Like all drafts, the 2024 NFL Draft was won and lost throughout day three. Finding value in rounds 4-7 creates the difference between an average draft class and an outstanding one.
Several franchises made shrewd selections this past weekend. Locating instant contributors in the latter rounds drastically improves a roster's outlook. We've identified the five best value selections in the 2024 NFL Draft.
T.J. TAMPA, CB, BALTIMORE RAVENS (NO. 130)
I had a second-round grade on Iowa State cornerback T.J. Tampa. The Ravens are historically a franchise that drafts extremely well in the later rounds. They've done it again, adding a starting-caliber cornerback like Tampa in the fourth round.
Perhaps the hamstring injury that prevented Tampa from working out at the NFL Combine caused his draft-weekend slide. Tampa recovered to work out at the Big 12 Pro Day, where he posted elite agility results in the shuttle (4.07) and 3-cone (6.97). The Cyclones standout plays with terrific instincts, having accumulated 22 career pass breakups. Tampa and first-round corner Nate Wiggins will be long-term building blocks in Baltimore's defensive backfield.
JUSTIN EBOIGBE, DL, LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (NO. 105)
It's beyond rare that a prospect hailing from Alabama flies somewhat under the radar, but I found that to be the case with defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe. Maybe it's because Eboigbe missed the majority of the 2022 season with injury. He returned to form for the Crimson Tide in 2023, enjoying a career-best campaign with 63 tackles, 11.5 for loss, and 7.0 sacks.
Eboigbe was among the toughest, hard-nosed players I scouted this cycle. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism should allow him to play multiple positions as a three-down defender for the Chargers.
Attitude, approach, and mental toughness were a problem for Brandon Staley's Chargers. That won't be an issue for the team Jim Harbaugh is building. Eboigbe fits the culture.
MEKHI WINGO, DL, DETROIT LIONS (NO. 189)
Speaking of culture fits, Mekhi Wingo is going to bite kneecaps for Dan Campbell. I did not foresee Wingo lasting until the sixth round. The Lions have been searching for a defensive lineman who can create interior pressure to pair with Aidan Hutchinson screaming off the edge. Recent draft picks such as Brodric Martin and Levi Onwuzurike haven't provided that just yet. I love Wingo's chances.
Wingo is twitchy with first-step explosiveness to athletically challenge interior offensive linemen. He took an obvious step forward as a pass rusher this past season, recording a career-high 4.5 sacks and five tackles for loss in just eight regular-season appearances. Wingo will play for the Lions in 2024.
BRENDEN RICE, WR, LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (NO. 225)
I'm still racking my brain trying to figure out why Brenden Rice slid to the seventh round. Rice put forth a solid performance at the Senior Bowl, often showcasing his separation skills throughout practice reps. He also posted above-average testing results at the NFL Combine, having run a 4.5 40-yard dash at 6-foot-3 and 208 pounds. The Chargers wisely pounced with the 225th overall pick.
Rice has a legitimate opportunity to play himself into a role with the Chargers this season. They entered the draft needing multiple receivers after parting ways with Mike Williams and Keenan Allen earlier this offseason, yet they still passed on Malik Nabers in the first round. Rice was their second wideout drafted after they took Ladd McConkey at No. 34 overall.
DADRION TAYLOR-DEMERSON, DB, ARIZONA CARDINALS (NO. 104)
I love what the Cardinals did all throughout this draft, and versatile defensive back Dadrion Taylor-Demerson was one of their best value picks. Taylor-Demerson posted elite testing results throughout this process. He ranked first at the NFL Combine among all participating safeties in the 40 (4.41) and sixth in the vertical (38 inches).
Taylor-Demerson will be an alignment-versatile talent in Jonathan Gannon's defense. He tracks the ball and creates turnovers through well-advanced instincts and ball skills. Taylor-Demerson may command the nickel for the Cardinals in 2024.
