While Thursday's first round was offense-heavy, with the first 14 picks being either quarterbacks, receivers or linemen, the second and third rounds were more balanced between offense and defense, with running backs finally making their presence felt with three players taken (although oddly enough, the Dallas Cowboys passed up on each of them).
There were two lengthy stretches wherein only defenders were picked. The first was between picks 38 and 43, which included four consecutive cornerbacks. The phenomenon occurred again between picks 93 and 99.
Shockingly, no quarterbacks were selected, even though analysts and fans alike had predicted that this would be where the likes of Spencer Rattler would ideally end up.
Best remaining players for Day 3 of 2024 NFL draft
As mentioned before, no quarterbacks were chosen on Day 2.
This makes Spencer Rattler the potential headliner of Day 3, as the former South Carolina Gamecock is easily the best of the remaining players available at his position. Another passer to watch out for is Notre Dame's Sam Hartman, who transferred there after setting multiple records at Wake Forest.
Running backs are deep, with studs like Notre Dame's Audric Estime, Wisconsin's Braelon Allen, Kentucky's Ray Davis and Clemson's Will Shipley somehow going unclaimed. Tight ends have a few interesting prospects as well in Texas' Ja'Tavion Sanders, Florida State's Jaheim Bell and Ohio State's Cade Stover.
On the other side of the ball, defensive end Austin Booker is the top player available. He was fairly productive in his only season as a Kansas Jayhawk, amassing 56 tackles (40 solo) and eight sacks. Cornerbacks Cam Hart (Notre Dame) and TJ Tampa (Iowa State) are also in consideration
How to watch Day 3 of 2024 NFL draft
Day 3, which encompasses Rounds 4-7, begins earlier than usual, at noon. It will air on ESPN, ABC and NFL Network. Streaming is available on a variety of platforms, including but not limited to ESPN+, Fubo, NFL+, Hulu+ Live TV and YouTube TV.