Final Round Knockouts

When it comes to the NFL Draft, it’s the blue-chip players and first-rounders who are identifiable to most. As a result, they get the lion’s share of pre-draft coverage.

The entire opening night revolves solely around the players who were largely the belle of the ball at the Senior Bowl, NFL Scouting Combine, and during 30 visits.

But the reality is prospects acquired on Day 2 and Day 3 of the NFL Draft account for a significant chunk of most rosters, and yet they’re rarely discussed by the majority – until Day 3 rolls around.

The good news is that every draft offers a wealth of talent on the third day of the three-day extravaganza, this year being no exception.

Here are my favorite Day 3 offensive prospects:

GETTY IMAGES: Monmouth product Jaden Shirden is a home-run hitter at running back.

Isaiah Davis, RB, South Dakota State

From an Eagles perspective, Davis – a between-tackles bruiser – offers a deviation from the norm. Patient and decisive when navigating traffic, Davis also showcases outstanding contact balance, keeping his legs churning and refusing to go down easily.

Davis has explosive traits, but I’d hardly classify him as a home-run hitter, and that’s fine. That just isn’t his game. What he best provides is a punch, a physical element to the backfield. Probably will need volume and consistency to maximize his effectiveness but Davis is primed to handle early-down work as a rookie.

Tyrone Tracy, RB, Purdue

A do-it-all playmaker who will often try to make something out of nothing, Tracy is a dual-threat back with limited tread on the tire. While the former Boilermaker may classify as a bit enigmatic, having only produced one season of notable production — for perspective, he’s never had more than 138 rushing yards in a season prior to 2023 — there is plenty of intrigue in projecting his effectiveness in a complementary role in the pros. His fluidity, balance and agility are hallmarks, but he’ll need to become a more disciplined runner at the next stage. Nonetheless, a very exciting player that can fill a multitude of roles.

Jaden Shirden, RB, Monmouth

Built in the mold of former Eagles running back Darren Sproles – Shirden’s a bit taller – the Monmouth phenom is a dynamic talent who can score from anywhere on the field. Shirden showcases advanced vision and acceleration through creases and he’s nearly impossible to wrangle in space.

Sure, it’s easy to critique his meager catch total (25), but Shirden wasn’t asked to receive in Monmouth’s offense that much. And when he did, it looked natural. Shirden can step in and thrive as a third-down change-of-pace back, posing as a nightmare for opposing defenses. If you need a home-run hitter to add to the stable, he’s the guy.

GETTY IMAGES: Former Tulane WR Jha’Quan Jackson has the skill-set to be a vertical slot in the NFL.

Jha’Quan Jackson, WR, Tulane

Slight in stature (5-9, 188) but a big play waiting to happen, the electric Jackson is best in space and should thrive as a vertical slot at the next level, where his top-end speed should consistently stretch defenses.

Jackson is dynamic with the ball in his hands and offers excellent short-area quickness but isn’t likely a high-volume option. The Eagles have shown considerable interest in the Tulane speedster.

WR Jalen Coker, Holy Cross

An inside-outside threat who rewrote record books at Holy Cross, Coker (6-1, 208) is a three-level threat but really impressed me with his razor-sharp route running and fearlessness in pursuit of the football in traffic. Coker is also a very strong hands-catcher who aggressively attacks the catch point.

Coker has already garnered the attention of former NFL great Steve Smith, and any questions about his skill set measuring up against top competition were answered at the East-West Shrine Bowl. Whoever lands Coker will be adding a high-character person to their organization and someone obsessed with the process of continuous improvement.

Ryan Flournoy, WR, Southeast Missouri State

Emerging from relative obscurity for some, Flournoy (6-1, 202) aced the pre-draft cycle, checking off every box along the way. Flournoy, who compared his game to former Cowboys standout Dez Bryant’s, is an athletic, big-bodied, physical pass-catcher who is lethal on the move after the catch.

The SE Missouri State product offers multi-alignment flexibility and has some savviness to his game, showcasing a knack for finding the soft spots in zones. Flournoy’s athletic testing included a 4.44 40-yard dash, 39.5-inch vertical and 11-foot broad jump. Though a tad raw in terms of technical refinement, Flournoy would be an ideal developmental pass-catcher to mold.

GETTY IMAGES: Eagles OL coach Jeff Stoutland put Delmar Glaze (pictured) through workouts at Maryland’s Pro Day.

Delmar ‘D.J.’ Glaze, OL, Maryland

Eagles offensive line guru Jeff Stoutland got a first-hand look at Glaze, putting the Maryland lineman through his pro day workout. Glaze (6-4, 315), a Combine invite, dazzled with nimble footwork and fluid movement skills throughout the drill. He also demonstrated fast, striking hand usage and appeared noticeably trimmer compared to last season.

While the Charlotte, N.C., native can play virtually any position of the offensive line, he likely will be a long-term swing tackle at the pro level.

Gottlieb Ayedze, OL, Maryland

One of the more remarkable stories in the draft, Ayedze didn’t start playing football until his senior year at Northwest High School in Germantown, Md., and still managed to earn an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine. The 6-foot-4, 308-pound lineman hit the ground running after arriving at College Park via Frostburg [Md.] State, serving as a prominent piece on a formidable Terrapins offensive line.

Though Ayedze showcased nifty footwork and the requisite instincts and agility, he was obviously dominant due in large part to his athleticism. His dimensions suggest a move to guard, so it’s imperative he develops his play strength and mean streak to withstand the physicality along the interior. Ayedze is admittedly a bit of a project, but his tantalizing upside is apparent. Proper coaching could unlock his dominance.

Garret Greenfield, OL, South Dakota State

Eagles assistant offensive line coach T.J. Paganetti was on hand at South Dakota State’s pro day for a closer look at Greenfield and his teammate, guard Mason McCormick, whom I’ve assigned a late third-round projection. On Jackrabbits tape, Greenfield’s length and physicality stuck out as traits that overwhelm – and often stonewall – edge rushers. Greenfield has the athleticism and experience teams covet, but it’s his ability to play either tackle spot that I find to be most appealing.

Bonus: Deep sleepers 

David White, WR, West Carolina

Sporting prototypical length and demonstrating notable efficiency exploiting the second and third levels of the field, White (6-2, 201) is exceptional when it comes to tracking the football and tapping into his body control, contorting his frame to reel in challenging throws.

Don’t let the small school tag fool you; White performed so well at the Hula Bowl that he earned a promotion to the East-West Shrine Bowl, where he also excelled against college football’s premier talent.

In his two seasons with the Catamounts, White totaled 54 receptions, 903 yards and 11 touchdowns. His pro day numbers included a 4.55 40-yard dash, 10-foot, 3-inch broad jump, 36-inch vertical, 6.97 three-cone, 4.10 shuttle and 14 reps on the bench press.

GETTY IMAGES: WR Jeshaun Jones tied Stefon Diggs’ TD catches record at Maryland.

Jeshaun Jones, WR, Maryland

Resilient and battle-tested, Jones rebounded from two ACL tears during his Terrapins career, saving his best for last with a final campaign that included 790 receiving yards and four touchdowns on 56 receptions. His 14 career touchdowns are tied with Stefon Diggs and Dontay Demus Jr. for fifth-most in program history.

A smooth and fluid route runner who can accelerate in the open field, Jones is a three-level threat who can also take the top off a defense. There is a savviness to Jones, who spent six seasons in College Park. The 6-foot-1, 188 pounder has strong spacial awareness and is terrific at manipulating defensive backs.

He won’t break a ton of tackles and isn’t as explosive as some, but Jones is a tough, dependable wideout who can provide added value as a returner.

John Jiles, WR, West Florida

When I last checked in on Jiles, the 6-foot-2 receiver was up three pounds from Pro Day, weighing in at 222. A prototypical “X” receiver, Jiles plays an above-the-rim, bully-ball style, skying over defensive backs and out-muscling them for the football.

Jiles also has a wide catch radius and enough juice to win down the field. He should command immediate appeal as a red zone weapon, but Jiles has the tools to be a complete player at the next level.

Jiles, who got into N.C. State’s Pro Day at the request of the Kansas City Chiefs, has drawn interest from over a half-dozen teams, including the Jets, Bills, Patriots and Raiders. He recorded a 4.50 40-yard dash and a 10-foot-6-inch broad jump.

David Martin-Robinson, TE, Temple

Martin-Robinson (6-3, 247) wasn’t a Combine invite, but the big-bodied Temple product maximized his evaluation opportunity at the school’s pro day, showcasing burst and acceleration in his testing, as well as tracking and route-running during the on-field portion of the workout.

Martin-Robinson also participated in local days for the Jets, Giants and Eagles, and has had a few Zoom calls. While the dimensions aren’t exactly prototypical for the position, Martin-Robinson’s receiving prowess and ability to perhaps double as an H-back could make things interesting in training camp.

Martin-Robinson produced a 4.71 40-yard dash, 35.5-inch vertical, 9-foot-10-inch broad and 15 reps on the bench press.

– Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.