 I'm BPA even moreso than in the 1st 2 days.

To DWinzit's point, if Edge is as deep as they say, there could be some sleepers (like Curry) who could be options.

Curry comapres favorably to former OSU DE Jack Sawyer who went in R4 last yr and played in all 17 games with Pittsburgh.

That said, if there is a higher ranked player at a different spot I'm good with following the board

Jack Sawyer didn't do anything last year. The Steelers would have been better off signing a veteran EDGE for the vet minimum. I do agree that, from time to time, the 3-4 stand up EDGE guys fall in drafts relative to ultimate production in the NFL because not every team has a use for a sub 250 lb edge rusher. However, I feel looking at a bunch of drafts that the 3rd round has been the final round teams tend to guys that make an above replacement level impact once they make it to the league.

It's why I'm really hoping someone like Jacas, Moore or Lawrence somehow gets forgotten and falls to us at 71 as those are guys you can point to as having true possible upside as potential starters in a year or two

 

[Canuck]

Jack Sawyer didn't do anything last year. The Steelers would have been better off signing a veteran EDGE for the vet minimum. I do agree that, from time to time, the 3-4 stand up EDGE guys fall in drafts relative to ultimate production in the NFL because not every team has a use for a sub 250 lb edge rusher. However, I feel looking at a bunch of drafts that the 3rd round has been the final round teams tend to guys that make an above replacement level impact once they make it to the league.

It's why I'm really hoping someone like Jacas, Moore or Lawrence somehow gets forgotten and falls to us at 71 as those are guys you can point to as having true possible upside as potential starters in a year or two

IDK, he played in all 17 games and had 2 INTs. PIT was also pretty stacked last yr at edge.

All I'm saying is day 3 is when you go BPA regardless of position/need IMO

 

[skinsinparadise]

As for as metrics go not a bad center crop, included some players expected to shift to center

 

[skinsinparadise]

Moves really well, put up good numbers too, want to see though measurables

 

[DWinzit]

As for as metrics go not a bad center crop, included some players expected to shift to center

View attachment 14430

I like the top 4, especially Hecht and Slaughter. Jones arm length is his one detractor for me but I like him. I have posted numerous times about those 3.

 

[ES1974]

IDK, he played in all 17 games and had 2 INTs. PIT was also pretty stacked last yr at edge.

All I'm saying is day 3 is when you go BPA regardless of position/need IMO

I tend to find as you progress through day 3 all logic to selections goes out of the window, not sure teams go BPA at all.

 

[skinsinparadise]

He flies off the edge, fun watch, sort of a poor man's Romello Height. Similar size-style. Doesn't have the same production. But if he falls to the 5th, I am intrigued.

 

[DWinzit]

Two late day 3 guys, a RB and a WR, the Commanders showed interest in at Oregon's Pro Day:

Receiver Malik Benson sat on his terrific marks from the combine, but he looked good in position drills. He was exceptionally fluid in and out of breaks and caught the ball well. Benson is telling NFL teams he’s eager to contribute on special teams on Sundays, not only as a return specialist but also on coverage units, serving as a gunner. That sort of two-for-one value will cement Benson as a Day 3 draft pick.

During pro day, Benson had one-on-ones with the Washington Commanders, Arizona Cardinals, and Carolina Panthers. He’s also scheduled for a workout with the Buffalo Bills on Thursday.

Running back Noah Whittington sat on the sidelines, as he has not fully recovered from the turf toe surgery he underwent several weeks ago. Although physically capable, Whittington skipped pro day drills to avoid any setbacks before camp as he is still not 100% recovered from turf toe surgery.

Whittington is getting a lot of interest from the Washington Commanders, Kansas City Chiefs, and Chicago Bears.

2026 Pro Day Notes: Emmanuel Pregnon Stands Out at Oregon, Corey Rucker Blows Up His Workout

Oregon’s 2026 Pro Day saw Emmanuel Pregnon boost his draft stock as scouts packed Eugene and Corey Rucker impressed with a strong workout.

www.essentiallysports.com

 

[philibusters]

As for as metrics go not a bad center crop, included some players expected to shift to center

View attachment 14430

I don't know a ton about the centers. I did watch Connor Lew. From others talking about them I like Lew and Hecht. I also like Gulbin vs. his consensus ranking of 203. If you could get him in the 6th round that seems like good value to me.

 

[skinsinparadise]

Two late day 3 guys, a RB and a WR, the Commanders showed interest in at Oregon's Pro Day:

Receiver Malik Benson sat on his terrific marks from the combine, but he looked good in position drills. He was exceptionally fluid in and out of breaks and caught the ball well. Benson is telling NFL teams he’s eager to contribute on special teams on Sundays, not only as a return specialist but also on coverage units, serving as a gunner. That sort of two-for-one value will cement Benson as a Day 3 draft pick.

During pro day, Benson had one-on-ones with the Washington Commanders, Arizona Cardinals, and Carolina Panthers. He’s also scheduled for a workout with the Buffalo Bills on Thursday.

Running back Noah Whittington sat on the sidelines, as he has not fully recovered from the turf toe surgery he underwent several weeks ago. Although physically capable, Whittington skipped pro day drills to avoid any setbacks before camp as he is still not 100% recovered from turf toe surgery.

Whittington is getting a lot of interest from the Washington Commanders, Kansas City Chiefs, and Chicago Bears.

2026 Pro Day Notes: Emmanuel Pregnon Stands Out at Oregon, Corey Rucker Blows Up His Workout

Oregon’s 2026 Pro Day saw Emmanuel Pregnon boost his draft stock as scouts packed Eugene and Corey Rucker impressed with a strong workout.

www.essentiallysports.com

Benson seems like the same idea as Eric Rivers, 6th rounder type receiver with speed-deep threat. Sort of the reverse of Jaylin Lane who mainly majored in first level catches-YAC in college -- they experimented with the deep ball with him in the pros, arguably so so as a rookie on that front. Benson and Rivers actually major in the deep ball.

Watched some Whittington. He's decent, ok hands converted WR, has some explosive plays, physical for his size. Good player, not blown away but solid late round pick.

 

[DWinzit]

Benson seems like the same idea as Eric Rivers, 6th rounder type receiver with speed-deep threat. Sort of the reverse of Jaylin Lane who mainly majored in first level catches-YAC in college -- they experimented with the deep ball with him in the pros, arguably so so as a rookie on that front. Benson and Rivers actually major in the deep ball.

Watched some Whittington. He's decent, ok hands converted WR, has some explosive plays, physical for his size. Good player, not blown away but solid late round pick.

Agreed. Whitington would be a work horse type that can be a three down back, decent in the run and pass game. Nothing fancy.

These two interests are last resort late rounders if they don't get the answers they are looking for at WR and RB through FA and earlier in he draft.

 

[BayouBrave86]

Aaron Anderson has a chance to make a great impression at today’s pro day at LSU.

 

[BayouBrave86]

Woof Aaron has to still be injured, terrible 40 and vert. He was one of our fastest WRs before his injuries. Thought he’d run a sub 4.4 easily.

 

[RWJ]

Been watching Zavion Thomas from LSU. AP's been mentioned more with interest in Chris Hilton Jr. but Thomas seems more talented to me.

Also, been watching TE Luke McRee from USC. He's got some speed and decent hands, can take a hit and deliver one from time to time too.

 

[Conn]

Feels like AP’s type of dude if he’s around on day 3

 

[BayouBrave86]

Hilton is another athletic freak but just isn’t coachable. He always mistimed his jumps early too which was mind numbing. First round potential but 7th round-UDFA coachability, just don’t see him being in the league for long. Someone will take a shot on him but no thanks. don’t really want any of the these LSU receivers honestly. The best of that group transferred to Miami in CJ Daniels. Would love to get him.

 

[RexTomb]

a poor man's Romello Height

Hmmm... who? I must be destitute then.

 

[skinsinparadise]

I noticed this team met with Eli Raridon, TE, Notre Dame at the combine. So I've been watching a bit on and off. 2 ACL tears in the past so maybe for that reason he could slip to the 5th.

I have to watch more but on initial watches, he's a fluid mover and seperates better than Sinnott (college Sinnott), Good YAC. Really good athlete. Decent blocker. I've seen high character.

 

[DWinzit]

Feels like AP’s type of dude if he’s around on day 3

He does although he'd have a hell of uphill battle coming from such a small school

6'1.5" 251 LB/Edge 7th round dev player

Look at his verticle on display below...yes #11

 

[Anselmheifer]

I noticed this team met with Eli Raridon, TE, Notre Dame at the combine. So I've been watching a bit on and off. 2 ACL tears in the past so maybe for that reason he could slip to the 5th.

I have to watch more but on initial watches, he's a fluid mover and seperates better than Sinnott (college Sinnott), Good YAC. Really good athlete. Decent blocker. I've seen high character.

Wouldn’t mind this at all in the late rounds. Also, 10.75 inch hands?! Athletic testing numbers are good. 4.62 40, 10’3” broad jump, 1.6 ten yard split. 6’6” with 32.75 inch arms and 245 pounds seems like a rich man’s version of all of the other developmental tight ends we brought in tha never turned out. Watched about 60 seconds of a highlight video and it was meh, but it was 60 seconds and we are talking about the late rounds. We at least need some sort of backup receiving tight end.

Eli Raridon Draft and Combine Prospect Profile | NFL.com

All Combine and Draft-Related Analysis, News, Video, and Biographical Information for Eli Raridon

www.nfl.com