The anticipation is building. Draft Day is tomorrow, and we will start to see the landing spots for this rookie class. The Nerds team is rolling out a four-round mock draft this week, and today is Round 3. This is where we see the depth of this class start to show with guys like Cedric Tillman, Luke Musgrave, and DeWayne McBride.
You can find Round 1 Here and Round 2 Here.
Let’s look at Round 3.
Superflex Rookie Mock Draft 8.0 – Round 3
3.01 Darnell Washington, TE, 6’7″ 265
Georgia
Things become a little more murky as you enter the third round. You need to bet on characteristics that stand out. That said, few leave an impression like Georgia’s Darnell Washington. The 6’7”, 264-pound tight end put on a show at the NFL Combine, complete with circus catches and a sterling athletic profile. Though raw, this guy has exemplary tools which should translate to considerable playing time. In a game where opportunity is a major harbinger of production, I’ll take my chances on a player with great utility and a massive upside. – @Spydes78
3.02 Tyler Scott, WR, 5’10” 177
Cincinnati
On top of his speed and explosiveness, he is also twitchy and technical as a route runner. He frequently created tons of separation at all three levels. His sub-180-pound frame is the biggest concern, but I fell in love after watching him play. I’m curious if he’d have been there in Round 4 if I had waited because I never see anyone else talking about this kid. I’m calling him G5 Jamo. – @devy2dynastyfr
3.03 Cedric Tillman, WR, 6’3″ 213
Tennessee
Cedric Tillman is a bully against press coverage.
— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) April 19, 2023
Cedric Tillman is a bully after the catch.
I like Cedric Tillman. pic.twitter.com/1whxec3uGn
One of the few receivers in the draft with outside receiver size, Tillman is getting mad disrespect as if he was Chris Rock talking about Will Smith’s wife. Tillman is tough, a smart route runner, and plays physical – perfect for a team with an X or Z receiver need. – @ffpeebleschamp
3.04 Zach Evans, RB, 5’10” 202
Ole Miss
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. If Zach Evans legitimately goes in the third round of rookie drafts, I will own a ton of Zach Evans shares. Evans is slightly undersized but has the burst to make up for it. His draft capital will be telling. I think Zach Evans will be a third or fourth-round pick and part of a committee from Day 1. – @imbobbybish
3.05 Tank Dell, WR, 5’8″ 165
Houston
In the middle of the third round, the only thing I care about is upside. Tank Dell is a highly explosive player but also very undersized. Standing at 5′ 8″ and 165 pounds, Dell will be limited to the slot at the NFL level. That said, a lot of fantasy production comes from the slot position. At the 3.05, I’m okay taking Dell and hoping this athleticism and college production translate to fantasy success. – @SteveBradshawFF
3.06 Chase Brown, RB, 5’9″ 209
Illinois
At #126 we take Illinois Running Back Chase Brown. The workhorse would now get to be the complimentary back to Nick Chubb and for defenses, they’d get no quarter as they both run with a ferocity to destroy and score. #Browns #NFLDraft
— c🟢nn🟣r (@BernienChompz) April 21, 2023
pic.twitter.com/IXgTZtsR78
Brown had a very strong senior season at Illinois and was one of the most well-rounded prospects at the combine in March. He can catch out of the backfield, shows good speed and burst, and often falls forward for extra yards after contact. He is built bigger than many of the backs in this class, and, depending on draft capital, his stock could rise more after the NFL draft. I am very happy to take him halfway through the third round. – @timbmartens
3.07 Xazavian Valladay, RB, 5’11” 200
Arizona State
When you get into the third round, it’s time to start taking shots on “my guy” players. To that end, I am taking X Valladay. The second Team All-Pac-12 RB had a great final year in college. Dissed by the combine, his Pro-Day numbers put him in the top 10 of every major category. If he lands well, he will be a steal. – @ReflipeWThenuz
3.08 Luke Musgrave, TE, 6’6″ 253
Oregon State
Luke Musgrave is one of the better picks you can get in the third round of rookie drafts. He is a difference-maker at the tight-end position. He has the speed and athletic ability to be a threat in the passing game. He had reliable hands and could line up at the traditional tight-end spot. While touchdowns were not his thing in college, he could produce big yardage. He put up 169 yards in just two games in 2022. Musgrave is a great third-round pick. – @CoachStevenP
3.09 DeWayne McBride, RB, 5’10” 209
UAB
McBride just doesn’t get any love anymore. It’s odd because he’s a talented rusher that will likely have a large share of a committee in the NFL. He’s not been asked to be a receiver, so it’s unknown if he can do it. However, he’s a strong two-down back with the ability to score from anywhere on the field. I like his upside this late in the draft. – @darthdbacks
3.10 Jonathan Mingo, WR, 6’2″ 220
Ole Miss
Mingo seems to be rising up boards at this stage, and I’m going to take a chance that the NFL agrees when it’s all said and done. Mingo offers something that many wide receivers in this class do not: legit size. The biggest knock on Mingo is his lack of college production, but he runs good routes, exhibits great play strength, and contested catch ability at the catch point. He is also a very strong blocker. It remains to be seen if he can consistently separate at the next level, but his athletic profile suggests he should be worth a look at this stage. – @fakefootballs
3.11 Rashee Rice, WR, 6’1″ 204
SMU
SMU WR 11 Rashee Rice going up and snagging this one. Reminds me of a more explosive Marvin Jones. pic.twitter.com/OpdiWhit6x
— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) March 31, 2023
Rice has the ball skills every NFL team is looking for at the wide receiver position. His lengthy frame and decent athleticism allow him to succeed at getting yards after the catch. He needs to work on his route running, and his hands can sometimes be a liability. If he fixes these things, his upside is to be an NFL team’s WR2. He is a great value at 3.11, but with good draft capital, he could go at the beginning of the third round in fantasy drafts. – @dropthemikeFF
3.12 Sam LaPorta, TE, 6’3″ 245
Iowa
Sam LaPorta played at Iowa, quickly becoming a contender for “Tight-End U” after producing players such as George Kittle, TJ Hockenson, and Noah Fant. LaPorta could be the next tight end to add to that list. LaPorta is a weapon in the receiving game; he was third in the nation in Yards After Catch behind only Dalton Kincaid and Michael Mayer. The third round is a great place to take a flyer on a tight end of this caliber, but I have a feeling LaPorta will wind up going early in most rookie drafts with any form of tight end premium. – @DanT_NFL
That wraps up Round 3. You an find the 1QB version HERE. . Speaking of the draft. Remember to tune into the Dynasty Nerds YouTube channel for live streams hosted by Dan Toomey and Tim Martens. Set your reminders, subscribe to the channel, get your snacks, and hop into the chat and be a part of it all!!
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