Five later-round NFL rookies who could thrive in 2024

The top picks in the NFL Draft dominate the headlines, but they're far from the only important players selected. 

Every season, rookies picked in the lower rounds rise to the occasion, sometimes as magnificently as Los Angeles Rams fifth-rounder Puka Nacua, the NFL's fourth-leading receiver as a rookie (1,486 yards) last season.

Here are five players picked in the third round or later in the 2024 NFL Draft who could make an impact and provide more value than their draft spot suggests:

San Francisco 49ers RB Isaac Guerendo | Louisville | Round 4

Guerendo, who rushed for 823 yards last season, played behind the more touted Jawhar Jordan at Louisville but was picked two rounds ahead of his backfield partner.

Of course, that could have something to do with Guerendo's impressive showing at the NFL Scouting Combine, where he posted the fifth-highest Raw Athletic Score of the 1,765 qualified running backs since 1987. 

There's arguably no system in which it's easier for running backs to find success than San Francisco's, but how many snaps will Guerendo get?

Head coach Kyle Shanahan has repeatedly stated a desire to dial back superstar RB Christian McCaffrey's workload, but the poor play of Elijah Mitchell has made it tough to do so. 

If Guerendo can play to his potential, he'll give Shanahan the ability to give McCaffrey more rest than he has in the past. 

Los Angeles Chargers LB Junior Colson | Michigan | Round 3

Colson is a great example of a player falling to a team for which he's more valuable than he would have been for any other.

In Los Angeles, he'll play for his college head coach, Jim Harbaugh, and defensive coordinator, Jesse Minter. Presumably, he'll work in a similar system to the one where he thrived in college. 

Colson could play right away because the Chargers have a big need at linebacker.

New York Giants TE Theo Johnson | Penn State | Round 4

With tight end Darren Waller contemplating retirement, Johnson should have the chance to win a starting job. 

Johnson's stats (34 catches, 341 yards receiving) weren't great last season, largely due to Penn State's run-first approach and poor play of QB Drew Allar. However, he had seven TD catches despite a low reception total.

As per Raw Athletic Score, Johnson's physical traits are nearly off the charts. Without too much competition for targets in a mediocre offensive skill group, Johnson should be a bright spot for a rebuilding Giants team.

Minnesota Vikings CB Khyree Jackson | Oregon | Round 4

Jackson is a big-bodied cornerback at 6-foot-4 and 194 pounds, so he can stand up to the big wideouts in the NFC North, including Chicago's 6-foot-2, 211-pound Keenan Allen. Plus, he helps fill a major need for Minnesota, who arguably fielded the worst corners in the division last season.

After transferring from Alabama to Oregon, Jackson thrived in his final college season, posting three interceptions, two sacks and five tackles for loss. 

Miami Dolphins EDGE Mohamed Kamara | Colorado State | Round 5

Kamara's ho-hum measurables and lack of big-school pedigree caused his drop down the draft boards a bit, but he's a solid pass-rusher (13 sacks in 2023) and productive in other ways (17 tackles for loss last season). 

At his draft spot, he should provide plenty of value and a needed boost for a Miami defense that faded at the worst times last season.