Which players could turn out to be late round bargains in the 2024 NFL Draft?
As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches we are starting to see a much deeper class than initially expected. Most are familiar with the names of Marvin Harrison Jr, Malik Nabers, and Rome Odunze. Or, perhaps NFL Combine risers like Xavier Worthy, Javon Baker, & Ladd McConkey. But there are some late round wide receivers in this class that could have value in the draft.
Hayden Hatten – Idaho
Idaho wide receiver Hayden Hatten is a former TE who was the top receiving target for the Vandals (92 receptions in 2023) and posted back-to-back 1,200+ yard seasons. Hatten is a natural playmaker who has enough speed to play both inside and out. He is also a red zone warrior with 25 TDs over the past two seasons for Idaho. Hatten reminds me of Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andre Iosivas and how he just seems to find a knack for the endzone.
Hatten at 6-foot-2, 205 pounds is an athletic receiver with enough juice to get off the LOS (line of scrimmage) against defensive backs in press coverage. He is also an open field monster and is in his natural element with the football in his hands. Hatten has great field awareness and works the boundary well with many one-handed sideline snags. His athleticism helps make up for behind and off-target throws.
Hatten isn’t afraid of the big moment, either. He went for 100 yards in both the FCS playoffs games (135 /111) with 18 total receptions. He ranks second all-time in Vandals history in both receptions and yards. Hatten should be a late Day 3 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft; and as I mentioned before, gives me Iosivas vibes – and we saw what he did in year one in a crowded wide receiver room (15 rec, 4 TDs). Don’t be surprised when you hear Hayden Hatten’s name called on April 27th.
Jeshaun Jones – Maryland
Another wide receiver that I believe has NFL talent is Maryland’s Jeshaun Jones. Jones not only has the mental (three college degrees) but also has the grit for the next level, rebounding from back-to-back ACL injuries. 100 receptions & 1,340 yards post-ACL surgeries Jones has put the injury concerns behind and he developed into QB Taulia Tagovailoa’s top target over former 4-star recruit Kaden Prather. He has that dawg in him, too. Versus Ohio State, Jones was targeted seven times, nabbing five receptions for 59 yards. This included catches over defensive backs Denzel Burke & Sonny Styles.
Jeshaun Jones is a well-rounded slot receiver. He has good release off the LOS & is a polished route runner. Jones has good hands and does well in contested catch opportunities (55%). He has above-average lateral movement and is a chain mover, with 35 first downs from 56 receptions in 2023. At 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, he doesn’t get enough credit for his run-blocking ability. In multiple games he posted a 70 or higher PFF blocking grade. These are all the things that will get you reps on the NFL field – grit plays!
The NFL is always in need of good slot receivers with high football IQ and Jeshaun Jones fits that mold! He can get it done by any means possible. He was the first freshman since Marcus Mariota (2012) to have a rushing, receiving, & passing TD in a single game. Jones passed DJ Moore and Dontay Demas on Maryland’s all-time receiving yards list. He also tied Stefon Diggs for 5th all-time in TDs. The Terps have produced many successful wide receivers at the next level and Jeshaun Jones will be the next one!
Tyrone Howell – Louisiana-Monroe
Louisiana-Monroe wide receiver Tyrone Howell is another small-school player with NFL talent. He is a smooth, crisp route runner that can set up DBs better than Pete Weber picking up the 7/10 split! Howell’s size & length (6-foot-3, 204 pounds) allow him to beat press and jams at the LOS. Howell is also a dangerous vertical weapon. He averaged 12+ YPC from JUCO (Hutchinson CC) through two seasons with the Warhawks.
Tyrone Howell is another receiver who can make something out of nothing, like the aforementioned Hayden Hatten. Howell has great body control and athleticism to scoop up low throws, as well as the ability to adjust to overthrown passes. He works the sideline well and has a good balance fighting off DBs while tip-toeing the boundary for extra yards.
Howell’s numbers this season took a dip due to the loss of QB Chandler Rogers (North Texas) and inexperienced QB, play but don’t think for a second his game fell off. In SEC competition he had 5 rec for 77 yards and two first downs in two games (A&M / Ole Miss). This happened while fighting against the likes of Daijahn Anthony, Deantre Prince, and Jacoby Matthews. Stop scouting the helmet and scout the players! Tyrone Howell has enough talent to play in the NFL and I believe a GM will see the value for him, Hatten, & Jones in the 2024 NFL Draft!
