2024 NFL Draft: Pick-by-pick analysis for Day 3, Rounds 4-5

Sanders is a fascinating athlete who remains in the developmental stage. He's not a quality blocker yet but has some untapped receiving skill. This is a worthy risk by general manager Dan Morgan and Co. as their hunt for playmakers continues.

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 keeps beefing up both fronts. Eboigbe played well in Bama's Rose Bowl loss to Harbaugh's Wolverines, so this pick isn't a shock. The Chargers are adding toughness in Eboigbe, assuming his health improves. He had a breakout season in 2023.

Nice value here for a linebacker who does almost everything fairly well and can be a tone-setter in the locker room. Gray will be a quality special-teamer at the very least, but he carries starting potential down the road. He's aggressive and instinctive.

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 is a later bloomer, having bounced around to several schools, and he'll turn 25 in training camp. But he has unusual length for a DB, at nearly 6-foot-4, and can be tried as a matchup piece for Brian Flores' defense.

Round 4 is for the Ducks. I haven't followed the Falcons' logic on every one of their selections this year, but I like Dorlus here. He can play multiple spots along the D-line and be a movable piece for Raheem Morris' unit.

I figured the Patriots would double up at receiver, and there was some talk of Baker being a Day 2 pick. I didn't love all of his tape, but he clearly features big-play prowess. UCF didn't fully unleash his talent, but Baker also needs to hone the details of his craft before he can be in a featured role.

Williams grew on me as the pre-draft process went on. He might not be special in any way, but he's extremely solid and assignment-sound. He might never be a big playmaker, but Williams can hit and will work to earn some kind of role.

I joked on Day 2 that the Raiders are having another Al Davis-flecked draft, and Richardson keeps the theme rolling. He's a straight-line speed demon with great length, two very encouraging traits. But his penchant for handsy coverage and no real track record for playmaking mutes his appeal just a bit.

This is really the perfect range for Walker to have been drafted. He has Day 2 ability as a well-built athlete who can run but enough inconsistencies in his tape to suggest he'll have to work hard as a rookie to earn an immediate role. A possible home run threat for down the road.

Foster has excellent experience at left tackle, and he looked facile at right tackle at the Senior Bowl. He's not an exceptional athlete but has good length, is patient in pass protection and can quietly get the job done. He's likely a swing tackle to start out.

A shaky medical history dampened his draft outlook a bit, as did playing last season in a dormant Iowa passing game. If All can stay healthy, he has enough athletic traits and blocking prowess to emerge as a quality TE2.

That's the third LSU player the Jags have selected, and the fourth SEC player. Jefferson is one of three Tigers DTs in this draft class, and he is a bull-strong battler inside. However, he might have to make it as an early-down run-stopper because of his lack of pass-rush juice.

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.

Knight's tape is a gas to watch, as the guy racks up 30 -- maybe 40 -- tackles per game. OK, we are exaggerating slightly, and Knight's limitations in coverage almost certainly make him a two-down player, but he's a throwback linebacker who can deliver a pop at the point of attack.

The hits keep coming for the Steelers. It's their third OL pick of the weekend, but McCormick is a strong value here after earning Day 2 grades from some teams. He's an athletic worker with strong experience at the FCS level, and though he's a guard-only projection, McCormick has the makeup of an eight-year pro.

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.

He's a sneaky-good athlete in a longer frame, even if Barner lacks a little girth to be as effective a blocker in the NFL as he was in college. This pick has some upside with it because Barner's receiving skills were never really featured at Michigan or Indiana before that.

The Aussie rugby-style punter helped Iowa win a lot of games with his directional kicking and penchant for burying opponents deep. He's also effective in poor weather, which makes sense for a team like Chicago, but with so few picks this year, was this the best value 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.

Mustapha is a strong value selection here. He plays faster than his pro-day 40-yard dash time (4.54 seconds) would indicate, but that speed most often shows up when defending the run. He's not a great playmaker but has the tools to be a valuable defender and special-teamer.

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 just landed its first-ever NFL draft pick. Manu is a highly intriguing developmental OT prospect whose massive frame (6-foot-7, 352 pounds) makes him a worthy pet project for Lions OL coach Hank Fraley. But we expect Year 1 to be a redshirt one for Manu.

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.

Tampa's slide is among the more surprising ones so far, as he has the length and coverage feel to be a good man corner. He's still a bit raw as a converted receiver but might vastly outplay his draft position. The Ravens often scoop up sliders such as this.

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 are listing Vaki as a running back, although he also worked out with the safeties at the NFL Scouting Combine and played both spots last year for the Utes. Vaki's versatility and do-whatever-it-takes attitude will be a hit in Detroit, but his best shot might be to make it as a core special-teamer.

The Chiefs are threatening to steal my heart with their increasingly impressive draft haul. Hicks was a Day 2 prospect in my eyes, capable of adding some terrific depth to this Kansas City secondary but in need of a bit more seasoning. Still, I love the terrific value here.

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.

Pritchett runs extremely well and has the requisite length to be tried as an outside corner. He's not yet physically developed, lacking strength to shed blockers and be a force in the run game, but his speed is intriguing.

The first tape I watched of Still, coincidentally, was against Michigan -- and he looked good. Jim Harbaugh clearly agreed, although Still's lack of elite speed or size might make him more of a candidate to kick inside as a nickel.

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.

If Magee is protected well up front, he can fly around and make plays with his energetic style. But his slender frame and lack of take-on strength might limit him to passing-down duty and special teams.

The Chargers double up on long DBs to help combat the AFC West's playmakers. Hart has a strong athletic profile, and he has the perfect makeup to be a special teams coverage standout as well.

He's a tough, durable competitor with good anchor strength and three years starting experience for an SEC power, although SVP's lack of athleticism and smaller frame might make him a center-only projection.

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.

An Atlanta native, Bertrand is a coach's dream in spite of his subpar length and injury history. He's instinctive and tough and carries a hard-hat mentality to work every day.

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 KAD going earlier than this, even if his lack of bulk and length limits his ability to handle bigger receivers. This is tremendous value for Denver, as Abrams-Draine could win the nickel job early on with his playmaking knack. Chris Harris 2.0? 

Nickel corner run! Brownlee will take on all comers in coverage, lacking great size and speed but compensating with good experience, coverage savvy and an intense focus.

Sean Payton had a few bigger backs, such as Tim Hightower and Chris Ivory, in his time in New Orleans, and Estimé fits that mold. For now, he's a two-down hammer who can tenderize defenses, but don't overlook his starting potential eventually, despite lacking good speed.

Instinctive, throwback linebacker who lacks great speed. Eichenberg has the makeup to turn into a defensive tone-setter, even if his coverage ability is limited.

More popular in draft media circles than with NFL scouts, Newton nonetheless possesses a playmaking gene, has played multiple spots in the secondary and is a top-tier competitor. He just lacks great speed, strength and size.

This is lower than I imagined Rattler going, especially after six quarterbacks all went off the board in the first 12 picks. Rattler is an interesting developmental talent who has some skills that might remind Saints fans of a certain age of Aaron Brooks -- for both good and bad reasons. Well worth the pick here.

Notice the position. Carlies was a three-year starter at safety for the Tigers, but his pre-draft testing -- running a 4.5-second 40-yard dash at nearly 230 pounds -- had scouts scrambling back to the tape to see if a linebacker conversion was possible. The Colts clearly think so, and playing closer to the ball might help Carlies avoid some poor angles to the ball he took from deep safety alignments.

A jack of all trades for the Aggies, Smith touched the ball in a variety of ways and might have to make the team on special teams initially. His smallish frame limits his upside, but Smith is competitive and useful.

Prince's speed gives him a chance, either as a corner or on special teams, but his lean, shorter frame could be problematic. He was a reliable contributor for the Rebels over the past several seasons.

He has had some bad injury luck over the years and has had to take the long road, but Jackson's unbridled energy, thick frame and pass-rush skills make him a typecast 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 had a challenging one season at Louisville, set back by injuries and dropped passes, but he helped his cause with a solid week at the Senior Bowl, uncovering naturally with his short-area quickness. He's a likely slot receiver.

Smith-Wade opened eyes with a solid week at the Senior Bowl, consistently showing up around the ball and disrupting passes. His length almost certainly makes him a nickel only on defense, but there's some potential here if CSW develops.

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 draftable centers is quickly drying up. Nourzad turns 25 years old this fall, isn't all that special athletically and has an injury history. But he has the smarts, toughness and enough length to be a three-position backup inside.

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 took a longer path to success with the Huskies but developed into a good hitter with experience at multiple spots. Scouts debated where his NFL home might be on defense, but at the very least he carries good special teams experience into the league.

I'll need to call around to find out why Jones slipped from a possible Day 2 player to one who sneaked into Round 5. He's not special in any one way, but Jones has experience at both OT spots and profiles as a swing tackle to start out. Jones had a quietly solid Senior Bowl week.

Monk played center, guard and tackle over five seasons with the Blue Devils but likely projects to center in the NFL. He's smart and competitive and has above-average athleticism in a smaller frame.

Simpson figures to be tried as a nickel corner given his serious lack of length and bulk, and injuries complicate his forecast, but his terrific athleticism and versatility help his cause.

True story: I was talking to a friend at the Senior Bowl while watching Ali, and I said something to the effect of: "He looks like a guy the Ravens steal on Day 3." Clearly, we're in a simulation. Ali took time away from football, which led to scouts digging on him more, and he has a biceps injury that will keep him out until summer. He did, however, average more than 5.0 yards per rush three straight 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.

Three straight backs off the board. The Jaguars probably needed more RB depth, and Robinson brings top-shelf speed to Jacksonville. In a crowded Texas backfield, Robinson had to scrap for every offensive touch (156 total in 45 career games) he received. His meal ticket likely will be as a gadget-play specialist or gunner or jammer on special teams.

Solomon was a highly productive rusher the past few years in an unusual frame. He's short and undersized at 6-foot-1 and 247 pounds but with nearly 34-inch arms and huge hands. That extra length helps Solomon get to the quarterback, along with his quick burst and non-stop motor. An interesting study for sure.

Oladapo is a nicely proportioned athlete with outstanding length and enough athleticism to be tried as a safety or even a zone corner. He's a bit older but can make his mark at multiple spots because of his willingness to tackle.

Means has the speed to dent the WR depth chart in New Orleans and is a good fit for what the Saints do. He has big, reliable hands and can stress a defense deep but never was a featured target in his three college stops.

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.

Michigan's OL talent ran deep, causing Keegan to shift between left tackle and left guard a few times, and he might not possess a superpower as an NFL prospect. But his toughness, football IQ and competitive nature might allow him to settle in as a seventh lineman on game days. 

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.

With the drop-off at corner, I thought Carson might go a round or two earlier than this, but I am guessing his size and durability questions knocked him down a bit. Carson isn't an elite playmaker but could vie for nickel and special teams duty.

A thickly built thumper with monotone play speed, Ford thrives with instincts and tape study. Does he have enough athleticism to make it as more than a two-down defender? We shall see.

Stiggers never played college football, which is why he had to take the unusual CFL-to-the-NFL draft route. But he's a fascinating talent with clear ballhawking skills in his one year with the Toronto Argonauts, even if he's a clear project.