A lot went down in the draft a few weeks ago. Let’s talk about the day 3 winners and losers from the 2024 NFL Draft!
After three days of dreams coming true, the 2024 NFL Draft is now over. Players head to their new homes and teams with the hope that they will earn a roster spot or maybe even a starting job. For those who hear their name called on Day 3, there’s certainly no guarantee of either of those outcomes.
While the first two days usually involve prospects who are drafted with the goal of plugging up an immediate weakness in a roster, Rounds 4-7 revolve around players who are also very talented, but whose profiles are flawed. Scouting departments must dig below the surface and uncover the gems that will bolster the early-round picks and free-agent additions already added to the roster.
Here are some of the players that you should be paying attention to from a fantasy perspective and with some luck, you’ll hopefully cash some lottery tickets to upgrade your dynasty teams! Let’s get to the day 3 winners and losers!
Round 4
TE Ja’Tavion Sanders 4.01, Panthers
Sanders was consistently projected as one of the best tight ends in the class. He has good speed and can separate from defenders. Fortunately, he also lands in a situation where he’ll have a great chance to see the field early in his rookie season. I have him ranked behind only Brock Bowers and Ben Sinnott. If you miss out on both of those players, don’t be afraid to take a shot on the two-time First-Team All-Big 12 selection.
WR Troy Franklin 4.02, Broncos
I suspect I don’t quite believe in the former Oregon Duck as much as a lot of the fantasy football community does. Franklin dropped all the way from the late 1st, where he was widely mocked, all the way to the top of the 4th. He reunites with his college quarterback, Bo Nix, so there’s hope that their chemistry will carry over into the NFL and he’ll lock down a role in an in-flux receiver room.
WR Javon Baker 4.10, Patriots
Baker was the second receiver taken by New England in this draft. It’s possible that he may be better than his Round 2 counterpart, Ja’Lynn Polk. ESPN’s Matt Miller compares him to Rashee Rice and if Baker’s YAC ability is even close to what we saw from the Chiefs star last season, quarterback Drake Maye will have his go-to option in short to medium routes. That’ll no doubt put him in contention for plenty of targets and opportunities.
RB Jaylen Wright 4.20, Dolphins
Just when we were starting to get used to the idea of a true De’Von Achane breakout, GM Chris Grier threw us a curveball and drafted one of the fastest backs in the class. Honestly, the pick looks more like preparing for life after Raheem Mostert. Despite the recent two-year extension, Miami can cut him for almost no dead cap after the season. If your league mates are scared off of Wright, you should pounce on the proposition to add a backfield piece from one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses.
Bucky Irving 4.25, Buccaneers
Bucky to the Bucs! Tampa gets themselves a solid back to pair up with Rachaad White. Irving isn’t lightning-fast, but he possesses the ability to make defenders miss, stay on his feet, and run through contact. He also can catch the ball well. Irving isn’t great at pass blocking, so I doubt he challenges White for his job, but he’ll play a role in the offense to change the pace.
RB Ray Davis 4.28, Bills
Davis is one of the players who popped up for me when I scouted the Senior Bowl. It’s easy to underestimate him at his 5’8 height, but his vision and hands really made me take notice. Ending up with Buffalo is definitely a blessing for the longtime collegiate athlete. He will likely slot in as RB2 for the team and earn a good chunk of work to ease the load of James Cook.
RB Isaac Guerendo 4.29, 49ers
Kyle Shannahan didn’t mince words when discussing this pick. He brought up Guerendo’s speed multiple times. The 49ers coach also compared the running style to another back on the roster: Elijah Mitchell. It just so happens that Mitchell has only one year remaining on his rookie contract. If Guerendo does impress, he’ll be in pole position to become CMC’s primary backup. For fantasy football, San Francisco running backs rack up points. It’s as simple as that. So give me all of the shares that I can get of the former Louisville Cardinal.
RB Braelon Allen 4.34, Jets
Every time the Cowboys got on the clock on Days 2 and 3, I hoped for them to draft a running back. Allen was one of the players I’d have really liked to get a call from Jerry. Instead, he heads to the Big Apple as the presumed backup to Breece Hall. Maybe he sees some vulture short-yardage goal line use. Outside of that or injury, his upside is significantly capped by the landing spot.
Round 5
RB Audric Estime 5.12, Broncos
Sean Payton sees him as a two-down back, but that’s fine. Samaje Perine could be cut in the summer to clear the way for Estime to back up Javonte Williams, a player who’s underwhelmed in his time in the league. A significant role in the Denver offense is possible in 2024 and beyond.
QB Spencer Rattler 5.15, Saints
The Senior Bowl MVP lands in NOLA as an understudy to quarterback Derek Carr. Based on the guaranteed money in that deal, he’ll remain the guy for a couple more seasons. Rattler has some very impressive traits to boast including his arm strength. With the right coaching, I could see him starting games in the NFL. I would avoid drafting in non-SF leagues. Though I’d happily scoop him up in the free agent pool.
Round 6
RB Kimani Vidal 6.05, Chargers
One of the NCAA’s top rushers from 2023 will join Greg Roman’s former flock of Ravens. I honestly believe in him as a three-down back. Considering the injury history of Dobbins and Edwards, a mid-round rookie pick for the potential starter in a ground-and-pound offense would be considerably good value. The only problem is that he’s one of the most popular rookie “sleepers” in the fantasy football community. We won’t be the only sharks in the water.
WR Malik Washington 6.08, Dolphins
Any player who has a chance to play the slot in an electric offense is worth adding to fantasy football. However, I’m hesitant with players who get a ton of manufactured touches in college. Cough…Rondale Moore…cough. There’s not much competition for the role except Braxton Berrios. I think a last-pick flier makes sense, but not anything more than that.
WR Johnny Wilson 6.09, Eagles
My comp for Wilson is Hakeem Butler. A tall receiver who doesn’t quite fit as a tight end and also has an issue with drops. I don’t expect Wilson to crack this roster. Philadelphia has a lot of talent at the position. However, I don’t mind stashing uber-athletic players on my taxi squad. He’s not a massive priority of mine. Just someone to not slip through the cracks.
RB Dylan Laube 6.32, Raiders
An FCS stud who did it all for the New Hampshire Wildcats. Assumed starter Zamir White isn’t exactly the reincarnation of Marshall Faulk, so there’s going to be third-down work available. Laube is one of the best receivers in this running back class and that should be his “in” to get on the field. If injuries hit the Raiders’ backfield during the season, Laube could upgrade his weekly ceiling from occasional flex/best ball hero to something much more exciting.
Round 7
WR Brendan Rice 7.05, Chargers
The legend’s son stays in California and joins a team where the lack of receiver talent could conceivably allow for Rice to make the roster. The question to answer is whether he’ll successfully transition to the NFL with his lack of explosiveness and quickness. Regardless, at this draft capital and those GOAT bloodlines, adding Rice to your fantasy teams could be a huge bargain.
QB Michael Pratt 7.25, Packers
Let me state the obvious. The Packers are not going to bench Jordan Love for Michael Pratt. However, there’s nothing wrong with drafting and developing quarterbacks. Green Bay used to do that all of the time in the Ron Wolf-era. It appears that GM Brian Gutekunst is returning to that practice. If you’re in a league with lots of roster or taxi spots, I’d advise stashing Pratt after adding off post-rookie draft waivers. Especially for those in the Superflex format. I watched him in person at the 2023 Tulane home opener. He showed off a decent arm with pinpoint accuracy.
Hope this article leads you to a very successful Dynasty Rookie Draft. Thank you for reading my Day 3 Winners and Losers article! Check out the rest of our great content here!
