Diamond Hunters: NFL Draft Day 3 Gems
All Access Football special guest contributor Anthony Russo is back with a six-pack of Day 3 value picks for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.
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Welcome to the April 13, 2026 edition of the All Access Football Newsletter, as of today we are just 10 days away from the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh!
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DIAMOND HUNTERS: DAY 3 DRAFT GEMS
By Special Guest Contributor Anthony Russo
Teams that win Super Bowls win on Day 3 of the NFL Draft. Whether it’s finding the next Puka Nacua, or obtaining quality depth to round out a roster, the final day is vital for roster construction. Here are six players on Day 3 who stand a strong chance to outplay their draft position, including a D-II stud, a Big Ten signal-caller, an unsung hero from the Hooiers national championship squad and more.
[EDITORS NOTE]: Included below are scouting reports featured in the 2026 NFL Draft Bible, which features 567 total player evaluations.
*For more from certified draftnik Anthony Russo, be sure to visit his Substack here.
CALIFORNIA CB BRENT AUSTIN
The NFL is typically not very high on ‘smaller’ cornerbacks but there are several outstanding ones in this class. If you can’t get your hands on D’Angelo Ponds of Indiana, or Avieon Terrell of Clemson, the little discussed Austin could serve as an excellent consolation prize. He’s a smooth, competitive corner that isn’t afraid to scrap with bigger receivers and is a tremendous overall athlete. He’ll likely play nickelback primarily in the pros but flashes big-play potential on the back-end of the defense.
Pro Day: HT: 5110 | WT: 180 | HD: 0818 | ARM: 3028 | WS: 7418 | 40-YD: 4.49 (1.56) | VJ: 31.5” | BJ: 10-4 | SHTL: 4.54 | 3C: 7.28
Shrine Bowl: HT: 5107 | WT: 176 | HD: 0800 | ARM: 3048 | WS: 7438
Evaluation: The well-traveled Austin comes off a season in which he played for his third school in as many years. He possesses above average athleticism, technique and intriguing upside. A former high school track star, Austin possesses excellent fluidity, ankle flexion, solid length and enough play strength to compete bigger than his undersized frame would indicate. He shows explosive short-area burst to close quickly on the ball, smooth mirroring and nice anticipation in man coverage, plus effective press technique and strong recovery speed that helps him stay with quicker receivers. In zone, Austin demonstrates sharp awareness by keeping his eyes on the quarterback before aggressively attacking the catch point, resulting in a high forced incompletion rate and plenty of disruptive plays. He is technically sound as a run defender and tackler, with high football IQ, strong competitiveness and intangibles. However, his lack of size and functional strength can cause him to get washed out by bigger, more physical receivers in press situations. Austin’s consistent year-to-year improvement makes him a developmental prospect with starter potential, projecting as a Day 3 pick who could develop into a reliable depth piece with special teams value.
Background: The Shrine Bowl participant began his career at James Madison where he played in 16 games over two seasons. Transferred to USF in 2024 where he started all 13 games.He transferred to Cal in 2025 where he started all 13 games. He earned third-team All-ACC honors in 2025. An unranked prospect out of Cajon High School where he won a regional championship in football and was a track star. Son of Blaze and Christina Austin; has a brother, Brayden, and two sisters, Kaylah and Cassandra.
Stats: Played 13 games in 2025, had 42 tackles, half tackle for loss, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, 13 pass deflections. In 42 career games, made 110 tackles, half tackle for loss, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, 24 pass deflections, two interceptions.
TEXAS A&M TE NATE BOERKIRCHER
Flying under the radar until he arrived in Mobile for the Senior Bowl, Boerkircher had limited production during his time in College Station, mostly due in part to the fact that the Aggies preferred to employ him more as an inline blocker. However, he showcased nice hands, along with the ability to win contested catch situations during the week in Mobile. His limited athleticism probably causes Boerkircher to slide to Day 3 of the draft but don’t be surprised to see him make a Jackson Hawes (Bills) type of an impact.
Combine: HT: 6054 | WT: 245 | HD: 1018 | ARM: 3258 | SHTL: 4.40
Pro Day: HT: 6054 | WT: 245 | HD: 1012 | ARM: 3258 | WS: 7918 | 40-YD: 4.79 (1.58) | VJ: 32” | SHTL: 4.33 | 3C: 7.03
Senior Bowl: HT: 6047 | WT: 247 | HD: 1048 | ARM: 3268
Evaluation: While most of his strengths stem from his blocking prowess, Boerkircher is a sneaky threat in the passing game thanks to his play speed and jump-ball ability. As a pass catcher, he gets a solid release at the snap and quickly gains ground on his first two steps. Boerkircher is a solid route runner who can run the entire route tree, while showing awareness of soft spots in zone coverage. However, he struggles to gain separation against man coverage at the top of the route. He catches the ball with strong hands and has a knack for gaining yardage after the catch, while protecting the ball. Boerkircher has solid leaping ability and superb concentration to climb the ladder. Additionally, he has the length to make over-the-shoulder receptions. At times, he struggles to adjust his catch radius, especially on off-target throws. As a blocker, he brings intense physicality, pushing the pile to help gain extra yardage. At the snap of the ball, he fires out of his stance, though his first two steps are choppy as an inline blocker and he crosses over on the third step from a two-point stance. He does show excellent hand placement and fires his feet on contact. However, his base narrows at times and he struggles to stay square on contact, including on his second-level track to linebackers. On zone schemes, he washes backside edge defenders away on reach blocks with a jolting blow. In pass protection, he scans the field with intelligence and constantly looks for work. Against speed-to-power, he possesses a firm anchor. Against speed-to-bend moves, he has the athletic ability to mirror rushers to give the quarterback extra time to throw. A late round value pick who can fit in an offense that maximizes his skill-set as a blocker and a pass-catcher.
Background: Last name pronounced (BOAR-kur-chur). Combine invite; Senior Bowl participant. Played 13 games for the Aggies in 2025. A transfer from Nebraska, where he was a walk-on; he started 17-of-39 games and earned a finance degree in 2024 as a four-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree. A zero-star recruit from Aurora High School, where he was also second-team all-state in basketball. He is the son of Matt and Sherry Boerkircher and has one brother, Ian, who played offensive line for Nebraska.
Stats: Played 13 games in 2025, had 19 catches, 198 yards (10.4 average), three touchdowns. In 52 career games, had 38 catches, 417 yards (11.0 average), four touchdowns.
RUTGERS QB ATHAN KALIAKMANIS
Plenty has been made about the lackluster quarterback class but there is some value for NFL teams in seek of a sturdy backup. The Scarlet Knights signal-caller had several impressive performances this past season, including one against a gritty Iowa defense. While he was a bit up and down throughout the season, Kaliakmanus demonstrated some nice anticipation, timing and accuracy downfield. It would not be shocking to see him enjoy a lengthy career as an NFL clipboard holder.
American: HT: 6024 | WT: 216 | HD: 0900 | ARM: 3278 | WS: 7858
Pro Day: HT: 6024 | WT: 216 | HD: 0918 | ARM: 3278 | WS: 7918 | 40-YD: 4.92 (1.74) | VJ: 29.5” | BJ: 9-6 | SHTL: 4.33 | 3C: 6.96
Hula Bowl: HT: 6025 | WT: 212 | HD: 0918 | ARM: 3278 | WS: 7828
Evaluation: The Rutgers rifleman displays excellent accuracy, along with sharp velocity, as his balls have shown a lot of zip. What makes Kaliakmanus most appealing is his ability to work the short-to-intermediate parts of the field with great efficiency, which is where quarterbacks earn their money in the NFL. A fifth-year senior who spent his first three seasons at Minnesota, while Kaliakmanis possesses average arm strength, he does a nice job getting rid of the ball quickly, demonstrating keen anticipation and timing. His improvement was noticeable this past season in Piscataway, with career-best across the board in completion percentage (62.2%), passing yards (3,124) and touchdowns (20). Carrying over his momentum from Hula Bowl week, Kaliakmanus has another opportunity to compete in front of NFL scouts all week at the American Bowl and the more they see, the more they like. He was in high-demand for interview requests amongst NFL teams and some scouts shared that they have a draftable grade on the Scarlet Knights signal-caller. Ultimately, the reality is that Kaliakmanis is a streaky signal-caller whose accuracy drops when forced out of the pocket and called upon to make off-platform throws, struggling under duress and deeming him a fringe prospect.
Background: American and Hula Bowl participant. A two-time team captain, appeared in 48 games (42 starts) across stints at Rutgers (2024-25) and Minnesota (2021-23). A grad major in gifted education and four-star recruit out of Antioch High School, where he was Gatorade Player of the Year in Illinois and the Northern Lake County Conference Player of the Year. Teammates with brother, Dino; father, Alex, wrestled in college at Seton Hall.
Stats: Played 12 games in 2025, completed 229-of-368 passes (62.2%), 3,124 yards, 20 touchdowns, seven interceptions, 147.7 rating; ran 96 times for -26 yards, four touchdowns. In 48 career games, completed 658-of-1,168 passes (56.3%), 8,604 yards, 55 touchdowns, 27 interceptions, 129.1 rating; ran 296 times, 459 yards, 10 touchdowns.
LSU WR CHRIS HILTON JR.
Many will look at the injury history and limited production and probably question why Hilton Jr. might be included on this list. Understandingly so but the Tigers speedster has been praised by coaches for his raw talent in a loaded LSU receiving room for the past several years. Hilton Jr. is fast, athletic and can make chunk plays downfield, while also being dynamic after the catch. It also should be pointed out that he has played in and played well in EVERY all-star game this cycle ,working up from the Hula Bowl, all the way to the Senior Bowl!
Combine: HT: 6000 | WT: 188 | HD: 0918 | ARM: 3200 | 40-YD: 4.41 (1.57) | VJ: 34.5” | BJ: 10-2 | SHTL: 4.41 | 3C: 7.25
Pro Day: HT: 5116 | WT: 187 | HD: 0918 | ARM: 3238 | 4.41 | VJ: 38.5” | BJ: 10-2 | SHTL: 4.40 | 3C: 6.88
American: HT: 5115 | WT: 187 | HD: 0938 | ARM: 3248 | WS: 7948
Evaluation: Don’t knock the hustle, Hilton Jr. is certainly one of the most competitive players you will ever come across. Believed to be the first person to play in four all-star games, he made the consecutive weekly trips from the Hula and American Bowls in Florida, to the Shrine Bowl in Texas, then back east to the Senior Bowl in Mobile. On the downside, he was barely noticeable. Hilton Jr. has been known to pull disappearing acts, flashing with big play ability, only to go into a witness protection program. Some might call Hilton Jr., a five-star flameout. When healthy, he serves as a big play waiting to happen, as eight of his 41 career catches went for forty-yards or more and he averaged nearly 20 yards per catch overall. An all-state track standout dating back to his days in high school, Hilton has always been fast. His route running has since developed into a more extensive route tree, able to run short-and-intermediate routes, in addition to being a speed-burner deep. Dangerous with the ball in his hands. If Hilton Jr. is to have a role at the next level, it will be as a deep-slot specialist and return man. He’s a threat to take it the distance any time he touches the pigskin. However, he did do defensive back drills at his pro day workout in an effort to endear his team-first mentality and versatility to NFL Scouts, he’ll compete.
Quotable: “Honestly, I just tell them, like, all that’s in the past. I always say, God put me through those five years for a reason, for a purpose, you feel me?” – Chris Hilton on whether NFL teams have questioned him about his past injury history
Background: Participated in Senior, Shrine, Hula and American Bowls. Appeared in 38 games (seven starts) at LSU (2021-25). Missed significant time in 2021, 2022 and 2024 due to injuries, including a fractured foot, two meniscus tears (knee), multiple knee surgeries or tears over the years, a torn labrum in his shoulder, ankle-related issues, which required surgery, a bone bruise/stress fracture and various other nagging injuries. Graduated in 2025 with a degree in sport administration. Studied abroad for a 10-day trip in Senegal with teammates. A five-star recruit and two-sport standout at Zachary High School, excelling in both football and track. Won the 5A Louisiana Outdoor state title for the third time as a senior with a jump of 6-07.50; also claimed the 2021 5A state title outdoors in the 400-meters with a time of 47.50. As a senior indoors, he claimed 5A state titles in both the 400-meters and high jump.
Stats: Played 13 games in 2025, had 10 catches, 122 yards (12.2 average). In 38 career games, had four catches, 780 yards (19.0 average), six touchdowns.
INDIANA SAF LOUIS MOORE
Moore isn’t going to wow anyone with physical traits and athleticism. He will impress you with his ball production (11 combined interceptions and pass breakups this past season) and high football IQ. Moore was a key part of Indiana defeating Miami in the national championship and could certainly carve out a role for himself in the NFL.
MOORE, LOUIS | Indiana | FS | rSr | #7 | Mesquite, TX | HPFA
Pro Day: HT: 5106 | WT: 190 | HD: 0978 | ARM: 2912 | WS: 7212 | 40-YD: 4.64 (1.59)| VJ:34| BP: 17| SHTL: 4.26 | 3C: 6.97
Combine: HT: 5110 | WT: 191 | HD: 0978 | ARM: 2948
Shrine Bowl: HT: 5105 | WT: 191 | HD: 0978 | ARM: 2958 | WS: 7268
Evaluation: The so-called captain of the ship, Moore, takes control of the secondary to get teammates aligned. Despite his short stature, he consistently shows up and makes tackles as a box linebacker, plus top-notch closing speed. However, his areas for improvement include pass coverage. Moore has tight hips, which hinder his ability to read and react. He also tends to struggle to gain ground on deep balls, where he often gets outpaced. Moore needs to refine his ball skills and work on his hands to make the interception. Unless he can make his mark on special teams, Moore could face an uphill climb to stick around in the pros.
Quotable: “I’d say my physicality because I put a lot of stuff on tape, as far as ball production, ball instincts, forced fumbles, everything I did put on tape, and then I’d probably say, no, I’m going to say my will to run to the ball. Like, it ain’t too many plays that I don’t run to the ball. Like, I take pride in that, especially doing my one-11th on defense, executing my job, but at the same time, my teammate might need me to come help him make that tackle. I need help on tackle sometimes, too.” – Louis Moore on the most underrated aspect of his game
Background: Shrine Bowl attendee for interviews, did not participate. 2026 National Champion who was a double transfer-in from Navarro Community College, playing offense and defense. At Ole Miss, he played only on defense, starting two of 11 games. He suffered a torn ACL at Navarro Community College and an undisclosed injury at Ole Miss in 2024. A zero-star recruit from Poteet High School. He is the son of Lavonda and Joe Moore.
Stats: Played 16 games in 2025, had 88 tackles, two and a half tackles for loss, four pass deflections, six interceptions. In 51 career games, had 215 tackles, six and a half tackles for loss, one and a half sacks, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, six pass deflections, nine interceptions, one touchdown.
VIRGINIA UNION RB CURTIS ALLEN
A well-known commodity amongst the NFL Draft Bible scouting department, Allen looked every bit of the part during his American Bowl week. It’s easy to see the allure that surrounds the HBCU standout, with an impressive 6-foot-2, 215-pound frame and video game-like type of production, racking up 2,409 rushing yards this past season on his way to taking home the Harlan Hill Award. His strength and patience as a runner will give him a shot to get early down work and an opportunity to flesh out his skill-set. This is one sleeping giant.
American: HT: 6000 | WT: 219 | HD: 0978 | ARM: 3248 | WS: 7848
Evaluation: Dubbed the ‘DII Derrick Henry,’ the big, bruising and athletic Allen is an under the radar runner to be aware of as he transitions to the pros. Blessed with a big frame (strong upper body, thick lower body), Allen is constantly churning his legs and moving the chains, as he does not go down upon initial contact. In addition, he does a nice job of letting his blocks develop, displaying smooth cutback ability and a true nose to find pay-dirt. An incredible athlete who starred on the hardwood in high school, Allen has flashed exceptional leaping ability, hurdling would- be tacklers on multiple occasions. While scouts may question his level of competition and timed-speed, Allen looks like a man amongst boys during the American Bowl and could pan out to be one of the biggest impact runners in the draft.
Background: American Bowl participant. Became the first player from an HBCU to win the Harlon Hill Trophy, the DII equivalent of the Heisman in 2025. Has received on-campus visits from the Baltimore Ravens, Baltimore Ravens and Carolina Panthers. Shattered the single-game school record with 369 rushing yards, previously held by All-America running back Jada Byers. Virginia Union was one of just two schools — both Division II — that made Allen an offer.
Stats: In 2025, played in 12 games, rushing 297 times, for 2,409 yards (new DII record) and 30 touchdowns; caught five balls, for 63 yards. Played 28 games for his career, ran 414 times, for 2,972 yards, 45 touchdowns; caught seven balls, for 63 yards.
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