(Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)
The 2024 NFL Draft is fast approaching. While much of the discussion has been about what will happen in the first round, it is days two and three where front offices show their talent evaluation prowess. Some of these players turn into stars. Last year, fifth-round pick Puka Nacua was one of the best receivers in all of football and transformed the Ram’s offense. Who are the sleepers this year?
2024 NFL Draft Sleeper: OL Zak Zinter, Michigan
If it wasn’t for a late-season leg injury, Zinter would be a late first or early second-rounder. When healthy, he is one of the best interior linemen in the class. The leg injury is a big question. Teams will have to do their due diligence to make sure his leg is healed. The good news is that modern medicine has made major injuries less detrimental to players.
If a team feels good about Zinter’s injury, they will have the steal of the 2024 NFL Draft. Zinter has the potential to be a team’s guard or center for the next dozen seasons. Keep an eye out on the Michigan guard on days two and three.
2024 NFL Draft Sleeper: CB Max Melton, Rutgers
This is my favorite player in the 2024 NFL Draft. I want my favorite team to draft Melton so badly. He is a versatile nickel corner, and the modern NFL defense seems to favor the package. We saw two record-setting contracts given out to nickel corners this offseason. If a team is looking for a cheaper option, Max Melton is your guy.
His tackling is suspect, but he can consistently stay with receivers and recover when he is beaten. Scouts have compared him to a great NBA rebounder. He can high-point the ball even though he is under six feet. I’d expect Melton to go in the third round, but if he slips to the fourth, it will be the steal of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Final Sleeper: WR Malik Washington, Virginia
There has been a lot of discussion about wide receivers in the 2024 NFL Draft. Last season, Virginia receiver Dontayvion Wicks might have been the steal of the draft going in the fifth round. Malik Washington could have a similar arc. In 2023, he had 110 receptions and 1,426 yards for nine touchdowns.
Washington had ten 100-yard receiving games and broke team and conference records. He has college experience and can step in right away and produce. While everyone will go ga-ga over Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, and Rome Odunze, Malik Washington might be in the next best tier.
It is always fun to see where the surprises come in the NFL Draft. We are two weeks away, and teams are preparing their boards. Who will be the biggest steal of the 2024 NFL Draft?
