NFL Draft 2024: 5 Best late-round picks ft. Spencer Rattler

The NFL Draft 2024 came to a close with many late-round picks like Spencer Rattler entering the league with a lot to prove. There were players who we liked the looks of and the statistics pointed to a good prospect, only for the general managers to pass up on them until the final day.

Here are the five players we think will come good in the NFL and prove those who gave up on them during the NFL Draft 2024 wrong. We are considering late rounds as those selected in Rounds 4 or later on the final day of the exercise. It includes two quarterbacks, including Spencer Rattler, since that is the most important position on the field. But we also make the case for some other outstanding athletes on both offense and defense.

2024 NFL Draft: Spencer Rattler leads Day 3 sleepers

#1 - Spencer Rattler, QB, South Carolina

Round 5, 150th pick overall to the New Orleans Saints

Spencer Rattler was expected to be selected by a quarterback-needy team after the first round of the NFL Draft. Projected to go in the second or the third round, he kept falling all the way until the fifth round when the Saints came and took him out of the purgatory. Even teams like the Las Vegas Raiders, whom one would have expected to draft a quarterback did not touch him.

A prolific passer with more than 3,000 yards in three of his five seasons in college, he could become a solid understudy to Derek Carr. And if the veteran quarterback disappoints, there will be an opportunity for him to step up. The 2024 Senior Bowl MVP, who shone amongst colleagues taken ahead of him could be a real steal.

#2 - Jordan Travis, QB, Florida State

Round 5, 171st pick overall to the New York Jets

The 2023 ACC Player of the Year, who led the Florida State Seminoles to an undefeated record last season, could have been a first-round pick in another alternate timeline. However, he injured his ankle towards the end of the season, and that caused him to fall all the way in the NFL Draft 2024.

He was in the running for the Heisman Trophy and most likely would have gone higher if not for his injury record. The Jets, who tried him out, finally drafted him and it could be an ideal location for both the player and the team. He gets to sit behind the future Hall-of-Famer Aaron Rodgers and learn before taking over the reins for him and embarking on his career.

#3 - Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, C, Georgia

Round 5, 141st pick overall to the Buffalo Bills

Sedrick Van Pran-Granger is a two-time National Champion with the Georgia Bulldogs. He was a First Team All-SEC nominated player in 2023 and won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy. He was projected to be picked off by the third round by someone like Philadelphia Eagles manager Howie Roseman, who seems to love picking former Bulldogs and saw Jason Kelce retire.

However, he is going to a good team with the Buffalo Bills and will have a good quarterback in Josh Allen to play with. Even though he might not have envisaged falling so far, he now gets to play with genuine contenders and contribute to a team that is looking to win the Super Bowl.

#4 - T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State

Round 4, 130th pick overall to the Baltimore Ravens

T.J. Tampa was thought to be one of the best cornerbacks coming out of college football and declaring for the NFL Draft 2024. He was expected to be a top pick within the first two days. He was a First Team All-Big 12 in 2023 and allowed only one touchdown in over 900 defensive snaps.

He was taken in the fourth round by the Baltimore Ravens and joins an already-loaded secondary. But he will have a chip on his shoulder after falling so far and will want to work his way up to the top and prove his doubters wrong. If he does so, he could be an absolute bargain.

#5 - Malik Washington, WR, Virginia

Round 6, 184th pick overall to the Miami Dolphins

The NFL Draft 2024 was loaded with wide receivers. Even then, it was shocking to see Malik Washington fall down the board to the sixth round. A First Team All-ACC in 2023, he set passing records for Virginia and the conference with his receptions. He finished with 1,426 yards, 110 receptions and 9 touchdowns.

After being ignored for the first five rounds, he joins the Miami Dolphins and a wide receiver room dripping with talent. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are statistics monsters in their own right but Malik Washington has the capability to make the third spot his own. He could benefit from a team that likes explosive plays and really set himself apart in the coming years.