Field Yates Reveals Raiders' Jermod McCoy and '5 Picks I Loved Most in Each Round' of 2026 NFL Draft

ESPN's Field Yates is highlighting 35 prospects outside the top 10 picks as his favorite selections of the 2026 NFL draft.

Yates called out "five picks I loved most in each round" after the conclusion of the draft last Saturday in Pittsburgh.

One player highlighted by former Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy, a previously projected first-rounder who fell to the Las Vegas Raiders in Round 4 after NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported some teams are concerned he needs knee surgery.

"At some point, the health risk surrounding McCoy's right knee is outweighed by the upside a team was getting by taking him," Yates wrote. "I'd argue that point was well before the start of the fourth round, so I loved this pick by the Raiders."

The Raiders earned the highest ranking on Bleacher Report's 2026 NFL draft grades report at A-plus in part because of the McCoy pick, which B/R NFL scouts described as "tremendous value."

B/R NFL scouts also gave an A grade to the Carolina Panthers, a team Yates also highlighted for their selection of former Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling at No. 19.

"With Rasheed Walker signed this offseason, Freeling has a chance to grow into a starting role at left tackle. In a year or two, this pick could look shrewd," Yates wrote.

The Cleveland Browns also received an A grade from B/R NFL scouts and praise from Yates, who described general manager Andrew Berry as "hammering away at needs while not reaching based on consensus rankings."

One pick highlighted by Yates was former Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, who Yates predicted could have gone "20 or so spots higher" than where the Browns grabbed him at No. 58.

The NFL draft ultimately resulted in 257 prospects getting selected across the league. These players will be able to begin participating in team activities when rookie football development programs and OTA offseason workouts begin in May.