The NFL Draft Steals 2024 was filled with surprises, but some of the biggest wins came after the first round. While everyone focuses on the top picks, championship teams are often built through mid-to-late-round steals—players who outperform their draft position.
In this 1,000+ word breakdown, we’ll reveal the top 5 draft steals of 2024, analyzing why these players fell, how they fit their new teams, and their potential to become future stars.
What Makes a Draft Steal?
Before diving into the list, let’s define what separates a true steal from just a solid pick:
✔ Elite talent that slipped due to overlooked flaws
✔ Strong scheme fit with immediate impact potential
✔ High upside compared to draft position
✔ Proven production in college that translates to the NFL
Now, let’s get into the biggest steals of the 2024 NFL Draft.
1. Spencer Rattler, QB – New Orleans Saints (Round 5, Pick 150)
Why He’s a Steal
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Former No. 1 high school recruit with elite arm talent
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Improved decision-making at South Carolina (68% comp, 3,186 yards in 2023)
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Fell due to inconsistent college career, but has Mahomes-like flashes
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Perfect developmental QB behind Derek Carr
Saints’ Masterstroke
New Orleans got a potential franchise QB in the 5th round. If Rattler continues improving, this could be the steal of the entire draft.
For more on QB prospects, visit NFL NewsZ.
2. Cooper Beebe, G – Dallas Cowboys (Round 3, Pick 73)
Why He’s a Steal
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Best interior OL in the Big 12 (allowed just 1 sack in 3 years)
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Plug-and-play starter at guard
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Fell due to lack of elite athleticism, but technician in pass pro
Cowboys’ Win
Dallas needed O-line help, and getting a Day 1 starter in Round 3 is a massive win. Beebe could be a 10-year pro.
3. Roman Wilson, WR – Pittsburgh Steelers (Round 3, Pick 84)
Why He’s a Steal
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Blazing speed (4.39 40-yard dash)
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Clutch performer at Michigan (12 TDs in 2023)
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Fell due to smaller frame (5’11”), but plays bigger
Steelers’ Perfect Fit
With Russell Wilson at QB, the Steelers needed a deep threat. Wilson could be their next Antonio Brown-style steal.
For more draft analysis, check out NFL NewsZ.
4. Christian Haynes, G – Seattle Seahawks (Round 3, Pick 81)
Why He’s a Steal
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Dominant at UConn (zero sacks allowed in 2023)
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Mauler in the run game
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Fell because he played at a small school
Seahawks’ Sneaky Good Pick
Seattle’s O-line has struggled for years. Haynes could be their best guard since Steve Hutchinson.
5. Javon Baker, WR – New England Patriots (Round 4, Pick 110)
Why He’s a Steal
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Elite route-runner (led NCAA in contested catches in 2023)
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Big-play machine (21.9 yards per catch at UCF)
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Fell due to lack of top-end speed
Patriots’ Hidden Gem
New England’s WR corps is weak. Baker could be their No. 1 target by midseason.
Honorable Mentions
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Braelon Allen, RB – New York Jets (Round 4)
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Cam Hart, CB – Los Angeles Chargers (Round 5)
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Tykee Smith, S – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Round 3)
Why These Steals Matter
History shows late-round gems win championships:
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Tom Brady (Round 6)
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Antonio Brown (Round 6)
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Dak Prescott (Round 4)
The teams that found 2024’s biggest steals may have secured future stars.
Read More: NFL Draft Grades 2024: Which Teams Nailed It (And Who Flopped)?
Final Verdict: Which Team Won the Draft?
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Saints (Rattler) and Cowboys (Beebe) made the best value picks.
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Steelers (Wilson) and Patriots (Baker) got offensive weapons for cheap.
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Seahawks (Haynes) fixed a major weakness.
Which steal will have the biggest impact? Let us know in the comments!
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