Dec 30, 2024; Nashville, TN, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Brady Cook (12) throws a pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Having beaten to death what the Jets might do with the seventh overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft, we thought it might be fun to go in the opposite direction. We’re going to take a look at some potential late day 3 picks along with a a handful of likely undrafted free agents.
After paring a list of 32 players all they way down to a dozen, here are some names that are not Membou, McMillan or Warren who could be worth taking a flier on in a few weeks.
Using the prospect liste from the folks at Pro Football Network, we decided to start with the 300th ranked player in a draft with 257 picks to begin scouring for prospects who have stood out as potential late hits.
LT John Williams, Cincinnati (Rank: 304): Williams’ arm length of 33 7/8” may concern those who worry about such things, but he’s worth a look at tackle even if you choose to kick him inside in the future. He definitely needs to get stronger but didn’t allow a single sack in 2024 on 461 pass block reps.
NFL Mock Draft Database Projection: UDFA
Edge Ahmed Hassanein, Boise State (306): A bit of a prodigy, the Egyptian-born Hassanein didn’t start playing football until 2018. By 2023 he was dominating offensive linemen and continued that run in 2024. Over those two seasons, he logged 22 sacks and 33 tackles for loss. He’s got a great motor and may even be able to kick inside at times at 270 pounds.
NFL Mock Draft Database Projection: UDFA
C Drew Kendall, Boston College (310): A familiar name to Jets fans, the son of Pete Kendall is also in interior lineman with guard/center flexibility. He’s athletic enough to be effective on stretch/outside runs and shows strong hands and grip. Does a nice job of finding and hitting his target on pulls and allowed just 1 sack on 365 pass block reps last season.
NFL Mock Draft Database Projection: UDFA
DL Davin Vann, NC State (330): An explosive defender who is sound against both the run and the pass, Vann has spent the vast majority of his time at NC state as a defensive end but has shown some versatility, kicking inside to defensive tackle from time to time. His height isn’t ideal at 6′ 2” but that doesn’t seem to slow him down against quality competition as evidenced by his whopping six forced fumbles this season.
NFL Mock Draft Database Projection: UDFA
TE CJ Dippre, Alabama (346): A little-used tight end with intriguing measurables, Dippre could surprise at the next level. He shows some flashes as a blocker and had an elite 10-yard split which could play a role in getting him in to space quickly off the snap.
NFL Mock Draft Database Projection: UDFA
QB Brady Cook, Missouri (357): Cook played with some nagging injuries in 2024 which may have hurt his production, but much of his film over the past two seasons shows us a draftable signal caller. His arm is plenty good and his mobility above average to make plenty of plays with his legs.
Mock Draft Database Projection: 7th Round
S Dan Jackson, Georgia (404): Destined to be a special teams ace and a heat-seeking missle on defense, Jackson was combine snub who recently ran a 4.46 at his pro day. The kid just flat out gets after it on one of the best defenses in the country. He can play out of control at times but could be a nice role player if he gets that under control.
Mock Draft Database Projection: 7th Round
RB Shunderrick Powell, Central Arkansas (486): In such a deep running back class, being a back out of Central Arkansas will easily get you overlooked by most fans in the draft world. But we’d be surprised if NFL teams do the same with Shunderrick Powell. A speedy back who runs with authority, Powell is fast enough to get the edge and has enough thump to bounce off of tacklers and keep moving forward. Powell didn’t disappoint at his pro day either where he ran a 4.40 40 and posted a 40.5” vertical.
Mock Draft Database Projection: No Profile
RB Micah Bernard, Utah (529):
Bernard is going to fight for every yard he gets and does a nice job of catching the ball out of the backfield. He needs some work as a blocker but don’t be surprised if he makes somebody’s practice squad with a chance to develop.
Mock Draft Database Projection: UDFA
C Jacob Bayer, Arkansas State (558): Loved what Bayer showed on film at Central Arkansas and flashed at times in Mobile at the Senior Bowl. A very capable blocker in both the run and pass games, we have seen Bayer projected by some to have his name called late on day 3.
Mock Draft Database Projection: UDFA
WR Blayne Taylor, Abalene Christian (659): Despite being the second-to-last ranked player on our list, Taylor might be our favorite. A 6′ 5” target with excellent quickness, body control and hands, he also gets after it as a blocker in the run game. An early special teams candidate who could also be a contributor in the red zone.
Mock Draft Database Projection: UDFA
OL Sal Wormley, Penn State (694): As long as of a longshot as you’ll see, Wormley finished just four spots above the very bottom of PFN’s prospect list at 694th overall. He’s not the most athletic guard you’ll ever see but he’s powerful at the point of attack who had some stellar performances for Penn State over the years. We thought he played some of his best football in the college football playoffs against a very good Notre Dame defense.
Mock Draft Database Projection: UDFA
