Rookie drafts are in full swing, and we are seeing players land solidly into their tiers. Quarterback dries up after the top six, with only Spencer Rattler getting much attention late in drafts. Many of the running backs are in stash and wait situations so it might be best to just go get your guys. Let’s see who the Nerds Staff is grabbing in the third round.
Check out Round 1 here and Round 2 here.
3.01 Jaylen Wright, RB, 5’10” 210lbs
Miami Dolphins
Jaylen Wright is the ideal replacement for an aging Raheem Mostert. He has three-down size, and breakaway speed. While Wright isn’t likely to overtake Mostert in 2024, it should be all systems go as the RB1a in 2025.
3.02 Malachi Corley, WR, 5’11” 215
New York Jets
I can only take Ray Davis in so many drafts, let’s switch it up and take new Jets wide receiver Malachi Corley. He’s a target hog slot receiver who has crazy run after the catch ability. Corley will likely be Aaron Rodgers‘ second option behind stud Garrett Wilson, and Corley should have WR2/3 numbers in 2024 and beyond.
3.03 Troy Franklin, WR, 6’2″ 176lbs
Denver Broncos
Ok, I know Troy Franklin did not have the best combine. I get that and thats why he fell in the NFL Draft to the fourth round. But lets not forget his last year at Oregon, he put up an 81/1383/14 season with Bo Nix throwing him the football. Who does he have throwing the football to him in Denver??? That’s right Bo Nix. In the third round of your rookie drafts, Franklin screams value to me.
3.04 Braelon Allen, RB, 6’1″ 235lbs
New York Jets
I don’t want to wish injury on my man Breece Hall, but the unfortunate reality is running backs get hurt. Braelon Allen is going to get an opportunity to start at some point. Even if Hall stays healthy, I think the Jets want to run the ball enough to sustain a second back behind Hall.
3.05 Bucky Irving, RB, 5’9″ 192lbs
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This is an upside play for me as Rachaad White was inefficient last season. Bucky Irving caught almost 100 passes in three seasons of college football and that should help him earn some snaps this year.
3.06 Ben Sinnott, TE, 6’4″ 250lbs
Washington Commanders
By this point in the draft, you should be pivoting to players with high upside. Ben Sinnott fits that bill perfectly. He’s athletic (RAS of 9.76), impressed during the pre-draft process, and has the potential to forge an impactful relationship with fellow rookie, Jayden Daniels. Plus he’ll get some mentoring from former Pro Bowl tight end, Zach Ertz. You may recall that worked out pretty well for previous protege, Trey McBride.
3.07 Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, 6’4″ 245lbs
Carolina Panthers
I picked Sanders as he’s my TE2 and the Panthers are looking for offensive weapons. I think he has the tools to be a top-5 tight end for fantasy. I think most players in this range are a dart throw and I was happy to get Ja’Tavion Sanders to be mine
3.08 Kimani Vidal, RB, 5’8″ 213lbs
Los Angeles Chargers
Who knows if JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards can stay healthy a full season, or if they’re even what they used to be. History says we’ll likely see Kimani Vidal get an opportunity to prove himself this year.
3.09 Tyrone Tracy, RB, 5’11” 209lbs
New York Giants
I thought about keeping the tight end run going but I couldn’t ignore the potential upside of Tyrone Tracy in the Giants offense. Devin Singletary has usually worked better in tandem with another running back, including in his previous stint with Head Coach Brian Daboll. Despite his advanced age, Tyrone is an elite athlete who could make some noise if given a chance. His fifth-round draft capital isn’t the worst these days either.
3.10 Spencer Rattler, QB, 6’0″ 211lbs
New Orleans Saints
This might be a little early but in Superflex the upside is high. I think Rattler gets a starting chance eventually. Derek Carr is going to go through struggles, and Spencer Rattler has the arm talent to stick in the NFL. I’m taking a shot on Spencer Rattler in the late third round of rookie drafts.
3.11 Jalen McMillan, WR, 6’1″ 197lbs
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jalen McMillan was on my radar before the draft, but being drafted in the third round by Tampa Bay only raises him up my board. He possesses good route running and YAC ability. He was overshadowed on a team with two other receivers. He is the perfect heir apparent to Chris Godwin in the Tampa Bay offense.
3.12 Luke McCaffrey, WR, 6’2″ 194lbs
Washington Commanders
For the final pick in this three-round rookie mock draft, we select Luke McCaffrey. McCaffrey lands where he could be the second-leading target leader if he can find his way into the starting lineup. I’d place my bet on a McCaffrey to be able to produce in the NFL.
