DETROIT — University of Louisville running back Isaac Guerendo was the first Cardinal off the board Saturday in the 2024 NFL Draft held in Detroit.
Guerendo was selected by the San Francisco 49ers with the 29th pick in the fourth round, No. 129 overall. He figures to be in contention for the backup role behind Christian McCaffery, who led the NFL in rushing last season.
Cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr., wide receiver Jamari Thrash and running back Jawhar Jordan were also selected during Day 3.
Guerendo was the No. 2 back for Louisville in 2023, but still received plenty of touches. The stocky running back transferred from Wisconsin before the season and carried the ball 132 times for 810 yards and 11 touchdowns - all career highs.
He also had 22 catches for 234 yards.
Guerendo received more playing time as the season wore on. He started the Holiday Bowl against USC and ran for 161 yards and three scores.
NFL Network draft analyst Lance Zierlein: The transfer out of Wisconsin is an ascending running back prospect who was finally able to get enough carries to show what he's capable of. Guerendo is built like a prototypical Badger runner, with a thick, well-proportioned frame. He was a much more decisive runner in 2023, but his cut-and-go burst is fairly average. He's not sudden but runs with appropriate elusiveness, using subtle side-steps to continue the run's downhill momentum. He can catch it out of the backfield and protect his quarterback, making him a suitable three-down backup. Guerendo's size, skill set and demeanor are built for an NFL workload, and he could sneak into a bigger role in the future if he continues to progress.
Brownlee Jr. was selected by the Tennessee Titans with the 11th pick in the fifth round, No. 146 overall. He played his fourth and fifth college seasons in Louisville after spending three years at Florida State.
He posted 66 total tackles and one interception in 2022 and 30 tackles and one pick in 2023. He missed three games last season with an injury.
NFL Network draft analyst Lance Zierlein: Aggressive press cornerback with average size but above-average competitive fire. Scouts say Brownlee made a point of working hard on his body and his approach to improve his chances on the next level, and he did just that. He's extremely rugged and physical over the first 5 yards to disrupt route timing and can close the catch window if he's in position. Brownlee is just average as the route expands in man and could be prone to penalties and allowing explosive plays down the field. There is no lack of toughness in his run support, and he's an easy fit on special teams. Brownlee could have teams targeting him on Day 3 as a nickel defender with the potential to bump outside.
Thrash was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 21st pick in the fifth round, No. 156 overall.
He's is another player who maximized his short time as a Cardinal. After transferring from Georgia State following the 2022 season, he caught a career-best 63 balls for 858 yards and six touchdowns in 2023.
Thrash is known for stretching the field with his speed, evidenced by a 73-yard catch against Murray State and an 85-yard grab against Indiana.
NFL Network draft analyst Lance Zierlein: Thrash makes up with speed what he gives away with play strength. He has an extensive history of stretching the field, showing an ability to find a second gear on deep routes or on short catches that turn into chunk plays. He’ll have some issues against NFL press, but formational consideration could help in that regard. Thrash has the physical ability to run a more complete route tree as a pro, but a lack of hand strength and frame size create too many drops and losses on contested catches. Thrash has the potential to work inside or outside but has excessive feast-or-famine qualities.
Running back Jawhar Jordan was selected by the Houston Texans with the 29th pick of the sixth round, No. 205 overall.
Jordan was the workhorse running back in 2022 and 2023 for the Cards.
After logging 142 carries for 815 yards in 2022, Jordan followed that up with 181 attempts for 1,128 yards and 13 touchdowns last year. He also caught 21 passes for 246 yards.
Some of Jordan's best performances came in the biggest moments. He ran for 143 yards against No. 10 Notre Dame and 163 against No. 20 Duke.
NFL Network draft analyst Lance Zierlein: Small running back with thin lower half who plays much tougher than his size would indicate. Unlike most smaller backs, Jordan isn't sudden or explosive. He can be a step slow through the line of scrimmage and isn't going to be much of an "added yardage back" with power or wiggle. However, Jordan runs with good vision and great processing, making smart cuts and taking the most efficient routes he can. He can compete for third-down reps and has above-average talent as a kick returner. The lack of size will hurt his draft slotting, but he has a shot when he gets into a camp.
RELATED VIDEO