By Ron Marmalefsky – Follow on twitter @ronacesports
2023 NFL DRAFT – DAY TWO – This quick report resets the table for day two of the draft.
Round One and Two Quick Thoughts:
- Last year was the deepest draft ever and I was all in for the 42nd time. With prospects in this draft being so polarizing, and so many new GM’s/coaches, I wasn’t sure what to expect. As the draft neared, I got just as excited. In the end, there were only a few surprises, but as usual, enough drama to write more than the allotted space in this recap.
- Before the draft I listed OL, edge rusher and CB as the three positions likely to be targeted early, with RB and TE being deep all the way through. OL surprised many with just five selections. Edge/DT combined contributed a whopping eleven picks. This was a great group. Just four CB’s made the cut.
- Many people were surprised with just 15 offensive players chosen. The line was 16.5, with very heavy over action. What happened? Only three QB’s, just one TE, and even OL was down one.
- Speaking of QB’s I was thrilled that only three went, but also surprised. Then again, fans and the public often are higher on QB’s than NFL teams. Will Levis, projected at #2, was not drafted. I agree completely with this assessment.
- I had 24 players with round one grades. Players from this list not drafted were TE Mayer, CB Porter, and safety Branch.
- What players were taken that I had the lowest grade on? ALL picks but one made my top 45. Will McDonald was #50.
- Four teams started the draft with multiple 1st round picks. Houston had picks 2 and 12. I expected edge 1st, and QB 2nd. They reversed the process, and I think did it right. Philly was expected to pursue troubled DT Carter. We’ll see how that goes, but they got two good players when fellow Bulldog Nolan Smith was the biggest draft dropper day one. Seattle pulled a shocker, stealing CB Witherspoon from the Lions. After adding WR Smith-Njigba, call this another strong haul for the suddenly relevant Seahawks.
- Then there’s the case of the Detroit Lions. RB Gibbs at pick 12 was a shocker. LB Campbell at pick 18 was just as shocking. The Lions love RB’s. Both guys are high character, with great fundamentals. Both are keepers. But Gibbs at 18 and Campbell with a trade up to the early 2nd round was EASY. Sorry, you missed on a top tier CB or edge rusher.
- Other moves I wasn’t crazy about: The Jets and McDonald. As explained, the price they paid in the Rodgers trade cost them one of the top four OL. Still, you left better players on the table. Dallas and Mazi Smith. What was that? Mazi’s good, but rated 40-45 on my board. What about TE, etc? I would have taken CB not WR for Minny, and WR, not edge for KC, but what they did was fine, as they hit needs almost as critical. Overall, not a bad 1st round at all for the NFL.
- Moves I liked: Houston centering on Stroud over Levis and the safer Anderson over Wilson. GB going with Van Ness. I know people wanted a WR, but that crop wasn’t elite and would be available later. Van Ness can defend the run, something GB doesn’t do well, and he offers more than that. Pittsburgh, as explained below. The NYG, filling a need with solidly rated CB Banks. Philly taking Nolan Smith.
- Let’s talk trades. The early trades produced no losers. Special notice goes to Pittsburgh, who shocked the Jets by trading ahead of them to get the 4th of the top four OL. Great move, as I always support protecting young QB’s. The two Jacksonville trades were also fine both ways. The NYG went up one to get Banks. The Bills climbed over Dallas to get athletic TE Kincaid. Dallas left TE Mayer on the table after that, so maybe they only wanted Kincaid?
- As for the Jags, please accept my apologies. I thought they would trade up and I was wrong. They got the next best OT, the only thing they could do once the top four were gone. New Orleans also stayed put, another surprise to me.
- Safe picks: DE Anderson to Houston, CB Witherspoon to Seattle, and yes, WR Addison to Minny.
- The only risky pick is of course, Jalen Carter. It’s rare, but there’s no truly poor fit or concerns otherwise.
- What’s next? I expect TE’s, CB’s, interior OL, and some WR’s coming off relatively soon, along with more edge rushers. Last year many QB’s slid to the 3rd and 4th round. I expect Levis off in round two, and probably Hooker as well.
- Each year in this spot I list players who will be high targets for the next round. On offense, in addition to the QB’s, I have RB Charbonnet, WR’s Hyatt and perhaps Downs and Tillman, TE Mayer, and perhaps Washington, OT Bergeron, OG Torrance, and two centers coming off in round two. On defense, look for DE Deion White and perhaps Derrick Hall, LB/edge, Ojulari, LB’s Sanders and perhaps Trent Simpson, CB Porter and perhaps Kelee Ringo, and safety Brian Branch to be selected relatively quickly. That leaves extra spots for additional RB’s, TE’s, and key defensive positions.
- Finally, here are a few of the under the radar players I like, with many of them going later than they should: RB’s Abanikanda and Spears, WR Rashee Rice (other WR’s will go quicker), TE’s Musgrave, LaPorta, Kraft and Kuntz, OT Steen, OG Cody Mauch, DT Pickens, CB Clark Phillips, and Safety Sydney Brown. Many of them will fall to day three.
Let’s get round two started!
BONUS ADDITION:
For the 14th year in a row, I will include a column entitled “Experts Say”. I’ll be referring to five different analysts that have day two mocks. The mocks I chose are from those who I trust in the field. Absolutely no fluff mocks or “TV” analyst mocks were included. I complete my analysis before I compile what the five analysts say, as I do my part independently and don’t want to be initially influenced. For purposes of this report, my analysts will be called “experts”. I don’t expect perfect matches, but my experts should be able to hone in on team needs and hopefully, player value.
I’ll now go pick by pick, with early impressions from day one, coupled with looks for day two. Feel free to have this report handy while viewing round two to see how everything plays out! There’s even a place where you can insert the actual pick!
32: Pittsburgh
Round one impression: Pittsburgh traded from 17 to 14 to grab the 4th and last of the top-rated OL in OT Broderick Jones, stunning the Jets. CB was my top need and there were available players at the spot, but protecting a young QB is always important, and there was a drop in talent after Jones.
Round two look: CB is a massive need and the player they could have chosen with the 1st round pick, Joey Porter is still on the board. Pitt will get a ton of calls for trading back, and that also has to be considered. WR and OL can be considered at pick 49. By the way, CB Ringo was my Intel before the draft. Now that Porter is still on the board, Pitt has some options.
“Experts Say”: 2 for Porter, 2 for Ringo (someone read my preview), and 1 for safety/DB Branch. As I said up top, I do this section AFTER I put in my round two looks for all teams. These respected analysts all agree that CB is the priority.
THE PICK:
33: Arizona
Round one impression: Arizona went from 3 to 12, then from 12 to 6 to get the top-rated OT Paris Johnson. The overall cost this year was losing pick 105 (and gaining a spot from 34 to this pick), but they also received Houston’s 1st and 3rd round picks in 2024, which could be high ones. OL was my #1 need for the Cardinals.
Round two look: It may surprise some, but I could double up on OL, or do DL with this pick. At least four OL could be considered, and not DT, but DE’s Hall and Keion White are viable choices too. One longshot need is RB (Charbonnet perhaps).
“Experts Say”: Four picks are at CB, and amazingly they are all for different CB’s. One has interior OL. Unless they trade unhappy CB Budda Baker, then I would likely not go CB, although there are good players available.
THE PICK:
34: Detroit
Round one impression: Weird! The Lions have three picks in this round, getting this one when they traded from 6 to 12. At pick 12, they drafted RB Gibbs, who had a draft range of 28-35, and MOST CERTAINLY would have been available at pick 18 (Tampa was at 19). With pick 18, they took LB Jack Campbell, who had a draft rating about 36-42, and was NOT a round one consideration on 95% of mocks, and needless to say, not a top 25 consideration at all. The Lions, who have a strange fetish for RB’s, got a good one in Gibbs, basically rendering the Montgomery pickup meaningless. Traditional LB’s like Campbell are not valued in today’s game, but he’s built like a Lion, and will fit with the culture. What he can’t do is go sideline to sideline. I know they coveted CB Witherspoon, but please, don’t make moves that lack value. Get LB Van Ness or a CB, or perhaps stay at 6 and get Edge rusher Wilson, THEN take Gibbs at 18 and Campbell here (or if you got Wilson, you’re fine, or can trade up with so many remaining day two picks. Detroit got two starters in old school positions, but should have accomplished much more.
Round two look: The Lions have picks 34, 48 and 55 in this round, and now it’s time to actually make a pick in areas on their need board! My 1st choice would be TE Mayer, but DE’s Hall and White could be considered, as there are plenty of TE’s they can choose from a bit later. Safety Brian Branch also fills a need. Detroit, be proactive!
“Experts Say”: The experts have five completely different players and four different positions, so let’s discuss. Edge rusher Keion White is a GO! OG/OT Avila is a NO GO. Are we really going all Vegas (Raiders) with a draft of less meaningful positions? The same is true for OG Torrance, who has a range about now. I would endorse TE Mayer with ease. The final suggestion is DT Benton (Wisconsin), which is actually a strong need as well, but I’d prefer him later this round.
THE PICK:
35: Indy
Round one impression: Indy may or may not have wanted QB Stroud, but they certainly fooled most people when they took QB Richardson with the 4th pick instead of Will Levis. Time will tell if this will work out, but I was happy Levis was not the pick.
Round two look: This HAS to be for CB, a position that cried for help, although most “analysts” say CB is fine. I disagree. Porter, Cam Smith, or Georgia’s Ringo are all acceptable choices for me.
“Experts Say”: Three votes for OT Bergeron and two votes for CB. I’d go CB, but Bergeron fits a need and has this draft range.
THE PICK:
36: LA Rams
Round one impression: No pick. This was the final piece of the trade for QB Stafford.
Round two look: You name it, the Rams need it. I think this could go in five or six different directions. Just get a good player.
“Experts Say”: Five different positions, which tells me that LA has multiple needs. Let’s discuss. Safety Branch carries value and need. OT Bergeron does the same. QB Hooker is interesting, but with so many needs, I don’t do this. TE Musgrave is properly slotted here, but I want other positions 1st, with Higbee already here. CB Porter would be solid need and value.
THE PICK:
37: Seattle
Round one impression: Seattle shocked the Lions by taking CB Witherspoon at pick 5, and took the 1st WR off the board at pick 20 with Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Both DB and WR were lower rated needs on my board, but the players in retrospect are great additions. The secondary is really coming together, and Smith-Njigba makes Seattle really dangerous at WR, and a likely capable replacement if D.K. Metcalf is not going to be retained down the road (I estimate salary issues).
Round two look: This is a good spot to go OG, as the OL still suffered in pass protection. OLB would be another need.
“Experts Say”: The picks are divided between OL and DL. Versatile DL Adetomiwa Adebawore gets two votes. I prefer OL.
THE PICK:
38: Las Vegas
Round one impression: Better than usual. Edge rusher Tyree Wilson (pick 7) has a bust component, which has to be a concern, but his 2022 NCAA season is certainly reason for optimism. Vegas has multiple needs defensively, and this is just a start.
Round two look: Vegas has a crying need for a “safe, reliable” OL. The centers remaining on the OL board, plus OG Torrance are probably the safest way to go. If they want another option, LB’s Sanders and Simpson could be considered.
“Experts Say”: Split decisions here, with a vote each for QB’s Levis and Hooker, plus one each for LB Simpson, center Schmitz and CB Porter. I’d understand them going Levis, although this current OL would not support the slower processing QB.
THE PICK:
39: Carolina
Round one impression: Carolina opened the draft by taking QB Bryce Young. Now, surround him with talent and protection.
Round two look: You drafted your (hopefully) long-term QB, so now it’s time to protect him. Right tackle or OG should be a strong consideration, but like with Vegas, round two LB’s are fine to draft, and the Panthers have needs at this position.
“Experts Say”: Three votes for WR (Mingo twice) and one for an edge rusher and the other for an OG. All five are decent players. I’d wait on the WR pick, at least for this team.
THE PICK:
40: New Orleans
Round one impression: I was shocked the Saints didn’t make a splash round one trade, but perhaps they tried to (I’ll find that out later on). DT was my #1 area of need and at pick 29, Bryan Bresee fit the bill. It’s not a splash pick, but it fills a need.
Round two look: I won’t be surprised if the Saints inquire about moving way up in this round. LB and CB are high on my list, followed by DE. Some may speculate WR or TE (I’ll see what the “experts” say AFTER I finish all the teams in round two). These are also needs, but further down my board. The splash guys left on most people’s board after the 1st round are WR Hyatt, TE Mayer, CB Porter and safety Branch. If they stay, LB or CB would be my 1st looks.
“Experts Say”: Two votes for TE Mayer, two votes for a WR, and the remaining vote for OG Torrance. Once again, players mocked to the Saints are all decently rated, so I won’t be upset if they deviate from my board unless they choose other guys.
THE PICK:
41: Tennessee
Round one impression: No trade up to the 3rd pick ever materialized, perhaps because a) they wanted QB Stroud, or b) Houston outbid them for Arizona’s pick. OL was my #1 need, so adding versatile OL Peter Skoronski at pick 12 works for me.
Round two look: WR and a common theme, LB are my top two remaining needs, although at some point I think Tennessee should double up at OL. You’ll notice that I haven’t yet listed QB for ANY team. I’m okay f the Titans draft Levis or Hooker here. I don’t expect Tannehill to be on the 2024 roster, and 2023 draftee Willis is not the current answer.
“Experts Say”: Two edge rushers, two votes for QB Levis, and the final vote for TE Mayer. Once again, the mockers have come up with good team-positional fits, and that’s why I prefer my articles to have advice from sources such as the ones I use.
THE PICK:
42: Green Bay
Round one impression: GB claims they had someone in mind when they “asked” the Jets to go from pick 13 to pick 15 in the Rodgers deal. They targeted OLB/edge Lukas Van Ness, who can get to opposing QB’s but still has much to learn. For where they were in the draft, this was an acceptable pick.
Round two look: TE needs to be addressed here, or with pick #45. DL can be hit again, otherwise safety (Branch only at this point in the draft), WR or OL would be the other looks.
“Experts Say”: Two votes for TE Mayer, and a vote each for interior OL, safety Branch and WR (Tillman). Obviously, I would like Mayer, but will they need to trade up to get him? The same may be true for Branch, since the rest of the group is more of the 3rd round variety. Overall, all the experts agree with me on the positions I’d look at.
THE PICK:
43: NYJ
Round one impression: Looking for an OT, the Jets got squeezed out of the picture when Pittsburgh moved up from 17 to 14. They ended up with DE Will McDonald, who carried a round two draft grade. The positional focus (once the OL were gone) was fine, but after a 2022 draft where the Jets dominated with value picks, this 1st foray into the 2023 draft was not as good.
Round two look: The Jets failed to survey the landscape in round one, and New England, a bitter rival, enabled Pittsburgh to grab the OT they coveted. OL is the #1 need and must be addressed, but unless they go with a center, I’m not opposed to a small trade back considering after this pick the Jets will only have three remaining selections.
“Experts Say”: Three votes all over the OL, plus a vote for LB Sanders and TE Musgrave. I have the OL is the team’s weak link.
THE PICK:
44: Atlanta
Round one impression: Ok, I understand. RB Bijan Robinson (8th pick) is someone special, and worth a top tier selection. Just promise me that the next 65 picks will be pass rushers. My Intel had them looking hard at edge rusher Derrick Hall, and that fits here. I’ll skewer you if they go elsewhere (most likely).
Round two look: If this is not for and edge rusher I give up! Don’t you want to make life easier for your secondary?
“Experts Say”: Two votes for edge rusher Deion White and one for Derrick Hall. I’m not interested in any other position!
THE PICK:
45: Green Bay
Round one impression: See pick 42, above
Round two look: See pick 42, above. TE has to be one of the two picks, and then the other pick could as be described above.
“Experts Say”: Two WR’s, two TE’s and safety Branch. Combined, that’s four of five mockers who say TE at either pick 42 or 45, and three for WR, plus two for safety Branch.
THE PICK:
46: New England
Round one impression: Poised to look in a number of different directions, the Pats traded pick 14 to Pittsburgh for this pick (17) and pick 120. Young CB Christian Gonzalez was selected, which is my 3rd area of need, but 1st for the defense. I never bought into him being a top ten player, but this draft slot is more than fair.
Round two look: NE now has a whopping 12 picks in this draft. Make a splash or two and start trading UP for better talent. You could double up with safety Branch, or look RG/center or WR. Make this pick count.
“Experts Say”: It’s NE, so we get five differing opinions! WR Downs would be decent. LB Sanders carries value here. So does edge rusher White, but I’d like to go elsewhere with this pick. Interior OL Avila carries the positional versatility that Belichick covets. TE Washington also carries value, but again, I would go with another position.
THE PICK:
47: Washington
Round one impression: CB Emmanuel Forbes was gaining steady traction the week before the draft, and unseated CB’s Banks, Gonzalez, and Porter to become the 2nd overall CB drafted (#16). I love the positional focus, and with not that much difference in skill set from the other CB’s maybe this works out, similar to WR Dotson being chosen ahead of some WR’s in 2022.
Round two look: This is another team where if they go QB it would not bother me. My other choice is OL and that is it!
“Experts Say”: Two for OG, plus QB Hooker, a DE, and TE Washington. I’m in alignment with much of this.
THE PICK:
48: Detroit
Round one impression: See pick 34, above
Round two look: See pick 34, above. I HAVE to see Detroit get at least two of the players noted at pick 34. I think we will see a trade up in this round, and will be shocked if that doesn’t happen. It’s time to draft at positions that move the NFL win needle.
“Experts Say”: Two votes for TE Washington, two votes at CB, and one vote for WR. Based on these experts, TE Washington’s range seems to be in the late 40’s. Based on day one, tuning in for Detroit’s actual pick might be must watch TV.
THE PICK:
49: Pittsburgh
Round one impression: See pick 32, above
Round two look: Ideally, Pitt took Porter (or CB Ringo, the guy my Intel says they want), and then use this pick for a WR.
“Experts Say”: Three votes for DT (two for Benton), one vote for LB and one for OT. No mention of WR?
THE PICK:
50: Tampa
Round one impression: Tampa like it or not, has to start rebuilding, especially along the front seven. They used the 19th pick to select DT Kancey. I wouldn’t have gone DT, with many positional needs more critical, but Kancey is a fine player, prepping at Pittsburgh, where their DT’s can be quite disruptive.
Round two look: This isn’t 35-year-old veteran Tom Brady behind center, so the need for OL has to be addressed. I could see them going QB here, this being the 3rd team where that might be an option for me. Regardless, Tampa has work to do if they want to avoid falling behind the times.
“Experts Say”: Two exact votes for speedy CB Turner, but I’m tired of Tampa’s passive zone scheme and the very light Jones is a zone CB. DL, edge and TE were the other looks, but again, this team needs massive OL rebuilding and that’s my preference.
THE PICK:
51: Miami
Round one impression: No pick, Ultimately, they lost a pick threw trades, and their own pick was voided due to tampering.
Round two look: Through 2022 trades and two years of free agency, I like the players Miami have added to the roster. The 2022 draft was a dud. The interior OL has to be addressed, and this pick is a good spot to do it.
“Experts Say”: Two exact votes for RB Achane, who I noted in my NFL Draft Storylines article was a person of interest here. The other votes are two for TE and one for LB Simpson. Simpson’s a fit, as is Achane, although OL just seems like the top need.
THE PICK:
52: Seattle
Round one impression: See pick 37, above
Round two look: If they didn’t go OG at pick 37, it has to be done now. If not, a pick for the best available defensive player in the front seven would be my choice.
“Experts Say”: Two votes for LB Sanders and two votes for OG, with the 5th vote for edge rusher Hall. I like all the choices.
THE PICK:
53: Chicago
Round one impression: The Bears made an unusual trade with Philly, moving down from pick 9 to pick 10, while obtaining a 4th round pick in the 2024 draft. Regardless, it was (or should have been) evident that the Bears needed OL help, and they chose a RT, Darnell Wright over the versatile, local product Peter Skoronski. Either way, Justin Fields thanks you.
Round two look: OL, DL and CB should be the focus. I have four remaining CB’s that carry draft grades at or better than this spot, so that’s a good look if one of them remain.
“Experts Say”: Two DL, and RB, center and CB. The areas covered would work as long as the players chosen had proper value.
THE PICK:
54: LA Chargers
Round one impression: I sadly knew LA was not interested in Zay Flowers at pick 21, even though his fit with the other WR’s on the team was ideal. LA doesn’t value WR speed as much as most teams. I, like most people, though WR Addison was coming here, but the bigger Quintin Johnson was the guy. Most people liked WR as the right move, but not me, unless it was for Flowers. Johnson has massive upside (still learning route running), but his disappointing game vs. Georgia set him back.
Round two look: All five of my bolded needs remain. Please take the best available player in one of these spots.
“Experts Say”: Two CB’s, DT, edge rusher, and RB Charbonnet, who would be an exciting fit here. I wouldn’t go with CB Turner, but CB Can Smith would work, as would DT Benton.
THE PICK:
55: Detroit
Round one impression: See pick 34, above
Round two look: If there’s no trade, this is Detroit’s 3rd pick in the 2nd round. Look above for what I think they should do.
“Experts Say”: Two for CB Cam Smith, and one for edge rusher Hall, TE LaPorta, and QB Levis. If they haven’t gone TE yet, LaPorta is a nice fit.
THE PICK:
56: Jacksonville
Round one impression: I never expected the Jags to trade down, and they did it twice, with one and two positional drops. In the end, they turned pick 25 into picks 28, 130, 160 and 240. Looking OT, their clear #1 need, they read the market right and took OT Harrison, who had a draft range for me of 28-35. I’ll guess they tried to move up, but in the end got a nice draft haul.
Round two look: Armed with extra ammunition now, I can give the Jags the green light to trade UP, but only if they get a splash player in return. CB and DE are my needs. I’d go UP for a CB, and perhaps up for DE if the next available players start coming off the board, as the Jags should not want to settle for lower-level talent.
“Experts Say”: Two TE’s, and lower rated players at CB, safety and RB. I’m not all that thrilled with the players the experts tabbed here, and also not that comfortable with going TE or RB in this spot. I’ll stick with (a better) CB or a DE.
THE PICK:
57: NYG
Round one impression: This draft team came over from Buffalo, and they know how to do things. Yes, they traded three for one (24 for 25, 160, 240), a bit pricey, but CB was a MAJOR need, and the NYG still have a total of eight picks. Banks was not only properly drafted, but he likely starts right away.
Round two look: Unless the NYG think there’s still a WR1 left on the board, how about filling this spot with an interior OL. Bonus thought: The NYG also have picks 69 and 100. Maybe trade THIS pick for WR Hopkins (Arizona), and use pick 69 for my sleeper interior OL (Cody Mauch), or if they drop, center’s Schmitz or Tippmann. That’s just food for thought.
“Experts Say”: This is interesting, as two votes are for center Tippmann and two votes are for center Schmitz. We are in lockstep alignment, as they copied my notes above. Going WR works only because I like Jalen Hyatt, the suggested choice.
THE PICK:
58: Dallas
Round one impression: You know the drill. My word for Jerry Jones is inertia. They talk a big game, but have been passive for several draft cycles. IF they were interested in TE Kincaid, (Bills say they had Intel) they missed out when the Bills jumped ahead of them. With TE Mayer still available, and more of a Dallas prototype TE, the Cowboys instead went for DT Mazi Smith, who carried a 2nd round grade. Maybe it was too early to go after their top needs (OG/OC and MLB), but why not Mayer?
Round two look: There’s still plenty of day two TE talent in this solid TE draft class. Dallas has other choices as well, such as OL, MLB and RB. If they get a highly rated player in any of these areas then that could work for me.
“Experts Say”: Three specific votes for TE LaPorta, plus a vote for an interior OL and LB Simpson. This fits with what I said!
THE PICK:
59: Buffalo
Round one impression: Last year the Bills went up three spots to make sure they got a CB, as one had just come off the board. This year they went from 27 to 25, putting pick 130 in the deal and selected TE Kincaid. This was my 5th and final need area for Buffalo, and not on my radar screen as to a round one need. Kincaid carries a round one grade, but I thought the front seven would be addressed with this pick. Tough call, as only edge rushers Murphy or Nolan Smith carried a better grade.
Round two look: Round two is ripe for traditional LB’s in today’s game, and I have three LB’s that carry value if available at this pick. OG or WR are lesser needs and could be addressed, but I see LB as far and away the bigger need.
“Experts Say”: All over the place, with OT, LB, edge, DT and WR. LB Simpson was noted, and if he’s available that’s my choice.
THE PICK:
60: Cincinnati
Round one impression: Speaking of edge rusher Murphy, that was Cincy’s pick at #29. I think they liked the athleticism of TE Kincaid, but he was gone. They may also have taken RB Gibbs, but he was long gone. OL was another consideration, but the top five were gone. I’d have gone CB, safety Branch, or TE Mayer. Murphy however, does fit what I said in the NFL storylines article I recently sent out, and that’s GM Tobin liking the best player available approach. Murphy’s draft range was 25-30.
Round two look: Although I am fine with Murphy, Cincy’s top four needs are CB, RB, TE and safety. Safety is out if Branch is gone, although I personally like Sydney or Ji’ayir Brown. Maybe one of the top five remaining CB’s fall here. Lots of quality TE’s remain. As for RB, I’m not opposed to drafting one here (or in round three) and letting Mixon go.
“Experts Say”: Two CB’s (Cam Smith the only one I like), two for RB Charbonnet (great) and one for OT Jones (also fits). I certainly wouldn’t be upset if the pick was for one of the top six or seven TE’s either.
THE PICK:
61: Chicago
Round one impression: See pick 53, above
Round two look: See pick 53, above
“Experts Say”: Two DL, two CB’s and an edge rusher. That’s fine, but if they decide to double up along the OL, that’s fine too.
THE PICK:
62: Philly
Round one impression: Howie Roseman likes his DL to be fresh and deep, rotating them more than any other team. That made DT Carter a good fit here, as I would (on the field) worry about his snap count. Perhaps they can motivate him as well. The trade from 10 to 9 was far easier than expected, as the Eagles only gave up a 2024 4th round selection. Last year they stopped the big nosedive of LB Dean late in middle of the 3rd round. This year, they grabbed high character edge rusher Nolan Smith at pick 30. That value, and talent. NOTE: All three of these players are from Georgia, a team that knows how to win games.
Round two look: Philly has this pick, pick, 94, and then just two very late picks, so a trade back could be considered. Safety, OL and another WR would be my considerations here. OL might need to be addressed now, but the other two areas could still be ripe to go after with that small trade back.
“Experts Say”: Two LB, two CB’s and a WR. I’m not in sync with the experts here, and prefer do deviate from all their choices.
THE PICK:
63: KC
Round one impression: I thought I could go a whole 1st round without worrying about name pronunciation, but KC ruined that, as with pick 31 they selected K St edge rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah. That’s need #3 on my board, but if Curtis Dunlap leaves, I’m okay with the player and position. I thought they would go WR, but with this crop, it’s likely just fine for them to wait.
Round two look: WR or run-stopper are my looks here. KC still has nine remaining picks. I would easily trade up to get a WR of choice considering there are not ten spots left on their roster. Let’s see what KC has in mind.
“Experts Say”: Five of five for WR, with Tyler Scott leading the way with two votes. Let’s do this!
THE PICK:
Below is the list of teams currently without picks in round two. They will be listed in draft order using the same recap and evaluation process as the teams above. NOTE: FOUR OF MY FIVE MOCKERS HAVE ROUND THREE DRAFT SELECTIONS.
65 (and 73): Houston
Round one impression: Am I really saying well done to a GM and organization that has made for comedic and tragic moments in my past draft reports? I was scared that they would go with the wrong QB and wrong edge rusher at picks 2 and 12, and did believe that they would go edge 1st. Instead, they went Stroud 1st, and in a massive trade, moved up from 12 to 3 to get the safest player in this draft, Will Anderson. I know the price was steep, giving up pick 33, plus a 1st and 3rd in 2024 (they also received pick 104 in this draft), but listen to this. I only liked two QB’s in the 1st round, and Stroud was one of them. Does he pan out? QB’s have a bad hit rate, but his body of work is promising. Meanwhile, Will Anderson checks all the boxes for being a ten-year starter and contributor. He’s the Sauce Gardner of the draft (though not quite as elite) as opposed to the CB Stingley pick from 2022, which carried obvious risk, just like edge rusher Wilson would in my eyes. If this has anything to do with new Head Coach Ryans, Houston, I like how you “may” be more grounded now, and this could be something special.
Round three look: So far, so good. The next moves should be for their interior OL and WR. Will they again shock the world with some well thought out picks? The only other area I’d look at would be DB, where depth is a real issue.
“Experts Say”: Combining the two draft slots, three of four experts listed WR, with two CB’s the only other multiple position. WR makes perfect sense, and CB can work, but one mocker said OC Tippman, and I might go that way over CB.
THE PICK:
67 (and 68): Denver
Round one impression: No pick. Part of the draft capital used to get Russell Wilson. Denver did have another 1st round pick in the trade of Bradley Chubb, but that pick was used to obtain Head Coach Sean Payton.
Round three look: SIDE NOTE: In the last few years, teams that have spent the most in any one year on free agents have seen stout improvement (Jacksonville in 2022 for example). Denver won the free agency crown this year. The coaching staff is better, but now we’ll see if the draft can fill additional holes. I’m writing this as if this team will stay at picks 67 and 68, but even with just five picks, I know Payton comes from an organization where they liked to trade up. Maybe they use 2024 draft capital to make that move. LB, DE, OG and DB are my top four areas of need.
“Experts Say”: Two votes for LB Overshown, two votes for edge rusher Diaby, two CB votes, plus interior OL and DT. I like the focus of the mockers, so hopefully Denver will have that same focus.
THE PICK:
74 (and 98): Cleveland
Round one impression: No pick. Part of the price they paid for QB Watson.
Round three look: It sounds funny, but Cleveland really doesn’t need that much of a talent boost, as this roster has plenty of depth from past drafts. I’d prefer them changing stripes and getting a BIG LB, as the run defense really let them down a year ago. This is another team that could use an interior OL. DE is also an area where talent could be added.
“Experts Say”: Three votes of the eight were for edge, with Isaiah McGuire mocked once at pick 74 and once at pick 98. The fit of RB Achane to this team is really spot on. There was another RB tab at pick 98, and a pair of DT tabs. Mostly, there was no mention of ANY of my preferred areas. Achane is nice, but LB and/or interior OL are preferred choices for me.
THE PICK:
86: Baltimore
Round one impression: I thought trading BACK would have been nice, but instead the Ravens took electric WR Zay Flowers at pick 22. While that was big ($$$) for me, it’s also a great move for the Ravens. Literally, average coach John Harbaugh has no more excuses. They have three viable (actually good to great) potential TE’s and the WR room is night and day different with Bateman back from injury, and Beckham and Flowers added. Flowers caught numerous off-target throws at Boston College and the potential here is enormous. All four day one WR’s went to teams that work for me. Lamar, this could be good.
Round three look: With WR fully addressed, Baltimore can concentrate on OG and CB. That’s all the focus I want here.
“Experts Say”: Two CB’s a LB and a guard, all with acceptable ratings. I like the fits that were suggested.
THE PICK:
87: Minnesota
Round one impression: I had four bolded needs for the Vikings, and WR was need #4. I like the fit of WR Addison with QB Cousins, and do believe he can be ready as a rookie. The defense has massive holes, especially at CB, which would have been the direction I went with this pick, but again, this fit works.
Round three look: While a stout nose tackle would help, my clear #1 need is CB, even with the addition of Byron Murphy.
“Experts Say”: Two votes for QB Hendon Hooker, and two votes for my preference, CB. I understand the Hooker choice for this team, so let’s just say it’s Hooker or a CB in my book, which aligns with the mockers.
THE PICK:
99 (and picks 101, 102): San Francisco
Round one impression: No pick. Part of the deal for QB Trey Lance.
Round three look: Maybe after this year the 49ers will treat the draft a bit more seriously, at least for the early rounds. They have eleven picks, and like with KC, they do not have eleven roster spots to fill. I’d clearly trade UP to get a 2nd round DB, and that really must happen. If they make three picks, I’d go DB, OL and LB. By the end of this draft, I want two DB’s and two OL, and when I say that, I mean decently rated players at these positions and not roster fillers.
“Experts Say”: I’m somehow combining all these picks into a blog of 15 since they are all so closely together. So here we go. Three went for OL (two for Nick Saldiveri), three chose safety, three chose CB (two for Jakorian Bennett), two chose TE and one went edge rusher. With all this Intel, I want them to go DB and OL for sure with two of these picks, but I still wouldn’t go TE with the 3rd unless we got a draft dropper. Maybe use the 3rd pick on either a 2nd DB as suggested, or the best available player at any position, with LB the strongest look. Of the players noted, the ones I like the best are safety Marte Mapu, who can actually play some LB, safety Sydney Brown, safety Ji’Ayir Brown, and CB Riley Moss.
THE PICK:
ENJOY DAY TWO OF THE NFL DRAFT!
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