The first two days of the NFL Draft are in the books, but there are still quite a few interesting prospects left for Day 3. The 2020 NFL Draft is one of the deepest in recent memory, and teams should be able to find guys that can immediately contribute, even at this stage of the draft.
2020 NFL Draft: Best Day 3 Prospects
Jacob Eason [NFL Draft Profile]
Projected by many as a second-round pick, quarterback Jacob Eason surprisingly finds himself available on the third day of the NFL Draft. Eason has an absolute rocket, but is a mess under pressure and could use some time to develop. He’s a perfect Day 3 developmental project and should be one of the first players off the board.
Jake Fromm [NFL Draft Profile]
On the other end of the spectrum is quarterback Jake Fromm. While Fromm lacks the ideal physical tools for the position, he has fantastic processing speed and always knows where to go with the ball. The Georgia product doesn’t have the highest ceiling, but he’s a safe floor type of player that could easily be one of the biggest steals of the NFL Draft.
Anthony Gordon [NFL Draft Profile]
Anthony Gordon has one year of elite college production, but that small sample size appears to be scaring teams off. On top of that, he’s not the biggest guy or the strongest arm. However, he’s great when operating in the system and could be 2020’s Gardner Minshew if forced to start.
Antonio Gandy-Golden [NFL Draft Profile]
Antonio Gandy-Golden would not still be on the board in most draft classes. The Liberty product possesses ideal size and athleticism for the position, but is a little raw and isn’t the fastest prospect. That said, he’s borderline unstoppable at the point of attack and is never truly covered. Anyone looking for a redzone threat with starting-caliber upside should look no further.
K.J. Hill [NFL Draft Profile]
Slot receivers aren’t the most valuable commodity in the NFL, but K.J. Hill has the potential to be a reliable safety blanket for years to come. The Ohio State prospect excels at getting open in the short part of the field, has reliable hands, and can move the chains when called upon. He’s no Julian Edelman, but he can play at a Cole Beasley level.
Harrison Bryant [NFL Draft Profile]
Surprisingly, four tight ends went off the board in Day 2 and Harrison Bryant wasn’t one of them. The Florida Atlantic product isn’t a traditional in-line blocker, but he has the potential to be a decent tool in the passing game. Anyone looking for a late-round receiving weapon with the ability to line up at multiple positions should have Bryant on their short list.
Akeem Davis-Gaither [NFL Draft Profile]
From a fundamentals standpoint, Akeem Davis-Gaither does just about everything you like to see from a linebacker. He’s fantastic in space, knows how to get to the quarterback as a blitzer, and chase down a play from the opposite side of the field. The only reason that he’s still on the board is that his 6’-1”, 224-pound frame isn’t what you’d come to expect from a linebacker. He outplayed his size at college, and some team will be happy they took a late-round flier on him this year.
Bryce Hall [NFL Draft Profile]
Any zone-heavy team needing a cornerback should have Bryce Hall at the top of their list. Hall’s ankle injury must be scaring teams away, because there’s no reason for a guy like him to still be around at this part of the draft. The Viginia product has great instincts, range, and a high football IQ to make plays in zone. His speed keeps him from projecting well as a press man cornerback, but he definitely has value in the right scheme.
Troy Pride Jr. [NFL Draft Profile]
Troy Pride is better fit for the fourth round, as his ball skills aren’t the best and he struggles to break up passes, even when he’s in position to do so. However, he can play off man and zone coverage, has quick feet, and typically stays with his man throughout the route. He might need to time to develop, but he has starting-caliber upside.
Netane Muti [NFL Draft Profile]
If healthy, Netane Muti could be the best interior offensive lineman in the class. The Fresno State product absolutely demolishes opponents in the run game and is just as effective in the pass game. That said, he’s battled Achilles and shoulder injuries for most of the past two seasons and is a major injury red flag. He’s a high-risk, high-reward player that is easily worth a roll of the dice at this stage of the draft.
Leki Fotu [NFL Draft Profile]
Leki Fotu would already be off the board in a different era of football. The defensive lineman is one of the stronger players in this draft, capable of eating up double teams and closing up rushing lanes. Unfortunately for him, he doesn’t do much against the pass, which caused his overall draft value to plummet. He should be able to contribute in a rotational role as a rookie, which is all you can ask for on Day 3 of the NFL Draft.
Prince Tega Wanogho [NFL Draft Profile]
Any team that still needs a tackle should be thrilled to see Prince Tega Wanogho still on the board. While he carries a risk with his knee, the offensive tackle managed to put together a fantastic collegiate career against some elite SEC pass-rushers. If a team can coach up his footwork, he has the potential to be a 10-year starter in the league.
John Hightower [NFL Draft Profile]
John Hightower isn’t a well-rounded receiver by any stretch of the imagination, but he excels at getting open deep down the field. While he doesn’t have the same speed as a guy like Henry Ruggs, his 4.43 40-yard time shows up on tape. Any team looking for some extra speed should hone in on Hightower at the back part of the fourth round.
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