2026 NFL Draft Day 3 Sleepers

2026 NFL Draft Day Three Sleepers

Throughout NFL history, there have been steals in the mid to late rounds of the NFL Draft. Some of these players are backups for a few seasons before earning starting roles and excelling. This article picks out some potential sleepers for day three that could be draft-day steals. Perhaps some of these players will be similar values this year. Last year, some players that I picked that flashed impressive ability as rookies with upside to grow in the years to come include Houston Texans running back Woody Marks and Detroit Lions guard Miles Frazier.

Seth McGowan, RB, Kentucky

The 6-foot, 223-pound McGowan is a big, bruising back, and he showed some impressive speed at the NFL Scouting Combine with a 4.49 time in the 40-yard dash. McGowan ran well for the Wildcats despite a lack of blocking ability in front of him or a passing attack that kept defenses honest. McGowan could be a nice rotational back with the upside to be a diamond in the rough.

Kaden Wetjen, WR, Iowa

Wetjen was a dynamic punt and kick returner for the Hawkeys in his career, and he was held back by a rushing offense as a receiver. In 2025, Wetjen had 20 catches for 151 yards and a touchdown. With the new kickoff rules in the NFL, Wetjen will be more valuable and could be a nice mid-round prospect who contributes on offense and special teams. Wetjen could be a sleeper steal in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor

Trigg was a nice receiving tight end for the Bears in 2025. He hauled in 50 passes for 694 yards with six touchdowns. The 6-foot-4, 240-pounder plays fast, is athletic, and is a dangerous route-runner who is capable of creating separation. Off-the-field questions hurt Trigg, but he could be a steal on the third day of the draft to turn into a receiving tight end similar to Jonnu Smith.

Aamil Wagner, OT, Notre Dame

Wagner has been a solid blocker for the Fighting Irish over the past few seasons. While Wagner may not become an elite starter, I think he is a smart blocker with quality size, good length, and enough quickness and athleticism to be a quality swing tackle backup at left and right tackle.

Mason Reiger, DE, Wisconsin

In 2025, Reiger had 32 tackles with five sacks. In 2024, Reiger was a solid defender for the Badgers, recording 22 tackles with five sacks and a forced fumble. At the Senior Bowl, Reiger had a good week of practice, showing strength to get off blocks and a physical, tenacious style of play. Reiger could be a late-bloomer who turns into a good rotational backup with the upside to become a starter.

Bud Clark, S, TCU

Other safeties have gotten more attention, but Clark is an instinctive defender with outstanding ball skills. Clark has speed and coverage ability with some outstanding tape. Clark could slide to day three of the draft because of medical concerns, but Clark is a serious threat as a ballhawk that could be a massive steal in the early rounds of day three.

2026 NFL Draft Day 2 Values: Offense | 2026 NFL Draft Day 2 Values: Defense
2026 NFL Draft Potential Busts: Offense | 2026 NFL Draft Potential Busts: Defense
2026 NFL Draft Day 3 Sleepers

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