This year in the 2024 NFL Draft, plenty of draft steals occurred on days two and three, due to the pure depth of the class and reaches from general managers. I’m looking at you, Tom Telesco, and your round three selections. But as for today, we will be covering the five biggest 2024 NFL Draft Steals.
Jer’Zhan (Johnny) Newton
Selected at: 36 | 2024 NFL Draft Consensus Board Ranking: 24 | Value: +12
After the lights turned off when day one of the 2024 NFL Draft concluded, one of the biggest names left on the board was Johnny Newton. The Illinois defensive lineman was considered a first-round lock and was projected to go as early as nine to the Bears. This had many wondering why he was still left on the board and not selected in the first round.
Quickly into day two, the defensive tackle run started. This was headlined by the Falcons selection of Ruke Orhorhoro. A player who was very well-liked in this draft class, but absolutely no one had even thought of him going above Newton. The Commanders were next on the clock, and even with their strong interior defensive line group, they opted to draft Newton. He will likely be playing a rotational pass-rush role in this Dan Quinn defense. This was one of the best 2024 NFL Draft Steals thus far with a +12 value.
Cooper DeJean
Selected at: 40 | 2024 NFL Draft Consensus Board Ranking: 18 | Value: +22
Howie Roseman simply does it again. He gets the best player on nearly everyone’s board for a value that we did not expect to happen whatsoever. However, it did take some work to get Cooper DeJean, as he should not have been available at 40.
The Eagles sent division rival, the Washington Commanders selections: 50, 53, and 161 in exchange for 40, 78, and 152.
Once the trade was in place, the selection was a no-brainer as the Iowa Defensive Back was a +22 value. The 2024 NFL Draft Steal, DeJean possesses positional versatility being able to play anywhere in the secondary, while also being a dangerous returner. This selection also came after the Eagles’ last selection of Cornerback, Quinyon Mitchell. Look for both of these rookies to play a massive impact on this stacked Eagles defense.
Payton Wilson
Selected at: 98 | 2024 NFL Draft Consensus Board Ranking: 46 | Value: +52
The next player on this of 2024 NFL Draft Steals, came in the third round. Payton Wilson unfortunately dealt with plenty of injuries during his career. However, his season last year gave a team very strong reason to draft him as early as day one. Many expected Wilson to go in the second due to positional value and the injuries, but no one saw him going at one of the last picks in the third round.
The Pittsburgh Steelers took advantage of Wilson falling on draft boards and took him before the end of day two. Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin was quoted saying; “He was a guy we had high on our board… Very productive, fast, really has good football instincts. All the things you want in a football player. Seeing him where he was and having an opportunity to get him, we thought that was a good thing and we like where we’re at with that.”
Simply put, the NC State Linebacker was great value for the Steelers. They also drafted Roman Wilson who was very much in contention to be on this list as another 2024 NFL Draft Steal. If the third-round rookie linebacker can stay healthy, look for him to bring pro-bowl-caliber linebacker play for a long time to Pittsburgh. Wilson was a +52 value when going off the Consensus Board Rankings.
Troy Franklin
Selected at: 102 | 2024 NFL Draft Consensus Board Ranking: 39 | Value: +63
Troy Franklin is the main 2024 NFL Draft Steal that everyone is raving about. Like another player on this list, he is someone that I was not the personal biggest fan of. The Oregon receiver completely lacks the frame to win against physical corners and catch tough passes over the middle. That being said, Franklin being selected in the early fourth round is amazing value considering his strengths as a route runner and the lengthy production he had during his collegiate career.
The Denver Broncos were the ones to stop the slide of Franklin. Though their receiver room has plenty of options, adding another in today’s NFL is never a bad option. This is especially true considering the AFC West is always in an arms race with each other. Denver also selected Oregon Quarterback Bo Nix in the first round, so the lengthy receiver already has a great rapport with his QB. Look for Franklin to use this to his advantage and gain a role quickly in this Sean Payton-led offense.
With a consensus value of 39, and being selected at 102, it is quite fair to call Franklin one of the biggest 2024 NFL Draft Steals
Brenden Rice
Selected at: 225 | 2024 NFL Draft Consensus Board Ranking: 111| Value: +114
As mentioned during the Troy Franklin segment, there was another player I was not a huge fan of, but still was shocked that they fell as far as they did. That player was the Chargers’ new receiver, Brenden Rice. As the son of legendary Jerry Rice, many either thought he was purely a repo-baby only garnering hype due to his last name, or felt as though he made a name for himself during his time at USC playing with #1 overall selection, Caleb Williams.
Rice’s skillset is not anything that wows you in any specific category. The son of the legend, has solid long speed, solid routes, solid hands, solid production, and solid… everything. He is just solid. However, his athletic profile shows that he can compete in the NFL with his 8.73u RAS score. Assistant GM, Chad Alexander was quoted saying that Rice “can stretch the field vertically and block well.” This is exactly what Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman want in their receivers. A willing blocker who can also take the top off of defenses, to make the run game even better. Look for Rice to become a role player in 2024.
Brenden Rice may have been a divisive prospect, but the value of the selection is one thing that many can agree on. The future is bright for the Los Angeles Chargers receiving room, as they selected three receivers in 2024. Rice is just one that will likely play a strong part in that improvement.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
