2024 NFL Draft Grades: Day 3 Picks by Team
The 2024 NFL Draft is done! It’s been a really fun weekend, but all good things must come to an end. Every team had at least two picks, and one (Buffalo) had seven. This gave every organization a chance to upgrade their roster depth and maybe even find starters. However, some did better than others, and that’s why we’re here. In this post, I’ll be grading each team’s picks made on day 3 of the draft. If you want to see my grades for rounds 1, click here, and if you’re interested in the day 2 team grades, go here.
As in the day 2 analysis, team picks are grouped together, and the teams are listed in reverse order of their records (i.e., what the order would have looked like if no picks were ever traded). Each player is accompanied by a value in parentheses such as (2-44). In this case, the player was picked in the 2nd round with the 44th overall selection. I also add an up arrow ↑ if the team traded up for the player, and I add a down arrow ↓ if the team traded down before making their pick. * means that the team acquired the pick in a pre-draft trade or a draft-day trade for a player.
1. Carolina Panthers – TE Ja’Tavion Sanders, Texas (4-101); CB Chau Smith-Wade, Washington State (5-157↓); DT Jaden Crumedy, Mississippi State (6-200↑); LB Michael Barrett, Michigan (7-240*): B
The Panthers had to address depth all over their roster because they were so poor last year. I think they did a pretty good job of it. Sanders is the most athletic TE the Panthers have had in years, and he adds another receiving weapon for Bryce Young. Smith-Wade only fell because he’s small, but that’s completely fine for the slot. Crumedy is another high-upside player with inconsistency, yet there’s no denying his massive frame. Barrett is a bit of a milquetoast LB, but he has championship pedigree and is a fine choice in round 7. This team has a long way to go, but this was a positive start.
2. Washington Commanders – LB Jordan Magee, Temple (5-139); S Dominique Hampton, Washington (5-161); DE Javonte Jean-Baptiste, Notre Dame (7-222↓): C
Washington went all defense with their day-3 picks, and that makes sense. This team was terrible at stopping opponents a year ago, though I’m unsure how much these picks help. Magee is good in coverage, but he’s too undersized to play on run downs. Hampton has a good combination of size and speed, but he isn’t very instinctive. He needs some coaching before he can play, or else he’ll be a liability. Jean-Baptiste is very undersized, so although he has a great motor, he won’t hold up in run support. I can see this working given how many DTs the Commanders now possess, but there was better value to be had.
3. New England Patriots – G Layden Robinson, Texas A&M (4-103); WR Javon Baker, UCF (4-110↓); CB Marcellas Dial, South Carolina (6-180); QB Joe Milton III, Tennessee (6-193*); TE Jaheim Bell, Florida State (7-231*): B
The Patriots had a really mixed day. I love Robinson, who is a little athletically limited but simply a good football player. His presence might also let Mike Onwenu move to RT, thereby filling two spots at once. With great physical traits, Dial was a steal, especially since NE trains DBs well. I also liked the Pats adding weapons for Drake Maye. Baker is often compared to Romeo Doubs, while Bell has sneaky speed and burst. I hated the Milton pick. This 2nd QB choice is like when Washington took Kirk Cousins after RGIII. Instead of supporting the #3 overall pick, New England might be sabotaging him.
4. Arizona Cardinals – S Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, Texas Tech (4-104); DE Xavier Thomas, Clemson (5-138); RT Christian Jones, Texas (5-162*); WR Tejhaun Palmer, UAB (6-191↓); CB Jaden Davis, Miami (7-226*): B+
As with Carolina, the Cardinals needed to upgrade the entire roster, and they did a decent job. Taylor-Demerson showed surprising athleticism at the Combine, which could work really well with his instincts. Thomas was a touted recruit who underperformed, but he’s well worth a flier in round 5. I need to look into Jones. I had a day-2 grade on him and he lasted on the board forever. He can slot right in at RT. I didn’t like the Palmer pick because better receivers (like Brenden Rice) were available, but he’s athletic. Davis is a pure special teamer; he has never done very much on defense.
5. Los Angeles Chargers – DT Juston Eboigbe, Alabama (4-105); CB Tarheeb Still, Maryland (5-137↑); CB Cam Hart, Notre Dame (5-140); RB Kimani Vidal, Troy (6-181); WR Brendan Rice, USC (7-225); WR Cornelius Johnson, Michigan (7-253): A
Compensatory picks really loaded up the Bolts, and I’m fond of what they did for the most part. Eboigbe has injury concerns, but he’s a well-trained Alabama DT for a team that can’t stop the run. LA selected Hart after Still, but Hart is the better NFL prospect. Still is fine but limited, whereas Hart is a big, physical CB with great instincts. Vidal is one of my favorite RBs who is just a wrecking ball. He’ll pair great with the Ravens. The receiver picks were also excellent. They swindled Rice, Jerry’s son, who is good in his own right. Of course Jim Harbaugh needed a Michigan player, but Johnson is a great contested catch player.
6. New York Giants – TE Theo Johnson, Penn State (4-107); RB Tyrone Tracy Jr, Purdue (5-166*); LB Darius Muasau (6-183): B-
The Giants only had 3 picks, so they were very targeted in their approach. Johnson is insurance in case Darren Waller retires. He’s very athletic and will be a big target, but like Waller, he can’t block. Tracy was actually a WR at Iowa before shifting to RB at Purdue. As a result, he can run any route and will be a 3rd-down weapon. He’s also part of the committee that will replace Saquon Barkley. Muasau is honestly just a depth piece, as his skillset tops out as a backup. The Giants definitely had a top-heavy draft class, so I won’t be too hard on them for their light day-3 haul.
7. Tennessee Titans – LB Cedric Gray, North Carolina (4-106); CB Jarvis Brownlee Jr, Louisville (5-146*); WR Jha’Quan Jackson, Tulane (6-182*); S James Williams, Miami (7-242*); DE Jaylen Harrell, Michigan (7-252*): B+
Only one offensive player went to the Titans, and Jackson is a small receiver who doesn’t run great routes. The defensive picks started off great, as Gray led the Power 5 in tackles. I don’t know how he was still available. Brownlee doesn’t fill a need, but he’s a big, physical CB who should’ve gone earlier. Williams had the worst 40 time among all safeties, and he’s a tweener who might not find a position. To finish things off, Tennessee got Harrell, who produced 7.5 sacks last year but lacks size; I still like him. Truth be told, my only real complaint is a lack of offensive linemen. Someone has to keep Will Levis upright.
8. Atlanta Falcons – DT Brandon Dorlus, Oregon (4-109); LB JD Bertrand, Notre Dame (5-143); RB Jase McClellan, Alabama (6-186↑) WR Casey Washington, Illinois (6-187); DT Zion Logue, Georgia (6-197*): D
The Falcons once again had a mediocre day. Dorlus was a bit overhyped, but he’s a great pick in round 4. He can learn to channel his explosiveness from Grady Jarrett. Bertrand is a great tackler but might not have the athleticism to hold up in coverage. McClellan is good in a vacuum, but why take an RB with Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier already present? Washington wasn’t nearly the best WR available, so this was a reach. Logue is alright, but the Falcons took way too many DTs. I’m not sure what Atlanta’s plan was here, and frankly I’m not sure they knew either or even had one.
9. Chicago Bears – P Tory Taylor, Iowa (4-122*); DE Austin Booker, Kansas (5-144↑): D+
With just 4 picks in the whole draft, I can’t believe Chicago didn’t trade back. In fact, they traded UP by using a 2025 pick to obtain a 5th selection. Their original choice was spent on a punter. As good (and well-practiced) as Taylor is, the 4th round is ridiculous. No other punter was selected in any round. Booker is a sleeper who probably should’ve been taken earlier, as he flashed excellent potential. I like that Chicago finally got a DE, but sending a 4th-rounder from next year to do so is a hefty price to pay. Due to the lack of capital collection, I can’t grade this batch of picks very favorably.
10. New York Jets – RB Braelon Allen, Wisconsin (4-134*); QB Jordan Travis, Florida State (5-171↑); RB Isaiah Davis, S Dakota State (5-173↓); CB Qwan’tez Stiggers, Canada (5-176↓); S Jaylen Key, Alabama (7-257): D-
For some reason, with Breece Hall and Israel Abanikanda already on the roster, the Jets felt the need to take 2 more RBs. Allen is a big bruiser back without receiving skills, but he can pass block. Davis actually played great for the Jackrabbits, but the pick was completely pointless. Trading up for Travis was really peculiar given his limited skillset. Spending a 5th-rounder on a CFL player like Stiggers was also weird. Finally, the Jets grabbed a safety as Mr. Irrelevant. Key is a good player who was hurt by his 40 time, but why did the Jets take so many secondary players? This win-now team didn’t really draft for 2024.
11. Minnesota Vikings – CB Khyree Jackson, Oregon (4-108); OT Walter Rouse, Oklahoma (6-177*); K Will Reichard, Alabama (6-203↑); C Michael Jurgens, Wake Forest (7-230*); DT Levi Drake Rodriguez, TAMU Commerce (7-232↑): C
The Vikings had a surprising amount of picks for a team that traded up so often. Few CBs in this class have Jackson’s ball skills, and he also brings size to the position. Rouse is a skilled tackle who can back up both sides of the line before possibly becoming a starter later. I did not like the kicker pick, as Reichard is just decent and the UFL has plenty of great options for free. Jurgens is just an average player, but that’s alright in the 7th round. I will confess that I didn’t even study Rodriguez before, and nothing I’ve seen since suggests a draftable prospect. 2/5 isn’t great, though it helps that the successes came early.
12. Denver Broncos – WR Troy Franklin, Oregon (4-102↑); CB Kris Abrams-Draine, Missouri (5-145*); RB Audric Estime, Notre Dame (5-147); WR Devaughn Vele, Utah (7-235↑); C/G Nick Gargiulo, South Carolina (7-256*): B-
Denver made a big splash to start the day by trading up for Franklin. A deep threat but not much else, he reunites with Bo Nix, which should be great for both of them. Abrams-Draine needs to add some weight, but his ball skills are advanced and he has starting-caliber athleticism. Adding an average backup at RB didn’t feel wise, as Estime won’t push Javonte Williams for carries. Vele is a 26-year-old WR with separation issues, but he has size. Gargiulo may not be a starter, but he can play both center and guard, so he’ll make a great reserve. The majority of this haul was good, so it deserves a positive grade.
13. Las Vegas Raiders – CB Decamerion Richardson, Mississippi State (4-112); LB Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State (5-148); RB Dylan Laube, New Hampshire (6-208*); S Trey Taylor, Air Force (7-223*); CB MJ Devonshire, Pittsburgh (7-229*): A
Credit the Raiders for recognizing their weakness in the secondary and attacking it. Richardson is tall and fast, and he can tackle very well; he’s just raw, so he’s worth taking on day 3. Taylor, the only service academy player drafted, comes with good ball production and special teams value. Devonshire had even better production in the slot, plus he fills a need. Eichenberg is a 2-down LB who stops the run well but can’t cover. That’s fine in round 5. Laube isn’t well-known, but he’s an excellent 3rd down back with speed and receiving skills. I have no complaints about any of these picks, which is a great sign.
14. New Orleans Saints – QB Spencer Rattler, South Carolina (5-150); WR Bub Means, Pittsburgh (5-170); LB Jaylan Ford, Texas (5-175); DT Khristian Boyd, Northern Iowa (6-199*); OT Josiah Ezirim, Kentucky (7-239*): A-
Rattler’s fall finally ended in round 5. It’s odd that the Saints took him since they drafted Jake Haener last year, but Rattler definitely has more upside. Means ran a better-than-expected 40, so perhaps he has more upside than people realized. The Saints definitely need WRs to emerge. Ford isn’t the most athletic player, but he’s adequate in coverage and excels against the run. With the famous Tom Brady pick, New Orleans grabbed Boyd, a productive player at an FCS school. I think he can translate. Ezirim was once a defensive lineman, so he run blocks well, and he has untapped potential. I’m impressed with this group.
15. Indianapolis Colts – C Tanor Bortolini, Wisconsin (4-117); WR Anthony Gould, Oregon State (5-142↓); S Jaylon Carlies, Missouri (5-151); S Jaylin Simpson, Auburn (5-164↓); CB Micah Abraham, Marshall (6-201); DT Jonah Laulu, Oklahoma (7-234↓): B
Indy started on offense, grabbing an athletic center who ran a great 40 (not that it matters) and fits their zone scheme. They then snagged a good slot WR in Gould, who also made my returner list as a great option on special teams. The Colts proceeded to pepper the secondary, though Carlies might move to LB as he’s a bit of a tweener. Simpson on the other hand is a ball-hawking safety who would be a great in a center-field role. Abraham is tenacious but very small at 5’9″. Finally, Laulu is an athletic D-line project. This is a decent set of players, with at least 3 who can compete to start early on.
16. Seattle Seahawks – LB Tyrice Knight, UTEP (4-118); TE AJ Barner, Michigan (4-121↓); CB Nehemiah Pritchett, Auburn (5-136↓); G Sataoa Laumea, Utah (6-179*); CB DJ James, Auburn (6-192); OT Michael Jerrell, Findlay (6-207↓): B-
Seattle went all over the place with their picks. Knight is a tackling machine who can play 2 downs plus special teams. Barner is a blocking TE, which the Seahawks seem to love, but the 4th round was early for me. Pritchett was probably the best pick of the day; he brings size and speed, and we know how the Seahawks develop late-round DBs. The same is true of James, who will likely go to the slot. Seattle finally took a run-blocking guard with Laumea, but his pass protection needs work. I heard nothing about Jerrell, so the 6th round was a major reach. Time will tell about the CBs, but they should be the best of this group.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars – OT Javon Foster, Missouri (4-114); DT Jordan Jefferson, LSU (4-116*); CB Deantre Prince, Mississippi (5-153); RB Keilan Robinson, Texas (5-167*); K Cam Little, Arkansas (6-212); DE Myles Cole, Texas Tech (7-236): C
The Jaguars eschewed the offensive line for most of the draft, but Foster was finally selected. He’s a good run blocker with room to grow in pass protection. Jacksonville must love LSU DTs, as Jefferson is their 2nd of the draft, but he has less upside than Maason Smith. Prince is a size/speed prospect who needs development. Robinson didn’t see the field much, but he is a good returner. Little has a big leg, but I must again stress that the UFL has better kickers that don’t come with draft pick costs. Cole is yet another project with upside. There’s potential here, but the coaches have their work cut out for them.
18. Cincinnati Bengals – TE Erick All, Iowa (4-115); CB Josh Newton, TCU (5-149); TE Tanner McLachlan, Arizona (6-194); DE Cedric Johnson, Mississippi (6-214); S Daijahn Anthony, Mississippi (7-224*); C Matt Lee, Miami (7-237): B+
An Iowa tight end can’t go wrong! Well, that would be true if All really played for Iowa; he mostly played at Michigan and was injured with the Hawkeyes. He’s a good buy low candidate though. I liked the second TE pick better, as McLachlan is the receiver Joe Burrow needs and could’ve been taken 2 rounds earlier. Newton is an experienced player who comes with length but not speed. Johnson is a complete steal with good sack production and plus athleticism. Anthony is not as athletic a rebel, but he could fit in the slot. Lee is another good value who pass protects well. I like that this group is a mix of experience and potential.
19. Los Angeles Rams – DE Brennan Jackson, Washington State (5-154); DT Tyler Davis, Clemson (6-196); K Joshua Karty, Stanford (6-209); WR Jordan Whittington, Texas (6-213); C/G Beaux Limmer, Arkansas (6-217); G KT Leveston, Kansas State (7-254): B+
The answer to replacing Aaron Donald seems to be to throw a bunch of picks at the problem and see what sticks. Jackson is a high-effort rusher with 20 career sacks, while Davis is a smaller nose tackle with some pocket pushing ability. Karty should not have been drafted in my opinion, and I’ll repeat my UFL kicker argument one more time. Whittington feels redundant with Puka Nacua on the roster. I love the Limmer selection, as he offers versatility and success in both pass and run protection. Leveston is the same thing but a lite version. The Rams really focused on the trenches, which is always a good way to build a team.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers – G Mason McCormick, S Dakota State (4-119); DT/DE Logan Lee, Iowa (6-178*); CB/S Ryan Watts, Texas (6-195): C+
The Steelers had a mostly quiet day, but they did so well in the first 3 rounds that their smaller set of players here isn’t an issue. McCormick continues Pittsburgh’s smart trend of addressing the offensive line, but he’s too raw to play today. He comes from an FCS school, but he does have the necessary athleticism to grow. Lee looks like a defensive line tweener to me, a la Darius Robinson. He isn’t quite as good at either spot though, so he may be a backup. Watts is a very large CB; in fact, I’m predicting a move to safety. I don’t adore what Pittsburgh did on day 3, but there’s nothing terrible here either.
21. Miami Dolphins – RB Jaylen Wright, Tennessee (4-120↑); EDGE Mohammed Kamara, Colorado State (5-158); WR Malik Washington, Virginia (6-184*); S Patrick McMorris, California (6-198); WR Tahj Washington, USC (7-241): C-
I couldn’t believe that the Dolphins drafted an RB. Wright is good and fast, which the team loves, but trading a 2025 pick to add to a position that already had Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane was crazy. The same is true with respect to drafting 2 WRs, though I will say that both Washingtons were excellent values who should’ve been picked 2 rounds earlier. Kamara was the best selection of the day, but it makes me question the Chop Robinson pick even more. THIS was the spot to grab a pass rusher. McMorris is athletic but can’t really tackle, so I wonder if he’ll see the field. This was a pretty perplexing group of picks.
22. Philadelphia Eagles – RB Will Shipley, Clemson (4-127↓); WR Ainias Smith, Texas A&M (5-152↑); LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr, Clemson (5-155↑); G Trevor Keegan, Michigan (5-172); WR Johnny Wilson, Florida State (6-185↓); C Dylan McMahon, NC State (6-190↓): A+
Trader Howie was at it again, tying the record with 8 trades over the whole draft. He moved masterfully though, first trading down to obtain Will Shipley. Saquon Barkley gets hurt a lot, and Shipley can be an excellent fill-in plus KR. Roseman then traded up for Smith, a good slot WR and an elite PR. Jumping up for Trotter, one of the best inside LBs in the draft, was excellent, and not just because his dad was an Eagle. Keegan is another mauling Michigan guard, while McMahon is a technician at center. Both will be key backups. Wilson dropped because of separation issues and drops, but I really like him. Another masterclass by Roseman.
23. Cleveland Browns – WR Jamari Thrash, Louisville (5-156*); LB Nathaniel Watson, Mississippi State (6-206*); CB Myles Harden, South Dakota (7-227*); DT Jowon Briggs, Cincinnati (7-243): B-
Cleveland was more active on day 3 than they were the prior two nights because of all the premium picks they traded away. Thrash is a good deep threat, but I don’t think the Browns should’ve wasted their limited resources on a WR. Watson has coverage issues, but he led the entire SEC in both tackles and sacks (tied with Dallas Turner in the latter). You have to find a spot for him. I think Harden has potential to play outside corner, but he needs development coming from the FCS. Briggs is another project, and interior rushers are worth investing in. The Watson pick carried this grade, but the Browns did some good things.
24. Dallas Cowboys – CB Caelen Carson, Wake Forest (5-174); WR Ryan Flournoy, SE Missouri State (6-216); OT Nathan Thomas, Louisiana (7-233*); DT Justin Rogers, Auburn (7-244): C+
I didn’t really understand the Cowboys’ free agency approach, and I’m not sure I comprehend their late-round draft strategy either. Carson is a slower corner with injury issues, though his tape is pretty good. Flournoy had great production in the FCS, and he comes with traits, but was he really the best WR on the board? Thomas is a project with really good potential, but that doesn’t match a team that described itself as “all in“. Rogers is simply a big nose tackle, and the Cowboys need as much run stuffing help as they can get. I like these prospects in a vacuum, but their draft doesn’t align with their 2024 season ambitions.
25. Green Bay Packers – S Evan Williams, Oregon (4-111↑); C Jacob Monk, Duke (5-163↑); S Kitan Oladapo, Oregon State (5-169); OT Travis Glover, Georgia State (6-202); QB Michael Pratt, Tulane (7-245); CB Kalen King, Penn State (7-255): C-
The six picks the Packers had to spend were all allocated to three areas. First, in the secondary, Green Bay grabbed Williams, a strong safety who thrives in run support. Oladapo is exactly the same thing, which is a peculiar use of a 5th-rounder. They also took King, who was a premier prospect a year ago but had a terrible season. Next, on the offensive line, GB took Monk and Glover, backup-caliber players who they’ll probably get the most out of given their history. Finally, a QB because…uhh…I don’t know. Pratt is a value pick, but he’s not better than Alex McGough. He probably beats Sean Clifford though.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – RB Bucky Irving, Oregon (4-125); G Elijah Klein, UTEP (6-220); TE Devin Culp, Washington (7-246): B+
The Bucs only drafted 3 players, but each one had value. Irving is one of my favorite backs, and he runs with more power than you’d think and is stellar on 3rd down. Committee backs are appropriate to take in round 4. Klein skews heavily toward run blocking rather than pass protection, but that’s exactly what TB needed, so I completely understand this pick. Culp, yet another offensive Husky to be drafted, is a receiving TE with great speed and no blocking ability. Adding a potential weapon never hurts, especially in the 7th round. Each of these 3 picks served a purpose, which is what you want on day 3.
27. Houston Texans – TE Cade Stover, Ohio State (4-123↑); LB Jamal Hill, Oregon (6-188*); RB Jawhar Jordan, Louisville (6-205↓); DE Solomon Byrd, USC (7-238*); DT Marcus Harris, Auburn (7-247); G LaDarius Henderson, Michigan (7-249↓): A-
Does Stover fit in Texas? Rich Eisen thinks that’s an emphatic yes, and he’ll provide CJ Stroud with a nice weapon as TE2 behind Dalton Schultz. Hill is an LB/S tweener who will likely find a home on special teams. Jordan is a smaller back with receiving ability, and this pick tells me that Houston has really soured on Dameon Pierce. Byrd is undersized but tenacious, so he might force his way onto the field. Harris is also an undersized rusher but from the interior, and his production was good in the SEC. Henderson was the last quality Michigan blocker taken, and he’s a steal in round 7. Pretty good work here overall.
28. Buffalo Bills – RB Ray Davis, Kentucky (4-128); C Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, Georgia (5-141↓); LB Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington (5-160*); EDGE Javon Solomon, Troy (5-168↓); OT Tylan Grable, UCF (6-204); CB Daequan Hardy, Penn State (6-219↓); OT Travis Clayton, England (7-221↓): A+
I’m not sure any team did better on day 3 than Buffalo. They exclusively traded down while obtaining starter-level players. Davis is the best back in the class with a mix of power and elusiveness. Van Pran-Granger fell because he isn’t versatile, but he can immediately start in place of the departed Mitch Morse. Solomon led the FBS in sacks, and I don’t care about his size. He’s really good. The Bills then added a pair of developmental tackles in Grable and Clayton; the latter is a freak athlete. Ulofoshio is an athletic linebacker, and Hardy can contribute quickly as a nickelback. This was exceptional work.
29. Detroit Lions – OT Giovanni Manu, British Columbia (4-126↑); RB/S Sione Vaki, Utah (4-132↑); DT Mekhi Wingo, LSU (6-189↑); G Christian Mahogany, Boston College (6-210↑): D
I’m a big fan of Detroit’s drafting the last couple of years. Day 3 of this draft was a big head-scratcher for me. Every pick here was part of a trade up, and the first two were egregious. They both involved parting with picks from 2025; specifically, Detroit shipped off 3rd- and 4th-round selections from next year. I hate that on principal, but the results were a Canadian project who doesn’t help with a Super Bowl push and an RB/S hybrid without a set position. Wingo is probably the best of the 3 LSU DTs, especially as a rusher. Mahogany is a fantastic pick who can actually start. The last 2 selections saved Detroit from an F.
30. Baltimore Ravens – WR Devontez Walker, North Carolina (4-113*); CB TJ Tampa, Iowa State (4-130); RB Rasheen Ali, Marshall (5-165); QB Devin Leary, Kentucky (6-218); C Nick Samac, Michigan State (7-228*); S Sanoussi Kane, Purdue (7-250*): B+
I’m not sure why the Ravens went after so many corners, but they kept obtaining great value. Tampa belonged on day 2 and can play in man or zone with equal success. Walker fills a need at WR, and if he can work on his drops, he should displace Rashod Bateman. Ali is a solid runner, but he’s probably a lesser version of Keaton Mitchell. Leary makes little sense; he’s an inaccurate QB with average arm talent who belonged as a UDFA backup. Samac is a future backup, but line depth is always good in round 7. Kane is a strong safety who will likely play special teams. Aside from 2 picks, Baltimore did really well here.
31. San Francisco 49ers – S Malik Mustapha, Wake Forest (4-124*); RB Isaac Guerendo, Louisville (4-129↑); WR Jacob Cowing, Arizona (4-135); G Jarrett Kingston, USC (6-215); LB Tatum Bethune, Florida State (7-251): D-
The defending NFC champions continued their draft struggled on day 3. Mustapha is a lesser version of the safeties already on the roster. Guerendo is a fine back, but what will he able to contribute with Christian McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell already entrenched? I like the Cowing pick, though the Niners didn’t need to spend another resource on a receiver. Kingston is a developmental player who needs to add strength. Bethune is Dre Greenlaw-lite, so selecting him as insurance makes sense. For a team that was so close to the Lombardi trophy, I’m not sure any of these picks gets them over the hump.
32. Kansas City Chiefs – TE Jared Wiley, TCU (4-131); S Jaden Hicks, Washington State (4-133↑); C Hunter Nourzad, Penn State (5-159*); CB Kamal Hadden, Tennessee (6-211↑); G CJ Hanson, Holy Cross (7-248↑): A
Did KC just draft Travis Kelce’s heir apparent? Maybe not, but Wiley will at least provide the Chiefs with good 2-TE sets with his athleticism. Hicks was outright thievery who could’ve gone in round 2 without complaint. With the way KC develops their DBs, that’s a scary thought. Nourzad may not become a starter, but he can play any position but center and should be a key reserve. Hadden is a skilled corner who can be developed well by the Chiefs. Hanson needs work given his prior level of competition, but he didn’t allow a sack last year. Brett Veach once again retooled the roster to sustain a deep playoff push.