While the first rounds of the NFL Draft often garner the most attention, Day 3 holds immense significance as it often unearths hidden gems who can significantly impact teams. This article analyzes the strengths and potential stars available on the third and final day of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Despite the prominence of first-round picks, the NFL Draft's Day 3 has proven crucial to building successful teams. The Super Bowl alone showcased the impact of players found on the final day of the draft, with players like Trey Smith and George Kittle playing integral roles in their teams' success.
The 2024 NFL Draft has already demonstrated depth and talent in the early rounds, with a notable number of offensive linemen and wide receivers being selected. However, Day 3 promises to offer a wealth of untapped potential, particularly at the linebacker and tight end positions.
Here are some of the top-rated prospects available on Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft:
* **Cade Stover, TE, Ohio State:** A former defensive player, Stover has emerged as one of the top tight ends in the nation, showcasing agility, physicality, and soft hands.
* **Brandon Dorlus, DT, Oregon:** Despite playing in the PAC-12, Dorlus is a highly-rated defensive lineman with impressive instincts and versatility.
* **Javon Foster, OT, Missouri:** An experienced offensive tackle, Foster offers a solid combination of size, strength, and technique.
* **Ja'Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas:** Sanders possesses speed and soft hands, similar to the rookie tight ends who made significant impacts in the NFL this season.
* **Brenden Rice, WR, USC:** The son of NFL legend Jerry Rice, Brenden exhibits similar route-running skills and strong hands as his father.
* **Mohamed Kamara, Edge, Colorado State:** Kamara's impressive tackle and sack totals, despite playing at a smaller school, speak for his talent and potential.
* **Khyree Jackson, CB, Oregon:** A former Alabama transfer, Jackson is a long-armed, press corner with intriguing physical traits.
* **Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon:** Franklin's impressive yards-per-reception average showcases his ability to make big plays.
* **Austin Booker, Edge, Kansas:** Booker's explosive burst and flexibility project well to the NFL level.
* **Audric Estime', RB, Notre Dame:** Despite a disappointing 40-yard dash time, Estime shows potential as a physical and reliable running back.
* **T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State:** Tampa lacks interceptions but compensates with size, physicality, and sticky coverage.
* **Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, C, Georgia:** A powerful and quick center, Van Pran-Granger has the potential to be a starting center at the NFL level.
* **Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB, Clemson:** While smaller than his father, Trotter Jr. shows promise with his instincts and tenacity.
* **Cedric Gray, LB, North Carolina:** Gray's impressive tackle production and turnover totals are undeniable.
* **Jaylen Wright, RB, Tennessee:** Wright's exceptional yards-per-carry average and Combine performance justify a Day 2 selection.
* **Spencer Rattler, QB, South Carolina:** A former highly-rated recruit, Rattler provides a combination of talent and experience.
* **Devontez "Tez" Walker, WR, North Carolina:** Walker's vertical threat ability offers instant value to NFL offenses.
* **Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, S, Texas Tech:** Taylor-Demerson's Combine performance and college production indicate high upside.
* **Sataoa Laumea, OG, Utah:** Laumea's size, athleticism, and experience make him a versatile offensive lineman.
* **Anthony Gould, WR/PR, Oregon State:** Gould's smaller size is compensated by his skills as a slot receiver and returner.
* **Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State:** Hicks' athleticism and playmaking ability make him a potential star safety.
* **Michael Pratt, QB, Tulane:** Pratt's experience and leadership as a four-year starter will appeal to NFL teams.
These prospects represent just a fraction of the talent available on Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft. History has shown that hidden gems found on the final day can have a significant impact on NFL teams, making Day 3 an equally important and exciting event in the NFL calendar.
