The 2024 NFL Draft has some pretty elite players at the top of the draft, but it’s in the mid-to-late rounds that the team’s depth is created. Great teams are built on the second and third days of the draft. At this time, overlooked players are drafted and become an important force. We may not have Puka Nacua in this draft, but we will likely find starters and heavy rotation players in the latter half of Days 2 and 3. Here are some sleepers who will eventually become great rotation players or starters at the next level.
Javon Solomon, EDGE, Troy
Although small at 6-foot-1 and 246, Solomon has long arms, performed at an insane level in college, and appeared to play out of position at Troy. He has great burst and bend to the game, which most players coming up don’t have. If he can lie flat and turn the corner as a designated pass rusher, that would be extremely valuable to an NFL team.
Jayrix Hunt, Houston Christian
Another undersized edge rusher, Hunt has a very interesting story. Hunt, who started as a safety at Cornell, transferred during the coronavirus season and is big enough to play on the edge. Hunt’s movement skills on the edge are very reminiscent of his former safety, and his game continues to develop as a well-rounded EDGE prospect. He still needs to refine his pass rush plan and true counters, but any player with that athleticism is worth draft pick.
You can tell that Jayrix Hunt is still trying to learn how to play EDGE (he was a safety at Cornell before transferring), but he was second team all-conference in his first year of play, and yeah, he’s I can move (#13, bottom of the screen) pic.twitter.com/MkXDK4sGHe
— JP Acosta (@acosta32_jp) November 15, 2023
Jalen Coker, WR, Holy Cross
Coker is an interesting prospect. He has very good ball skills and hands that put him in the 82nd percentile among all receivers, but the big knock on him is his speed (4.57 40-yard dash). But what Coker does best is winning above the rim at the catch point and being an aggressive blocker. He has enough wiggle to create separation in short areas, but that’s not really his game. He is most talked about as a power slot at the next level and could eventually develop into a starter within a few years.
Anthony Gould, WR, Oregon State
Changes to the NFL’s kickoff return rules now allow players to only be kickoff returners, giving them more room to build rosters that way. Gould is one of the players who could be on the roster as a slot receiver and return man. Gould is a small receiver at 5’8 and 174 pounds, but his speed (4.39 40-yard dash) makes him a valuable asset in his return. He has excellent vision with the ball in his hands and can be a strong playmaker.
Tip Lehman, TE, Illinois
Lyman is a good athlete at tight end and a very physical blocker. Lyman came into the combine running a 4.64 40-yard dash at 271 pounds, but he doesn’t have a ton of pass catching. He’s a strong blocker both in-line and off the ball, which will be extremely valuable in the NFL. It’s highly unlikely he’ll be selected on Day 2, but he’s a great Day 3 prospect who could immediately raise the bottom of the run game.
Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, Purdue
In a running back class that has received some unwarranted hate, Purdue running back Tyron Tracy Jr. could be a Day 3 selection and a player who could play a good role on an NFL team. His athletic tests were near the top of his class, with excellent results in the short shuttle and 40-yard dash.
He’s a tough runner inside, but also has speed that will be an important factor in the passing game. His contact balance is good for a player his size, and teams will appreciate that on Day 3.
