As the NFL Draft looms large on the horizon, the spotlight is firmly on the quarterbacks and potential first-round picks. Yet, seasoned fans know the real magic often happens in the later rounds, where hidden gems emerge.
ESPN's Matt Miller recently unveiled a comprehensive seven-round NFL mock draft, offering a glimpse into team strategies and the talent pool. Here are four players projected to make waves on Day 3:
1. Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
Dani Dennis-Sutton arrived at Penn State with a five-star recruit status, courtesy of On3, and he didn’t disappoint. Standing tall at 6-foot-6 and weighing in at 256 pounds, his physical attributes are tailor-made for an edge-rusher.
At the NFL Combine, he clocked the sixth-fastest 40-yard dash among his peers. Miller sees Dennis-Sutton as a fourth-round pick, coming off a stellar season with 8.5 sacks and 12.0 tackles for loss.
His college career boasts 23.5 sacks, 34.5 tackles for loss, and seven forced fumbles. He’s a powerhouse in the making.
2. Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington
Jonah Coleman, the Washington Huskies running back, is pegged for the fifth round. After a robust four-year stint under Jedd Fisch at Arizona and then Washington, Coleman amassed 3,054 yards and 34 touchdowns, averaging 5.5 yards per carry.
While he may not immediately become a team's lead back, his potential as a solid complementary piece is undeniable. Coleman excels in navigating tight spaces with a physical running style, though his speed might raise some eyebrows.
3. Cole Wisniewski, DB, Texas Tech
Texas Tech's defense was formidable in 2025, and Cole Wisniewski was a crucial, albeit underrated, part of that success. A transfer from North Dakota State, Wisniewski made his mark with 78 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, a sack, six passes defended, and a forced fumble in just one season.
His Pro Day performance was impressive, even while nursing an injury, with a 36.5-inch vertical and a 10-foot-2 broad jump-numbers that would rank well at the NFL Combine. Miller projects him as a sixth-round pick, and his championship pedigree adds to his appeal.
4. Nyjalik Kelly, EDGE, UCF
Nyjalik Kelly is slated to be this year's "Mr. Irrelevant," but don’t let that title fool you.
The UCF standout, formerly with Miami, shone brightly in the Big 12 over the past two seasons. Kelly's college stats include 12.5 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss in 40 games.
With a pro-ready frame, he has the potential to surprise many. The key for Kelly will be refining his technique and building strength to thrive at the next level.
As the draft unfolds, these players could prove to be the under-the-radar talents that reshape franchises and captivate fans. Keep an eye out-Day 3 might just steal the show.