Which players might drop in the 2026 NFL draft

PITTSBURGH — As the NFL draft draws near, the buzz around various draft prospects is becoming more pronounced.

It’s crucial to remember, though, that these narratives don’t arise by chance. There’s usually some motivation behind the information being shared. As one general manager pointed out, “You can’t underestimate the human behavior part of all of this.”

With that in mind, here are a few players whose draft stock might decline on the first day.

Jermod McCoy, Cornerback, Tennessee

Let’s be clear: this isn’t a talent issue. McCoy is widely recognized as the top cornerback prospect available. The trouble lies with the knee injury that kept him sidelined throughout last season, along with fresh reports suggesting he might require further surgery for cartilage problems.

Despite his absence from the field since Tennessee’s playoff loss to Ohio State in 2024, there was still expectation he’d be one of the first cornerbacks selected, likely in the top half of the first round. However, as the draft looms closer, teams are reconsidering the impact of that initial knee injury alongside the latest news.

So, he may not be entirely out of the first round, but it’s likely he will be picked lower than initially anticipated.

Ruben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami

Bain’s performance at Miami was impressive, making him a likely top-10 pick after racking up 20.5 sacks, 33.5 tackles for loss, and forcing four fumbles in 38 games. However, concerns about his arm length, which measured only 30 7/8 inches at the combine, are making teams think twice. Historically, that’s quite short for an edge rusher—only two players have had shorter arms since 1999.

What’s more, Bain’s past has resurged into the spotlight due to his involvement in a tragic car accident that took the life of a young woman in Miami. While he was charged with careless driving at the time, those charges were later dropped.

This raises the question: do teams still view Bain as a top-10 pick, or will he suffer consequences on draft night?

Makai Lemon, Wide Receiver, USC

Lemon has not done anything to jeopardize his draft status, but the rise of another receiver has colored perceptions about his prospects. Enter Jordyn Tyson from Arizona State, who is catching attention for his impressive speed and explosiveness. Teams are monitoring Tyson closely, though his injury history—knee and collarbone problems, plus various hamstring issues—does make some scouts hesitant. Still, with advancements in medical evaluations, his stock is rising.

In contrast, Lemon’s solid skills might be overshadowed by his less-than-ideal height; he’s just shy of 5 feet 11 inches. This could make some teams hesitant to invest a top-10 pick on him. If Tyson is selected before Lemon, it raises questions about whether other teams will address different needs, causing Lemon to potentially slide down the draft board.

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Safety, Toledo

McNeil-Warren gained significant attention during the draft evaluation phase, particularly after an outstanding showing at the Senior Bowl. Reviewers returned to his game tape and recognized a promising player who earned All-America Third Team honors last season, tallying 77 tackles, two interceptions, and five pass breakups.

Consequently, he appears poised to land somewhere in the first round, potentially in the 20s. However, with Dillon Thieneman’s rising stock out of Oregon—discussed as a likely top-15 pick—and considering the devaluation of the safety position, McNeil-Warren could find himself drafted in the second round instead.