2017 NFL Draft, Day 2: Pick-By-Pick Analysis
Tracking and analyzing each pick on Day 2 of the 2017 NFL Draft, going through the second and third round.
Predicting how the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft played out would’ve been downright impossible. Things got chaotic almost immediately. The Cleveland Browns played in smart and took Myles Garrett first-overall. After that, though, it was anarchy.
The Chicago Bears traded up one spot — likely for a player who would’ve still been there at No. 3 — with the San Francisco 49ers. Even after signing Mike Glennon in free agency, they use the second pick in the 2017 NFL Draft to take Mitchell Trubisky, the quarterback out of North Carolina. Thus started the mayhem in a big way.
We saw two more teams trade up for quarterbacks in the top 12 of the first round as well. The Kansas City Chiefs moved up 17 picks with the Buffalo Bills to take Patrick Mahomes, the new heir-apparent to Alex Smith. Two picks later, the Houston Texans made sure they weren’t left wanting and moved up 13 spots to take Deshaun Watson, courtesy of a trade with the Browns.
As a result of that, and other factors, there were also big fallers in the first round. Guys like Jonathan Allen, Malik Hooker and most certainly Reuben Foster fell way further down the board than expected. They didn’t fall as far as guys like Cam Robinson, Forrest Lamp and Dalvin Cook, however. Those players are still left on the board after the first round.
Related Story: 2017 NFL Draft: Grades For All 32 First-Round Picks
Which all brings us to Day 2 of the 2017 NFL Draft. The second and third rounds (picks No. 33 – 107) will be selected on Friday night. Below, we’ll be tracking every pick throughout the night and providing some quick hitting instant analysis to each pick. The Green Bay Packers start on the clock after trading down to No. 33. (Note: Picks are presented in order. For latest pick, scroll to the bottom.):
33. Green Bay Packers: Kevin King, CB – Washington
King is the big-bodied cornerback that is the soup du jour of the modern NFL. Frankly, the Packers could’ve used any kind of corner, though, in a depleted secondary. A solid pick and a player with massive upside. Grade: A-
Seattle Seahawks trade 34th overall pick to Jacksonville Jaguars. (Seahawks get No. 35 and No. 187 from Jacksonville.)
34. Jacksonville Jaguars (via Seahawks): Cam Robinson, OT – Alabama
For them to move ahead of Seattle, they knew that the Seahawks would likely take Robinson in this spot. With the addition of Leonard Fournette in the first round, the Jaguars need to help clear the way. Robinson is a great road-grader immediately with the size and potential against the pass. He’ll be great for Fournette’s success early on and has massive potential. At No. 34, Robinson is a steal. Grade: A
35. Seattle Seahawks (via Jaguars): Malik McDowell, DT – Michigan State
Though the thought was that it’d be an offensive lineman, they addressed another need with McDowell. The Michigan State product might be a top-10 talent, but there are concerns about his attitude. Seattle is a place known for channeling that type of player, though, and he fills a secretly big need for them. Grade: A
Chicago Bears trade back with Arizona Cardinals, who move up to No. 36. (Bears get Nos. 45, 119, 197, Fourth-Rounder in 2018; Cardinals get No. 36, No. 221)
36. Arizona Cardinals (via Bears): Budda Baker, S – Washington
When Arizona traded up, many thought it was to take a quarterback. Instead, it was Budda Baker, who’s a playmaker in the secondary. Slotting him alongside Tyrann Mathieu on the back end will be huge, especially with Tony Jefferson leaving and being replaced by the older Antoine Bethea. Massive upgrade to join Haason Reddick from Round 1. Grade: B+
Los Angeles Rams trade back with Buffalo Bills from No. 37. (Rams get No. 44, No. 91; Bills get No. 37, No. 195)
37. Buffalo Bills: Zay Jones, WR – East Carolina
Coming into the draft, the Bills had Sammy Watkins and not much else for Tyrod Taylor to throw to — and Watkins can’t stay healthy. Thus, they traded up for Zay Jones and he’s about to make a huge impact. Though trading up for him was slightly curious, we saw receivers go early in the first round, so that plays out here as well. Jones has tremendous hands, underrated speed, and will be Taylor’s new best friend. Grade: A
38. Los Angeles Chargers: Forrest Lamp, OG – Western Kentucky
Though injuries played a factor a year ago, the Chargers needed to upgrade their offensive line in this draft. They get a gift with Forrest Lamp dropping to them. Lamp was a left tackle for the Hilltoppers, but is a power, big and dominant force wherever he’ll play on the line. This is a coup for the newest Los Angeles franchise. Grade: A+
39. New York Jets: Marcus Maye, S – Florida
It’s been widely reported that the Jets are blowing it up further by making trades. Taking Maye is a great indication of that, but he’ll be a fantastic player in a rebuilding secondary. He’s a thumper that can hit big, but is also a sure tackler in the open field. A solid, though not spectacular add for New York. Grade: B
40. Carolina Panthers: Curtis Samuel, WR – Ohio State
Curtis Samuel has tremendous versatility, playing out wide, in the slot and in the backfield at Ohio State. That sounds eerily similar to their selection of Christian McCaffrey at No. 8. Samuel is lightning quick and adds speed to a receiver group that needs it desperately to help Cam Newton get the Panthers offense on track. However, I think everyone is overvaluing Samuel a bit. Grade: B-
Cincinnati Bengals trade down, Minnesota Vikings move up to No. 41. (Bengals get No. 48, No. 128; Vikings get No. 41.)
41. Minnesota Vikings (via Bengals): Dalvin Cook, RB – Florida State
There are some injury concerns and he wasn’t great at the Combine, but Dalvin Cook has a body of work better than most players in the entire class. He’s a fantastic player on the field and the Vikings needed an every-down running back. The red flags are there, but if healthy, Minnesota just added a game-changer. Grade: A
42. New Orleans Saints: Marcus Williams, S – Utah
After taking Marshon Lattimore at cornerback when he fell in their laps in Round 1, the Saints are able to beef up the secondary further. Marcus Williams is a great player with nice skills in the open field in coverage and as a tackler for his position. He’ll be a great addition to help them not be a runway for opposing passing games. Grade: A-
43. Philadelphia Eagles: Sidney Jones, CB – Washington
Jones tore his Achilles at his pro day and still has an approximate 4-6 months of recover ahead, reportedly. Though it may be a redshirt of sorts for Jones, he may be the best cornerback in this class when healthy. Philly needs a corner now to help the defense, so you have to knock the pick slightly in the second round. But he’s so incredibly talented, it’s still potentially enormous value long-term. Grade: B+
44. Los Angeles Rams (via Bills): Gerald Everett, TE – South Alabama
The Los Angeles Rams need to give Jared Goff someone to throw to — I’m just not sure this was the guy they should’ve had in mind. This feels like it’s about 20 picks too high for Everett. Still, he’s a good pass catcher there and will make some noise early on for the Rams. Grade: C
45. Chicago Bears (via Cardinals): Adam Shaheen, TE – Ashland
If nothing else, Shaheen has enormous potential at tight end. Playing against exceptionally subpar competition and unknown Ashland, he was a record-setter as a receiver. He’s huge, but plays smaller than his size with his mobility, but unfortunately also in his blocking. The upside is there, though, and the Bears need a future beyond Zach Miller. Grade: C+
46. Indianapolis Colts: Quincy Wilson, CB – Florida
After going with a safety in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, they make their secondary more effective with Wilson. Great in press coverage, solid all-around, he’s going to be the best corner on their roster by a wide margin. Grade: A-
47. Baltimore Ravens: Tyus Bowser, LB – Houston
Tyus Bowser isn’t my favorite player in this class. However, he’s risen up draft boards as of late as he’s a great athlete with tremendous versatility. This feels like a bit of a reach, but the Ravens need youth and life on the edge. Bowser can provide that and make a little noise moving around as well. Grade: C+
48. Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Mixon, RB – Oklahoma
Well, here it is. Joe Mixon is a first-round talent, but everyone knows about the incident and video of it where he knocked out a woman by punching her in the face. This is a risk, surely, but the Bengals have been known to take those risks before. On the field, he’s better than both Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill and could represent a changing of the guard. Grade (On-Field Only): A
49. Washington Redskins: Ryan Anderson, EDGE – Alabama
Anderson was the less touted edge rusher between he and Tim Williams, but he’s more complete as he defends the run. Thus, he goes ahead of his teammate. Joining Jonathan Allen who fell to the Redskins in the first round, Washington is in a tremendous situation moving forward to improve their defense that needed it. Grade: B+
50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Justin Evans, S – Texas A&M
Tampa wasn’t strong at safety last year and they’re even less so heading into 2017 with the loss of Bradley McDougald. That’s no more with Justin Evans, a versatile player that can play the centerfield role for the Bucs right away. He has holes in his tackling and reactions at time, but he has the physical tools to be a force for Tampa. Grade: A-
51. Denver Broncos: DeMarcus Walker, EDGE – Florida State
It’s always about defense with the Broncos, as is the case with the 51st pick. Their front-seven needed new life injected to it and Walker comes in to try and do that with unreal production while in Tallahassee. With that said, some of that production was fool’s gold and the Broncos will need to play to his strengths. Still, the physicality and talent is there for him to be molded. Grade: C+
52. Cleveland Browns: DeShone Kizer, QB – Notre Dame
Patience is a virtue and the Browns were patient on quarterback and it pays off. Kizer has his flaws, most notably his awareness, decision-making and so on. Physically, though, he has everything you could want for a quarterback. Even if you think that he’s not going to make it, Hue Jackson is the best coach for him and they didn’t have to make a bad decision to take him. Grade: A
53. Detroit Lions: Teez Tabor, CB – Florida
The Lions needed to add a cornerback after addressing a major void at linebacker in the first. Teez Tabor slid down boards from the first after a slow 40-time at the Combine and his pro day. Watch his tape, though, and you see a guy who simply plays the position well and doesn’t get beat in coverage. Kill him for the lack of speed, but he plays football at a high level. That’s more important than running in a straight line without pads: Grade: A-
54. Miami Dolphins: Raekwon McMillan, LB – Ohio State
After passing on Reuben Foster to take Charles Harris, the Dolphins won’t regret that decision too much. McMillan is a lesser player than Foster, but he’s a beast against the run. He can come down and tackle with force and proficiency. He’s still growing in coverage, but he’ll be a nice fit where he’s needed in a bad run defense from a year ago. Grade: A
55. New York Giants: Dalvin Tomlinson, DT – Alabama
Losing Johnathan Hankins in the offseason, there was a bit of a hole in the Giants rebuilt defense. They look to plug that with Dalvin Tomlinson. He was a force in college, but his lack of elite strength and athleticism is an issue. This was a bad reach for the Giants, who are now 2-for-2 in doing so. Grade: D
56. Oakland Raiders: Obi Melifonwu, S – UConn
Steal. Stud. Monster. The Raiders need playmakers outside of their edge rushers on defense and Melifonwu is that and more. He’s maybe the best overall athlete in the entire draft class and can play at safety, in the nickel, and some teams even like him as a corner. Oh yeah, he’s also 6-4 and 220 pounds. This is fantastic and he’ll be beloved in the Silver and Black. Grade: A+
57. Houston Texans: Zach Cunningham, LB – Vanderbilt
Deshaun Watson and Zach Cunningham isn’t a bad haul at all for the Texans — even if they gave up a lot. Cunningham has tremendous athleticism, especially for a player with his frame. The knock on him is missed tackles, but when you have to make every play on a bad defense, you’re going to miss some. This is a steal for the Texans at a spot they needed to upgrade. Grade: A
58. Seattle Seahawks: Ethan Pocic, C – LSU
Offensive line was by far the biggest need in Seattle and they go to the interior. They traded Max Unger for Jimmy Graham and that’s about the time their line collapsed. A rebuild of it starts in the middle and Pocic is the best at the position by a wide margin. Nice move, though unspectacular. Grade: B+
59. Kansas City Chiefs: Tanoh Kpassagnon, DL – Villanova
Kpassagnon is an athletic and physical freak. He’s built like a brick wall and moves like a gymnast at times. Playing at Villanova, the knock is that he’s exceptionally raw at the position. However, that’s fine for the Chiefs as they’re passable up front for now. With proper development, Kpassagnon is a game-changer of a talent. Grade: A
60. Dallas Cowboys: Chidobe Awuzie, CB – Colorado
There would’ve been justification to take Chidobe Awuzie as early as the first round. Instead, the Cowboys got their needed edge rusher in Taco Charlton and then waited and still got Awuzie. He’s great in the nickel, a superb tackler for his size, and has a knack for getting the ball. Absolutely phenomenal versatility as well for the corner, and a phenomenal pick. Grade: A+
61. Green Bay Packers: Josh Jones, S – NC State
The Packers stay focused on the secondary and get an athletic beast on the back end in Jones. He’s a late riser that can do a ton with his athleticism. He’s exceptionally physical without question. And though he needs to be reined in a bit, he’ll be a plus for the Green Bay defensive backfield. Grade: A
62. Pittsburgh Steelers: JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR – USC
Martavis Bryant is back for Pittsburgh, yet they still went with a wide receiver. To be clear, there is still a need in that unit for a player like Smith-Schuster. Outside of Bryant and Antonio Brown, it’s desolate. That being said, it wasn’t that pressing of a need to supercede defensive backs. Grade: C
Bills trade up to No. 63 pick with Atlanta Falcons. (Falcons get picks Nos. 75, 149, 156; Bills get No. 63.)
63. Buffalo Bills (via Falcons): Dion Dawkins, OT – Temple
The Bills were dealing in this draft through the first two rounds, seemingly all to get the guys they want. Dawkins isn’t an immediate star at tackle, but he has the athleticism and base work as a tackle to be effective now while perhaps developing into more. I’m not sure Buffalo should’ve traded up for as much as they did, but the player fits nicely. Grade: B
64. Carolina Panthers (via Patriots): Taylor Moton, RT – Western Michigan
After adding weapons with their first two picks, the Panthers work in front of those guys with the selection of Moton. The big fella is going to be a Day 1 starter on the right side of the line where they need it in a big way. That’s huge for keeping Cam Newton healthy and good value at the pick. Well done. Grade: A
Round 3
65. Cleveland Browns: Larry Ogunjobi, DT – Charlotte
In Myles Garrett, the Browns were able to solidify the edge entirely. Now they get a 3-tech they need in a big, high-potential guy in Ogunjobi. He’ll need development, but the Browns are in a great spot to develop him and have him hit his stride right when they need it. Grade: A
66. San Francisco 49ers: Ahkello Witherspoon, CB – Colorado
The other corner from Colorado in this draft class, Witherspoon isn’t as ready of a player as Awuzie. With that being said, he has just as much potential. He needs to fill out his frame and become a better tackler. But with that said, he’ll be a nice developmental piece on a team that’s, well, developing. Grade: A-
49ers trade No. 67 pick to New Orleans Saints. Details coming
67. New Orleans Saints (via 49ers): Alvin Kamara, RB – Tennessee
I get the thought process here — I really do. The Saints take Kamara to be a receiving threat to complement Adrian Peterson and Mark Ingram. That’s fine and he’ll probably do fine. But why is that a need? That’s a luxury pick a good team makes in this spot — not one a mediocre-to-bad team trades up to make. Not a fan of this in the slightest from the Saints. Grade: D
68. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dawuane Smoot, DL – Illinois
Smoot’s tape is quite inconsistent, but the physical ability is there — as are the good moments where he was dominant in college. Thus, the Jags add depth in a likely situational pass rusher. That’s fine here, though it could’ve been better. Grade: C
69. Los Angeles Rams: Cooper Kupp, WR – Eastern Washington
As much as I’m skeptical of Everett to the Rams in the second, I love Kupp in the third. He’s the reliable and versatile weapon that will make Goff look better than he is right now, but also to help the young signal-caller develop. Great pickup in LA. Grade: A
Minnesota Vikings trade up (Again) with Jets. Details coming.
70. Minnesota Vikings (via Jets): Pat Elflein, C – Ohio State
The Vikings came into the mix with a trade again and are going to try and make their offensive line passable, which it wasn’t a year ago. Thus, they grab Elflein who’s a Day 1 starter and a Pro Bowl caliber center. Nothing sexy at all abut the pick, but everything to like about it still. Grade: A
71. Los Angeles Chargers: Dan Feeney, OG – Indiana
Dan Feeney isn’t a spectacular player, but he’s always effective and always going to do his job. It’s another interior lineman pick, but the Chargers need it in a big way. Grade: B
Tennessee Titans traded up with the New England Patriots at No. 72.
72. Tennessee Titans (Via Patriots): Taywan Taylor, WR – Western Kentucky
Marcus Mariota definitely can’t complain about not having weapons — not that the laid-back quarterback ever would. After grabbing Corey Davis at No. 5 overall, they come back in the third, trade up, and get a beast in Taywan Taylor that was prolific in college. Tennessee’s offense will be rolling now. Grade: A-
73. Cincinnati Bengals: Jordan Willis, DE – Kansas State
One of the big needs for Cincy was improving the defensive line, namely getting them younger and more effective consistently. Willis is a steal in the third round and a player who definitively will give that to them.
74. Baltimore Ravens: Chris Wormley, DL – Michigan
Wormley has a ton of versatility, which you know the Ravens will like. From one Harbaugh to another, the Ravens get that defense younger and more athletic, as well as add a ton of flexibility when you consider Wormley and Bowser together.
75. Atlanta Falcons: Duke Riley, LB – LSU
After trading out of the second, the Falcons get a tackling machine in Duke Riley. They need a playmaker in the middle of the field to step up and Riley can definitely develop into that guy while contributing some right away as well. Grade: B+
76. New Orleans Saints: Alex Anzalone, LB – Florida
Somehow the Saints were able to keep the 76th pick and they go after the linebacker that they need after taking Kamara for whatever reason when they traded into the early third. Anzalone has injury concerns, but he’s a steal when healthy. Grade: A-
77. Carolina Panthers: Daeshon Hall, DL – Texas A&M
Whoa, the Panthers took a defensive lineman? That’s unheard of. Jokes aside, Hall will have time to develop behind Julius Peppers and has great physical tools to develop. Not a great pick, but nice enough. Grade: B
78. Baltimore Ravens: Tim Williams, OLB – Alabama
This pick just feels like it fits with the Ravens, between the Newsome/Alabama connection and the way Williams fits with the team. However, they’re neglecting a horrible offense from a year ago, so that knocks the grade down. Grade: C+
79. New York Jets: ArDarius Stewart, WR – Alabama
Nice grab for the Jets here. With Brandon Marshall gone, their wide receiver depth chart is quite barren, unless you think Eric Decker can stay healthy or that Quincy Enunwa is a No. 1. Stewart may not be a No. 1 either, but he’s a nice option. Grade: A-
80. Indianapolis Colts: Tarrell Basham, DE – Ohio
We’ve all been wondering when the Colts would look at improving their pass rush, and they do a stellar job with their third-round pick. Basham could’ve gone in the second and has nice upside. He’ll be a quality player in Indy at a position of need. Grade: A
81. Washington Redskins: Fabian Moreau, CB – UCLA
Moreau is a steal at No. 81 — especially when you consider how high Sidney Jones went. Jones is better by a wide margin, but Moreau has first-round talent despite a torn pectoral injury. If healthy, he could be a No. 2 corner in D.C. by Week 1. Grade: A
82. Denver Broncos: Carlos Henderson, WR – Louisiana Tech
Coming into the draft, I thought the Broncos needed to diversify their receiver group a bit. They deepened it with Henderson. He’s not identical to Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, but he’s a big-play threat that will be effective. Grade: B
83. New England Patriots (via Titans): Derek Rivers, EDGE – Youngstown State
Of course this is how it played out. New England didn’t pick until No. 72 and they still traded down. Then they get a guy who slipped in Rivers with exceptional versatility that Bill Belichick will probably make an eight-time All-Pro. Grade: A
84. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Chris Godwin, WR – Penn State
The Bucs have needs on defense, without a doubt. However, it’s hard to argue with putting your best asset — Jameis Winston in this case — in the best position to succeed. Godwin is a great piece to help do that, a receiver with great versatility. Grade: B+
Patriots Trade Up from Fourth Round to No. 85 with Lions
85. New England Patriots: Antonio Garcia, OT – Troy
New England takes an offensive lineman here though they’re set for 2017. However, that’s ideal for all. They can develop a high-potential player in Garcia and then replace Nate Solder in 2018 if they let him walk. Unreal, Pats. Grade: A
Chiefs trade with Vikings to move up to No. 86.
86. Kansas City Chiefs: Kareem Hunt, RB – Toledo
Hunt could wind up being a steal in this draft class, and he’s a great fit for KC. He’s a different runner than Spencer Ware with better elusiveness and vision and will get snaps right away. Grade: A-
87. New York Giants: Davis Webb, QB – California
Eli Manning can’t play forever and is in the second-half of his 30s. So the Giants get a possible replacement to groom in Davis Webb. His decision making is downright bad at times, but man does the guy have a cannon. If they can hone his approach in, he’ll be ready after playing behind Eli. Grade: B+
88. Oakland Raiders: Eddie Vanderdoes, DT – UCLA
Inconsistency is the most apt trait for Vanderdoes, but his flashes and moments are surely impressive. Raiders needed a defensive tackle to plug into the line and Vanderdoes has potential to be that guy. Grade: B
89. Houston Texans: D’Onta Foreman, RB – Texas
This is a fantastic pick for Houston here. Lamar Miller simply isn’t durable enough to be an every-down back for them. But if you add a complement to him, he’s still a weapon. Foreman is a great complement, a big runner with surprising speed. Grade: A
90. Seattle Seahawks: Shaquill Griffin, CB – Central Florida
It’s like clockwork that the Seahawks find value at cornerback and Griffin is an incredible athlete with great upside and nice moments on tape. He should provide good depth, though it’s not a huge need here for Seattle. Grade: B
Rams trade with Bills to No. 91
91. Los Angeles Rams: John Johnson, SS – Boston College
T.J. McDonald left in free agency and the Rams needed a strong safety. Though Johnson’s not a perfect player, he’ll be a nice fill-in for McDonald while he’s playing his rookie year. Smart and intelligent, he’ll be a plus player in his career. Grade: A-
92. Dallas Cowboys: Jourdan Lewis, CB – Michigan
The Cowboys double-dip at cornerback with their second- and third-round picks. This time, they go Jourdan Lewis. His coverage skills are some of the best in this draft class, but the knock on him is his 5-10 frame. Dallas banks on talent, something they should be doing in their situation. Grade: A
93. Green Bay Packers: Montravius Adams, DT – Auburn
On talent, Montravius Adams would’ve been long gone by the 93rd pick. However, his motor is that of a car with 300,000 miles. He’s inconsistent and needs to be properly motivated. If he can do that, he’ll be a steal for the Pack at a position up front that they need filled. Grade: B+
94. Pittsburgh Steelers: Cameron Sutton, CB – Tennessee
If not for injuries, there were would be more buzz about Cameron Sutton. Instead, the newest Steelers cornerback slips to the end of the third. If he can stay healthy, he’ll not only improve the secondary, but be a special teams threat as a returner as well. Grade: A
95. Seattle Seahawks: Delano Hill, S – Michigan
The Seahawks needed safety depth, sure. However, Hill had a late-fourth round grade in my book and they have done little to address their abysmal offensive line. Not a fan of this for Seattle. Grade: D
96. Detroit Lions: Kenny Golladay, WR – Northern Illinois
Detroit adds depth to the wide receiver corps that needs it. Golden Tate and Marvin Jones would love some help, as would Matthew Stafford. Golladay is a bit over-drafted here without question, but you can see the upside that the Lions do. Still, the reach makes it average. Grade: C
97. Miami Dolphins: Cordrea Tankersley, CB – Clemson
Tremendous value falls to the Dolphins again. Tankersley is a second-round player that covers adequately and is elite at his position against the run. This is a great selection. Grade: A+
98. Arizona Cardinals: Chad Williams, WR – Grambling State
You probably aren’t very aware of Chad Williams, especially after he didn’t get an invite to the Combine. However, he has nice size at about 6-1 and his fast. He killed the big competition he did play and is a nice project at the least and a beast at the best. Grade: B-
99. Philadelphia Eagles: Rasul Douglas, CB – West Virginia
After taking a virtual redshirt cornerback in Round 2, Eagles bounce back with a possible starter at No. 99. Douglas has his flaws, but he has nice physical tools and coverage ability. Considering the lack of talent in Philly at the position, he’s an upgrade. Grade: A
100. Tennessee Titans: Jonnu Smith, TE – Florida International
Offense stays the theme for the Titans, but this is a nice addition for them. Delanie Walker is still effective, but he’s getting up there. Smith is raw, but could truthfully be a Walker clone if he bulks up and becomes a more effective blocker. Grade: B+
101. Denver Broncos: Brendan Langley, CB – Lamar (TX)
This is definitely a reach for the Broncos, but Langley has raw talent. He’s a transfer from Georgia with a the physical tools to succeed. He’ll be a nice special teams add with potential for more down the road. Grade: B
102. Seattle Seahawks: Nazair Jones, DT – North Carolina
Again, the Seahawks needed defensive tackles, more so than more secondary depth. After adding McDowell, they get Jones to put alongside him. He’ll be a nice asset in the trenches with high upside to outplay his third-round selection. I’m docking Seattle slightly, though, because he doesn’t protect Russell Wilson. Grade: B
103. New Orleans Saints: Trey Hendrickson, DE – Florida Atlantic
The Saints needed edge rushers and they get one with nice potential here. Trey Hendrickson tested well at the Combine, despite perceived physical flaws. He’ll be effective and play a bit. Grade: B+
104. San Francisco 49ers: C.J. Beathard, QB – Iowa
49ers trade back into the third round and draft C.J. Beathard out of Iowa. Frankly, I don’t know what this is all about or if they see something I don’t. This is way too early with guys like Nathan Peterman and Joshua Dobbs on the board. Grade: F
105. Pittsburgh Steelers: James Conner, RB – Pittsburgh
Le’Veon Bell needs a complement with DeAngelo Williams gone and they get a hometown thumper in Conner. This is a fantastic fit and a player who will be effective for Pittsburgh. Grade: A
106. Seattle Seahawks: Amara Darboh, WR – Michigan
They needed a big wide receiver and Darboh is that with more upside than he might show on tape due to quarterback play and scheme. Not an offensive lineman, but again a solid pick. Grade: B
107. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kendell Beckwith, LB – LSU
Bucs round out the third round an Day 2 as the beef up the linebacker corps with a strong tackler. Beckwith isn’t a great athlete, but he’ll be a nice player against the run for Tampa. Grade: B