Live grades for each pick in Rounds 2 & 3 of the 2023 NFL Draft

We are on to Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Round 1 was exciting, as the Texans stole the show at the start, grabbing CJ Stroud and then trading up to take Will Anderson. We then had the Colts bypass Will Levis for Anthony Richardson, which was also a bit of a surprise.

The Eagles managed to get two stud defenders in Jalen Carter and Mike Nolan, while the Lions had some head scratching picks. The Seahawks came out of the first round with the best cornerback and wide receiver in the draft.

The biggest question for the start of Day 2 is where Will Levis and Hendon Hooker end up. It should be interesting.

Below, we’ll be giving you the picks as they happen, along with a quick rundown and grade for how we think the team did with their selection.

Rapid reaction pick grades for Round 2

No. 32 Pittsburgh Steelers: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

Grade: A

Porter is great value here, as he was projected to go earlier. The Steelers of course are a team he is very familiar with since his dad played there, but this pick is all about ability and Porter has the traits to be a top defensive back in the league.

No. 33 Tennessee Titans: (Trade with Cardinals) Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

Grade: A

Levis fell into the start of the second round, which is about where he should go. The Titans need someone to replace Ryan Tannehill and Levis could be that guy. If he’s not, they at least didn’t waste a first round pick on him. Tennessee is a good offense for him, as it fits his style of play.

No. 34 Detroit Lions: Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa

Grade: D

LaPorta saw a lot of targets, which helped his numbers, but overall he’s a poor blocker and has trouble when challenged for catches. This feels like a reach, much like all the Lions picks this draft. And they could have had Michael Mayer!

No. 35 Las Vegas Raiders: (Trade with Colts) Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

Grade: A

Mayer is the most well-rounded tight end in the draft and easily could have gone in the first round. The Raiders made a savvy move trading up at what looks like the start of a tight end run.

No. 36 Los Angeles Rams: Steve Avila, G, TCU

Grade: B

Avila is a versatile offensive lineman who can play in multiple spots. The Rams need a lot of help across the board, but offensive line is a big need and Avila will be a useful player for a while.

No. 37 Seattle Seahawks: Derick Hall, EDGE, Auburn

Grade: B

Hall is poised to be a plus NFL pass rusher, but will need to work on run and pass defense. He had strong combine and showed how explosive he is in testing, but it can be seen on the field as well.

No. 38 Atlanta Falcons: (Trade with Raiders) Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse

Grade: B

Bergeron will likely move to the guard position in the NFL, but could work out at tackle in time. He is inconsistent in stopping the pass rush on the edge, but could be really good inside. As long as he moves there he should be a strong starter.

No. 39 Carolina Panthers: Jonathon Mingo, WR, Mississippi

Grade: B-

Mingo is a bit polarizing, with scouts and analysts all over the board on his ability. But, he’s a tough receiver who can take hits and make hits. He’s not going to blow anyone away and he likely will be an average receiver in the NFL, but his toughness could push him over the edge.

No. 40 New Orleans Saints: Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame

Grade: A

Foskey was projected in the first by a few analysts, but this is about where most saw him going. He’s got the physical makeup to last in the NFL and be a plus starter with time.

No. 41 Arizona Cardinals: BJ Ojulari, EDGE, LSU

Grade: B-

The Cardinals will get a strong pass rusher, but someone who will need to show more focus against the run and more pursuit across the field.

No. 42 Green Bay Packers: Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State

Grade: B

The Packers grab their Robert Tonyan replacement with Musgrave. The 6’6”, 253 lb tight end has missed time due the Covid-19 epidemic and injury, so he has some catching up to do. But he shows well as a route runner and should become a good starter for the Packers in a few years.

No. 43 New York Jets: Joe Tippman, C, Wisconsin

Grade: C

Tippman is built well for a center, but does have trouble with his technique. He’ll need to be coached up before Aaron Rodgers puts his hands under his butt.

No. 44 Indianapolis Colts: Julius Brents, CB, K-State

Grade: B

Brents will likely be a zone-based corner for the Colts, but could move to safety. He isn’t going to shutdown NFL wide receivers one on one, but he has the instincts to cover the field well.

No. 45 Detroit Lions: (Trade with Packers) Brian Branch, CB, Alabama

Grade: A

Hey the Lions didn’t reach for once. Branch has great instincts and many believed he’d go in the first round. His coach, Nick Saban, can’t stop talking about him and you can see whay, as his football intelligence is off the charts. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein comps him to Minka Fitzpatrick. That’s good company.

No. 46 New England Patriots: Keion White, EDGE, Georgia Tech

Grade: B

The Patriots add some defensive line help here with a player that started as a tight end, but fits the mold to be a strong pass and run defender. He needs to improve across the board, but his athleticism and build should get him there quickly.

No. 47 Washington Commanders: Jartavius Martin, S, Illinois

Grade: C

Martin showed off well at the combine, but doesn’t play with the same speed and explosiveness. He can be beaten deep and can’t use his speed to recover. He’ll likely settle in as a nickel back.

No. 48 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cody Mauch, OT, North Dakota State

Grade: B+

Mauch is a beast in the run game and that’s enough to grab him here. He’ll likely move to guard and should produce as a run blocker quickly. He’ll need some work as a pass blocker, but he is still fairly new to the position, so that’s in the cards.

No. 49 Pittsburgh Steelers: Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin

Grade: B-

Benton has the frame and ability to anchor the middle, but he also is inconsistent enough to think he’ll need a couple years to smooth things out. At this point in the draft that’s okay, but he’s not a lock to become that consistent player yet.

No. 50 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jayden Reed, WR, Michigan State

Grade: D

Reed is a bit undersized at 5’11”, 187 lbs. and projects to be a third receiver on any team. He likely will be useful as a return man, but he hasn’t shown the ability to be a consistent deep threat and lacks focus at times.

No. 51 Miami Dolphins: Cam Smith, CB,

Grade: B-

Smith has had trouble with penalties, but he does have great instincts. He will likely be used in zone coverage more than man, which will help him excel.

No. 52 Seattle Seahawks: Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA

Grade: A

The Seahawks had no backfield depth after Ken Walker, so this pick fills a real need. He is a more than capable three-down runner and receiver and showed great production at UCLA. He will be a change of pace back to Walker, but should be able to carve out some work.

No. 53 Chicago Bears: Gervon Dexter, DT, Florida

Grade: C

Dexter is built well for the interior and his consistency and health at Florida are a big plus. But overall, his athleticism and talent are average. He’s a bit slow to get off the ball, which gets him behind against the run.

No. 54 Los Angeles Chargers: Tuli Tuipulotu, DE, USC

Grade: A

Tuipuloto is a powerful rusher who can work from multiple spots on the line. He had 13/5 sacks and 22 tackles for loss last season. He has multiple moves to work with and despite shorter arms, can play with the big boys consistently

No. 55 Kansas City Chiefs: Rashee Rice, WR, SMU

Grade: C-

The Chiefs took an athletic specimen in Rice, but one that is quite inconsistent on the field. He tries to use his size to win jump balls instead of working more on technique to get open. He’s already 23 years old and will need to develop as route runner quickly.

No. 56 Chicago Bears: (Trade with Jaguars) Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami:

Grade: C

Stevenson is big and aggressive, but lacks technique and patience. He has the athleticism to be a star, but his tape doesn’t foresee that just yet.

No. 57 New York Giants: John Michael Schmitz

Grade: A

This is a good pick at this point in the draft, especially if you are looking for a run blocker like the Giants were. He will be able to start quickly due to his intelligence and consistency.

No. 58 Dallas Cowboys: Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan

Grade: C

Schoonmaker isn’t likely to be the answer for the Cowboys at tight end, but he should be a good blocker and quality TE2.

No. 59 Buffalo Bills: O’Cyrus Torrance, G, Florida

Grade: A

This is a nice spot to get Torrance, as he had a real shot at going int the first round. His athleticism is somewhat average, but his size and strength will win the day more often than not.

No. 60 Cincinnati Bengals: D.J. Turner, CB, Michigan

Grade: A-

Turner is a natural corner, who has the speed and technique to win in the NFL. His size is a concern at 5’11’, 178 lbs. He will need to bulk up without losing his fluidity as a coverage man.

No. 61 Jacksonville Jaguars: Brenton Strange

Grade: B+

Strange is a bit of a H-back/tight end hybrid, which is something a lot of NFL teams like. He has the makeup to become an above average starter at tight end, but his versatility should keep him on the field in different ways.

No. 62 Houston Texans: Juice Scruggs, C, Penn State

Grade: C+

Scruggs is an immovable object, but lacks technique he will need in the NFL. His strength will stand up in the NFL, but he’ll need to find was to create an edge. If he can do that, he’ll stick around for a long time.

No. 63 Denver Broncos: Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma

Grade: A

Mims is a speedster with a 4.38 40-yard dash, but has traits other than speed that make him a strong prospect. His 183 pound frame likely kept teams from grabbing him earlier, but he’s a special player if given the opportunity.

No. 64 Chicago Bears: Zacch Pickens, DT, South Carolina

Grade: B

Pickens has the burst and speed to get leverage on offensive lineman, but his size is a concern in the NFL. If he were 30 pounds heavier and as quick as he is, he’d have went in the first round. As it is, he should be able compete and work to build strength and size, but it’s not a given that he won’t lose some of what makes him so good.

No. 65 Philadelphia Eagles: Tyler Steen, OT, Alabama

Grade: B+

Steen is a run blocker and large human. He uses his bulk and strength to impose his will, but does have trouble as a pass blocker. He should fit in well with the Eagles.

No. 66 Philadelphia Eagles: Sydney Brown, S, Illinois

Grade: C

Brown is a physical and fast safety, but he has trouble with missed tackles and covering athletic tight ends. He’ll need to clean up his tackling, which isn’t out of the realm of possibilities.

No. 67 Denver Broncos: Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas

Grade: A

Sanders is new to the linebacker position, so it’s tough to get a solid read how much more he can develop. But, he has good technique and athletic ability. He’s likely going to need to bulk up some, but he has the traits to outplay his draft spot by a mile.

No. 68 Detroit Lions: Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee

Grade: A

Hooker is a project because he needs to learn a pro style offense, but he can make all the throws, avoids interceptions, and can move well. The problem is we just don’t know how he will do in an offense that needs him to read defenses and go through the progressions. But this is a good pick for the Lions, as he can learn behind Jared Goff and he does have plenty of upside.

No. 69 Houston Texans: Tank Dell, WR, Houston

Grade: B

Dell is extremely small at 5’8”, 165 lbs. But, he is explosive as a receiver and a returner. He can create separation with his route running and is hard to bring down after the catch. His size is a concern, but he has multiple ways to help out the Texans.

No. 70 Las Vegas Raiders: Byron Young, DT, Alabama

Grade: C

Young doesn’t have many special traits other than size and strength. His short area quickness is lacking, which makes it tough for him to get to the quarterback.

No. 71 New Orleans Saints: Kendre Miller, RB, TCU

Grade: B+

Miller is a bruise who is tough to get down, as shown by his 816 yards after contact last season. The Saints need a productive between the tackles back and Miller could be that guy.

No. 72 Arizona Cardinals: Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse

Grade: B

Williams has good technique and avoids penalties well. He does give up too many receptions, but his skill should keep him in the thick of things.

No. 73 New York Giants: Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee

Grade: B

Hyatt is a burner, but like Hendon Hooker, his quarterback, he wasn’t asked to do much other than burn. He’ll help stretch the field for the Giants, but he’ll need to prove he’s more than a one trick pony.

No. 74 Cleveland Browns: Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee

Grade: A

This is a strong pick for the Browns, who get a potential plus starter in the third round. Tillman has the size and speed to be a true difference maker. He could quickly become WR2 behind Amari Cooper in Cleveland.

No. 75 Atlanta Falcons: Zach Harrison, DE, Ohio State

Grade: D

Harrison’s build is great for an EDGE defender, but he lacks quickness and urgency in his play. He lets the game dictate what he does and will need to find that extra gear in the NFL.

No. 76 New England Patriots: Marte Mapu, ILB, Sacramento State

Grade: C-

Mapu is versatile and can hit with the best of them, but he has average athleticism and doesn’t excel at any one thing. He’ll be an outstanding special teams player, which Bill Belichick will enjoy.

No. 77 Los Angeles Rams: Byron Young, DE, Tennessee

Grade: A

Young runs a 4.4 40 at 6’2”, 250 lbs. and uses that speed well on the field. He’s going to find a way to get to the quarterback with his athleticism, but he does have trouble against the run. But at this point in the draft, he’s a great pick.

No. 78 Green Bay Packers: Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State

Grade: A

Kraft has upside to be a well-rounded starting tight end in this league, but he also needs more reps and work to get there. At SDS he didn’t have the best competition and his athleticism made things easier than he needed them to be for his development.

No. 79 Indianapolis Colts: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina

Grade: A

Downs is yet another small receiver in this draft who should mainly work from the slot. But he has elite speed and can separate with ease in short areas. He’ll need to add some muscle, but he has the upside to be a true slot machine.

No. 80 Carolina Panthers: DJ Johnson, OLB, Oregon

Grade: C

Johnson is a bull rusher with a ton of power and strength, but lacks technique and fluidity. Of course this sounds like a lot of players at this point in the draft, but at 24 years old already, he’ll need to show he can improve quickly.

No. 81 Tennessee Titans: Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane

Grade: C

Spears was a good college running back who showed positive traits, but overall he doesn’t have the moves and vision to be a starting NFL back. Derrick Henry won’t be looking over his shoulder.

No. 82 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: YaYa Diaby, DE, Louisville

Grade: B-

Diaby has a strong athletic profile, but it doesn’t show up that much on the field. He’ll need to refine his technique to get NFL offensive linemen off balance and right now that’s not in his bag of tricks.

No. 83 Denver Broncos: Riley Moss, CB, Iowa

Grade: B

Moss has the tenacity and athleticism to make it in the NFL, but he’ll likely need to move to safety at some point. He won’t be able to hang with strong NFL route runners, but should excel in zone coverage.

No. 84 Miami Dolphins: Devon Archane, RB, Texas A&M

Grade: A

Archane is a burner and in Mike McDaniel’s offense could be in for some big plays on the regular. He’s too small to ever be a lead back, but he could quickly become the leading running back receiver on the team.

No. 85 Los Angeles Chargers: Daiyan Henley, ILB, Washington State

Grade: A

Henley uses his athleticism to overcome his lack of instinct and does a good job doing so. If he can gain a better feel for the game, he could excel, but as is, he still has a good chance to be a longtime starter.

No. 86 Baltimore Ravens: Trenton Simpson, ILB, Clemson

Grade: A

Simpson is fast and he plays fast. He was projected to go much earlier and for good reason. He should be able to move to the outside in Baltimore, but has the ability to move around the defense.

No. 87 San Francisco 49ers: Ji’Ayir Brown, S, Penn State

Grade: A

Versatility is Brown’s MO and that should come in handy in San Francisco. He’s got good closing speed and can play nickel or safety. He should be a good addition to a weak defensive backfield.

No. 88 Jacksonville Jaguars: Tank Bigsby, RB, Auburn

Grade: C

Bigsby isn’t a special runner, but also does a good job of making the most of his skill set set between the tackles. He could become the Jaguars goal line back if he shows out well in training camp.

No. 89 Los Angeles Rams: Kobie Turner, DT, Wake Forest

Grade: B

Turner lacks the measurables teams look for in a DT, but the man is strong as an ox. His tenacity will win over coaches, but in the end it will be tough for him to become a full time starter.

No. 90 Dallas Cowboys: DeMarvion Overshown, ILB, Texas

Grade: C

Overshown is a former safety turned linebacker. He’s too light to compete with NFL offensive linemen consistently, but he is a good cover linebacker. He’ll need to bulk up some to stay on the field.

No. 91 Buffalo Bills: Dorian Williams, ILB, Tulane

Grade: B

Williams will need to use his coverage skills to find snaps, because he is too slight to play in the box at the moment. Can he bulk up and still be as good in coverage? It will depend on what the Bills want from him. But his coverage skills are worthy of the pick.

No. 92 Kansas City Chiefs: Wanya Morris, OT, Oklahoma

Grade: C

Morris doesn’t have the strength to defend against an NFL bull rush, but he does have the traits of a very good blocker. If he can’t develop that strength, his footwork won’t matter much.

No. 93 Pittsburgh Steelers: Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia:

Grade: A

Washington was projected to go in the first round or second at the latest, but injury concerns dropped him deep into the third round. At 6’7”, 264 lbs., Washington is a mountain of a man, but he is muscular with the ability to show finesse as a route runner. He still needs to work on his blocking technique, but with his size, he can still be a useful blocker.

No. 94 Arizona Cardinals: Michael Wilson, WR, Stanford

Grade: C

Wilson doesn’t project to be a starting wide receiver in the league, but could hang on as a special teamer and part-time receiver. He will need to refine his route running because his speed is average.

No. 95 Cincinnati Bengals: Jordan Battle, S, Alabama

Grade: A

Battle is a natural safety who sees the field well and always seems to be in the right position. His instincts are great and he does most things well. His athletic scores are below average, but he makes up for it in savvy.

No. 96 Detroit Lions: Brodic Martin, S, Western Kentucky

Grade: D

At 6’5”, 337 lbs, the Lions are all in on his frame. Martin does have trouble anchoring that frame for leverage, which is due to a lack of quickness and footwork. And at 24-years old soon, it’s tough to call him an upside developmental pick.

No. 97 Washington Commanders: Ricky Stromberg, C, Arkansas

Grade: B

Stromberg is high energy, but doesn’t try to do more than he’s capable of. He has a good feel for leverage and angles, giving more athletic defenders trouble they don’t expect.

No. 98 Cleveland Browns: Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor

Grade: C

Ika is large around the middle and can clog up running lanes. He’s not going to be a full time player, as he’ll likely be in exclusively on running downs. He lacks the athleticism to get out of double teams, but he’s going to give you the effort up the middle to slow down the run.

No. 99 San Francisco 49ers: Jake Moody, Michigan, PK

Grade: A

Can you give a kicker pick in the third round an A? Well, with the 49ers, I think it’s okay as long as you get a talent like Moody. The 49ers kick a lot of field goals and they just lost Robbie Gould. They need those points.

No. 100 Las Vegas Raiders: Tre Tucker, WR, Cincinnati

Grade: B

Tucker is yet another small, speedy receiver in this draft class. At best he’ll be a slot receiver, but he’ll likely need to contribute in the return game to stick with a team.

No. 101 San Francisco 49ers: Cameron Latu, TE, Albama

Grade: C

Latu is an average receiver and an average blocker. He’ll likely need to bulk up to help his blocking, which of course could hurt his elusiveness and route running.

No. 102 Minnesota Vikings: Mekhi Blackmon, CB, USC

Grade: D

Blackmon is overly physical as a cover man, which likely won’t fly in the NFL. But he needs to grab receivers because he is small and can’t compete on jump balls.