2024 NFL Draft: Pick-by-pick analysis for Day 3, Rounds 4-5
- Round 1
- Rounds 2-3
- Rounds 4-5
- Rounds 6-7
Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft is underway. Eric Edholm provides analysis for every player selected in Rounds 4 and 5 below.
NOTE: Only trades agreed to after Day 1 began are reflected below.
ROUND 4
Sanders is an intriguing athlete who is still in the process of development. While he isn’t yet proficient at blocking, he possesses some unrealized receiving potential. General manager Dan Morgan and his team are justified in taking this risk as they continue their search for impactful players.
It was a bit surprising that Franklin went outside the top 100 given his game-changing speed, yet his game is a little one-dimensional right now. He’ll have a chance to regain his mojo in Denver, reuniting with his former college QB, Bo Nix.
It’s funny, if you hadn’t told me Eliot Wolf was running the Patriots’ draft room, I might have just assumed it was business as usual in Foxboro, with Bill Belichick overseeing things. Robinson, like Day 2 picks Ja’Lynn Polk and Caedan Wallace, were semi-value reaches. Robinson is a hard-nosed guard-only who improves the depth up front, but was it a massive need?
DTD was one of the final cuts on my top 100 list, so he lands in about the range I expected. The combine helped shine a light on his athleticism, boosting a player who has three-plus years of starting experience in college. He’s a quick-close safety with a special teams mentality.
Jim Harbaugh continues to strengthen both fronts. Eboigbe’s solid performance in Bama’s Rose Bowl defeat against Harbaugh’s Wolverines makes this selection unsurprising. The Chargers are seeking to increase their toughness via Eboigbe, provided his health gets better. He had an exceptional season in 2023.
This linebacker offers great value, as he performs nearly all tasks competently and can establish a positive atmosphere in the locker room. Gray is guaranteed to be an excellent special-teams player at the very least, but he also has the potential to be a starter in the future. He plays with aggression and instinct.
Johnson opened eyes at the Senior Bowl, being featured more as a receiver there than he often was at Penn State. His long, athletic frame makes him something of a Logan Thomas-like prospect and a good understudy to Darren Waller — if he plays this year.
Jackson, who is a late bloomer, has attended several schools and will celebrate his 25th birthday during training camp. Despite this, his almost 6-foot-4 stature provides a unique advantage for a defensive back, and Brian Flores’ defense could potentially utilize him as a key strategic component.
The Ducks take Round 4. I may not have comprehended the Falcons’ rationale behind each pick this year, but I’m a fan of their selection of Dorlus. With his versatility to play various positions on the D-line, he is a valuable asset for Raheem Morris’ team.
I anticipated that the Patriots would choose two receivers, and there were rumors that Baker might be a Day 2 selection. While I wasn’t entirely impressed with all his footage, it’s clear that he has the ability to make major plays. UCF didn’t completely utilize his skills, but Baker also needs to refine the subtleties of his game before he can take on a prominent role.
As the pre-draft process continued, my appreciation for Williams increased. Although he may not excel in any particular area, he is extremely reliable and always meets his assignments. Even though he may not develop into a major playmaker, Williams possesses the ability to hit and is dedicated to carving out some sort of role for himself.
On the second day, I humorously remarked that the Raiders seemed to be repeating an Al Davis-styled draft, a trend that Richardson continues. He is a fast, straight-line runner with impressive reach, both highly positive attributes. However, his tendency for touchy coverage and lack of a solid playmaking history slightly diminish his allure.
Walker being drafted in this range is truly ideal. He possesses the athletic build and speed that hint at a Day 2 ability, contrasting with inconsistencies in his performance that imply he will need to put in significant effort as a rookie to secure an immediate position. He presents a potential home run threat for future games.
Foster brings outstanding experience as a left tackle, and demonstrated agility as a right tackle at the Senior Bowl. While he may not be an extraordinary athlete, he possesses good reach, displays patience in pass protection, and is capable of effectively accomplishing his tasks unnoticed. He is likely to initially start as a swing tackle.
His draft prospects were slightly clouded by his unstable medical history and his participation in a sluggish Iowa passing game last season. However, if All can maintain his health, his athletic abilities and blocking skills could potentially make him a quality second tight end.
This is the third time the Jags have chosen a player from LSU, and the fourth from the SEC. Jefferson, one of three Tigers Defensive Tackles in this draft class, is known for his strong, aggressive play. However, due to his lack of pass-rush ability, he may need to prove his worth as an early-down run-stopper.
I like this pick for Chris Ballard and the Colts. Bortolini handled his own at the Senior Bowl, keeping his cool after a few defensive linemen tried to ruffle his feathers in some intense practice reps. Although he slipped through the cracks a bit, Bortolini has a chance to make it as a backup center and insurance for Ryan Kelly.
Watching Knight’s tape is incredibly entertaining, as he manages to get an astounding 30 – possibly 40 – tackles per game. Granted, we might be overplaying it a bit, and Knight’s shortcomings in coverage likely restrict him to being a two-down player. However, he’s a classic linebacker who can provide a powerful hit at the crucial moment of attack.
The Steelers continue to make selections, with their third Offensive Lineman pick of the weekend being McCormick. Despite being their third pick, McCormick is highly valuable, having received Day 2 grades from certain teams. He is a skilled athlete with considerable experience at the FCS level. Even though he is projected to only play as a guard, McCormick possesses the qualities of an eight-year professional.
The Dolphins love speed, and Wright has plenty of it. He might be able to develop into Raheem Mostert‘s eventual replacement and a good complement to De’Von Achane. Wright has a lot of tread left on his tires but must prove he can exercise better ball security to earn that role.
Even though Barner may lack some bulk for effective blocking in the NFL as he had in college, his longer physical frame makes him a deceptively good athlete. The selection of Barner also presents potential growth because his receiving skills were not fully highlighted during his time at Michigan or Indiana.
The Australian rugby-style punter greatly contributed to Iowa’s numerous victories through his directional kicking skills and knack for forcing opponents into a disadvantageous position. His effectiveness in adverse weather conditions would logically be a benefit for a team like Chicago. However, given their limited selection this year, was this the smartest choice for the Bears?
There isn’t a lot of true TE upside remaining at this phase of the draft, but the Texans might have a solid receiving threat in Stover. He’s not going to mow people over as a blocker, but Stover is a smooth mover who can give C.J. Stroud another outlet in the passing game.
Here, Mustapha is a sound choice due to his value. His play speed surpasses what his 40-yard dash time (4.54 seconds) at his pro-day suggests, particularly noticeable while defending against runs. Even though he’s not an exceptional playmaker, he possesses the necessary skills to become a significant defender and special team player.
Bucky to the Bucs keeps the run on Ducks going. He’s not terribly fast but can get up to max speed quickly and might end up as a decent complement to Rachaad White, even if they do similar things well.
The University of British Columbia has just secured its first-ever NFL draft pick. Manu, a promising OT prospect with an impressive frame (6-foot-7, 352 pounds), is an interesting project for Hank Fraley, the Lions OL coach. However, we anticipate that Manu’s first year will likely be a redshirt year.
Shipley was one of my favorite prospects outside of my top 100. He is an underrated athlete who runs with a competitive spirit and looks like a fine third option behind Saquon Barkley and Kenneth Gainwell.
Davis has overcome a lot to reach this level, and though he lacks long speed, he can be a Zack Moss-like player for the Bills. Davis’ vision and wicked spin move have left a few defenders in a blender.
Guerendo was underused for years at Wisconsin, beset by injuries and playing behind good talent there. Playing last year at Louisville allowed him to showcase his speed, and Guerendo could carve out a role as a specialist in San Fran, even if there aren’t many touches to go around. Kickoffs could be his meal ticket with the NFL’s rule changes on those plays.
The decline in Tampa’s performance is quite unexpected, especially considering his physical attributes and coverage skills that make him a good man corner. Despite being a bit inexperienced due to his transition from receiver, he has the potential to perform significantly better than his draft position suggests. The Ravens have a history of picking up players like him who have seen a drop in their performance.
Wiley sneaked into the back end of my final top 100 list, featuring a pro-ready body, undersold receiving skills and blocking chops. This is a fantastic pick for the Chiefs, who are nearing the day when they have to think about life after Travis Kelce.
The Lions have designated Vaki as a running back, despite his experience working out with the safeties during the NFL Scouting Combine and playing both positions for the Utes last year. Vaki’s adaptability and committed attitude are likely to be popular in Detroit, however, his optimal chance for success could be as a fundamental special-teamer.
The Chiefs are on the verge of winning my heart with their increasingly impressive draft picks. In my perspective, Hicks was a Day 2 prospect, capable of enhancing the Kansas City secondary’s depth, albeit needing a tad more refinement. Nonetheless, I appreciate the excellent value he brings.
Allen is a big, fast back who might vault to RB2 behind Breece Hall eventually. There was some talk about Allen possibly landing in Round 3, so the value appears good. He’s a straight-line runner but one who brings juice and force to the position.
There’s a similar receiver in San Francisco in Ronnie Bell, but Cowing might be able to carve out a role as an undersized playmaker. He was consistent at Arizona, improving with each season, but his smaller frame could limit Cowing’s upside.
ROUND 5
Pritchett demonstrates exceptional running capabilities and has the necessary stature to be tested as an outside corner. His physical development is still in progress, lacking the strength to overcome blockers and become a dominant force in the run game. However, his speed is undeniably captivating.
Coincidentally, the first tape I watched of Still was against Michigan, where he performed impressively. Jim Harbaugh evidently shared this view, but Still’s lack of top-tier speed or size might make him a better fit as a nickel, possibly playing inside.
Thomas never quite reached the enormous expectations levied on him in college, nagged by consistent injuries, but he has the reactive athleticism and pass-rush potential to be an interesting project in Arizona.
Magee can make energetic plays if he is well protected upfront. However, his slender build and lack of strength in direct confrontations may restrict him to roles in passing-down duty and special teams.
The Chargers utilize two tall DBs to counter the playmakers in the AFC West. Hart displays a robust athletic profile, and his qualities make him an ideal candidate for excelling in special teams coverage.
He is a strong and reliable competitor with excellent anchor strength. He has three years of experience as a starter for a powerhouse in the SEC. However, his less athletic build and smaller frame may limit him to being projected as a center only, considering SVP’s shortcomings.
The Colts’ search for playmaking potential continues. Gould is a home run threat who plays about as fast as any receiver not named Xavier Worthy in this class. He also brings punt-return ability.
Despite being an Atlanta native with a history of injuries and less-than-ideal height, Bertrand is the ideal player for any coach. His instinctive and tough nature, combined with his dedicated work ethic, makes him a valuable asset to any team.
Right when we thought the Bears were done with the draft, they pull us back in. Chicago traded back in (for a 2025 fourth-rounder) to nab a fascinating pass-rush project in Booker, who caught my eye at the Senior Bowl. He has scant experience but possesses the juice to surprise, even if he needs a year in the weight room.
I had predicted KAD to start performing earlier despite his limitations due to lack of size and length in managing bigger receivers. This is an excellent deal for Denver, as Abrams-Draine has the potential to secure the nickel position early due to his skill at making plays. Could he be the next Chris Harris?
Run, Nickel corner! Brownlee is ready to face any challenge in coverage. Although he may lack size and speed, he makes up for it with his experience, clever coverage tactics, and intense concentration.
During his tenure in New Orleans, Sean Payton worked with some larger running backs like Tim Hightower and Chris Ivory. Estimé is similar to these players. Currently, he is a two-down powerhouse capable of weakening defenses. Even though he isn’t the fastest, he shouldn’t be underestimated as a potential starter down the line.
Eichenberg is an instinctive, traditional linebacker who may not possess exceptional speed. However, he has the potential to establish the defensive tone, despite his limited coverage ability.
Though Newton is more favored among draft media circles than NFL scouts, he undeniably has a knack for playmaking. He has experience in various positions within the secondary and is a high-level competitor. However, he lacks exceptional speed, strength, and size.
Rattler’s position is lower than I anticipated, particularly after the first 12 picks included six quarterbacks. Rattler is a promising talent in development with skills that could remind seasoned Saints fans of Aaron Brooks, both for better and worse. The pick is definitely worthwhile at this point.
Pay attention to the position. Carlies, a three-year starter at safety for the Tigers, caused a stir among scouts with his pre-draft testing. Running a 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds at nearly 230 pounds had them rushing back to review his tapes, contemplating a possible switch to linebacker. The Colts evidently believe this is feasible, and by playing closer to the ball, Carlies might be able to evade some of the poor angles he had from deep safety positions.
Smith, a versatile player for the Aggies, interacted with the ball in numerous ways and may initially need to secure his place on the team through special teams. Although his smaller stature may limit his potential, Smith’s competitive nature makes him a valuable asset.
Prince’s speed provides him an advantage, whether in a corner or on special teams, though his lean, shorter stature may pose challenges. He consistently contributed to the Rebels’ success in the past few seasons.
Over the years, Jackson has faced injuries and obstacles, taking the long way around. Despite this, his boundless energy, sturdy build, and pass-rush abilities make him a perfect fit as a Rams rusher.
Last year, we had the feel-good story of Deuce Vaughn getting the chance to go to work with dad. This year, the division has delivered again on Day 3, with a second generation of Trotter landing in Philly. The younger Trotter has the hitting ability and intensity to make it, and not just as a legacy pick.
Thrash experienced a difficult season at Louisville due to injuries and dropped passes. However, he boosted his prospects with a strong performance at the Senior Bowl, utilizing his short-range speed. He is likely to be a slot receiver.
Smith-Wade drew attention with an impressive performance at the Senior Bowl, where he consistently positioned himself around the ball and interrupted passes. His size likely restricts him to a nickel role on defense, but there is potential if he continues to develop.
The final player in my last top 100 list, Kamara will have to make it in spite of his poor length, but his hell-on-wheels style and ball-hunting ability make him a fun guy to root for. Watch the Colorado game for a sneak peek of how disruptive he can be.
The list of centers available for drafting is rapidly diminishing. Nourzad, who will be 25 years old this autumn, may not be particularly exceptional athletically and has a history of injuries. However, his intelligence, resilience, and sufficient length position him to be a versatile backup in three inside positions.
In recent years, Buffalo has taken some interesting shots on linebackers in Rounds 3-7, and Ulofoshio continues that trend. He was one of the final players in my top 100 prospect list with his excellent speed, intense style and special teams experience, even if injuries have clouded his projection.
Hampton’s journey to success with the Huskies was not straightforward, but he honed his skills as a hitter, gaining experience in several positions. His defensive role in the NFL was a topic of debate among scouts, but he brought valuable special teams experience to the league at the very least.
I need to make some inquiries to understand why Jones dropped from a potential Day 2 player to one who barely made it to Round 5. He doesn’t particularly excel in any specific area, but Jones has played both OT positions and initially seems suitable for a swing tackle role. Jones performed consistently well during the Senior Bowl week, albeit under the radar.
Over five seasons with the Blue Devils, Monk played as center, guard, and tackle. However, he is expected to primarily play as center in the NFL. He is known for his intelligence, competitive spirit, and above-average athleticism, despite his smaller frame.
Given his serious lack of length and bulk, Simpson is likely to be tested as a nickel corner. His future is complicated by injuries, but his exceptional athleticism and versatility are in his favor.
True tale: I was conversing with a buddy at the Senior Bowl, observing Ali play and I commented, “He seems like the kind of player the Ravens would snatch on the third day.” It’s evident we’re in a simulation. Ali took a break from football, causing scouts to pay more attention to him. He also has a biceps injury that will prevent him from playing until summer. Nonetheless, he managed to maintain an average of over 5.0 yards per rush for three consecutive seasons at Marshall.
A converted wideout, Tracy shifted to the backfield last year and did well with the opportunity, averaging a stout 6.3 yards per carry. If Malachi Corley is the Deebo Samuel Lite of this class, then Tracy is sort of the Corley Lite. I expect Tracy to be used extensively as a receiver out of the backfield.
The Jaguars have added three straight running backs to their roster, likely in an attempt to bolster their RB depth. Robinson, with his impressive speed, is a significant addition to Jacksonville’s team. Despite playing in a packed Texas backfield, Robinson managed to fight for every offensive touch he got, totaling 156 in 45 career games. His main role will likely be as a specialist in gadget plays or as a gunner or jammer in special teams.
Over the past few years, Solomon has proven to be an extremely effective rusher, despite his unconventional physique. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 247 pounds, he may be considered short and undersized. However, his nearly 34-inch arms and large hands give him an extra reach. This additional length, combined with his rapid acceleration and relentless drive, aids Solomon in reaching the quarterback. Certainly, he’s an intriguing case to study.
Oladapo is a well-balanced athlete featuring exceptional length and sufficient athleticism, qualifying him to be tested as a safety or potentially a zone corner. Despite being slightly older, his readiness to tackle allows him to leave his imprint at various positions.
Means possesses the speed required to make an impact on the WR depth chart in New Orleans and is well-suited to the Saints’ style of play. He boasts large, dependable hands and is capable of challenging a defense deep. However, during his three college stints, he was never the primary target.
Someone check on Aaron Rodgers! All kidding aside, this feels like an excellent landing spot for Travis, with Zach Wilson shipped to Denver and Rodgers perhaps a year or two from retirement. Travis made steady strides as a passer and leader over his five college seasons, taking care of the ball, threatening defenses with his legs and displaying the competitiveness and creativity to give him a shot.
The depth of talent in Michigan’s offensive line led to Keegan alternating between left tackle and left guard positions multiple times. He might not have extraordinary abilities as an NFL prospect, but his resilience, understanding of football, and competitive spirit may enable him to establish himself as the seventh lineman during games.
A consistent producer at the FCS level, Davis reminded me of Tyler Allgeier a bit as a prospect. Davis also showed up against a very good Iowa defense, with 80-plus yards from scrimmage. But did the Jets need another big back? They’re pretty loaded with Breece Hall, Israel Abanikanda, Braelon Allen and now Davis. I like the player, but the redundancy is confusing.
I had thought that Carson might be selected a round or two earlier considering the drop-off at corner. However, I surmise his size and concerns about his durability may have caused his selection to be delayed. While Carson isn’t a top-tier playmaker, he could compete for a role in nickel packages and special teams.
Ford, a robust thumper with a consistent play speed, excels through instinct and diligent tape study. It remains to be seen whether his athleticism will enable him to be more than just a two-down defender.
Stiggers, who never played college football, had to adopt the unconventional route of moving from the CFL to the NFL draft. Despite being a clear project, his undeniable talent and evident ballhawking skills during his one-year stint with the Toronto Argonauts make him an intriguing prospect.
