Now the 2026 NFL draft is finally over, and 257 new players have been introduced into the league, but each year, highly recognised players slide down into the later picks.
RantSport writer Josh Marshall takes a look at which players took quite the slide in the NFL draft who may have some points to prove going into the league.
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee – Pick 101 by Las Vegas Raiders
McCoy was tipped to go early, a possible first-round pick, but the Tennessee corner would have to wait till the fourth round to hear his name get called. The former vol was a standout corner for them this season, having four interceptions and 14 pass deflections.
However, major injury concerns led McCoy to fall in the draft. He was once a first-round prospect and a top corner in the draft falls to 101 – then he missed all of last season due to a torn ACL. Raising major concerns about health going forward.
Raiders vice president of player personnel Brandon Hunt had this to say about McCoy: “We felt good about where we took him.
“It was an opportunity to get value… [McCoy] is arguably the best corner in the draft, and we feel like we have great people and a great process to make sure we get the best out of his player.”
Harold Perkins Jr, LB, LSU – Pick 215 by Atlanta Falcons
A former five-star coming out of high school showed straight dominance in his first season for the LSU Tigers. In his true freshman season, he would pick up 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and one interception. Elite closing speed, pursuit angles and form tackling were all on display in his first two seasons at LSU.
Yet his third season with the Tigers would be cut short with an ACL tear. He would return for his 4th year at LSU, still putting up impressive numbers after his injury. Playing 11 of the 12 games that season, he would pick up four sacks and three interceptions while having 55 total tackles.
Falcons area scout Fangoli had this to say after he first watched Perkins to now that the Falcons drafted him:
“We are excited because we think we can get parts of that version back of Harold…because that player is still in there.”
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Diego Pavia, QB, Vanderbilt – signed by Baltimore Ravens
Pavia, who finished second in Heisman voting behind eventual first overall pick Mendoza, put the Commodores on the map and led them to a 10-3 record and 15th-ranked. Pavia would put up impressive numbers in his senior season, with 29 TDs, eight picks and 10 rushing.
Second place in Heisman and stand out season, so what exactly made him undrafted? Major concerns with off-field life, as well as physical concerns. Pavia stands at 5’9 according to the Senior Bowl and combine. The average NFL O-lineman stands at 6’5, not far from being a whole foot above their own QB.
Following his off-field antics have caught quite the attention from the media as well as NFL GMs. Famously, after his Heisman loss, Pavia would be seen in a club with a sign saying “F*ck Indiana”. His social media presence and attitude were key factors that led him to become undrafted. Following in another video, Pavia was spotted in a strip club throwing money at the dancers.
Pavia will be coming into the league with a lot to prove. Being in the same QB room as Lamar Jackson, a two-time league MVP, there’ll be a lot to learn for the former Commodore.
Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU – Pick 249 by Kansas City Cheifs
The former LSU QB played five years for the Tigers. His best season came in 2024, where he would throw 29tds and rush for three. Nussmeier would often describe himself as a gunslinger. Being the son of NFL quarterbacks coach Doug Nussmeier, he’s been surrounded by football his whole life.
Nussmeier has real flashes of talent with his gunslinger mentality. Now sitting in the same quarterback room as future HOF QB Patrick Mahomes, the former Tiger will be able to expand his game and learn even more and show that his 2024 season wasn’t just a fluke.
Once predicted to go in the first round, his career at LSU would, unfortunately, take a turn. Like many players during the Brian Kelly era at LSU, his draft stock tanked in his last season, throwing 12 TDs for five INTs. As well as a medical nightmare that derailed what should have been his Heisman campaign. An abdominal injury that was initially misdiagnosed by LSU’s medical staff plagued Nussmeier from the opening kickoff, severely limiting his mobility and throwing mechanics throughout the year.
Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami – Pick 15 by Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Even being a first-round pick and the 15th one at that, Bain was predicted to go a lot higher. The majority of mock drafts had Bain be picked in the top 10, with only a small handful having him go 11th to the Dolphins.
Bain is a thickly built, power-based edge rusher with violent hands who’s an elite run defender and a highly disruptive pass rusher. Paired 9.5 sacks along with a forced fumble and an INT in 2025, and really peaked during the Hurricanes’ run to the CFP championship game.
So what had caused the Miami DE to fall to 15?
Concerns over his arm length would be a cause for this fall. His arm would measure in at 30.875 inches, which, based on averages for an edge rusher, is considered short for standards. Even putting up a career 30.5 sacks, NFL GMs are keen on the physical side of things. As well, in 2024, Bain was involved in a car accident, from which the person later died from sustained injuries. Bain was cited at the time of the incident, but charges were dropped before Betts’ death, according to The Read Optional.
Will they prove themselves?
Ever since the 2000 NFL draft, Brady was selected 199 this has ever since left speculation of who is hiding in the later rounds of the draft. It’s not uncommon for both players picked in the first round and later rounds to possibly become HOF or pro bowl level.
Chips on the shoulder will be forged within the later rounds of players who feel snubbed. Careers will shine for those picks lower who may write themselves into NFL history.
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