Did These NFL Teams Find Hidden Stars in the Late Rounds of the Draft?

Every NFL Draft shines a spotlight on first-round stars, but history has shown that some of the league’s biggest success stories arrive long after the cameras stop focusing on the main stage. From late-round steals like Dak Prescott and George Kittle to recent breakout sensation Puka Nacua, Day Three of the draft has produced plenty of hidden treasures.

The 2026 NFL Draft could be no different. While top prospects grabbed the headlines, several fourth-, fifth-, and seventh-round selections landed in ideal situations and have a real chance to make an immediate impact. Here are five under-the-radar rookies who could turn into major contributors—and maybe even future stars.

Elijah Sarratt Could Become Lamar Jackson’s Missing Weapon

The Baltimore Ravens may have found one of the biggest bargains of the draft when they selected Elijah Sarratt in the fourth round.

Many analysts expected the former Indiana standout to hear his name called much earlier, making his slide to pick No. 115 a surprise. Baltimore wasted no time taking advantage.

At 6-foot-2, Sarratt brings size that complements the speedy and dynamic Zay Flowers. More importantly, he gives quarterback Lamar Jackson the kind of larger target the Ravens’ passing attack has lacked for years.

His college production speaks for itself: 200 receptions, 2,978 receiving yards, and 31 touchdowns across stops at James Madison and Indiana. Sarratt can stretch the field, win contested catches, and operate in multiple roles. Ravens fans may have felt like they found an extra Christmas present hiding under the tree when this pick came through.

Keionte Scott Could Fix Tampa Bay’s Cornerback Problem

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered the offseason needing help in the secondary, and Keionte Scott might end up solving that problem sooner rather than later.

Although his college experience was somewhat limited, the former Miami cornerback made the most of every opportunity. In 2026, he allowed just 243 receiving yards and did not surrender a single touchdown in coverage. That’s impressive enough, but his work against the run may have been even better.

Scott posted an elite 91.4 run-defense grade and recorded 31 run stops, making him one of the most physical cornerbacks in the draft class. His versatility and toughness should fit perfectly in Tampa Bay’s defensive system.

The Buccaneers already have options at nickel corner, but don’t be surprised if Scott forces his way into a larger role by the middle of the season. Sometimes talent has a way of speeding up the depth chart.

Charles Demmings Has the Tools to Surprise in Minnesota

Small-school prospects often face questions about competition, but Charles Demmings has the athletic profile and production to overcome those concerns.

The Minnesota Vikings selected the Stephen F. Austin defensive back in the fifth round, and his combine performance immediately turned heads. Demmings ran a blazing 4.41-second 40-yard dash while posting a 42-inch vertical leap and an 11-foot broad jump.

The athletic testing wasn’t just for show. On the field, Demmings consistently shut down opposing receivers. Over his final three college seasons, he never allowed a completion percentage above 48.6% and totaled eight interceptions along with 15 pass breakups.

Minnesota may bring him along slowly, but his combination of size, speed, and ball skills gives him a legitimate chance to crack the rotation quickly. By the second half of the season, he could be much more than just a developmental prospect.

Nick Singleton Might Be Tennessee’s Next Power Back

Few Day Three picks have a clearer path to a breakout season than Tennessee Titans running back Nick Singleton.

The former Penn State star entered college football with enormous expectations and showed flashes of elite ability early in his career. Although his final season wasn’t as productive as many expected, his overall talent remains undeniable.

Standing 6-foot and weighing 219 pounds, Singleton combines power and athleticism in a way NFL teams covet. He also showcased impressive strength at the NFL Combine by recording 25 bench press reps at 225 pounds.

The Titans have relied on a committee approach since Derrick Henry’s departure, but Singleton could eventually change that. Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears currently sit ahead of him, yet training camp battles have a funny way of rewriting preseason predictions.

If Singleton quickly adapts to the NFL game, Tennessee may have found a future starter in the fifth round.

VJ Payne Could Be the Steal of the Entire Draft

When the New York Jets selected VJ Payne in the seventh round, many draft observers were left scratching their heads.

The Kansas State safety possesses the size, speed, and athleticism teams typically target much earlier. At 6-foot-3 with a 4.40-second 40-yard dash, Payne checks nearly every physical box.

His 2025 season was equally impressive. Payne allowed just a 47.2% completion rate, gave up only 158 receiving yards, and surrendered a single touchdown while recording an interception and three pass breakups. He also maintained strong discipline, drawing only two penalties all season.

The Jets’ depth chart may delay his opportunity initially, but talent tends to find its way onto the field. If Payne carries his college form into the NFL, New York may look back on pick No. 228 as one of the biggest steals of the 2026 draft.

While first-round selections will always dominate headlines, NFL history proves that championship rosters are often built through smart Day Three drafting. The Ravens, Buccaneers, Vikings, Titans, and Jets may have uncovered valuable contributors in Elijah Sarratt, Keionte Scott, Charles Demmings, Nick Singleton, and VJ Payne.

Whether any of them reaches the level of a Dak Prescott or Puka Nacua remains to be seen. But if even one of these late-round rookies breaks out, fans will once again be reminded that draft gold isn’t always found on Day One. Sometimes it’s hiding in plain sight while everyone else has already changed the channel.

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