The opening night of the 2023 NFL Draft was certainly something! As always, there were plenty of surprises (thank you Detroit) and plenty of picks that just made too much sense. It was shocking to see the Houston Texans move up and get both Will Anderson and C.J. Stroud. Props to them for being aggressive and drafting correctly.
As we see every year, there’s a handful of players that end up falling into the second day of the draft. This year, those players were:
Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
Even though it was somewhat surprising to talk about Hendon Hooker as a first-round pick, there was a chance he could have gone. That said, he slips into day two with Will Levis and it’s going to make the top of the second round very interesting. Will there be a team that trades up to grab a quarterback? Will Michael Mayer land in an ideal spot where he can hit the ground running? Time will tell but let’s jump into the meat and potatoes of the NFL Draft. Here’s the unpredictability that is Round 2 and Round 3 of the 2023 NFL Draft!
- Thor Nystrom’s Best Remaining Day 2 Prospects
- NFL Draft Day 1 Winners & Losers
- Round 1 NFL Draft Picks: Dynasty Rookie Draft Outlook
- Dynasty Rookies: Best Remaining Day 2 Picks & Predictions
- Dynasty Rookie Primers: QB | RB | WR | TE
NFL Draft Round 2 & 3 Picks & Predictions (2023)
Let’s take a look at our picks and predictions for Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Round 2
32. Pittsburgh Steelers — Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
I would have called you a liar if you would have said Joey Porter Jr., was going to fall out of the first round. I figured he was going to drop just a touch with the buzz surrounding Deonte Banks and Emmanuel Forbes. That said, this is that feel good story that just has to happen, right?
33. Arizona Cardinals — DJ Turner, CB, Michigan
In my first round mock draft, I had predicted that the Cardinals were going to take Devon Witherspoon. Obviously, that wasn’t the case but I believe the Cardinals need to address their secondary. Turner has blazing 4.26 speed and should provide inside/outside versatility.
34. Detroit Lions — Keeanu Benton, IDL, Wisconsin
Just go ahead and take Will Levis, Detroit. Really wouldn’t be a surprise if a quarterback comes off the board in this spot. However, I do believe the Lions have interest and a connection to Benton. They need help on the interior part of their defensive line. This one makes sense.
35. Indianapolis Colts — Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
I love the idea of getting Anthony Richardson more weapons. The combination of Michael Pittman and Alec Pierce with Josh Downs is fun. One of the best route runners in the class due to how he paces his routes, Downs seems like an easy pick.
36. Los Angeles Rams — Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
It wouldn’t be a surprise if a trade happens here for a quarterback. However, I like he idea of the Rams staying put and addressing their offensive line. They could look at Bergeron or Torrence but Dawand Jones has terrific length and is lighter on his feet than expected.
37. Seattle Seahawks — O’Cyrus Torrence, IOL, Florida
The Seahawks had a great draft last year. That continues here. I love what they did in the first round and I think Torrence becomes a plug and play right guard with his massive frame and powerful hands.
38. Las Vegas Raiders — Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Moving on from Darren Waller was somewhat of a surprise but the fact that Mayer is available in this spot is a no-brainer. Mayer will be incredibly consistent for Jimmy G over the middle of the field.
39. New England Patriots (Mock Trade with Carolina) — Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse
Wouldn’t be a surprise if Bergeron goes early tonight. However, he’s available in this scenario and the Patriots jump a team such as the Jets to ensure they add another piece to their offensive line. Bergeron has the size and athleticism to play guard or tackle for the Patriots.
Mock Trade Details:
- NE receives: 2023 2nd Round Pick (39th overall)
- CAR receives: 2023 2nd Round Pick (46th overall pick), 2023 4th Round pick (117th overall), 2023 6th Round Pick (192nd overall)
40. New Orleans Saints — Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
I love what Chris Olave provides for the Saints but with the injury history of Michael Thomas, the Saints need to another weapon to their offense. The speed and vertical threat ability of Hyatt makes him intriguing to run out of the slot for the Saints.
41. Tennessee Titans — Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
The slide stops here. As I predicted in the first round, Levis ends up with the Titans. I think he makes a lot of sense for this team to put him behind Ryan Tannehill for part of his rookie season. The key for Levis is to continue to improve his mechanics and to stay healthy. If he can do that, he should be a decent quarterback in the NFL, if given the chance.
42. Green Bay Packers — Sam Laporta, TE, Iowa
I never bought into the hype of the Packers selecting a pass-catcher in the first round. However, I do buy it happening tonight. Sam Laporta has moved up draft boards and has good run after the catch ability. He should provide that for Green Bay as they desperately need help at tight end.
43. New York Jets — Brian Branch, SAF, Alabama
Could Branch be gone by this point? Absolutely but he’s available and he’s a no-brainer for Saleh and his defense. Branch is a physical and versatile defender that should provide an impact early and often in his career for the Jets.
44. Atlanta Falcons — Keion White, EDGE, Georgia Tech
I never understood the first round hype for Keion White. However, I do think he’d fit well in the Falcons defense. He doesn’t have to rush into a starting role and can figure out the correct playing weight for himself. White has a great blend of power and speed off the edge but he’ll need to keep his hands active at the next level or he’ll continue to get washed out of plays.
45. Green Bay Packers — Steve Avila, IOL, TCU
Wouldn’t be surprising if a team calls to try and move up for Hendon Hooker at this spot. That said, the Packers get Avila who provides size and guard/center flexibility at the next level. He’ll need to work on his base in the NFL but he’s got the ability to turn into starting player down the road.
46. Carolina Panthers (Mock Trade with New England) — John Michael Schmitz, IOL, Minnesota
With the Patriots moving up in this scenario for a tackle, the Panthers move back and get a few extra picks for Saturday. In the process, they draft their future center. We know it’s key to pair a good center up with a young quarterback and the Panthers get the best of both worlds in this spot. JMS has the potential to start right away to his snap-to-step quickness and movement skills in space.
Mock Trade Details:
- NE receives: 2023 2nd Round Pick (39th overall)
- CAR receives: 2023 2nd Round Pick (46th overall pick), 2023 4th Round pick (117th overall), 2023 6th Round Pick (192nd overall)
47. Washington Commanders — Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
I thought we could see the Commanders select a tight end in the first round. That said, they get a freak athlete with terrific size that should eat up yards after the catch and provide a vertical threat up the seam.
48. Detroit Lions — Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
Again, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Lions draft a quarterback tonight. I’ll go with the one they’ve been connected to for much of the process with Hendon Hooker.
49. Pittsburgh Steelers — Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
Plenty of linebackers on the board and I think the Steelers will take the one that best suits their defense. I think Drew Sanders can provide a lot inside and out due to his pass-rush ability and with how he takes on blocks. He’ll need to be a more consistent tackler but there’s potential for him to carve out a role in Pittsburgh.
50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Joe Tippmann, IOL, Wisconsin
We know the Bucs need to improve their offensive line. From the interior to tackle, I’d have to think an offensive lineman is the pick in this spot. With Tippmann having the size to play guard or center, the Bucs will find a spot for him along their front.
51. Los Angeles Chargers (Mock Trade with Miami) — Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA
There’s been rumblings of the Chargers shopping running back Austin Ekeler. Whether they do or not remains to be seen. However, Charbonnet is a fun, downhill runner that picks up speed with every step he takes. He’s also got some pass-catching ability that should earn him a role in the NFL.
Mock Trade Details:
- LAC receives: 2023 2nd Round Pick (51st overall)
- MIA receives: 2023 2nd Round Pick (54th overall), 2023 4th Round Pick (125th overall)
52. Seattle Seahawks — Adetomiwa Adebawore, DL, Northwestern
This screams Seattle. Double A does a terrific job with defeating reach blocks due to his explosive first step and athletic ability. There will be some size limitations to his game but he should carve out some type of spot on the Seahawks defense.
53. Chicago Bears — Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee
Add weapons around Justin Fields, it’s that simple. Cedric Tillman has the potential to be the best ‘X’ receiver in the draft. He’d be an improvement over Chase Claypool and would fit along Darnell Mooney well in the Bears offense.
54. Miami Dolphins (Mock Trade with LAC) — Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
The Dolphins have two picks tonight after having to forfeit their first round pick. I think they’ll move back here to gain some additional draft capital. Despite the move back, they grab a talented tight end that has a good frame, big catch radius and is a better route runner than given credit for. If healthy, Musgrave has TE1 potential.
Mock Trade Details:
- LAC receives: 2023 2nd Round Pick (51st overall)
- MIA receives: 2023 2nd Round Pick (54th overall), 2023 4th Round Pick (125th overall)
55. Detroit Lions — Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami (FL)
The Lions have to add a cornerback in this draft. They could add multiple tonight, we don’t know. But i do believe the press-man ability we see from Stevenson is intriguing. He’s gotten better every year and plays with good physicality.
56. Jacksonville Jaguars — Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
There was buzz of Ringo going in the back-half of the first round but he ends up falling a bit. There’s much to be desired with his size and speed but he just needs refinement with his technique. Landing in Jacksonville is ideal as it gives him time to polish his game before the Jaguars have decisions to make on the contracts of Tyson Campbell and Tre Herndon.
57. New York Giants — Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
It feels like the Giants have needed a linebacker since Carl Banks. I’m surprised that Simpson falls this far but giving Wink Martindale the chance to utilize Simpson’s skill-set is very intriguing. He can play as a MIKE or WILL but he seems best suited as a WILL. There’s potential for this to be the best pick of the second round if Simpson can become a more consistent tackler.
58. Dallas Cowboys — Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State
I loved Damone Clark coming out of LSU but I’m not sold on him being the long-term answer at WILL for the Cowboys. Adding Henley to the Cowboys defense with his speed and coverage ability is a great idea for Dallas.
59. Chicago Bears (Mock Trade with Buffalo) — Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M
The run on linebackers force the Bills to make a call to try and move out of this spot. Fortunately, they’re able to move back two spots and obtain an additional pick. For the Bears, they have the capital to ensure they get one of their guys. To my point earlier, build around Fields. They have Khalil Herbert but could look to add a speed back to their arsenal of weapons. Achane can fly and has the desired pass-catching ability to be a solid change of pace or 3rd down back in the NFL.
Mock Trade Details:
- CHI receives: 2023 2nd Round Pick (59th overall)
- BUF receives: 2023 2nd Round Pick (61st overall) and 2023 4th Round Pick (133rd overall)
60: Cincinnati Bengals — Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State
This happened last year with Cam Taylor-Britt out of Nebraska and I think the same thing will happen with Julius Brents. I’ve said both players are “my guys” and I think the pairing of CTB with Brents is very interesting. Brents has great length and quick feet and it helps him press receivers to the sideline while being able to change direction at ease. He’s got CB1 potential if he continues to improve on his technique and ball skills.
61. Buffalo Bills (Mock Trade with Chicago) — Cody Mauch, IOL, North Dakota State
As I mentioned, the linebacker run happens and the Bills move back. They play it safe here and add a physical interior offensive lineman that can help them at guard.
Mock Trade Details:
- CHI receives: 2023 2nd Round Pick (59th overall)
- BUF receives: 2023 2nd Round Pick (61st overall) and 2023 4th Round Pick (133rd overall)
62. Philadelphia Eagles — Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ole Miss
I said the Eagles could take Jordan Addison in the first round. However, Nolan Smith fell into their lap. That said, I think Jonathan Mingo will go much sooner than expected. The Eagles already have one Ole Miss receiver on their roster so why not another? Mingo has terrific size, speed and versatility for the Eagles to move around anywhere and everywhere on their offense.
63. Kansas City Chiefs — Nathaniel “Tank” Dell, WR, Houston
One of the best release packages of any receiver in the draft, Tank Dell can make defenders look silly. He’ll need to get stronger but he’s got the speed and run-after-catch ability to fit perfectly in the Chiefs offense.
Round 3
64. Chicago Bears — Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
65. Las Vegas Raiders (Mock Trade with Houston) — Luke Wypler, IOL, Ohio State
Mock Trade Details:
- LV receives: 2023 3rd Round Pick (65th overall), 2023 5th Round pick (161st overall)
- HOU receives: 2023 3rd Round Pick (70th overall), 2023 5th Round Pick (141st overall)
66. Philadelphia Eagles — Antonio Johnson, SAF, Texas A&M
67. Denver Broncos — Cory Trice, CB, Purdue
68. Indianapolis Colts (Mock Trade with Denver) — Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina
Mock Trade Details:
- IND receives: 2023 3rd Round Pick (68th overall)
- DEN receives: 2023 3rd Round (79th overall), 2023 5th Round Pick (138th overall)
69. Los Angeles Rams — Derick Hall, EDGE, Auburn
70. Houston Texans (Mock Trade with Las Vegas) — Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, CB, TCU
Mock Trade Details:
- LV receives: 2023 3rd Round Pick (65th overall), 2023 5th Round pick (161st overall)
- HOU receives: 2023 3rd Round Pick (70th overall), 2023 5th Round Pick (141st overall)
71. New Orleans Saints — Chandler Zavala, IOL, North Carolina State
72. Tennessee Titans — Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma
73. Houston Texans — Michael Wilson, WR, Stanford
74. Cleveland Browns — Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame
75. Atlanta Falcons — Jayden Reed, WR, Michigan State
76. New England Patriots — Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State
77. Los Angeles Rams — B.J. Ojulari, EDGE, LSU
78. Green Bay Packers — Tuli Tuipulotu, DL, USC
79. Denver Broncos (Mock Trade with Indianapolis) — Siaki Ika, IDL, Baylor
Mock Trade Details:
- IND receives: 2023 3rd Round Pick (68th overall)
- DEN receives: 2023 3rd Round (79th overall), 2023 5th Round Pick (138th overall)
80. Pittsburgh Steelers — Jordan Battle, SAF, Alabama
81. Arizona Cardinals — Karl Brooks, DL, Bowling Green
82. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah
83. Seattle Seahawks — Sydney Brown, SAF, Illinois
84. Miami Dolphins — Tyler Steen, OT, Alabama
85. Los Angeles Chargers — Gervon Dexter, IDL, Florida
86. Carolina Panthers (Mock Trade with Baltimore) — Rashee Rice, WR, SMU
Mock Trade Details:
- CAR receives: 2023 3rd Round Pick (86th overall)
- BAL receives: 2023 3rd Round Pick (93rd overall) and 2023 4th Round Pick (132nd overall)
87. Minnesota Vikings — Kobie Turner, IDL, Wake Forest
88. Jacksonville Jaguars — Nick Saldiveri, OL, Old Dominion
89. New York Giants — A.T. Perry, WR, Wake Forest
90. Dallas Cowboys — Tank Bigsby, RB, Auburn
91. Buffalo Bills — DeMarvion Overshown, LB, Texas
92. Cincinnati Bengals — Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan
93. Baltimore Ravens (Mock Trade with Carolina) — Isaiah McGuire, EDGE, Missouri
Mock Trade Details:
- CAR receives: 2023 3rd Round Pick (86th overall)
- BAL receives: 2023 3rd Round Pick (93rd overall) and 2023 4th Round Pick (132nd overall)
94. Arizona Cardinals — Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane
95. Kansas City Chiefs — Jartavius Martin, CB, Illinois
96. Arizona Cardinals — Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse
97. Washington Commanders — Anthony Bradford, IOL, LSU
98. Cleveland Browns — Jammie Robinson, SAF, Florida State
99. San Francisco 49ers — Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama
100. Las Vegas Raiders — Tanner McKee, QB, Stanford
101. San Francisco 49ers — Blake Freeland, OT, BYU
102. San Francisco 49ers — Tyler Scott, WR, Cincinnati
- Check out the full NFL Draft profile for Bryce Young to the Panthers
- Check out the full NFL Draft profile for C.J. Stroud to the Texans
- Check out the full NFL Draft profile for Anthony Richardson to the Colts
- Check out the full NFL Draft profile for Bijan Robinson to the Falcons
- Check out the full NFL Draft profile for Jahmyr Gibbs to the Lions
- Check out the full NFL Draft profile for Jaxon Smith-Njigba to the Seahawks
- Check out the full NFL Draft profile for Quentin Johnston to the Chargers
- Check out the full NFL Draft profile for Zay Flowers to the Ravens
- Check out the full NFL Draft profile for Jordan Addison to the Vikings
- Check out the full NFL Draft profile for Dalton Kincaid to the Bills
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