NFL DRAFT DAY 3 GRADES: Analyzing every pick from Rounds 4-7
As the 2024 NFL draft resumed Friday in Detroit, it was time once again to break out our red pen and start handing out pick-by-pick grades.
With the 32 picks from Thursday already in the books, the second and third rounds provided the opportunity for teams to secure Day 1 starters and promising long-term prospects. The list of best players available entering the night thinned out considerably, with only three of the top 50 players remaining after the night wrapped up.
Here are USA TODAY Sports' 2024 NFL draft grades for every pick in both the second and third round.
Buffalo gets its receiver, though perhaps not the one many expected. Coleman is adept at winning jump balls but sparked some concern about his ability to create separation. The Bills lack a true go-to target in the post-Stefon Diggs landscape, but Coleman can allow Josh Allen to keep attacking downfield and still take on a sizable role as a rookie.
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Los Angeles traded up to land a much-needed wide receiver for Jim Harbaugh, and the Chargers got a very good one. McConkey is a masterful route runner who can free himself up from coverage at all three levels, something that sets him apart from the Bolts' current options at receiver. He should become a fast favorite of Justin Herbert, even if he doesn't see a high-volume of targets in what's sure to be a run-heavy attack.
An odd draft for Atlanta continues as the Falcons trade up for a defensive tackle who likely won't move the needle for the pass rush right away. Plus, the defense has already made a solid investment in its front. There's untapped potential here if Orhorhoro can translate his athleticism into more consistent disruption, but he still seems a way off from contributing to a defense that needs difference-makers now.
An offensive tackle was the pressing need here, but it's hard to argue against the value of Newton. The 6-2, 304-pounder is adept at shooting through gaps and making plays in the backfield. But with Washington having Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen inside, what's the path toward early playing time? Dan Quinn will have to find a way to work him in, or the Commanders could move one of the costly veterans.
To prevent Drake Maye from sliding back to his worst hero-ball tendencies, New England had to secure a receiver to boost a lackluster group. Polk isn't as dynamic as some of the alternatives that had been available here, but he's a hard-nosed target who can be a solid asset to Maye as someone who can consistently win jump balls.
Ran Carthon is certainly setting a tone up front by following his JC Latham pick with Sweat. The 6-4, 366-pounder is a massive presence in the middle and can control the line of scrimmage while demanding double teams. His impact might top out there, though, as he's unlikely to make much of a dent as a pass rusher. His conditioning could prove problematic in his ability to be consistent contributor, and he was arrested earlier this month on driving while intoxicated charges. This investment seems a rich for a prospect with so many question marks.
The Rams moved up to pounce on Fiske, a hard-charging defensive tackle with a knack for finishing plays once he sees daylight. The 6-4, 292-pounder will face unfair expectations off the bat as the Rams try to fill the void left by Aaron Donald's retirement, but he can team with first-rounder Jared Verse to help give the pass rush a new complexion.
Look at Howie Roseman! After on Thursday ending the Eagles' first-round cornerback drought that dated back to 2002, he then moves up to nab another defensive back in DeJean. The hyperversatile playmaker can take on an array of coverage assignments and thrive at either safety or cornerback. He was the top player on our board - and many others' - so the value is unquestionable.
A fitting pick for a franchise fixated on winning now. Steady and savvy, McKinstry should have a relatively smooth transition to the pros and be an immediate contributor in coverage.
With its first pick in this draft, Houston found a good balance between value and positional need. Houston took fliers on Jeff Okudah and C.J. Henderson to address the cornerback spot opposite Derek Stingley, but Lassiter - a cool customer who is difficult for opposing receivers to shake - looks like a good bet to hold down the No. 2 role for the long term.
The run on cornerbacks is on, with four defensive backs claimed in the last four picks. Arizona looked due for more support in the secondary, and Melton has a playmaking streak when he's put in position to go hunt for the ball. He also provides flexibility thanks to his comfort operating in both the slot and outside.
How appropriate for the rugged Rimington Award winner to end up with Antonio Pierce for the Silver and Black. The center should be able to handle the move to guard, though he's still finding his way after having just one year of starting experience.
When Cooper is at his best, he's one of this class' most dynamic defensive playmakers thanks to his flair for chasing down ball carriers in the open field. Still, he's more than a bit wild in his approach and will need to be more discerning to stay on the field consistently.
A torn ACL suffered in November didn't end up costing Brooks his spot as the first running back selected in the draft. Trading up for him seems like a bit of a luxury for Carolina given the state of the team's roster, but he's a well-rounded and elusive runner who can help take some of the pressure off Bryce Young, including in the pass game as a receiver and blocker.
Xavier McKinney's replacement has arrived. The first safety off the board, he can comfortably rally to the ball in both pass coverage and against the run.
Trent Baalke sure has a type. The Jaguars GM once again nabs a hyperathletic lineman who has yet to reach the full potential he once exhibited as a five-star prospect and standout freshman. It'll be up to new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen to develop the 6-5, 306-pounder into a more consistently disruptive presence.
The Bengals' run defense was a sore spot last season, allowing 126.8 yards per game on the ground. Stout and forceful, the 6-3, 300-pound Jenkins can help the Bengals better control the line of scrimmage.
Washington's pass defense was downright disastrous last season, yielding a league-worst 262.2 yards per game through the air. Though Sainristil stands at just 5-9 and 182 pounds, the playmaking former receiver seems like the kind of nickel cornerback Dan Quinn has been able to get a lot of mileage out of in earlier years.
This is a Steelers draft to the core. After landing the versatile and overpowering Troy Fautanu in the first round, Pittsburgh solves its problem at the pivot with Frazier. The four-time wrestling champion figures to be the kind of brawler who will help set the tone up front for years. Still, the pressure is on to find a receiver later in the draft.
The Colts just handed Anthony Richardson a major weapon. The twitchy, explosive Mitchell contrasts Michael Pittman Jr. nicely, offering a player who can break free of coverage with his crisp cuts and also threaten defenses downfield with his serious speed. Chris Ballard is taking some significant swings with his passing attack, and it could pay off in a big way.
Sinnott is a versatile and reliable asset who can help make life easier for a quarterback, particularly a rookie in Jayden Daniels. But he seems more like a complementary piece rather than a foundational one, which might mean he's a slight reach here as the second tight end off the board. And Washington still has a serious problem to address with its offensive line after not using any of its three Round 2 selections up front.
Hall never quite put together the dominant season he looked capable of during his time with the Buckeyes. Still, defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz's scheme could help bring out the best of his quick, disruptive play on the interior.
Not a bad landing spot for a pass protector who looks to be somewhat of a project. The 6-7, 331-pounder can take pointers from Terron Armstead for a year before taking over for him as the starter at left tackle.
The wait continues for a potential new lead back in Dallas. The 6-3, 267-pound Kneeland is a load for any offensive linemen to handle, as he relishes pushing blockers backward. Still, he has work to do in rounding out his pass-rush arsenal.
No one will mistake Braswell with his former Crimson Tide teammates Will Anderson Jr. and Dallas Turner, who were both more fluid threats off the edge. Yet Braswell has a good shot at making his mark in the pros as someone whose persistent approach can help wear down opponents. He could form a nice tandem for the foreseeable future with 2023-third rounder YaYa Diaby.
A do-it-all defender on the back end, Bullard can team up with Xavier McKinney to give the Packers a promising outlook at safety. He can be another important piece in new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley's effort to ramp up the defense's takeaways.
Good long-term upside here for a potential high-end pass protector. Fisher still needs some polish, but the traits are there for him to be a staple down the line.
After undergoing several significant changes this offseason, the Bills' secondary reloads with Bishop. His extensive range and ability to matchup against tight ends in man coverage should prove valuable in the early going.
Detroit follows up its first-round selection of Terrion Arnold with another aggressive cornerback. Few would have blinked had the Lions gone this route on Day 1, and Rakestraw's tackling should earn him the admiration of Dan Campbell. No more excuses for this secondary to underachieve.
Morgan Moses' replacement at right tackle comes into focus in the second round. Rosengarten could be victimized by explosive, rangy pass rushers at the next level, but he otherwise projects as a solid option.
As a potential developmental option, Suamataia presents some athletic traits that any offensive line coach would be intrigued by. If the Chiefs are hoping to have him take over as the starter at left tackle, however, they could be in for some tough times given Suamataia's lack of polish.
Another cornerback who can operate inside or outside, Green addresses one of the few sore spots on this roster. His grabby style, though, could get him in trouble as a rookie.
The "YAC King" doesn't necessarily have to learn to run a full route tree right away for Aaron Rodgers and Gang Green. If Corley lives up to his reputation of being a discount Deebo Samuel, Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas should be thrilled with this pick.
Benson is an explosive and power runner who can rip off big gains as soon as he finds a crease. But Arizona's roster has so many other more pressing priorities, and the Cardinals could have looked for another back later in the draft.
The Commanders finally made their play for an offensive lineman. But they missed out on many more reliable options by waiting so long. Coleman's technique leaves a lot to be desired, and he might struggle to hold his ground against NFL defensive linemen.
Eliot Wolf's mission to reconfigure New England's offense continues, as he turns his attention to the Patriots' front. Wallace can handle some kind of role along the line, but serving as Drake Maye's blindside protector seems like a stretch.
Amid speculation he could grab running back Blake Corum, Jim Harbaugh instead makes Colson his first Michigan Man pick. Though he's more steady than spectacular, the 6-2, 238-pounder can be a stabilizing presence for a defense that has long had trouble in the middle.
Big Blue's remaking of its secondary is a point of emphasis on Day 2, with Phillips following second-round safety Tyler Nubin. Phillips might need to be played inside exclusively to avoid unfavorable matchups against bigger targets, but he's not afraid to get physical with receives.
Offensive line was somewhat overlooked among the Cardinals' various areas of concern. Adams doesn't do much to help Kyler Murray breathe easy, but he could be somehwat of an upgrade on the interior.
Wallace's superb athleticism could help him make waves both in coverage and as someone who can chase down ball carriers in the open field. His instincts are underdeveloped, though, and opponents can use his overaggressive tendencies against him.
After rolling the dice on first-rounder Tyler Guyton as the franchise's potential solution at left tackle, Dallas takes a much more reliable route to address a hole at center. Beebe will be moving over from guard, but his composure and smarts make him a stable projection.
The Falcons finally invest in their pass rush, but is it a sufficient move for a group that ranked last in 2023 in ESPN's pass-rush win rate metric? Trice should generate consistent pressure with his hustle and power, but he'll likely have a hard time finding a finishing touch.
The Ivy League is officially on the board at the NFL draft. Amegadjie might face an extended adjustment period as he hones his technique and prepares for a massive jump in quality of competition, but the Bears can afford to bring him along at a slower pace.
The pass rush had to be put on the backburner as Denver nabbed quarterback Bo Nix in the first and was without its second-round selection due to the Sean Payton trade. Elliss should at least help round out the rotation on the edge even if he never posts prolific sack numbers.
After waiting until the third round to circle back to their void at right tackle, the Raiders might be disappointed with what they find in Glaze. The 6-4, 315-pounder might be better suited to play at guard, but Las Vegas looks set there after taking Jackson Powers-Johnson in the second.
Bullock's coverage credentials are unimpeachable, as his range and playmaking prowess rank among the best in this safety class. But the 6-2, 188-pounder is a liability against the run at the moment.
He provides some versatility, but he might not ever amount to much more than a swing option. For a third-rounder, that's hardly an ideal return.
As Cincinnati considers the potential for a post-Tee Higgins future a year from now (or sooner), Burton sizes up as a starting-caliber threat who wows with his speed, craftiness and body control. If he can keep his fiery demeanor under control, he could be a serious steal.
For all the handwringing about the Seahawks' outlook on the interior line, the team managed to land a solid starter in the third. Haynes exhibits a fierce finishing touch and is a steady pass protector.
Hard to figure out what the Cardinals were thinking here given that tight end Trey McBride is one of the few building blocks on this roster. There were better and more reasonable ways to aid Kyler Murray and the rest of the offense.
Corum ends up with an NFL franchise ... just not the one everyone expected. Corum might not see the workload in Year 1 that he would have had he reteamed with Harbaugh on the Chargers, but he'll at least share carries with Kyren Williams
Is this Pittsburgh's latest Day 2 gem at wide receiver? Wilson taxes defenses with his speed, so he should be a weapon for Russell Wilson as a downfield target even if he doesn't see a high volume of targets.
The 6-6, 309-pounder provides depth in case of more injuries along the front. Zinter suffered a broken leg in November but should be set to play his rookie season.
After playing at left tackle for Kansas last season, Puni looks best fit to return to the inside. He can jolt defenders in the run game and might be an upgrade for San Francisco before long.
Try as they might, the Cowboys still can't seem to solve their problems at linebacker. With impressive overall athleticism but a wild playing style and questionable instincts, Liufau is a somewhat volatile projection.
As a complementary back who can keep Josh Jacobs fresh, Lloyd brings big-play potential thanks to his shiftiness and sharp cuts. With the rest of its offense in a good spot, Green Bay can afford to take this flier.
Though undersized with questionable long speed, Smith plays with a physicality that belies his build. He should stick as a nickel who can mix it up against the run.
At 6-1 and 185 pounds with 4.44-second speed in the 40-yard dash, Jones looks the part of a starting NFL cornerback but doesn't play it. Perhaps the physical tools are worth the gamble at this point, but Jones could be exploited if he doesn't bulk up and play with more composure.
The Pack double-dip at linebacker after scooping up Edgerrin Cooper in the second. With another active, athletic playmaker already in the fold at the position, this feels a bit redundant.
Adept at freeing himself up at all three levels, McMillan might have to live off his ability to separate given that he's too often jostled when defenders get physical with him. But he should help the Buccaneers' passing attack lighten its reliance on Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
It's difficult to find pass rushers with premium traits beyond the first two rounds, but the 6-4, 247-pound Isaac boasts the frame and burst to ascend to a starting role. Though he needs more of a plan in his rushes, he could be an important part of the Ravens' reloading effort on defense.
Put him on the Bryce Huff development plan. The small-school pass rusher surely will need some time as he learns to beat much more imposing blockers, but Hunt can hone his craft behind Huff and the rest of Philadelphia's arsenal of edge threats.
Though he's essentially just a depth piece at this point behind Ed Oliver and DeQuan Jones, Carter could be an important one given the overall state of Buffalo's reshuffled defense.
This probably isn't the cornerback investment many Jaguars fans were expecting or hoping for. Jones seems like a longshot to see significant time off the bat, and the secondary remains a problem area for Jacksonville.
Cincinnati really wants to figure out that run-stopping deficiency after taking Kris Jenkins in the second. Jackson feels like a reach at this point given his inconsistent play.
An extensive history of medical issues - the Fayetteville Observer reported last January that he had undergone 10 surgeries - seemed to sink Wilson's stock. If the 6-4, 233-pound Bednarik Award winner can stay on the field, he can be a massively productive presence as he chases down opponents all over the field and takes on a variety of man coverage assignments.
With 11 interceptions in the last two years, Kinchens has shown he can be a dangerous playmaker when he's able to put himself in position to attack the ball. His recovery speed is a major issue however and might limit his usage at the next level.
A former quarterback, McCaffrey switched over to receiver two years ago and made such an impression that he landed a spot in Day 2. He gives rookie QB Jayden Daniels a surehanded and precise option in the passing game.
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