Likely mid-round draft choice Tory Horton has the potential to deliver big plays on a regular basis. … More
The NFL Draft is not about hitting a home run in the first round and adding a game-changing player. That’s wonderful when it happens, and the Washington Commanders certainly did just that when they selected Jayden Daniels with the No. 2 pick last year.
The Commanders (12-5) not only left their losing ways behind, but they also made the playoffs, finishing second to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East. They also won two playoff games before they lost to Philadelphia in the NFC title game.
The NFL Draft is something of a science. It is a game of evaluation, looking at talented college players and determining which one will be successful at the next level. Those selected in the first and second rounds are expected to contribute, but players that are drafted in the third round or later face a greater challenge when it comes to making the team and becoming a player who makes winning contributions.
In this piece we look at several players who will be drafted in the third round or later but will have an excellent chance to make a solid contribution during their rookie seasons.
WR Tory Horton, Colorado State, 6-3, 198
An injury to his right knee limited Horton to six games last season, but the big-play maker is expected to be fully healthy in the upcoming season. He led the nation in receiving yards in 2022 with 1,131 and he followed that season up with 96-1,136-8 in 2023. He was a threat to make big plays every time he caught the ball in those two seasons.
He has excellent long speed and can set defensive backs up with ease. He knows how to run crossing patterns like few other receivers and that ability should make him a key part of the game plan. A healthy Horton would likely have been earmarked for a spot late in the first round. Now he is more likely to be an early-to-mid third-round selection
CB Dorian Strong, Virginia Tech, 6-1, 193
Strong does not have first-round length, but he has excellent skills and know-how for the position. He started the last 25 games of his college career and demonstrated that he could cover the best receivers on a consistent basis. He plays with tremendous confidence and he makes opposing quarterbacks question if they should throw the ball in his direction.
He does not have ideal speed, but he makes up for that with quickness and tremendous instincts for the position. Strong may not get selected until the fourth round, but he should make a positive contribution right away.
RB Devin Neal, Kansas, 5-11, 216
Neal is a super-productive running back who led the Jayhawks in rushing for four straight seasons. He totaled 4,343 rushing yards, 49 rushing touchdowns and exceeded 100 yards 20 times.
Neal is not a speed burner, but don’t get the idea that he is slow. He excels at setting up tacklers by changing gears and then running by them even though his stopwatch speed is not impressive. He follows his blockers and then delivers a burst.
He can run through arm tackles and has a tremendous wiggle that allows him to make tacklers look silly because they swing and miss. Neal is a likely fourth- or fifth-round choice in the upcoming draft, but he can add to any team’s ground game.
Riley Leonard has remarkable running skills at the quarterback position. (Photo by Jonathan … More
QB Riley Leonard, Notre Dame, 6-4, 218
Leonard is not likely to be selected before the fifth round, and he will need time before the team that drafts him can turn to him on a regular basis. He is a fantastic athlete who had 17 rushing touchdowns for the Fighting Irish last season and 906 yards on the ground.
He is an outstanding runner and the numbers say his passing skills are worth investing in as well. Leonard completed 269 of 403 passes for 2,861 yards with 21 TDs and 8 interceptions. Athletic quarterbacks like Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson have become three of the standard bearers in the NFL. That bodes well for Leonard. He will get an opportunity to show what he can do even if he is drafted in the fifth or sixth round.
TE Jackson Hawes, Georgia Tech, 6-5, 253
Hawes played one season at Georgia Tech after playing in the Ivy League for Yale. He was used in a limited way as a receiver, but he can track the ball extremely well and make the adjustment to the ball.
However, Hawes has the ability to dominate as a blocking tight end. He is going to find his man and stay with him through the whistle. Hawes is not going to develop into a Pro Bowl tight end, but this likely seventh-round has a chance to be an effective player because he can make his teammates better through his blocking.