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The stakes for Day 3 of the NFL draft typically don’t compare to the first two nights of the event, but the final four rounds are hardly meaningless.
The final four rounds are an important avenue for teams to round out their rosters and take on long-term projects that can pay significant dividends. As this year’s draft wrapped up Saturday, a few teams set themselves apart with shrewd decisions while others made some confusing calls. Similarly, some incoming rookies ended up in fortuitous situations while others could face a tough road ahead as they launch their professional careers.
Here are the biggest winners and losers from Saturday’s action.
FIRST-ROUND WINNERS, LOSERS:Who aced Day 1?
DAY 2 WINNERS, LOSERS:Lions rebound as 49ers puzzle
NFL Draft Hub: Latest NFL Draft mock drafts, news, live picks, grades and analysisWinnersIndianapolis Colts
Really, really good class from top to bottom for Chris Ballard in a critical year. While Anthony Richardson is obviously the centerpiece, the Colts continued to snag some promising pieces in the later rounds. On Saturday, fourth-round defensive tackle Aditomiwa Adebawore is a high-upside disruptor, while tight end Will Mallory and running back Evan Hull can help lighten Richardson’s load in the passing game. Quarterbacks
Signal-callers were the story of the day, as a scramble for them resulted in nine being selected on Day 3. That’s the number of quarterbacks who were chosen all of last year in what was a famously weak class at the position. The buy-in for developmental passers or expected backups was surprising given the uneven or uninspiring college careers that many had.Georgia-Philadelphia Eagles connection
Philadelphia’s affinity for defenders from the two-time college football champions went from meme to full-blown parody when Howie Roseman brought on his third Bulldog of the class with fourth-round cornerback Kelee Ringo. Then, for good measure, he swung a trade with the Detroit Lions for running back and former Georgia star D’Andre Swift. Given the trend, it’s surprising Roseman didn’t find a way to add safety Christopher Smith II and edge rusher Robert Beal, who both went in the fifth round. Eagles scouts should just park themselves in Athens next fall.D’Andre Swift
Back to the running back: Perhaps no person had a more dramatic shift in fortune on Saturday than Swift. After the Lions surprised everyone by taking Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs to join David Montgomery in Detroit’s backfield, Swift looked like the odd man out. Before the draft wrapped, however, the Philadelphia native was headed home. Swift will have to compete against Rashaad Penny, Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott for touches, but the defending NFC champions’ ultra-effective ground game and support of a dominant offensive line bodes extremely well for the 24-year-old as he enters as contract year.
