NFL Draft 2023: Grades for Every Second- and Third-Round Pick
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The first round of the 2023 NFL draft is over. While the household names are largely off to new homes, Friday evening provides a chance for teams to find value, something the best clubs have done for years to build championship-caliber rosters.
Last year, we watched as a litany of top-end talents went off the board on Day 2, including running backs Kenneth Walker III (Seahawks) and Breece Hall (Jets), safeties Jalen Pitre (Texans) and Jaquan Brisker (Bears), receivers Christian Watson (Packers) and George Pickens (Steelers), corner Cam Taylor-Britt (Bengals) and others.
Will Levis's First-Round Draft Snub Causes Bettors to Lose a Fortune
This spring, some of the best-remaining names include corner Joey Porter Jr., quarterbacks Will Levis and Hendon Hooker, receiver Jalin Hyatt, tight end Michael Mayer, guard O’Cyrus Torrence and safety Brian Branch among others.
Sports Illustrated will provide instant analysis and a grade for each second- and third-round choice, followed Saturday with immediate team marks. Let’s get rolling.
Here are Matt Verderame’s and Gilberto Manzano’s draft grades:
Round 2
32
Pittsburgh Steelers (from Chicago), Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
The Steelers are adding a familiar name to fill their need at cornerback. Porter is the son of Joey Porter Sr., the former standout linebacker of the Steelers. The younger Porter flourished in college as a lengthy and athletic outside corner. He’ll form a solid duo with Patrick Peterson. — G.M.
Grade: B+
- All Steelers: More on the Steelers’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Porter scouting report
33
Tennessee Titans (from Arizona and Houston), Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Many thought the Titans would take Levis at No. 11, but they waited and snagged a potential franchise quarterback 22 spots later. The big question with Levis is will he develop raw traits shown at Kentucky, or has he already reached his ceiling? For Tennessee, it’s a worthwhile gamble, but there’s a reason Levis slipped to the second round. — M.V.
Grade: B-
- Texans Daily: More on the Titans’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Levis scouting report
- Fantasy: Levis outlook
34
Detroit Lions, Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa
The Lions made the first surprise pick of Day 2 after picking LaPorta ahead of Michael Mayer, Darnell Washington and Luke Musgrave. With the Lions trading T.J. Hockenson last season, LaPorta could be in line to start as a rookie. LaPorta averaged 11.7 yards per reception in college. — G.M.
Grade: C+
- All Lions: More on the Lions’ selection
- Athlon Sports: LaPorta scouting report
35
Las Vegas Raiders (from Indianapolis), Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Mayer is a fantastic value here, and a long-term replacement for Darren Waller who was traded away this offseason. The Golden Domer notched 67 receptions for 809 yards and eight scores last year, and was the top tight end available heading into Day 2. The only question is whether Las Vegas was wise in taking an offensive weapon considering all its defensive needs. — M.V.
Grade: B
- Raider Maven: More on the Raiders’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Mayer scouting report
- Fantasy: Mayer outlook
36
Los Angeles Rams, Steve Avila, OL, TCU
The Rams went for offensive line depth after a wave of injuries to the starting unit quickly derailed their 2022 season. Avila is a powerful blocker and offers versatility at guard and center. He started 35 games in college. — G.M.
Grade: B+
- Ram Digest: More on the Rams’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Avila scouting report
37
Seattle Seahawks (from Denver), Derick Hall, DE, Auburn
The Seahawks took an edge rusher in last year’s second round with Boye Mafe, and doubled down a year later with Hall. The SEC product played four seasons with the Tigers and starred over the past two, totaling 24 tackles for loss and 15 sacks. At 6'2" and 254 pounds, he has ideal size and length to disrupt with power. — M.V.
Grade: B+
- All Seahawks: More on the Seahawks’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Hall scouting report
38
Atlanta Falcons (from Indianapolis), Matthew Bergeron, G, Syracuse
With Jake Matthews and Kaleb McGary on the roster, the Falcons added a new offensive tackle. Bergeron played left tackle the past two seasons, and was known as a productive run blocker. Perhaps Bergeron moves to guard at the next level. — G.M.
Grade: B
- Falcon Report: More on the Falcons’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Bergeron scouting report
39
Carolina Panthers, Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ole Miss
Mingo is one of the bigger receivers in the draft, checking in at 6'2" and 220 pounds. A four-year player at Ole Miss, Mingo was limited by a foot injury in 2021 but broke out last season, notching career-highs in receptions (51) receiving yards (861) and touchdowns (five). He should be a terrific target for rookie quarterback Bryce Young, while playing opposite of veteran Adam Thielen. — M.V.
Grade: A-
- All Panthers: More on the Panthers’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Mingo scouting report
40
New Orleans Saints, Isaiah Foskey, DE, Notre Dame
After losing Marcus Davenport to the Vikings during free agency, the Saints added an edge rusher with high upside. Foskey has an intriguing skillset, but he’ll need to improve against the run. He’ll get an opportunity to learn from Cam Jordan. — G.M.
Grade: C+
- Saints News Network: More on the Saints’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Foskey scouting report
41
Arizona Cardinals (from Tennessee), BJ Ojulari, OLB, LSU
The Cardinals took Paris Johnson Jr. to bolster their offensive line in the first round, and now turn their attention to defense with Ojulari. At LSU, Ojulari notched 16.5 sacks over three years, and projects to be an immediate contributor in Arizona opposite Markus Golden. The big concern is whether he can hold up against the run better at the pro level. — M.V.
- All Cardinals: More on the Cardinals’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Ojulari scouting report
42
Green Bay Packers (from N.Y. Jets and Cleveland), Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
First-year starting quarterback Jordan Love has a new weapon after the Packers selected Musgrave, one of the top pass-catching tight ends in the draft. But Musgrave’s flashes were minimal in college because he missed the final 11 games last season due to injury. — G.M.
Grade: B
- Packer Central: More on the Packers’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Musgrave scouting report
43
New York Jets, Joe Tippmann, C, Wisconsin
Arguably the top center in this draft, Tippmann is massive for the position at 6'6" and 314 pounds. With Aaron Rodgers in tow, the Jets needed to upgrade their offensive line and did so with one of the better interior pass blockers in the country. The Jets still have a need at tackle, but Tippmann takes care of a huge need. — M.V.
Grade: B
- Jets Country: More on the Jets’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Tippmann Scouting report
44
Indianapolis Colts (from Atlanta), Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State
The Colts were in need of a cornerback after they traded Stephon Gilmore to the Cowboys, but they reached for Brents, who was inconsistent in coverage. But the 6'2" Brents has size and recorded four interceptions last season. — G.M.
Grade: C
- Horseshoe Huddle: More on the Colts’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Brents scouting report
45
Detroit Lions (from Green Bay), Brian Branch, S, Alabama
In a draft light on safety talent, Branch is the best of the class. The Lions have spent this offseason upgrading what was a horrid secondary, including safety CJ Gardner-Johnson, and corners Emmanuel Moseley and Cam Sutton. Branch projects as an immediate starter, who can play in the box as showcased by his 14 tackles for loss last season with Alabama. — M.V.
Grade: A-
- All Lions: More on the Lions’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Branch scouting report
46
New England Patriots, Keion White, DE, Georgia Tech
White was viewed by some draft experts as a first-round prospect. Perhaps he had a longer wait than expected because he’s raw in many areas, but he plays with a high motor and could be an ideal fit for Patriots coach Bill Belichick. — G.M.
Grade: B+
- Patriots Country: More on the Patriots’ selection
- Athlon Sports: White scouting report
47
Washington Commanders, Jartavius Martin, CB, Illinois
The Commanders have taken two corners with their initial picks, bolstering a weak secondary. Martin was projected in many corners to be a third-round pick, but Washington pounced far earlier. At 5'11" and 194 pounds, there are also questions about whether he’ll play corner or safety at the next level after five years with the Illini. — M.V.
Grade: D
- Commander Country: More on the Commanders’ selection
48
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cody Mauch, OL, North Dakota State
Tampa Bay is aiming to repair its offensive line after the unit struggled during Tom Brady’s final season. Mauch lacks ideal size to play tackle in the NFL, but he’s a polished prospect and could be a Week 1 starter at guard. — G.M.
Grade: B-
- BucsGameday: More on the Buccaneers’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Mauch scouting report
49
Pittsburgh Steelers (from Chicago), Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin
The Steelers have long built through their front seven, and Benton adds to that legacy. A two-year starter with the Badgers, Benton amassed 15 tackles for loss and seven sacks over that span. He’ll be a nice run-stuffing piece inside for Pittsburgh at 309 pounds, and can also push the pocket, learning from veteran Cam Heyward. — M.V.
Grade: B
- All Steelers: More on the Steelers’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Benton scouting report
50
Green Bay Packers (from Tampa Bay), Jayden Reed, WR, Michigan State
The Packers drafted a speedy downfield threat for Love. Reed lacks size, but he’s a solid route runner and usually comes down with contested passes. He recorded 636 receiving yards and caught five touchdowns last season. — G.M.
Grade: C+
- Packer Central: More on the Packers’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Reed scouting report
51
Miami Dolphins, Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
At 180 pounds, Smith is a smaller corner who will need to thrive on technique. Still, some had him as a first-round pick, and the Dolphins were able to get him outside of the top 50 picks. With Xavien Howard and Jalen Ramsey as mentors, Smith will have time to grow while learning from two elite pros. — M.V.
Grade: B
- All Dolphins: More on the Dolphins’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Smith scouting report
52
Seattle Seahawks, Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA
The Seahawks will have a crowded backfield with the addition of Charbonnet, who’s coming off back-to-back seasons of at least 1,000 rushing yards. Charbonnet can also contribute in the passing game with reliable hands. Seattle will have a solid one-two punch with Kenneth Walker III and Charbonnet. — G.M.
Grade: B-
- All Seahawks: More on the Seahawks’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Charbonnett scouting report
53
Chicago Bears (from Baltimore), Gervon Dexter Sr., DT, Florida
The Bears reached on Dexter, who is a projection at this juncture. In 39 games with the Gators, the 310-pounder only totaled five sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss. The Bears need to find plug-and-play talent, and Dexter hasn’t shown he’s ready to contribute at the NFL level. M.V.
Grade: F+
- Bear Digest: More on the Bears’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Dexter scouting report
54
Los Angeles Chargers, Tuli Tuipulotu, DE, USC
Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack will have a new teammate on the defensive front. Tuipulotu had a standout 2022 season with 22 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks. He might lack athleticism, but he was highly productive in college. — G.M.
Grade: B-
- Charger Report: More on the Chargers’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Tuipulotu scouting report
55
Kansas City Chiefs (from Detroit and Minnesota), Rashee Rice, WR, SMU
The Chiefs needed a receiver after losing JuJu Smith-Schuster in free agency, but Rice is a surprising pick. Kansas City traded up using one of its two fourth-round selections, taking Rice who starred for the Mustangs in 2022, catching 96 passes for 1,355 yards and 10 touchdowns. At 6'1" and 204 pounds, Rice has good size, decent speed but also has inconsistent tape. This might have been early for him. —*M.V.*
Grade: C
- Arrowhead Report: More on the Chiefs’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Rice scouting report
56
Chicago Bears (from Jaguars), Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami
Stevenson offers upside because of his athleticism, but he was inconsistent both in coverage and against the run. He started 26 games and recorded three interceptions during his collegiate career. — G.M.
Grade: C-
- BearDigest: More on the Bears’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Stevenson scouting report
57
New York Giants, John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota
The Giants needed to upgrade inside after adding tackles Evan Neal and Andrew Thomas in recent drafts. Schmitz is a 300-pounder who can anchor and will give quarterback Daniel Jones more time to throw without pass rushers in his lap. Schmitz is a solid pick with a high floor. — M.V.
Grade: A-
- Giants Country: More on the Giants’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Schmitz scouting report
58
Dallas Cowboys, Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan
The Cowboys found their Dalton Schultz replacement with Schoonmaker, who offers versatility as a solid pass catcher and blocker. Schoonmaker, who will now catch passes from Dak Prescott, averaged 11.8 yards per reception in college. — G.M.
Grade: B-
- Cowboys Country: More on the Cowboys’ selection
59
Buffalo Bills, O’Cyrus Torrence, G, Florida
General manager Brandon Beane should take a bow. After landing great value with tight end Dalton Kincaid in the first round, Beane found Torrence to beef up the interior of his offensive line a full round after many thought he’d be gone. The Bills are having one of the league’s best drafts. —*M.V.*
Grade: A
- Bills Central: More on the Bills’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Torrence scouting report
60
Cincinnati Bengals, DJ Turner, CB, Michigan
The Bengals’ new-look secondary now includes a new cornerback in Turner, who clocked a blazing 4.26 in the 40-yard dash at the scouting combine. Turner is a feisty competitor and plays bigger than his listed height of 5'11" and 178 pounds. He recorded 11 passes defended last season. — G.M.
Grade: B+
- All Bengals: More on the Bengals’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Turner scouting report
61
Jacksonville Jaguars (from San Francisco and Carolina and Chicago), Brenton Strange, TE, Penn State
With Evan Engram set to potentially play on the franchise tag, the Jaguars might have their long-term solution at tight end in Strange. With the Nittany Lions, Strange wasn’t a big producer, totaling 70 catches and 755 yards over four seasons. So it’ll be on coach Doug Pederson to develop him. — M.V.
Grade: C-
- Jaguar Report: More on the Jaguars’ selection
62
Houston Texans, Juice Scruggs, C, Penn State
Scruggs has a terrific name, but the Texans might have reached with this pick. Scruggs was inconsistent in the running game, but he started 26 games against Big Ten competition. — G.M.
Grade: D
- Texans Daily: More on the Texans’ selection
63
Denver Broncos (from Detroit and Kansas City), Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma
The Broncos have ample needs on both sides of the ball, and a litany of established receivers. Yet Denver took one in Mims, who will have a tough time seeing the field behind Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy and Tim Patrick. With the Sooners, Mims caught 54 passes for 1,083 yards last year. The talent is there, but the fit is bizarre. —*M.V.*
Grade: D
- Mile High Huddle: More on the Broncos’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Mims scouting report
Round 3
64
Chicago Bears, Zach Pickens, DT, South Carolina
The more defensive tackles, the better for the Bears, who had a poor interior defensive line last season. Pickens, however, will need time to polish his game as a run defender and pass rusher. He had a total of 7.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss during his time in college. — G.M.
Grade: C+
- Bear Digest: More on the Bears’ selection
65
Philadelphia Eagles (from Houston), Tyler Steen, OT, Alabama
With Lane Johnson aging and Andre Dillard lost in free agency to the Titans, the Eagles had a need at tackle. Steen is a mountain at 321 pounds, who has the potential to be an above average starter in the future. Once more, general manager Howie Roseman continues to build in the trenches. —*M.V.*
Grade: B
- EaglesToday: More on the Eagles’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Steen scouting report
66
Philadelphia Eagles, Sydney Brown, S, Illinois
Brown recorded an impressive six interceptions and 13 passes defended last season. He has solid ball skills, but he needs to improve as a tackler. The Eagles needed help at safety with the free-agency departure of C.J. Gardner-Johnson. —G.M.
Grade: B-
- Eagles Today: More on the Eagles’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Brown scouting report
67
Denver Broncos (from Indianapolis), Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
Sanders is good value for the Broncos. He’ll play alongside Josey Jewell, giving Denver more punch at the second level of its defense. At 235 pounds, Sanders runs well and was a first-team All-American selection in 2022. He should compete to start as a rookie, while contributing on special teams. — M.V.
Grade: B+
- Mile High Huddle: More on the Broncos’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Sanders scouting report
68
Detroit Lions, Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
Going in the third round was worth the wait for Hooker, because he might get an opportunity to start for the Lions in the foreseeable future. Jared Goff is currently the starter in Detroit, but that’s O.K. for Hooker, who is recovering from a torn ACL he sustained in November. Hooker has size, good arm strength, and he might be the most accurate quarterback in the draft. The Lions finally nailed a pick. — G.M.
Grade: A-
- All Lions: More on the Lions’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Hooker scouting report
- Fantasy: Hooker outlook
69
Houston Texans (from L.A. Rams), Tank Dell, WR, Houston
The Texans are working on revamping their offense and landed two key pieces so far with quarterback C.J. Stroud and now Dell. Dell is undersized at 5'8" and 165 pounds, but his production for the Cougars can’t be argued. Over the past two years, the slot man caught 199 passes for 2,727 yards and 29 touchdowns. —*M.V.*
Grade: B+
- Texans Daily: More on the Texans’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Dell scouting report
70
Las Vegas Raiders, Byron Young, DT, Alabama
The Raiders found depth for their interior defensive line, which was inconsistent against the run last year. Young is a stout run blocker and offers upside as a pass rusher with 3.5 sacks last season. — G.M.
Grade: C+
- Raider Maven: More on the Raiders’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Young scouting report
71
New Orleans Saints, Kendre Miller, RB, TCU
Miller was one of the best running backs in 2022, rushing for 1,399 yards on 6.2 yards per carry while scoring 17 touchdowns. He’ll provide a nice tandem with the veteran Alvin Kamara. For New Orleans, Miller should see plenty of carries with quarterback Derek Carr playing a ball-control offense. — M.V.
Grade: B-
- Saints News Network: More on the Saints’ selection
72
Arizona Cardinals, Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse
After drafting Ojulari, the Cardinals continued to focus on the defensive side with the selection of Williams, an athletic outside cornerback with solid instincts. —*G.M.*
Grade: C+
- All Cardinals: More on the Cardinals’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Williams scouting report
73
New York Giants (from L.A. Rams and Houston and Cleveland), Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
The Giants desperately needed to upgrade their receivers, and they did so with the selection of Hyatt. The Tennessee product was thought by some to be a first-round talent, but he slid to the third perhaps because he was a one-year wonder. After 41 catches and 502 yards in his first two years with the Volunteers, Hyatt exploded for 67 receptions, 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. —*M.V.*
Grade: A-
- Giants Country: More on the Giants’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Hyatt scouting report
- Fantasy: Hyatt outlook
74
Cleveland Browns (from N.Y. Jets), Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee
Tillman landed in Cleveland, one pick after his college teammate, Hyatt, went to the Giants. Tillman will provide help for Deshaun Watson as a speedy wideout with a large catch radius. Tillman recorded 17 receiving touchdowns during his collegiate career. —*G.M.*
Grade: C+
- Browns Digest: More on the Broncos’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Tillman scouting report
75
Atlanta Falcons, Zach Harrison, DE, Ohio State
With Calais Campbell only on a one-year deal, the Falcons get a developmental talent in Harrison. The Buckeyes star was productive over four years in Columbus, totaling 24 tackles for loss and 11 sacks. If the Falcons can coach him to his potential, Harrison could be a great value. — M.V.
Grade: B+
- Falcon Report: More on the Falcons’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Harrison scouting report
76
New England Patriots (from Carolina), Marte Mapu, ILB, Sacramento State
The 6’3” Mapu offers plenty of upside because he has length and athleticism. But he’ll need time to develop with the Patriots after playing against Big Sky competition. — GM.
Grade: C-
- Patriots Country: More on the Patriots’ selection
77
Los Angeles Rams (from New England and Miami), Byron Young, LB, Tennessee
In two years with the Volunteers, Young showed why he deserves to be a mid-round pick. The Rams are getting a linebacker who had 23.5 tackles for loss, while weighing 250 pounds and running a 4.43 40-time. The big downside is age, with Young entering the league at 25 years old. — M.V.
Grade: C+
- Ram Digest: More on the Rams’ selection
78
Green Bay Packers, Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State
The Packers added a second tight end after drafting Musgrave in the second round. Craft might not be as polished as Musgrave when it comes to receiving, but he’s a physical blocker. — G.M.
Grade: C-
- Packer Central: More on the Packers’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Kraft scouting report
79
Indianapolis Colts (from Washington), Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
A second-team All-American in 2022, Downs caught 11 touchdowns last season for the Tar Heels after notching that amount over the previous two years. For the Colts, he joins a young receivers room led by Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce, catching passes from rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson. — M.V.
Grade: B
- Horseshoe Huddle: More on the Colts’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Downs scouting report
80
Panthers (from Pittsburgh), DJ Johnson, OLB, Oregon
Johnson, who had six sacks last season, will play next to edge rusher Brian Burns in Carolina. He’s a raw prospect, but he plays with a relentless motor as a pass rusher. — G.M.
Grade: C+
- All Panthers: More on the Panthers’ selection
81
Tennessee Titans (from Arizona), Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane
Spears is an electric runner who should pair perfectly with the power of Derrick Henry. At Tulane, Spears posted 1,581 rushing yards on an absurd 6.9 yards per carry, and finished with 21 total touchdowns. He was also phenomenal at the Senior Bowl, showcasing quick feet and great balance. — M.V.
Grade: B+
- All Titans: More on the Titans’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Spears scouting report
82
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Yaya Diaby, DE, Louisville
The Buccaneers added help for Shaquil Barrett with the selection of Diaby, who had nine sacks and 14 tackles for loss last season. Diaby plays fast off the line of scrimmage and could develop into a quality pass rusher for Tampa Bay. — G.M.
Grade: B+
- BucsGameday: More on the Buccaneers’ selection
83
Denver Broncos (from Seattle), Riley Moss, CB, Iowa
Moss spent five years with the Hawkeyes, picking off 11 passes. There’s a question as to whether he plays corner or safety, giving Denver some options with his versatility. The athletic profile is there, with Moss weighing 194 pounds while running a 4.45 40-time at the scouting combine. — M.V.
Grade: C+
- Mile High Huddle: More on the Broncos’ selection
84
Miami Dolphins, Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M
The Dolphins were reportedly interested in trading for Vikings running back Dalvin Cook. That might no longer be the case with Miami having a crowded backfield with Achane, Jeff Wilson and Raheem Mostert. Achane is a versatile playmaker who can contribute in the passing game. — G.M.
Grade: B
- All Dolphins: More on the Dolphins’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Achane scouting report
85
Los Angeles Chargers, Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State
Henley starred in the Pac-12, but has questionable size at 222 pounds. Look for him to play on special teams while rotating in defensively alongside Kenneth Murray and free agent pickup Eric Kendricks. Henley also spent six years in college, including five with Nevada before transferring to the Cougars. — M.V.
Grade: C-
- Charger Report: More on the Chargers’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Henley scouting report
86
Baltimore Ravens, Trenton Simpson, ILB, Clemson
Simpson, one of the best inside linebacker prospects, could develop into the steal of the draft for Baltimore. He has a nose for the football and possesses sideline-to-sideline speed. He’ll form a solid duo with Roquan Smith. — G.M.
Grade: B+
- Raven Country: More on the Ravens’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Simpson scouting report
87
San Francisco 49ers (from Minnesota), Ji’Ayir Brown, S, Penn State
Brown has good size but ran poorly with a 4.6 40-time. The 49ers have a clear need at the position after losing Jimmie Ward in free agency. Last year, Brown showcased good instincts and hands with four interceptions. He’ll play special teams and battle for a starting job from the start. — M.V.
Grade: C
- All 49ers: More on the 49ers’ selection
88
Jacksonville Jaguars, Tank Bigsby, RB, Auburn
Bigsby will form a backfield committee with Travis Etienne. He averaged 5.4 yards per carry and led Auburn in rushing the past two seasons. Bigsby also has speed to deliver yards after the catch. — G.M.
Grade: C-
- Jaguar Report: More on the Jaguars’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Bigsby scouting report
89
Los Angeles Rams (from N.Y. Giants), Kobie Turner, DT, Wake Forest
At 288 pounds, Turner is a bit smaller for an interior pass rusher, but his athleticism gives him a high-upside profile. With the Demon Deacons, Turner had 10 tackles for loss and two sacks in 2022. The looming question is whether Turner will hold up against bigger linemen at the next level. — M.V.
Grade: C
- Rams Digest: More on the Rams’ selection
90
Dallas Cowboys, DeMarvion Overshown, ILB, Texas
Overshown is a fast and physical off-ball linebacker. He recorded 10 tackles for loss and was named first-team All-Big 12 last season.— G.M.
Grade: C+
- Cowboys Country: More on the Cowboys’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Overshown scouting report
91
Buffalo Bills, Dorian Williams, LB, Tulane
Williams is 228 pounds and ran a sub-4.50 40-time at the scouting combine, giving the Bills a high-upside athlete to fight for snaps after the departure of Tremaine Edmunds in free agency. Buffalo is also getting someone who could potentially contribute on multiple special teams units. — M.V.
Grade: B
- Bills Central: More on the Bills’ selection
92
Kansas City Chiefs, Wanya Morris, OT, Oklahoma
The defending champions addressed their need at offensive tackle. Morris could compete for the starting job opposite Jawaan Taylor. Morris has experience playing at right and left tackle. —*G.M.*
Grade: B-
- Arrowhead Report: More on the Chiefs’ selection
93
Pittsburgh Steelers (from Carolina and San Francisco), Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
Medical concerns dropped Washington from a potential first-round pick to a late third-round choice, but he lands at a nice spot with the Steelers. Pittsburgh already has Pat Friermuth, but Washington is a huge body, measuring in at 6'7" and 264 pounds. He’ll provide good blocking and another red-zone target for second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett. —*M.V.*
Grade: B
- All Steelers: More on the Steelers’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Washington scouting report
94
Arizona Cardinals, Michael Wilson, WR, Stanford
The Cardinals took a gamble on Wilson, the wideout who missed several games in college because of injuries. If he can stay healthy, Wilson has the talent to become a savvy playmaker in the NFL.— G.M.
Grade: D+
- All Cardinals: More on the Cardinals’ selection
95
Cincinnati Bengals (from Kansas City), Jordan Battle, S, Alabama
Battle gives the Bengals another option at safety after Cincinnati lost Vonn Bell and Jessie Bates in free agency. Expect the Alabama product to compete for snaps with Nick Scott, playing alongside second-year safety Dax Hill. He’ll also play on special teams, giving Cincinnati some help in multiple areas. — M.V.
Grade: C+
- All Bengals: More on the Bengals’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Battle scouting report
96
Detroit Lions (from Arizona), Brodric Martin, DT, Western Kentucky
The Lions landed a stout run stopper in Martin. He might struggle in other areas, but Detroit needs help against the run during early downs. — G.M.
Grade: C
- All Lions: More on the Lions’ selection
97
Washington Commanders (compensatory selection), Ricky Stromberg, C, Arkansas
Washington upgraded its offensive line in the offseason with right tackle Andrew Wylie, and added another piece with Stromberg on the interior. The Commanders are getting a bigger center at 6'3" and 306 pounds, who also played guard for the Razorbacks. — M.V.
Grade: C+
- Commander Country: More on the Commanders’ selection
98
Cleveland Browns (special compensatory selection), Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor
Ika will join a beefy defensive line that includes Dalvin Tomlinson. Ika, who started 24 games in college, is a solid run stopper and offers upside as a pass rusher. —*G.M.*
Grade: B-
- Browns Digest: More on the Browns’ selection
- Athlon Sports: Ika scouting report
99
San Francisco 49ers (special compensatory selection), Jake Moody, K, Michigan
Moody needs to become an All-Pro, or this is very early for a kicker. The Niners are getting the best kicker in the draft and someone who kicked through the elements at Ann Arbor, preparing him for the unpredictable weather in San Francisco. — M.V.
Grade: C-
- All 49ers: More on the 49ers’ selection
100
Las Vegas Raiders from Kansas City Chiefs and N.Y. Giants (special compensatory selection), Tre Tucker, WR, Cincinnati
Tucker is a versatile playmaker who can play in the slot or as a gadget player in the backfield. The former Cincinnati team captain averaged 12.8 yards per reception in college. Raiders coach Josh McDaniels will likely get creative with Tucker’s speed. — G.M.
Grade: B
- Raider Maven: More on the Raiders’ selection
101
San Francisco 49ers (special compensatory selection), Cameron Latu, TE, Alabama
For being a smaller tight end at only 242 pounds, there’s not a ton of explosiveness to Latu’s game. He posted 787 yards for the Crimson Tide over the past two years, but did score 12 touchdowns. He’s an adequate backup to George Kittle. —*M.V.*
Grade: C
- All 49ers: More on the 49ers’ selection
102
Minnesota Vikings from San Francisco 49ers (special compensatory selection), Mekhi Blackmon, CB, USC
The Vikings ended Day 2 of the draft addressing a major need by adding help to the secondary. Blackmon was inconsistent in coverage, but he had solid ball skills in college. He recorded 15 passes defended last season. — G.M.
Grade: B+
- Inside the Vikings: More on the Vikings’ selection