NFL Draft: Finding Fantasy Gold in Day 3

Naturally, those selected on Day 1 and Day 2 of the NFL Draft are the players most expected to make an immediate impact as rookies, but fantasy gems annually emerge from the Day 3 selections. With that in mind, here are 12 players selected Saturday to keep an eye on this season.

Bryce Petty, NYJ (QB, Baylor) 6-3/230
Rd. 4, pick No. 103 overall

The fifth quarterback selected in this year's NFL draft, Petty isn't a candidate to push for a starting job early in his career, with Geno Smith and Ryan Fitzpatrick also in the Jets' QB mix. Still, landing Petty in the fourth round was a nice value for the Jets, and the Baylor product gives the team a developmental player with a high ceiling at a premium position.

Jamison Crowder, WAS (WR Duke) 5-8/185
Rd. 4, pick No. 105 overall

DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon and Andre Roberts still head the Washington wideout corps, but the smallish Crowder could emerge as a slot receiver for the team down the road, though initially he figures to make most of his impact as a punt returner.

Jeremy Langford, CHI (RB Michigan State) 6-0/208
Rd. 4, pick No. 106 overall

Langford -- who posted a 4.42 time in the 40-yard at dash at the NFL combine -- could pop up on the re-draft radar in the event of a Matt Forte injury, but he still has Ka'Deem Carey and Jacquizz Rodgers to contend with on that front. Initially, Langford figures to see some third-down work, but with Forte in the final year of his contract, he could well be groomed by the Bears for a larger role in the future.

Justin Hardy, ATL (WR East Carolina) 5-10/192
Rd. 4, pick No. 107 overall

With Harry Douglas having departed via free agency, the sure-handed Hardy has a solid chance to secure the Falcons' No. 3 wideout role. In the Falcons' Matt Ryan-helmed offense, it's role that carries some fantasy utility when either Julio Jones or Roddy White miss time.

Vince Mayle, CLE (WR, Washington State) 6-2/224
Rd. 4, pick No. 123 overall

Still a work in progress, Mayle has the size to emerge as a potential red-zone target for the Browns, a team with a wideout pecking order that maintains some fluidity. It's surprising that the team waited so long to grab a receiver -- Mayle was the 17th receiver drafted -- but it's plausible that he could emerge as an in-season pickup once injuries hit the team's wideouts.

Javorius Allen, BAL (RB, USC) 6-0/221
Rd. 4, pick No. 125 overall

Justin Forsett's surprising emergence last season ensures him an opportunity to head the Ravens' backfield once again, but thanks to his pass-catching ability, Allen looks like an ideal fit for Marc Trestman's offense. Lorenzo Taliaferro is also in the mix, but Allen's size and all-around ability make him a candidate for an every-down role in the event of a Forsett injury.

Mike Davis, SF (RB South Carolina) 5-9/217
Rd. 4, pick No. 126 overall

Davis, who followed in the footsteps of 49ers draftee Marcus Lattimore at South Carolina, provides the team's backfield with added depth in the wake of the departure of Frank Gore, who didn't miss a game over the past four seasons. With Carlos Hyde, Reggie Bush and Kendall Hunter also in the team's backfield mix, though, Davis is reliant on an injury or two to see a clear path to a significant role as a rookie.

David Cobb, TEN (RB, Minnesota) 5-11/229
Rd. 5, pick No. 138 overall

Second-year back Bishop Sankey is on track to head the Titans' backfield, but the addition of Cobb could well squeeze fellow power back Shonn Greene out of the mix. Cobb immediately possesses more fantasy value than the likes of Dexter McCluster and Antonio Andrews, and after the Titans finished 26th in the league in rushing last season, Sankey's grip on the top job isn't completely secure.

Rashad Greene, JAX (WR, Florida State) 5-11/182
Rd. 5, pick No. 139 overall

Greene, who was Jameis Winston's go-to guy at Florida State the last couple seasons, figures to compete for a slot and return role with the Jaguars out of the gate, with the likes of Allen Robinson, Marqise Lee and Allen Hurns working as outside options for the team. Greene was an absolute steal in the fifth round and PRR relevance could follow if he earns the team's slot job over Ace Sanders, a probable outcome.

Jay Ajayi, MIA (RB, Boise State) 6-0/221
Rd. 5 pick No. 149 overall

Reports that Ajayi is dealing with a "bone on bone" issue in his right knee led to his tumble in the draft. That said, assuming he holds up well -- something Ajayi certainly did last season at Boise State while carrying 347 times -- he's fantastic value pick as an immediate complement and potential replacement for Lamar Miller, who is in a contract year. Keep an eye on the Dolphins' backfield situation in training camp, as Ajayi could end up being a major steal in fantasy drafts as well, with a good showing this summer.

Kenny Bell, TB (WR, Nebraska) 6-1/197
Rd. 5, pick No. 162 overall

Bell obviously embarks on his NFL career behind Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson on the Bucs' wideout depth chart, but if he breaks camp as the team's WR3 over Louis Murphy, a potential outcome for the Nebraska product, Bell could be be an injury away from the fantasy radar.

Cameron Artis-Payne, CAR (RB, Auburn) 5-10/212
Rd. 5, pick No. 174 overall

Jonathan Stewart is in line to start at running back for Carolina, but given his injury history, the team's No. 2 back will be noteworthy to fantasy owners. Artis-Payne will have to compete with the likes of Fozzy Whittaker, Darrin Reaves and Jordan Todman for the assignment, but it's not too difficult to see him potentially securing the role.