Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft is underway. Eric Edholm provides analysis for every player selected in Rounds 6 and 7 below.
NOTE: Only trades agreed to after Day 1 began are reflected below.
ROUND 6
Rouse's run blocking is ahead of his pass protection, but the Sooners trusted him at left tackle more than former five-star recruit Cayden Green last year. Rouse has good experience at that spot and boasts ideal length, but he really hasn't played anywhere but left tackle and is a bit clunky in space.
Lee is a gifted athlete with a workmanlike, drama-free attitude. But what's his best position? Lee might be best used as a 5-technique where he can occupy tackles and open up playmaking opportunities for others as long as his so-so arm length doesn't hinder him.
Laumea has played right tackle and right guard and is a quality run blocker with nice athletic traits -- although, he has subpar length. A full-time move inside might be in the cards to protect him vs. quality pass rushers.
Dial has decent length and has gotten his hands on a lot of passes the past three years, and he has a chance to make it as a jack of all trades in the secondary, with experience at multiple spots.
I'm a bit surprised the Chargers didn't take a back before this, but Vidal has a chance to join the RB rotation for Jim Harbaugh. Vidal's profile reads similarly to Blake Corum, so it's easy to see why Harbaugh might view him favorably.
It felt like Jackson was among the leaders in Senior Bowl practice receptions. Interestingly, I felt he was underused at Tulane, as Jackson has good quickness to uncover and make people miss as a smaller-framed slot receiver. He and teammate Tyjae Spears are reunited in Nashville.
Muasau reminded me a bit of former Vikings LB Kentrell Brothers, a short but stout hitter and playmaker around the line of scrimmage whose coverage deficiencies are a bit worrisome.
He wasn't going to be for every team because of his smaller frame, but in my opinion, Washington should have been drafted prior to this. His speed makes him a perfect fit in Miami, as Washington could be an ideal fourth or fifth receiver and return threat.
On the opposite end of the spectrum height-wise from Malik Washington is Wilson, who will immediately be among the tallest receivers in the NFL at 6-foot-7. He's sort of a TE-WR tweener, lacking the speed of a wideout and the strength for a tight end, but you may call him a weapon -- possibly in the red zone.
McClellan is a power back who runs with great toughness and exercises great ball security, fumbling only once in college on nearly 400 touches. But he's a one-dimensional runner on a team pretty loaded at running back.
A strong pro day helped solidify Washington as a draft pick. He looks like a solid, reliable possession receiver with natural route-running skills, but he's not special at any one thing.
Speaking of pro days, Hill ran a 4.45-second 40-yard dash at his -- at 216 pounds. That lack of bulk likely makes him a nickel backer only on defense; he was never really a full-time starter in college.
Wingo is an undersized 3-technique with so-so career production, but I did not expect him to be available this late. His intangibles are strong, and he was rotated quite heavily at LSU, as well as having to endure nearly constant coaching changes there. He could surprise for sure as a rotational contributor.
Palmer's length and speed could allow him to be more productive in the NFL than in college. He has big-play ability, but he's been a late bloomer.
James was thought to be a third- to fifth-round prospect, even with his size limitations, so the value here is strong. He's most known for allowing the fourth-and-31 reception to Alabama, but James can play in this league.
Milton's bazooka arm figured to make him a late-round flier, but I didn't have him landing in New England after the Patriots took Drake Maye with the third overall pick. Some teams have toyed with the idea of turning Milton into a Logan Thomas-like TE conversion.
McLachlan has come a long way as a player from his Southern Utah days, making himself into an NFL draft pick. He's not big for the position but has the length and enough speed to be a pass-catching candidate.
Watts has the length to be tried as a zone corner for the Steelers, or he could be tried at safety, where Watts took reps at the East-West Shrine Bowl. He's a height-weight-speed prospect whose future home isn't clear.
The Rams clearly are throwing numbers at the defensive line, hoping that a slew of young depth can overcome the loss of Aaron Donald. Davis is a respected team captain who made his mark at Clemson and might be able to overcome his physical shortcomings to enter the DT rotation.
Logue was a flash player for the two-time champion Bulldogs, often stuck behind a ton of talent in Athens. His length is outstanding, even if his production (1.5 sacks in 50-plus college games) isn't.
McMorris opened eyes a few years ago with a four-INT season at San Diego State and finished with a solid final year at Cal, but his average traits could always hold him back from starting duty.
He's not a great playmaker, but Boyd's mass and bull-like strength could give him a chance to be an early-down nose tackle. He's tough and reliable with good stamina.
Being 300-plus pounds and running a sub-5.0 40-yard dash gets you drafted. Crumedy doesn't have sterling production, but his maturity and experience should give him an edge in a fight for a roster spot in Carolina.
Abraham has NFL bloodlines and outstanding production in college, not to mention nice athletic traits. He's yet another undersized nickel CB type, of which there are plenty in this class, but Abraham might be an ideal practice-squad candidate in Indy.
Glover is a typecast developmental OT prospect with so-so movement skills but ideal length and grip strength. He flashed some real finishing ability, albeit vs. a lower level of competition.
Our second specialist. Reichard is extremely accurate from 50 yards in, and he delivered a clutch 52-yarder in the Rose Bowl. With the new kickoff rules, Reichard's lack of booming leg strength might not be a problem, and playing more than half his games indoors also helps.
He's a converted Jacksonville State tight end who became a solid left tackle the past two years at UCF. Grable is a quality athlete with great length and potential to be groomed at center, even if he's still learning how to play O-line.
Jordan is a former sprinter who didn't run as well at the combine as many hoped he would. His smaller frame likely limits his ability to handle a significant load, but he's a quality change-up back for Houston's zone-run scheme.
Watson has better short-area quickness and reaction skills than his range. His off-field issues and age limited his appeal, but Watson will have a chance if he stays focused.
Jerrell has sneaky-good athleticism worth developing, but he's going to need time to adjust with the big jump in competition from what he faced at Findlay College. He also might lack the length to play outside.
Laube become something of a folk hero at the Senior Bowl, charming fans with his personality, elusiveness and pass-catching prowess. He had 295 yards receiving against Central Michigan alone this year and legitimately could emerge as a third-down weapon in the pass game.
Here come the kickers. Karty really improved his accuracy over his final two years and has legitimate range out to the high 50s. He has a chance to be the best kicker in this class, and the Rams badly need consistency at the spot.
Mahogany's tape is hilarious, watching him dispatch defenders left and right, even if that overzealous style can get him in trouble at times. He needs refinement but will land with one of the best OL coaches in the NFL and was just outside my top 100 prospects. The Lions' strong draft continues.
The Chiefs have made inroads with their later-round DB picks in recent years and could have another sleeper in Hadden, if his health or lack of deep speed don't hold him back. He played well last season for the Vols when called on.
Our third kicker in a short span here. Little arguably has the best leg talent of the three and can hit all the way out to the 60-plus-yard range. But his inconsistencies (including at the combine) could make him a bit untrustworthy if he struggles in late-game situations.
A classic Les Snead pick, Whittington never was featured at Texas, largely because of injury and a position switch from running back, but he's a playmaker with the determination and skill to make it. He's a fun developmental player.
Johnson is a tricky eval because he's never taken a huge step forward in his development, but he was a program favorite for his toughness and work ethic. He has enough rush skill to receive a shot.
He's played everywhere but center at Washington State and USC, with the irony being that his short frame might force a move to center in the NFL. An ideal practice squad candidate.
Flournoy was surprisingly present at the Senior Bowl, besting several bigger-school corners and consistently catching short and intermediate passes. His speed might be undersold, but Flournoy might be close to maxed out as a prospect.
Limmer was overwhelmed a few times when matched with Texas' massive T'Vondre Sweat in Senior Bowl one-on-ones, but Limmer is tough-minded, competitive and might be better than a few centers who were drafted before him.
I suppose if there's a Brock Purdy-esque candidate in this class, it's Leary. I didn't love his tape last season, and he might have peaked as a sophomore (sound familiar?). His arm talent gives him a chance, but Leary needs to be more accurate on throws most NFL QBs make consistently.
His return skills might be what keeps him in the league, as Hardy lacks the mass and strength to hold up full time on defense, but sub-4.4 speed is always appealing in a DB.
With 55 college starts and good length, Klein has a chance to make it in Tampa. He's stiff and might be an inside-only blocker, however.
ROUND 7
The Brit, who is 6-foot-7 and 301 pounds with 35-inch arms, ran a 4.81-second 40-yard dash at South Florida's pro day and immediately put himself on scouts' radars late in the process. He's a total project but might be a terrific find with some seasoning, thanks to those unusual athletic traits.
An ideal camp-competition pick, JJB is a middling athlete with some stiffness, but he showed improvement as a super senior and ran back a blocked kick for a touchdown last season.
Air Force has landed a few players in the draft the past few years after a long absence, and Taylor could make it either as a box safety or a special teams contributor.
Anthony worked his way up from Shepherd College to Liberty and then to Ole Miss, where he earned a starting role in his fifth college season. He's not a top-tier athlete but is highly aggressive with football instincts to make his impact felt.
Jerry Rice's son and Caleb Williams' go-to guy figured to go a few rounds higher than this, but it's possible scouts felt there was more development needed in his game. With the Chargers, there are WR jobs open for Rice to make the roster early on.
With one career interception (back in 2019), Davis lacks great playmaking ability, and his size certainly limits his role. But Davis can run (4.44 -second 40-yard dash) and is experienced.
He competed against Mizzou's Luther Burden in the season opener a year ago, with his only INT from last season in that game. Harden isn't a blazer but could be a nice fit in Cleveland.
A leg injury hurt his chances to boost his stock leading up to the draft. Samac struggles with quick interior rushers but can be a boss in the run game.
Devonshire is a fast, tough competitor with size limitations. He was never a full-time starter in college but had strong ball production the past two years.
Jurgens probably has to make it as a center, lacking ideal power or movement skill. He's a bump-and-steer center who wins as much with his mind as with his physical gifts.
Bell was a versatile enough athlete that he played running back at South Carolina because of injuries, but his best chance to make it in the league is as a "move" tight end with his smaller frame.
He was playing at Southwestern Assemblies of God two years ago, so the leap in competition he'll face in the NFL will be significant. But his feisty, violent play style makes him intriguing.
Thomas was a high school tight end who has successfully shifted to left tackle in college, which is probably where he'll be tried in the NFL. He's an unrefined product but has enough upside to invest in here.
Laulu might need a year of adding strength and mass, but his length and twitchy athleticism are plus qualities.
The 26-year-old Vele spent two years on an LDS mission, making him one of the older prospects in this class. But he's 6-foot-4 with long arms and sub-4.5 speed and jumping ability, making him a developmental jump-ball target.
Finding the right technique for Cole will be key, as he lacks the bulk to handle full-time interior duty, but his unusual traits (especially his length) make him a fun Round 7 dice roll.
Lee moves really well, able to reach the second level with ease, but he likely won't hold up against top-tier power.
The former Wyoming standout had a strong final season for the Trojans, with 11 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles. However, his poor testing numbers hurt his stock. He plays through the whistle and might be able to make it as a rotational end.
Ezirim is a converted D-lineman with two years of OL play under his belt. His outstanding mass could serve him well if the Saints are patient with Ezirim's development.
Punishing hitter in a sawed-off frame. Barrett's poor length will be tough to overcome, but his forceful play style is inspiring.
Washington's small frame likely took him off some boards, especially after he ran in the 4.5 range in the 40. But his big-play production on offense and special teams value cannot be overlooked. Washington might be the type who finds a way to hang around in the league.
A long, fairly rangy athlete who spent more time at deep safety than he did in the box, Williams will be tried as a linebacker. His unusual dimensions and skill set might make him a sleeper.
Briggs is a stumpier defensive lineman, but his gap-shooting quickness is a trait that will help him. He's mature and has a pro-ready attitude, but he will have to emerge from a crowded DL group in Cleveland.
Rogers is blocky and stiff, but he's tough to move in the run game and could make it as a run-stopping interior defender.
If it's me, I am drafting Pratt before both Jordan Travis and Devin Leary, and the Packers aren't afraid to keep investing in QB talents. From the Green Wave to Green Bay, Pratt is good enough to push Sean Clifford to the side and become Jordan Love's understudy -- perhaps as soon as this year -- with his cool, calm, patient approach and quality accuracy.
Culp shocked a few people when he ran a 4.47-second 40-yard dash, but his 230-pound frame figures to limit his role quite a bit. Even so, Culp improved each college season and has some unrealized potential as an H-back.
He'll always struggle against quality length, but Harris is a spirited rusher who can frustrate his opponents with his never-say-die approach.
The Holy Cross product was strictly a right guard in college, but he prepped to be an NFL center the past few months. That could be the key to earning a spot as a reserve or practice squad player in Kansas City.
He was Michigan's starting left tackle last year, which says something, but the Texans announced Henderson as a guard, which is where he mostly played at Arizona State previously. His length, movement skill and play temperament make him a stronger-than-normal seventh rounder.
Kane emerged as a reliable starter at Purdue, earning a reputation as a strong tackler and forcing three fumbles over two years, but his lack of ball skills limit his appeal as a DB.
Bethune was a tone-setter for the UCF and FSU defenses the past several seasons. His lack of length will be an issue, but he's not bad in coverage and can lay the wood. He just might need patience to find his chance.
Harrell is a broad-framed linebacker with rush skills and an alpha-dog mentality. His performance in the national title game was great, and he could be a sub-package defender with a unique job description.
Another Michigan player for Jim Harbaugh. Johnson rarely was featured in Michigan's run-heavy system, but he made his mark as a blocker and occasional big-play receiver. His hands are inconsistent, but Johnson could find footing in L.A.
Leveston is a hulking college left tackle who might be moved to the right side, or perhaps to guard. I suspect Cooper Beebe helped make Leveston, an older prospect, look better at times, but he's experienced enough to find a job in the league.
You can find King's name scattered in some August mock drafts, but his stock continually tumbled after he struggled to match his 2022 performance, didn't test well athletically for his size and lost some Senior Bowl battles. But in the seventh round? King is well worth the small gamble here.
A Yale transfer, Gargiulo has experience at center, guard and tackle, but he's best at home inside. He's smart, competitive and long.
Key has pretty interesting length for a DB and he played arguably well for Bama after transferring from UAB, but his lack of long speed likely keeps his role limited to box-safety duties in the NFL.