NFL Draft 2018: Instant grades, reactions for every Day 2 pick
Tracking all of the picks and handing out instant grades with reactions to every pick in Rounds 2 and 3 on Day 2 of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Have you caught your breath after the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft? If you haven’t, you’re most likely not alone. It was a complete rat race throughout that was laced with shocks and surprises all the way from pick No. 1 to No. 32, both involving quarterbacks for what it’s worth. Now it’s almost 24 hours after the draft began and Day 2 is upon us.
Because of some of the surprises throughout the first round, there are plenty of top-tier talents still available heading into the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Some people had LSU running back Derrius Guice as the top-rated running back in the draft (yes, over the newest New York Giant, Saquon Barkley) and he remains available.
Meanwhile, other players like Harold Landry, Will Hernandez, Mason Rudolph and countless others who could’ve been taken on Day 1 are still up for grabs heading into Day 2. As such, it’s hard to imagine that the madness that transpired on Thursday night is going to stop on Friday in Dallas.
Obviously the draft order has changed a bit for Day 2 given a number of trades, from those involving only picks to the ones that involved Martavis Bryant and Trent Brown. However, the order is set for now and we’re going to be handing out instant grades and reactions to every pick throughout Rounds 2 and 3.
Once again, the Cleveland Browns get things started.
33. Cleveland Browns: Austin Corbett, OG, Nevada
This, um, seems like a whiff on the part of the Browns here. I like Austin Corbett a great deal and think that he can be a great player in this league. But in terms of what’s on the board and what they need in Cleveland — even on the offensive line — I’m not sure what they’re doing here.
Grade: D
34. New York Giants: Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP
In direct competition with Browns making a horrible selection, the Giants made the right decision here. They needed all the help they can possibly get on the offensive line and they get the third-best offensive guard in the class here. I love this pick for the Giants as they have someone to help open up holes for their first-round pick, Saquon Barkley.
Grade: A
35. Cleveland Browns (via Texans): Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia
Nick Chubb is one of my favorite prospects in this class and I think he can be a force running behind what is a solid line, even after the confusing Corbett selection. However, taking him over the likes of Derrius Guice and Ronald Jones makes this another confusing selection for the Browns in this position.
Grade: C
36. Indianapolis Colts: Darius Leonard, LB, South Carolina State
Darius Leonard is a freak athlete that can undoubtedly be a three-down linebacker. For the Colts defense that simply lacks elite talent — especially young talent — Leonard gives them that type of potential. While this may be a bit of a reach, this is the type of player that Indianapolis needed to add in this draft class.
Grade: B
37. Indianapolis Colts (via Jets): Braden Smith, OG, Auburn
Another bit of a reach, the Colts are obviously trying to keep Andrew Luck healthy and this will help them do it by placing him opposite of Quenton Nelson at guard. This is a good investment and, frankly, what this team should’ve done a long time ago. Again, a reach, but not a bad pick for a good player in Braden Smith, though not a spectacular one.
Grade: C+
38. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ronald Jones II, RB, USC
With Doug Martin gone from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they needed an upgrade at running back and Ronald Jones undoubtedly gives them that. He’s an absolute beast that can break open big-plays but has every-down back potential. I love this for Tampa Bay as they still have plenty of more picks on Day 2 to fill other needs.
Grade: A
39. Chicago Bears: James Daniels, OL, Iowa
This is a great pick to pick the best offensive lineman on the board as they can put Cody Whitehair over at guard and get a monstrous center in James Daniels. If he is healthy, he can be the force that Chicago needs to keep Mitchell Trubisky upright.
Grade: A
40. Denver Broncos: Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU
There have been questions about the future of Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders in Denver, and they could use depth regardless. Courtland Sutton is a matchup nightmare with great size and elite playmaking ability. What’s more, he has elite quickness for a player his size. He’s going to make an impact in a big way.
Grade: B+
TRADE: TENNESSEE TITANS MOVE UP TO NO. 41
41. Tennessee Titans (via Raiders): Harold Landry, EDGE, Boston College
The Tennessee Titans needed to get younger on the edge and, with Harold Landry slipping, they made the move up, trading up to No. 41 to take him. He’s perfect for what they need as he can contribute rotationally right away and be the eventual replacement for Derrick Morgan and Brian Orakpo.
Grade: A
42. Miami Dolphins: Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn State
The Miami Dolphins needed to add someone that can make things happen at tight end in the passing game and Mike Gesicki is that. He’s a freaky athlete that broke the Combine and can be a monster for Ryan Tannehill to throw to this season. While he needs to come out and work on his blocking, he can be a beast in the NFL.
Grade: B+
TRADE: DETROIT LIONS MOVE UP TO NO. 43
43. Detroit Lions (via Patriots, from 49ers): Kerryon Johnson, RB, Auburn
The Derrius Guice fall continues, but Kerryon Johnson can flat out play. He’s a tough runner with great cutting ability that was a force for Auburn. The struggles of the Lions running game are well known and trading ahead of Washington to grab a guy at this position is a solid play for Detroit.
Grade: B
TRADE: SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS MOVE UP TO NO. 44
44. San Francisco 49ers (via Redskins): Dante Pettis, WR, Washington
This is a reach for Dante Pettis, but there’s no question that he can be a weapon in a Kyle Shanahan offense with the 49ers that needs more weapons. Again, this is early for him to come off of the board, but I think he’ll be a nice player for this team and Jimmy G moving forward.
Grade: C+
45. Green Bay Packers: Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa
Doubling down on cornerback, the Green Bay Packers take arguably the best player on the board not named Guice in Josh Jackson. His ball skills are awesome, but he’s largely a zone corner right now and needs to develop footwork in man-to-man. Having said that, he gives more talent to a group in Green Bay that needs it.
Grade: B+
TRADE: KANSAS CITY CHIEFS MOVE UP TO NO. 46
46. Kansas City Chiefs (via Bengals): Breeland Speaks, DL, Ole Miss
Breeland Speaks is a solid football player that has versatility that you want him to come in and be able to contribute right away. That’s great and the Chiefs need that. However, to trade up for him and take him in this spot is a reach and I’m not huge on that.
Grade: C+
47. Arizona Cardinals: Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M
This is perfect for the Arizona Cardinals. Christian Kirk is a playmaker who, though he doesn’t have typical No. 1 size, he can make any play on the field in the receiving game and is also a punt-returner that can do it all. The Cardinals are hurting for weapons and this gives Josh Rosen a huge weapon in Arizona.
Grade: A
48. Los Angeles Chargers: Uchenna Nwosu, LB/EDGE, USC
Assumedly, the Los Angeles Chargers are likely going to move Nwosu to linebacker, but you have to like adding a player with this kind of talent. He’s a fantastic athlete that has great work ethic and can develop into a big-time player for the Bolts defense that needs some depth at linebacker.
Grade: B
TRADE: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES MOVE UP TO NO. 49
49. Philadelphia Eagles (via Colts): Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State
David Akers trolled the hell out of Dallas and then trolled them further by taking a tight end that the Cowboys could’ve used to replace Jason Witten. However, he’ll now be used to replace Trey Burton and makes the Eagles even more dangerous when you pair Zach Ertz with a potential clone.
Grade: A
50. Dallas Cowboys: Connor Williams, OL, Texas
The Dallas Cowboys have long been about the offensive line and they continue that trend here. Connor Williams can play both tackle and guard and address a line that seemed to take a step back last season. It’s not an exciting pick, but it’s a useful one.
Grade: B
TRADE: CHICAGO BEARS MOVE UP TO NO. 51
51. Chicago Bears (via Patriots): Anthony Miller, WR, Memphis
The Bears added Allen Robinson this offseason to give Mitchell Trubisky someone to throw to, along with Taylor Gabriel. Now they get a player in Anthony Miller who is the perfect complement to those two wideouts. He’s a beastly player that can be hugely productive in the NFL as he was in college.
Grade: A
52. Indianapolis Colts: Kemoko Turay, EDGE, Rutgers
Kemoko Turay is an incredibly raw player, but he has all the athleticism and potential you could want. If the Colts can develop him properly, they can get a beast of a player. However, the Colts need players that aren’t projects, but rather contributors that can help right now.
Grade: C+
53. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via Bills): M.J. Stewart, CB, North Carolina
What are you even doing here if you’re the Buccaneers? Isaiah Oliver is the tailor-made cornerback for your team, and you take another player at the same position. That doesn’t make any sense and I don’t like it a bit.
Grade: C-
54. Cincinnati Bengals: Jessie Bates III, S, Wake Forest
The Cincinnati Bengals needed youth and depth at safety and Jessie Bates III gives them that. He’s a playmaker that can play well in coverage and make plays on the ball.
Grade: B+
55. Carolina Panthers: Donte Jackson, CB, LSU
Jackson has a ton of talent, athleticism and potential. However, the Panthers need a player with that and the ability to succeed at cornerback now, and Jackson might not be that. There’s upside, but it’s not a great pick.
Grade: C
TRADE: NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS MOVE UP TO NO. 56
56. New England Patriots (via Bucs): Duke Dawson, CB, Florida
Spoiler, I’m still confused as to what’s happening with how these cornerbacks are coming off of the board and why the Patriots would trade up. However, he can start for this team right away and he has a boatload of potential. Plus, it’s always hard to doubt New England.
Grade: B-
57. Oakland Raiders: P.J. Hall, DT, Sam Houston State
The Oakland Raiders have needed someone on the interior of their defensive line and P.J. Hall has the potential to be just that. He’s an athletic freak and is a player that could explode and make big plays. Granted, this is a reach, but I don’t hate it as much as some might.
Grade: C+
58. Atlanta Falcons: Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado
He finally comes off the board. Frankly, he’s too good to let get past this point, even if it’s not a huge need for the Falcons. I love this pick and think it’s a good one for Dan Quinn’s defense.
Grade: A
59. Washington Redskins: Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
While I understand that there might be red flags that we didn’t know about, this is huge for the Redskins. They don’t have this type of all-around player in the backfield and haven’t for a while. If they can keep his nose clean, he’s a game-changer for Washington.
Grade: A
60. Pittsburgh Steelers: James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State
After trading Martavis Bryant, the Pittsburgh Steelers did need to add some depth at receiver — though not too much. However, they get another big play threat in James Washington that can come in and help — though I’m unsure it’s the right pick given the state of their defense.
Grade: C+
61. Jacksonville Jaguars: D.J. Chark, WR, LSU
Yes, D.J. Chark may be a burner that tore up the 40-yard dash, but that speed isn’t always there on the field and he’s not a good route-runner. However, the Jaguars need weapons and Chark at least gives them some promise and big-play ability outside.
Grade: C+
62. Minnesota Vikings: Brian O’Neill, OT, Pittsburgh
A former tight end, Brian O’Neill has huge potential as a tackle because of how size and athletic he is at the position. While they need to develop him further and get him in the weight room, he can improve an offensive line that was a tad shaky last season.
Grade: B
63. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Carlton Davis, CB, Auburn
After taking Stewart in the middle of the round, they dip back in the cornerback well for a better player. It’s clear that they know they need to address their secondary and they’re doing so with a pick of Davis, who is highly talented and should be able to play immediately.
Grade: A
TRADE: INDIANAPOLIS COLTS MOVE UP TO NO. 64
64. Indianapolis Colts (via Browns): Tyquan Lewis, EDGE, Ohio State
These Colts continue to add to their defense that needed the influx of talent in the worst way. They add a player in Tyquan Lewis who didn’t test great, but has some flashes on film. He’ll be a nice asset for Indy.
Grade: B
Round 3
65. Oakland Raiders: Brandon Parker, OT, NC A&T
This is an intriguing pick given the Kolton Miller selection in Round 1, and not in a good way. This Raiders roster has holes and they aren’t addressing them. That’s problematic, even when you take a talented project like Parker.
Grade: D+
66. New York Giants: Lorenzo Carter, EDGE, Georgia
The Giants needed to address the hole left by JPP and Lorenzo Carter has as much potential as any edge player in this class. If they can get the most from this physical freak, he’s a steal in the third round.
Grade: A
67. Cleveland Browns (via Colts): Chad Thomas, EDGE, Miami (FL)
There’s a lot to like about Chad Thomas as a player, but I have no idea what the Browns are doing at this point. They had an opportunity to take much more effective players at the position earlier and passed on it for lesser talents.
Grade: C
68. Houston Texans: Justin Reid, S, Stanford
Justin Reid was a possible first-rounder to some scouts and the Houston Texans nab him with their first selection in this draft. Joining the recently signed Tyrann Mathieu, this defense could be dangerous and Reid should slot in right away.
Grade: A
69. New York Giants: B.J. Hill, DT, NC State
B.J. Hill is a beast of a man, and he can come in and make an impact in the middle of this defensive line undergoing changes. Another nice third-round pick for the G-Men here.
Grade: B
70. San Francisco 49ers: Fred Warner, LB, BYU
While not a flashy pick, Fred Warner has been rising up draft boards of late as a productive player throughout his time with the Cougars. The Niners need depth at the position and he’ll provide it.
Grade: B+
71. Denver Broncos: Royce Freeman, RB, Oregon
The Broncos needed a running back with C.J. Anderson now gone and Royce Freeman is a great get for their offense, a big back that can do a little of everything.
Grade: B
72. New York Jets: Nathan Shepherd, DT, Fort Hays State
While he may be raw, Nathan Shepherd is a beastly human being with limitless potential at defensive tackle. He could be a huge get for the Jets as they look to rebuild the defense.
Grade: B+
73. Miami Dolphins: Jerome Baker, LB, Ohio State
High-upside linebacker for a team that needs depth at the position, this is a nice pick for the Dolphins in Round 3.
Grade: B
74. Washington Redskins: Geron Christian, OT, Louisville
Given the injuries Washington had on the offensive line, it’s hard to hate this pick, especially with a player I’m higher on than most. But given defensive needs still, I question it.
Grade: C+
75. Kansas City Chiefs: Derrick Nnadi, DT, Florida State
Derrick Nnadi undoubtedly saw his draft stock fall and he’s not a great athlete, but there’s upside here and the Chiefs still need depth up front.
Grade: B-
76. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State
I thought he might go in the second (or the first) round, but he’s here and goes to a place he’ll make sense. He needs time to develop and can do so behind Ben Roethlisberger as the latter plays out the end of his career.
Grade: A-
77. Cincinnati Bengals: Sam Hubbard, EDGE, Ohio State
The Bengals didn’t necessarily need an edge defender, but this is about BPA and Hubbard is close to that here. He could give them more depth and help get the defense playing even better.
Grade: B
78. Cincinnati Bengals: Malik Jefferson, LB, Texas
Back-to-back with BPA, but this time at more of a position of need, Jefferson can come and play right away for this Cincinnati team and be a nice contributor.
Grade: A
79. Seattle Seahawks: Rasheem Green, DL, USC
Green offers great versatility and the Seahawks defensive front is now looking thinner than it once did. I like this selection a great deal for Seattle.
Grade: B+
80. Houston Texans: Martinas Rankin, OT, Mississippi St.
Offensive line was a big issue for the Texans last season and now they further address the problem with a potential steal in the early-mid third round.
Grade: A-
81. Dallas Cowboys: Michael Gallup, WR, Colorado State
Finally the Cowboys address wide receiver with Michael Gallup, a player who’s great value here. He’s not exceptional, but he’ll make things happen for a unit almost totally devoid of playmakers.
Grade: B+
82. Detroit Lions: Tracy Walker, S, Louisiana-Lafayette
Though the need is filled, I’m not big on Tracy Walker. He’s a draft crush of some, but not mine and he feels like a reach with this selection.
Grade: D
83. Baltimore Ravens: Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma
Brown has some first-round caliber tape, but his athleticism might as well not be there. He’s worth a look, but this is a risk by the Ravens without question.
Grade: C+
84. Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Jones, DT, NC State
There are reaches, then there is the Chargers making this pick.
Grade: F
85. Carolina Panthers: Rashaan Gaulden, DB, Tennessee
Gaulden was announced as a safety, which makes you wonder if he’ll be moved from corner to fill the need for the Panthers. If so, he’s an intriguing prospect.
Grade: B-
86. Baltimore Ravens: Mark Andrews, TE, Oklahoma
Tight end wasn’t even a big position of need for the Ravens (or at least not a massive one), and they’ve taken two in the first three rounds. Alrighty then.
Grade: F
TRADE: RAIDERS MOVE UP TO NO. 87
87. Oakland Raiders: Arden Key, EDGE, LSU
Red flags drop a first-round talent down to the end of the third, but this is a great pickup and risk for a team like the Raiders. It’s a risk no doubt, but one that I enjoy.
Grade: B+
88. Green Bay Packers: Oren Burks, LB, Vanderbilt
The Packers are killing this draft right now as they’ve been able to address big areas of need on the defense with talented players. Maybe I’m missing something with Burks, but he’s a second-round type talent to me.
Grade: A
89. Los Angeles Rams: Joseph Noteboom, OT, TCU
After making their big leap last year, the Rams still need stability on the offensive line and Noteboom is a solid prospect with plug and play potential with upside as well.
Grade: B-
90. Atlanta Falcons: Deadrin Senat, DT, South Florida
Fantastic pick at a position of need and with solid value for the Falcons. He’s a playmaker with versatility that could replace the departed Dontari Poe.
Grade: A-
91. New Orleans Saints: Tre’Quan Smith, WR, UCF
Michael Thomas can do everything except burn DBs deep. Tre’Quan Smith gives Drew Brees a player who can do that though and a high-upside No. 2 opposite their star wideout.
Grade: B+
92. Pittsburgh Steelers: Chukwuma Okorafor, OT, Western Michigan
Huge upside is the name of the game with Okorafor and he could develop into a stalwart tackle, but the Steelers are good spot to help him develop. A nice pick.
Grade: B
93. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama
The rich get richer. Offensive line would’ve been better here, but the Jags are strengthening a wowing strength, which it’s hard to hate.
Grade: B-
94. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Alex Cappa, OL, Humboldt State
While he played tackle in D-II play, Alex Cappa likely can answer the call at guard for Tampa. That said, he’s a strong player that could give them needed depth and perhaps a starter.
Grade: B-
95. San Francisco 49ers: Tarvarius Moore, S, Southern Miss
Moore might never develop into a superstar, but he gives the 49ers a player with playmaking ability at a position where they are shallow and need a boost.
Grade: B
96. Buffalo Bills: Harrison Phillips, DT, Stanford
Carolina-North continues to build with defense and they get the uber-productive Phillips here. The value is there and the upside is too, but who knows how good of a pro he can be.
Grade: B-
97. Arizona Cardinals: Mason Cole, OL, Michigan
There are questions up front in Arizona and, with Rosen and David Johnson leading the way, they need to do their best to answer them. Cole as a versatile guy can help with that.
Grade: B+
98. Houston Texans: Jordan Atkins, TE, UCF
Need is there at tight end in Houston and they get a guy with Jordan Atkins who has upside, but is raw and needs refinement. Still, it’s another weapon for Deshaun Watson.
Grade: C+
99. Denver Broncos: Isaac Yiadom, CB, Boston College
Yiadom is a sleeper to a lot of people and he definitely has a great deal of upside ahead of him. What’s more, he gives them depth where they need it.
Grade: B-
100. Kansas City Chiefs: Dorian O’Daniel, OLB/S, Clemson
Versatility has been the name of what the Chiefs want to find in this draft and they’ve been trying to do so time and again. O’Daniel is undersized, but extremely talented and athletic.
Grade: C+
Next: NFL Mock Draft: Projecting Round 2 after the first round
It would be hard for Day 2 of the 2018 NFL Draft to be anywhere remotely as calamitous as the first round was. However, that’s the beauty of the draft — you never know what will happen and when the craziness is ultimately going to subside.