NFL Draft 2024: Late Round Playmakers

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INDIANAPOLIS – Alabama and former Georgia Wide Receiver Jermaine Burton looks to be a potential late-round draft steal that NFL general managers can’t take their eyes off of. Although Michigan receiver Cornelius Johnson will try to steal the spotlight with his slightly better 4.44 40-yard dash, Burton’s 4.46 time is nothing to overlook. Although the unofficial time may not entirely give general managers a glimpse of Burton’s deep-threat ability, the game film certainly does.

Burton might face a slight uphill battle unfortunately due to an injury against Michigan in the Rose Bowl which Alabama lost 27-20. Had Burton not suffered the injury, the game result could’ve been different. He’s an absolute burner out bears the secondary of most defenses rather easily. He’s a bit on the shorter side only 6’0″ tall but in the modern NFL, shorter but faster receivers are quickly becoming the new normal. After all, anyone can feel free to keep pointing out Tyreek Hill as the measurement for success for shorter, faster receivers. We also can’t forget Colts legend T.Y. Hilton.

It’s important to remember Burton had a lot of success against the elite defenses of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). He only had 39 receptions but he had 798 yards and eight touchdowns. He averaged an unbelievable 20.8 yards per reception.

Other unsung playmakers to watch for on days two and three of the NFL Draft.

Blake Watson – Running Back – Memphis – Can a 5’9″ tall running back do some serious damage as a complimentary running back to give a starter some much-needed plays off to rest? Yes, of course, because the 2024 draft features serious depth at running back. One such playmaker is the evasive Watson out of Memphis. He’s not the fastest or the strongest running back on the board. What he has is exceptional football IQ. He makes perfect reads against defenses, identifies gaps in the defense instantly, and patiently follows his blockers while accelerating at the right time.

Evan Anderson – Defensive Tackle – Florida Atlantic – Anderson is a 6′ 3″ tall behemoth in the middle of the defensive line. He’s currently about 356 pounds and could wreak havoc against the run game. He also had 3.5 sacks in the 2023 season so he can really move fast for someone his size. Call him a developmental defensive tackle but he’s one the best developmental defensive tackles you’ll ever see. In the game against Clemson last season, he was constantly double-teamed so offensive linemen are fully aware of his capabilities. Even if he’s stopped or at least slowed down at the next level, he will give opportunities for another defensive lineman to make big plays.