NFL Draft Recap: Players Drafted after the Second Round That Will Have an Immediate Impact in 2026

Now that the 2026 NFL Draft is in the books, and we know where guys are going, we can look to the future. Every year, late round Draft picks make a name for themselves in their rookie season. Which players selected on day two or day three are best positioned to contribute sooner than later? This is the 2026 NFL Draft: Immediate Impact.

• Washington: Round 3, 71st overall – Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson

Washington badly needs a running mate for Terry McLaurin. Guys like Dyami Brown, Treylon Burks, Luke McCaffrey, and Jaylin Lane don’t inspire much confidence. Antonio Williams might be a slot receiver in the NFL, but he could already be the second best wideout on the roster. I would be shocked if Williams wasn’t on the field early and often as a rookie.

• Indianapolis: Round 3, 78th overall – A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU

Indianapolis had a  glaring hole at safety, and did a great job filling it late on day two of the Draft. Cam Bynum is solid at one safety spot, but there wasn’t much at the position otherwise. A.J. Haulcy was durable (48 games played), productive (8 interceptions over the last two years), and disciplined (zero penalties in 700+ snaps) in college. He should be a day one starter with Bynum at safety.

• Atlanta: Round 3, 79th overall – Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia

Atlanta has Drake London atop of the depth chart at wide receiver, but is lacking a consistent number two. Zachariah Branch has to compete with Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus for touches on offense, but Branch has a higher ceiling than either of the two vets. Branch can make an immediate impact as the team’s top return man on punts and kickoffs before taking on a larger role at receiver.

• Minnesota: Round 3, 82nd overall – Domonique Orange, DL, Iowa State

Minnesota lost both Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen, and didn’t bring in replacements heading into Draft weekend. The Vikings may have reached for Caleb Banks in the first round, but got blessed with Domonique Orange in the third. Banks and ‘Big Citrus’ clogging the middle of the defense with their girth will be reminiscent of the Ted Washington and Keith Traylor days in Chicago in the early 2000’s.

• Pittsburgh: Round 3, 96th overall – Gennings Dunker, OG, Iowa

Last year’s starting left guard, Issac Seumalo, signed with Arizona during free agency. Pittsburgh signed Brock Hoffman, but he profiles better as a backup at both guard spots and center. Spencer Anderson is currently penciled in as the starter at left guard. Gennings Dunker should push for that starting spot sooner than later.

• Las Vegas: Round 4, 101st overall – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

This is arguably the biggest steal in the 2026 NFL Draft. Jermond McCoy was widely considered one of the top 15-20 players in this entire Draft class. He fell due to long term concerns about a cartilage defect in his knee. There are reports that this condition may require surgery, putting his rookie year at risk. If McCoy doesn’t need surgery, he would be a near lock for a starting role at cornerback this season.

• Tampa Bay: Round 4, 116th overall – Keionte Scott, DB, Miami (FL)

Keionte Scott has experience on the outside at cornerback, but played a majority of his snaps inside this past season. He should push Tykee Smith for a role at safety, and will see time in the slot. At the absolute worst, Scott will get on the field immediately on special teams, while finding his footing on defense.

• L.A. Chargers: Round 4, 131st overall – Genesis Smith, S, Arizona

If Derwin James is going to spend most of his time in the box or in the slot, the Chargers can’t rely on Tony Jefferson playing a major role at safety at this point in his career. Genesis Smith displayed good range and processing in coverage on film. He plays mostly free safety, but can also return punts, if needed.

• Seattle: Round 5, 148th overall – Beau Stephens, OG, Iowa

Current starting right guard Anthony Bradford is coming off a season where he gave up a career high in pressures. He also is going into the last year of his rookie contract. Beau Stephens allowed only four quarterback pressures, committed just one penalty, and didn’t allow a sack this past season at Iowa.

• Buffalo: Round 5, 167th overall – Jalon Kilgore, DB, South Carolina

Jalon Kilgore was mostly a slot corner in South Carolina, and that’s where he will play in Buffalo. He has quality size, athletic traits, on-ball production, and was a three year starter for the Gamecocks. Kilgore should be an immediate contributor in nickel and dime packages.