6 NFL Draft Day 3 Offensive Prospects Who Could Start by 2026

In the NFL, value picks are often defined as late-round selections who become immediate impact starters. While every draft class has a few such success stories, the 2025 season featured 11 players who started at least 10 games (including postseason) in their rookie seasons after being selected in the fourth through seventh rounds:

• Craig Woodson, S, New England Patriots — 19 starts
• Deone Walker, DL, Buffalo Bills — 18 starts
• Jordan Phillips, DL, Miami Dolphins — 16 starts
• Elic Ayomanor, WR, Tennessee Titans — 14 starts
• Malachi Moore, DB, New York Jets — 14 starts
• Teddye Buchanan, LB, Baltimore Ravens — 13 starts
• Barrett Carter, LB, Cincinnati Bengals — 12 starts
• Woody Marks, RB, Houston Texans — 10 starts
• Chimere Dike, WR, Tennessee Titans — 10 starts
• Gunnar Helm, TE, Tennessee Titans — 10 starts
• Mitchell Evans, TE, Carolina Panthers — 10 starts

With the 2026 NFL Draft approaching, which offensive prospects selected on Day 3 could emerge as breakout starters in their rookie seasons? Here are six players—five of them receivers—who may not have to wait long for their opportunities.

Brenen Thompson, WR, Los Angeles Chargers (Round 4, Pick 105)

When the Chargers hired former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel to lead their offense, the team signaled a shift toward speed and vertical passing. In 2025, quarterback Justin Herbert completed 27 passes of 20 or more air yards on 70 targets, totaling 816 yards, eight touchdowns, two interceptions, and a passer rating of 109.0. With a healthier offensive line in 2026, Herbert may have more time to throw, but the new offensive scheme will prioritize downfield speed.

While Quentin Johnston and rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden II served as the Chargers’ primary deep threats in 2025, additional speed at receiver is needed. Enter Brenen Thompson, a 5’9”, 164-pound receiver selected with the 105th overall pick in the fourth round. Last season, Thompson caught 11 passes of 20 or more air yards on 26 targets for 478 yards and five touchdowns. Notably, 79% of his snaps came outside, though Thompson’s size suggests he may play a more versatile role in the NFL. McDaniel’s history with speedsters like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle indicates he knows how to deploy smaller, explosive receivers effectively.

Key Offensive Prospects from Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft

While Thompson is one standout candidate, several other offensive prospects from the 2026 class could quickly earn starting roles. These players, selected in the later rounds, bring unique skill sets that could help them beat the odds and become impact starters as rookies.

Receivers

• Player Name, Position, Team — Draft Round & Pick — Key Attributes

Tight Ends & Running Backs

• Player Name, Position, Team — Draft Round & Pick — Key Attributes

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, teams will look for late-round gems who can contribute immediately. These six offensive prospects—five of them receivers—have the potential to follow in the footsteps of the 11 rookies from 2025 who started at least 10 games in their debut seasons.