NFL Draft 2024: Day 3 Grades for Every Pick

Original source (on modern site) | Article images: [1] [2]

Ric Tapia/Getty Images

101. Carolina Panthers

Ja'Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas

Strengths: Eats up cushion off the snap, plays through contact, plucks the ball out of the air

Weaknesses: Very narrow definition of how he wins, non-factor as run-blocker, not the most fluid route-runner

Texas tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders is somewhat of an enigma. He's a receiving tight end who provides little from an in-line perspective, but he isn't a premium athlete at the position.

No one can deny Sanders' effectiveness over the last two seasons. The two-time first-team All-Big 12 selection hauled in 99 receptions for 1,295 yards and seven touchdowns. In fact, he's first all-time among Longhorns tight ends in career receptions and second in receiving yards.

Sanders' game is predicated on threatening the seam and creating after the catch. However, he's a 6'4", 245-pound target with 4.69-second 40-yard-dash speed. It'll be far more difficult for him to separate and beat coverage in the NFL, so he may need to be schemed open to reach his ceiling.

Since Sanders isn't a traditional Y-tight end, his new coaching staff will need to specifically game-plan to help him continue being the type of weapon that he was in college.

The Carolina Panthers didn't have a first-round pick, but they've meticulously gone about addressing needs and building around quarterback Bryce Young. Xavier Legette bolsters the wide receiver corps. Jonathon Brooks is a future starter at running back. Sanders will push Tommy Tremble to be the squad's primary weapon at tight end.

Grade: B

102. Denver Broncos (via SEA)

Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon

Strengths: Instant separation with elite straight-line speed, does not decelerate through routes, fights after the catch despite sub-185-pound frame

Weaknesses: Not a ball-winner, upright runner, doesn't add much as a blocker, concentration drops

Oregon's Troy Franklin was easily one of the nation's best wide receivers during the 2023 campaign, yet he didn't grade nearly to the same level as the top prospects in this class.

While Franklin's production is impressive, certain aspects of his game suggest he'll struggle against NFL defensive backs.

Last season, the first-team All-Pac-12 selection led the Oregon Ducks' No. 1-ranked passing offense with 1,383 receiving yards and 14 touchdown receptions. Franklin finished second nationwide with an average of 4.02 yards per route run and a receiver rating of 146.8 when targeted (minimum of 70 receptions).

However, Oregon's offense included many manufactured touches, free releases and quick-hitters. Franklin isn't the biggest or most flexible target. His game is geared on instantly getting upfield, either after the catch or as a vertical target. How he handles NFL coverage will decide how effective he can be.

The Denver Broncos traded Jerry Jeudy to the Cleveland Browns this offseason. Franklin has the skill set to immediately replace him in the lineup, opposite Courtland Sutton. Meanwhile, Bo Nix gets one of his favorite targets to join him.

Grade: A

103. New England Patriots

Layden Robinson, IOL, Texas A&M

The offensive line overhaul that began toward the end of the third round with the selection of Penn State's Caedan Wallace continues with Texas A&M's Layden Robinson.

What's interesting here is that left tackle remains a major question mark, but the rest of the unit should be settled along the offensive interior, with the combination of Mike Onwenu, David Andrews, Sidy Sow, Atonio Mafi and Robinson. Now, left tackle…

Grade: C+

104. Arizona Cardinals

Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, S, Texas Tech

Strengths: Tremendous range, closing speed, versatility to play all of the defense, instinctive

Weaknesses: Suspect eye discipline, more straight-line than nimble, smaller defender without marginal play strength

In a safety class where top-notch athleticism is at a premium even among the highest-rated prospects, Texas Tech's Dadrion Taylor-Demerson brings some juice to the position class.

The 23-year-old prospect ran the fastest 40-yard-dash (4.41 seconds) among safeties at this year's NFL Scouting Combine. He also posted a 38-inch vertical jump and 10'3" broad jump, both of which ranked among the top 10 for his position group.

At the Texas Tech pro day, Taylor-Demerson had bulked up to 200 pounds. But he posted poor change-of-direction testing numbers, which he avoided running at the combine.

Still, the second-team All-Big 12 selection has the straight-line speed to play all over the field, including the deep third and over the slot.

The Arizona Cardinals already have a full draft class, even though the fourth round just began. The organization already added cornerbacks Max Melton and Elijah Jones. Taylor-Demerson gives them a heat-seeking missile at safety to join and then possibly replace Budda Baker in 2025.

Grade: B

105. Los Angeles Chargers

Justin Eboigbe, DL, Alabama

Strengths: Controls point of attack, strong enough to take on blocks and make tackles, played up and down the line of scrimmage

Weaknesses: Non-explosive athlete, read-and-react player, minimal pass-rush presence

Alabama is known for developing stack-and-shed trench warriors. No program has been better at preparing its defensive linemen to hold the point of attack, clog lanes, rip off blocks and make plays.

Justin Eboigbe is no different. He can be an immediate contributor in the NFL as a rotational run defender.

However, he doesn't have the same pass-rush juice as some of the other Crimson Tide products in recent years. Eboigbe is closer to the likes of A'Shawn Robinson, Phidarian Mathis and Byron Young than he is to Jonathan Allen or Quinnen Williams.

Whatever Eboigbe does in the NFL will be amazing considering that he suffered a significant neck injury during the 2022 season. Eboigbe is a Jim Harbaugh defensive lineman all day long. Besides, the Los Angeles Chargers need beef along their interior. The organization signed defensive tackle Poona Ford in free agency. Eboigbe can be a base end, defensive tackle or provide a few snaps at nose. He's going to make the Chargers more physical.

Grade: B

106. Tennessee Titans

Cedric Gray, LB, North Carolina

Strengths: Sideline-to-sideline presence, handles zone-coverage responsibilities relatively well, experienced starter

Weaknesses: Struggles in man coverage, will lose gap assignments, not the most physical 'backer to take on blockers when necessary

From a pure tools point of view, there's an argument that North Carolina's Cedric Gray is the most complete linebacker in what's viewed as a down positional class.

Over the last three seasons, Gray has nearly 122 total tackles and 10 tackles for loss per season. The 6'2", 234-pound defender is a good mover in space and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.64 seconds. He's also long, with 32½-inch arms that he uses to condense throwing lanes when working in zone coverage.

The biggest issue for Gray is that he isn't naturally instinctive. He's not the second-line defender who's making his way to a play before it fully starts to develop. He can run down plays, but he'll often overrun ball-carriers or lose gap integrity along the way, thus allowing too many plays that should be made.

Gray will fit in very nicely playing behind Jeffrey Simmons and T'Vondre Sweat. Those hosses up front will keep the linebacker clean and let him run in space, which is where Gray excels. He provides instant starting potential next to Kenneth Murray Jr., even as a fourth-round selection.

Grade: B+

107. New York Giants

Theo Johnson, TE, Penn State

Strengths: Elite athletic profile, prototypical size, uses hands well, solid in-line blocking option

Weaknesses: Not a precise route-runner, more of a straight-line threat

Investing in Penn State's Theo Johnson is almost entirely banking on his athletic upside.

The Nittany Lions typically don't utilize their tight ends to their full extent. They're kept in to block during pass plays far too often. Most of the time, they're splitting reps with one another.

Penn State has churned out the likes of Mike Gesicki, Pat Freiermuth and Brenton Strange, but none of them reached their full potential in college. Johnson may be the most extreme example.

Penn State's latest tight end prospect split time the last two seasons with Strange then Tyler Warren. The early entrant never contributed more than 341 passing yards.

Yet, the 6'6", 259-pound target is a supreme athlete, with a 4.57-second 40-yard dash, 39.5-inch vertical and 4.19-second short shuttle. The New York Giants' quest to get more explosive on offense continues with Johnson's selection. With Darren Waller undecided about whether he plans to play this season, this is a vital pickup at this point in the draft. Johnson may not have been highly productive, but he screams future starter and is another threat in the receiving game to help quarterback Daniel Jones.

Grade: B+

108. Minnesota Vikings

Khyree Jackson, CB, Oregon

Strengths: Tarantula-like frame, takes full advantage of length, plays physical at line of scrimmage, competes through the ball

Weaknesses: Some stiffness in backpedal to quickly flip his hips and turn, lacks top gear, overly handsy down the field

Khyree Jackson needed to find the right fit, which took time. He eventually made the most out of his transfer from Alabama to Oregon.

"I feel like I fit well into the scheme," the cornerback explained when discussing his decision, per Max Torres of Ducks Digest. "I feel like I have a little more freedom here within the scheme. I feel like Coach [Dan] Lanning lets me make decisions whether or not if I'm in man if I feel comfortable pressing or playing off based on splits and alignments."

Jackson committed to the Crimson Tide as a 3-star recruit after taking the community college route-two different stops, to be exact. In a locker room filled with elite recruits, Jackson started one game in two seasons. The freedom Oregon provided allowed the 6'4", 194-pound cornerback to blossom into a first-team All-Pac-12 performer.

The gangly defender is one of the best in the class with his jam and rerouting receivers initially. Overall, Jackson allowed a 41.6 passer rating when targeted last season, per Pro Football Focus.

Jackson, 24, is an older prospect, which is why he slid into the fourth round. But he showed he can be a high-end coverage corner last season. He gives the Minnesota Vikings a big, long cornerback, thus allowing Byron Murphy II to play a lot of slot snaps.

Grade: A

109. Atlanta Falcons

Brandon Dorlus, DL, Oregon

Strengths: Can play anywhere along defensive front, uses length to his advantage, powerful and athletic

Weaknesses: Struggles to maintain leverage and ground once engaged, secondary pass-rush moves are lacking

Oregon's Brandon Dorlus once would have been described as a 'tweener. He isn't big enough (6'3", 283 lbs) to be a full-time interior defender, and he isn't quite athletic enough to be an every-down edge defender.

But coaches typically prefer positional flexibility in today's NFL, particularly on defense, where a player can be used in multiple roles without being exposed.

Dorlus can be a base end, 3-technique or nose tackle. According to USA Today's Doug Farrar, Dorlus spent 44 percent of last season's snaps on the edge, 43 percent at defensive tackle and 13 percent over the center. The fifth-year senior racked up a career-high five sacks last season, too.

Dorlus is also an outstanding all-around athlete with 33¼-inch arms, a 4.85-second 40-yard dash and a 345-pound power clean, according to Bruce Feldman of The Athletic.

The Atlanta Falcons have gotten serious about adding defensive line talent. First, the organization chose Bralen Trice in the third round. Now, Dorlus comes off the board. He can play up and down the front, but he'll fit nicely as a 5-technique in Raheem Morris' scheme.

Grade: B+

110. New England Patriots (from CHI via LAC)

Javon Baker, WR, UCF

Strengths: Deep threat, plays faster than he times, good ball-tracking, creates after the catch

Weaknesses: Lethargic off the line, can do a better job work through contact, focus drops

UCF's Javon Baker isn't a household name yet, but he could be soon.

B/R scout Cory Giddings is UCF's director of player personnel. He saw what Baker can do on a daily basis, and he believes the incoming wide receiver might have gotten overlooked throughout the predraft process.

"Baker thrives when contested, pairing supreme body control, strong hands and the ability to elevate and attack the ball," Giddings said. "However, he's not just a red-zone threat, as he's consistently proven to be a real threat after the catch.

"Baker's catch radius and skill set will make him a popular target in the NFL. Don't be surprised if the 22-year-old breaches the 1,000-yard mark early in his professional career." The New England Patriots understood the assignment when they came into this year's draft. They took their franchise quarterback.

They subsequently added wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk and a pair of offensive lineman. Baker adds a vertical presence. The Patriots could go all offense for this entire draft and still not have added enough. That's how bad that unit was last season.

Grade: B+

111. Green Bay Packers (via NYJ)

Evan Williams, S, Oregon

The Green Bay Packers double-dipped at safety, with Javon Bullard in the second round and Oregon's Evan Williams in the fourth.

The Packers can now play extensive big nickel after Xavier McKinney signed as a free agent. Plenty of flexibility exists in the defense to handle all of the weapons now found in the NFC North that include Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze, DJ Moore and Amon-Ra St. Brown.

Grade: C

112. Las Vegas Raiders

Decamarion Richardson, CB, Mississippi State

The Las Vegas Raiders finally moved away from the offensive side of the ball, where they spent the first two days of the NFL draft. Mississippi State's Decamarion Richardson provides much-needed depth at cornerback. He's a long, fast corner with the natural tools to develop as a prospect who thrives in zone coverage. Grade: C

113. Baltimore Ravens (from DEN via NYJ)

Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina

Strengths: True deep threat, explosiveness leads to yards after catch, will use frame and length to make difficult grabs

Weaknesses: Too many concentration drops, not a precise route-runner, struggles working off jam

North Carolina's Devontez Walker is this draft class' version of Top Gun. If a team has the need for speed, he's the guy. However, he just might crash and burn instead of pulling off the appointed mission.

Walker is easily one of the incoming crop's best vertical threats. The 6'2", 193-pound target effortlessly generates velocity off the line of scrimmage with his 4.36-second 40-yard dash.

Every NFL team wants players who can tilt the field in the offense's favor, but Walker's inconsistency can be maddening. His hands are far too unreliable. He dropped a ton of passes during Senior Bowl week.

Walker came out of the gates strong once the NCAA cleared him to play in 2023. However, the Kent State transfer fell flat during North Carolina's final two games of the season-both of which were losses-with a combined six receptions for 99 yards.

The Baltimore Ravens didn't have a true downfield option on the roster. They do now in Walker. He shouldn't be expected to provide anything more, though.

Grade: B

114. Jacksonville Jaguars

Javon Foster, OT, Missouri

Strengths: Experienced, long, locks down defenders with strong grip, can rock defenders in run game

Weaknesses: Isn't very smooth in his movements, wants to throw knockout punch all of the time

Usually, a three-year starting left tackle from the SEC would garner far more attention than Missouri's Javon Foster did throughout this year's draft cycle.

Foster is an experienced blindside protector with 34⅝-inch arms to steer defenders wide of his quarterback. The first-team All-SEC selection allowed only one sack last season and played the majority of the regular season as the only offensive tackle with 80-plus run- and pass-blocking grades, according to Pro Football Focus.

But the 6'5½", 313-pound blocker's clunky pass set and inconsistent technique are a potential hindrance until he cleans up his mechanics with the help of NFL coaching. Foster won't be an NFL left tackle. But he can provide depth at guard and possibly serve as an eventual replacement for Ezra Cleveland or Brandon Scherff down the road for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Of note, left tackle Cam Robinson could hit free agency after this year if the Jaguars feel differently about Foster.

Grade: B

115. Cincinnati Bengals

Erick All, TE, Iowa

Iowa tight end Erick All is packed with potential. He has the skill set and athletic profile to be a dominant presence in a passing game. But he's dealt with significant injuries during each of the last two seasons. He's a lottery ticket who could hit big for the Cincinnati Bengals, who have Mike Gesicki signed on a one-year deal.

Grade: C

116. Jacksonville Jaguars (via NO)

Jordan Jefferson, DT, LSU

Clearly, the Jacksonville Jaguars felt the need to get bigger and more physical in the defensive trenches. The organization already added LSU's Maason Smith in the second round. It has now added Smith's collegiate teammate, Jordan Jefferson. Jefferson is one of the strongest prospects in the draft. In fact, he set this year's NFL combine high with 34 bench-press reps.

Grade: C+

117. Indianapolis Colts

Tanor Bortolini, IOL, Wisconsin

Strengths: Supreme athlete, lateral agility to thrive in zone-heavy system, starting experience at multiple positions

Weaknesses: Lacks length and power, can struggle to set depth of pocket

Between roster restraints and the overall lack of quality blockers found in the NFL, offensive linemen who can legitimately play multiple positions can't be overlooked.

Wisconsin's Tanor Bortolini needed four seasons on campus before he finally found a home. The 6'4", 303-pound prospect started at least three games at every position except left tackle.

In 2022, Bortolini bounced between the guard spots. Last season, he became entrenched as the Badgers' center, which should be considered his primary position in the NFL. He's capable of switching so easily because of his impressive athletic profile.

Bortolini posted one of the best all-around workouts at the NFL Scouting Combine. He finished among the top two offensive linemen in the 40-yard dash (4.94 seconds), short shuttle (4.28) and three-cone drill (7.16). Oh, Bortolini definitely fits the Indianapolis Colts' athletic preferences to a tee. More importantly, he can be a long-term replacement for center Ryan Kelly, who will be a free agent after this season.

Grade: B

118. Seattle Seahawks

Tyrice Knight, LB, UTEP

The Seattle Seahawks can officially move on from Bobby Wagner. The organization brought back the all-time great last season. But Pete Carroll is no longer the head coach. Mike Macdonald is bringing in a different scheme. Jerome Baker signed on a one-year deal. UTEP's Tyrice Knight is the type of productive linebacker who can man the middle of the defense for years to come.

Grade: B

119. Pittsburgh Steelers

Mason McCormick, IOL, South Dakota State

Strengths: Elite athletic testing, long arms, highly experienced, physical run-blocker, three-time team captain

Weaknesses: Tends to play high and stiff with minimal lateral movement skills, struggles to react to movement

South Dakota State's Mason McCormick is an interesting study of what's seen on film versus how he tests. The two don't necessarily align.

On the field, McCormick started four years for the back-to-back national champion Jackrabbits. He became a four-time FCS All-American. However, his tape suggested he's a stiff interior blocker with minimal athletic movement skills.

McCormick threw that assessment into question at the NFL Scouting Combine, where he ran a 5.08-second 40-yard dash while posting a 35.5-inch vertical and a 9'9" broad jump. His relative athletic score ranked eighth among all guards since 1987, per Pro Football Network's Kent Lee Platte.

The version of McCormick that shows up in the NFL will probably fall between those two points. But his new offensive line coach will be banking on his awesome natural traits.

The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't have enough when it came to the offensive line even after selecting offensive tackle Troy Fautanu and center Zach Frazier in the first and second rounds, respectively. The Steelers have now upgraded all three line positions. The organization isn't messing around when it comes to building a strong offensive foundation.

Grade: C

120. Miami Dolphins (from LAR via PIT and PHI)

Jaylen Wright, RB, Tennessee

Strengths: Game-breaking speed, jump-cut ability to make defenders miss, not a liability in pass protection

Weaknesses: Overly patient and cautious, not a powerful runner, doesn't finish runs

Explosiveness is the name of Jaylen Wright's game.

"If I see a seam, and there's nobody in front of me, I'm gone," Wright told Go Long's Tyler Dunne. " ... I'm somebody that can get into the game and change the whole game."

Over the last two seasons, the 21-year-old ran for 1,888 yards and 14 touchdowns in the SEC. At 5'10½" and 210 pounds, Wright's 4.38-second 40-yard dash is a game-changer. Very few backs bring that kind of juice to a run game.

However, Wright also revealed a potential flaw in his game: He isn't an instinctive runner. If he doesn't see a seam, he'll often try to bounce a play out wide to try to take advantage of his game-breaking speed.Wright is now the Miami Dolphins' featured running back. Well, he may not be immediately. But that's exactly what he'll become after the organization chose to trade a 2025 third-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles just to acquire Wright. His speed added to that offense will make the Dolphins even more dynamic.

Grade: C+

121. Seattle Seahawks (from MIA via DEN)

AJ Barner, TE, Michigan

Strengths: True Y tight end, good blocker in both phases, enough size and burst to be a threat as a receiver

Weaknesses: Lacks top-end speed and explosiveness to be a vertical option, doesn't always use size to his advantage

Much like quarterback J.J. McCarthy, Michigan didn't feature tight end AJ Barner as much as NFL evaluators would have liked because of its run-first approach on offense.

Michigan's scheme did help Barner show that he's a legitimate Y tight end with in-line blocking ability. However, he might have significant untapped potential as a receiver after catching only 22 passes for 249 yards during the program's national championship run this past season.

"McCarthy was asked which Michigan player was poised to make a bigger impact at the next level than people expected, and he cited tight end AJ Barner," ESPN's Adam Schefter reported.

At 6'6" and 251 pounds, Barner has the size to be a threat over the middle of the field.

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald has strong ties to the Michigan program since he served as the Wolverines' defensive coordinator during the 2021 campaign. Barner was on the team at the time. Macdonald knows exactly what the tight end can bring to the Seahawks offense, which is an in-line option to pair with Noah Fant.

Grade: C+

122. Chicago Bears (via PHI)

Tory Taylor, P, Iowa

The Chicago Bears are bringing in the punt god with the selection of Iowa's Tory Taylor. Last season, Bears punter Trenton Gill finished 26th and 27th, respectively, in average yards per punt and punts placed inside the 20-yard line.

Taylor is a wizard with his ball placement. He may have gone higher than the fourth round if he weren't set to turn 27 prior to the 2024 campaign.

Grade: C

123. Houston Texans (From CLE via HOU and PHI)

Cade Stover, TE, Ohio State

Strengths: Good short-area explosiveness and ball control, adjusts well to make plays on off-target passes, physical blocker

Weaknesses: Still learning the position and its nuances, can clean up blocking technique

In a tight end class that's basically Brock Bowers and then everyone else, Ohio State's Cade Stover has a fascinating skill set that should help him develop into a starting-caliber option in the NFL.

Stover converted from linebacker to tight end at Ohio State. Over the last two seasons, he caught 77 passes for 982 yards and 10 touchdowns. In high school, he won Ohio's Mr. Football Award in 2018 and was a semifinalist for the Butkus Award, which goes to the nation's best prep linebacker.

"I can see the game from a different side of the ball, I can see it from a different lens," Stover said in an interview with Forbes' DJ Siddiqi. "When I see a linebacker, the farther he splits out—too far that way—I'm still looking for that stuff. Especially when the game slows down on offense. It's helped me a lot."

Ohio State never features its tight ends, though Stover still proved to be an excellent and natural target while providing a good base as an in-line option. The Houston Texans are getting a bargain by selecting Stover in the fourth round. Tight end rankings were all over the board this year after Brock Bowers. The B/R Scouting Department had the Ohio State product as their TE2. The Texans will have some strong 12-personnel looks with Dalton Schultz and Stover both on the field.

Grade: A

124. San Francisco 49ers (via DAL)

Malik Mustapha, S, Wake Forest

Strengths: Closes ground quickly, explosive movements, striker, plays ball in coverage

Weaknesses: Questionable skill set to play deep third, lacks length, tight in hips, bites on play action

Science tells us that acceleration times mass equals force. Wake Forest's Malik Mustapha epitomizes that formula when he's on the field.

At 5'10" and 209 pounds, Mustapha is a heat-seeking missile. He's arguably the best open-field tackler in this year's draft class.

"People are finally watching the film," Mustapha told the Charlotte Observer's Mike Kaye. "And then guys (are) finally being able to see me move—thinking I'm big and can't move and being slow—but it's all about me, to prove myself right and not to prove other people wrong."

Mustapha pulled his hamstring at the Senior Bowl and couldn't work out at the NFL Scouting Combine. However, he posted a 4.52-second 40-yard dash and 41.5-inch vertical jump at Wake Forest's pro day. The San Francisco 49ers now have a frightening safety combination of Talanoa Hufanga and Mustapha because they're both screaming to the football every chance they get. The former has a long injury history, though. Mustapha covers the Niners' bases.

Grade: B

125. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Bucky Irving, RB, Oregon

Strengths: Wiggle to make defenders miss, knows how to set up blocks, excellent third-down target

Weaknesses: Small, poor contact balance, lack of bulk hinders blocking prowess, lacks top gear

Oregon's Bucky Irving is this year's running back whom everyone wishes was a little bigger and more explosive, because he sure can run.

Over the last two seasons, Irving carried the ball 342 times for 2,238 yards and 16 touchdowns. He was also only one of two running backs to catch at least 50 passes and eclipse 1,000 rushing yards last season.

However, Irving is a 5'9", 192-pound ball-carrier with 4.55-second speed. In other words, he's a smaller option who isn't particularly explosive. He is slippery and capable of helping on passing downs, though.

According to Pro Football Focus, Irving finished "top five in 2023 in missed tackles forced as a runner (69) and a receiver (21)" and forced 136 missed tackles over the last two seasons. Rachaad White played OK during the 2023 season. He nearly eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards. Though that's not as much of an accomplishment as it used to be. White did average only 3.6 yards per carry. Irving won't enter the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' lineup as the featured back. But he adds juice to a backfield that desperately needs it.

Grade: B+

126. Detroit Lions (from GB via NYJ)

Giovanni Manu, OT, British Columbia

The Detroit Lions have gone north of the border to find a developmental prospect worthy of being Taylor Decker's successor, similar to what the Philadelphia Eagles once did with Jordan Maialata and Jason Peters.

Giovanni Manu is a 6'7", 352-pound prospect with a sub-5.0-second 40-yard dash. Unlike Maialata, he has experience playing football before being drafted.

"I started playing football in the ninth grade," Manu told The Draft Network's Justin Melo. "How I fell in love with football is actually a pretty cool story. I was born and raised in Tonga in the South Pacific. Growing up, the first sport I loved and had a passion for was Rugby.

"We moved to Vancouver, Canada, and I went to Pitt Meadows. I wanted to continue playing Rugby, but I quickly learned that it wasn't as popular in Canada. The athletic director at my high school informed me that they didn't even have a rugby team. I asked her, 'What do you guys do for contact out here?'

"She asked me if I ever heard of American football (laughs). I said no. I went home and searched it on YouTube. I was 12-13 years old. I went home and watched a two-minute highlight reel of Ray Lewis destroying people (laughs). That was my introduction to football."

Grade: C+

127. Philadelphia Eagles (via HOU)

Will Shipley, RB, Clemson

Strengths: Natural outlet receiver, decisive runner, top gear, return experience

Weaknesses: Lacks power as a runner and blocker, suspect vision, may never be a lead back

Will Shipley was straight to the point when asked what he'll bring to an NFL offense.

"I am the No. 1 all-purpose back in this draft," Shipley told reporters at the combine.

He may be right. The 21-year-old prospect accumulated 2,495 yards from scrimmage and 22 touchdowns over the last two seasons.

Last year, the San Francisco 49ers' Christian McCaffrey, New York Jets' Breece Hall and Buffalo Bills' James Cook finished in the top three in scrimmage yardage by running backs. All three caught 44 or more passes.

Shipley will initially be viewed as a complementary piece who can be a valuable addition on third down. But don't overlook the possibility of him eventually growing into a bigger role depending on the scheme. Shipley is a throwback to the days of the Andy Reid offense wanting those slippery pass-catchers out of the backfield. Nick Sirianni seems to be trending in the same direction after the Philadelphia Eagles signed Saquon Barkley in free agency. Both of these backs can be on the field at the same time.

Grade: B

128. Buffalo Bills

Ray Davis, RB, Kentucky

Strengths: Good vision and decisive cuts, sturdy frame, strong runner, excellent contact balance, efficient

Weaknesses: Subpar athlete, lacks explosive traits, inferior pass-protector, older prospect

Nothing about Ray Davis' profile says he should be on the precipice of being an NFL running back. Yet here he is.

As The Athletic's Zak Keefer chronicled, Davis' parents were in and out of prison throughout his youth. At the age of eight, the future running back was a ward of the state. He has 14 brothers and sisters. At one point, he had to stay in a homeless shelter. He needed permission from the state of California to accept a scholarship and attend a boarding school in New York.

Davis then needed a postgraduate year to attend college. He landed at Temple, then went to Vanderbilt before finally ending up at Kentucky. During his travels, he became the first-ever SEC running back to top 1,000 yards at two different schools. He's the best pure runner in this year's class, but he's already 24 years old, and he tested poorly prior to the draft.

Even so, there's no reason to count Davis out when he didn't do so for himself through years of trials and tribulations.

Don't look at the testing numbers. Forget the age (24). Davis is a natural back, who can immediately give the Buffalo Bills the perfect complement to James Cook.

Grade: B

129. San Francisco 49ers (from DET via MIN and NYJ)

Isaac Guerendo, RB, Louisville

The run on fourth-round running backs continues, with the San Francisco 49ers claiming Louiville's Isaac Guerendo.

Guerendo is all about potential, with little production. In fact, he never ran for more than 810 yards during any of his collegiate seasons or served as the offense's featured back, either with the Wisconsin Badgers or Cardinals.

However, a near-10 relative athletic score and little wear makes him a fascinating prospect. Besides, it's hard to bet against Kyle Shanahan when it comes to running back prospects.

Grade: B

130. Baltimore Ravens

T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State

Strengths: Knows how to use his size, length and strength, highly effective jam, looser in the hips than size indicates

Weaknesses: Lacks top gear, can play high, will take unnecessary chances in open field

Sometimes, a name says it all.

Iowa State cornerback T.J. Tampa was built to play in the old-school Monte Kiffin Tampa 2 scheme. While that particular system isn't en vogue anymore, Tampa's skill set does still fit in specific situations.

Tampa is a 6'1", 189-pound cornerback with 32⅛-inch arms. He loves to play near the line of scrimmage and disrupt a receiver's route from its onset.

The first-team All-Big 12 selection can be exposed in man-heavy schemes because he lacks the top-end speed to stay in phase with more athletic targets. Tampa ran a 4.58-second 40-yard dash at the Big 12 pro day after recovering from a hamstring injury that prevented him from doing a workout at the NFL Scouting Combine.

To Tampa's credit, his 4.07-second short shuttle and 6.97-second three-cone both would have put him among the top five defensive backs in Indianapolis. The Baltimore Ravens already chose Nate Wiggins in the first round. They clearly saw great value in Tampa in the fourth. The Bleacher Report Scouting Department had Tampa graded as a second-round talent, and cornerback Brandon Stephens will be a free agent after this season.

Grade: A

131. Kansas City Chiefs

Jared Wiley, TE, TCU

Strengths: Big and long target with good open-field speed, natural receiver, creates after the catch

Weaknesses: Not much of an in-line option as a blocker or target, developing route-runner

TCU's Jared Wiley bounced from tight end to starting quarterback as a high school senior and back to tight end at the collegiate level. His progression was slowed at Texas, where he originally committed yet wasn't featured during his first three seasons.

After transferring to TCU, the 6'6", 249-pound target really began to emerge.

In 2022, Wiley caught 24 passes for 245 yards during the Horned Frogs' run to the national championship game. He took on far more of the receiving workload during his final season at TCU and led the team with 47 catches and eight receiving touchdowns.

"I knew at the end of last year that I was going to be one of the top guys in the offense," Wiley told reporters at the NFL combine. "I took it as a challenge to myself. Not a lot of guys are called in by their head coach, offensive coordinator and position coach. They don't tell everybody that they need you to step up, need you to be a captain, to be a leader on and off the field."

The Kansas City Chiefs have seemingly been preparing for life without Travis Kelce for years. Noah Gray is a perfect example. Wiley brings awesome size to the position, with enough upside to legitimately be the future of the position for the back-to-back Super Bowl champions.

Grade: B

132. Detroit Lions (from SF via PHI)

Sione Vaki, RB/S, Utah

Strengths: Can contribute in all three phases, physical performer who plays all over the field at safety

Weaknesses: Not as fluid in pedal or through turn, lacks length, can be exploited in man coverage

There's a difference between raw athleticism and being a fantastic all-around athlete. Utah's Sione Vaki is the latter.

During his time with the Utes, Vaki played in all three phases. The 2023 first-team All-Pac-12 selection finished second on the squad this past season with 8.5 tackles for loss at safety. He also became one of seven ball-carriers in the nation with an average of 7.5 yards per carry after being asked to help at running back.

"I'm a Swiss army knife. You can call me 'Blank Check,'" Vaki told Bleacher Report. "I bring depth to any position on either side of the ball. I've already had experience at multiple positions on offense and defense. I bring that depth chart to any team, even special teams."With the Detroit Lions, it's as much about culture fit as it is talent. Vaki's team-first mentality and ability to contribute in all three phases is perfect for head coach Dan Campbell and that locker room, hence why the organization traded up yet again to select who will presumably be a running back for the Lions.

Grade: B

133. Kansas City Chiefs (via BUF)

Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State

Strengths: Big and physical safety, Swiss army knife, good angles with burst to close quickly

Weaknesses: Questionable change-of-direction movement, will miss some tackles, bites on play action

At points during the 2023 season, Washington State's Jaden Hicks looked like the best safety in the nation. He flew all over the field, playing multiple roles within the Cougars' scheme.

"That position is vital to our defense-he's part safety, part linebacker, he blitzes, shows disguise," defensive coordinator Jeff Schmedding told Coug Fan's Zach Martin.

"He has the skill set physically and mentally to excel and now there's the leadership piece ... people (opponents) are ultra aware of him and where he is on the field."

Questions about the redshirt sophomore's athletic profile persisted, though. He put some of those to bed with a sub-4.5-second 40-yard dash during Washington State's pro day, per The Athletic's Dane Brugler. The Kansas City Chiefs understand that Justin Reid will be a free agent after this season. The same applies to Bryan Cook a year later. Hicks is a top safety in this class, even if he slid to the fourth round.

Grade A+

134. New York Jets (via BAL)

Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin

Strengths: Rare size and strength for position, powerful runner with top-notch contact balance, reliable outlet target

Weaknesses: Lacks top gear, buildup speed and struggles to reaccelerate, pass protection

The term "phenom" has been so overused in the sports world that it has started to lose its meaning. But when discussing Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen, it's appropriate.

Allen wasn't old enough to vote when he broke into the Badgers' starting lineup and ran wild with 1,268 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns as a true freshman. He's still not even allowed to legally drink alcohol despite rushing for 3,494 yards and 35 touchdowns over the last three seasons.

The underclassman was able to excel very early because he wasn't built like a typical teenager. He's a plow horse of a ball-carrier at 6'1" and 235 pounds. His weight room exploits were well-known at a young age.

As good as Allen was early in his career, Wisconsin's new staff didn't see him as the best fit in its offense, which explains why his production dipped this past season. Still, he retook his role as lead back after an injury to Chez Mellusi and posted five 100-yard performances on the season.

The New York Jets already had speedy ball-carriers in the backfield in Breece Hall and Israel Abanikanda. Allen's build brings a completely different dynamic to the running back room. The Jets coaching staff will almost certainly want Allen to change up his running style just slightly and be the short-yard banger.

Grade: B+

135. San Francisco 49ers

Jacob Cowing, WR, Arizona

Some will view this selection as more insurance in case the San Francisco 49ers decide to move on from Brandon Aiyuk and/or Deebo Samuel. But Arizona's Jacob Cowing is another weapon who can be used in a variety of ways, particularly on special teams. Cowing does bring experience as a returner as well.

Grade: C