The NFL's best teams use Day 3 of the draft to build winning rosters
Winning Day 3 of the NFL draft is a building block for success in the league. While most of the draft buzz centers on top prospects who can make an immediate impact, evaluating players for the later rounds is a crucial part of the process. Early-round picks generate excitement, get bigger contracts and bring higher expectations.
Star power sells tickets and merchandise. But rosters are built and sustained with players drafted on Saturday when the fourth through seventh rounds take place. Teams that consistently contend find players who can contribute in those rounds.
These are the guys who play key roles on special teams, can develop into starters and provide needed depth. "I’d say the late round to (undrafted) free agents, honestly, the fifth through undrafted players, it’s probably a similar pool of players,” Texans general manager Nick Caserio said. “That’s where you tip your hat to your scouting staff because they know the players as much as anybody, and we spend as much time talking about that group of players as we do the other players that are graded higher.
... “You take a lot of pride in those players because those players have an opportunity to enhance your overall program, enhance your overall team. Again, just get them in the building.
If they’re on the roster, great. If they’re off the roster in the practice squad, no problem. We’ve talked about this.
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