2020 NFL Draft grades: Instant analysis for every Day 2 pick

Instant grades for every Day 2 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft with reactions, analysis and more for every selection in the second and third rounds.

We’re 32 picks into the 2020 NFL Draft and, though many talked about the first round largely being chalk, there were a ton of surprises on night one of the first-ever virtual draft. Perhaps no big-name move was as shocking as Jordan Love going to the Green Bay Packers.

Of course, there were other shocks to get the 2020 NFL Draft started, some good and others not so much. The Dallas Cowboys saw WR1 CeeDee Lamb fall to them at No. 17 while the Las Vegas Raiders and Seattle Seahawks reached on cornerback Damon Arnette and linebacker Jordyn Brooks, respectively.

But in one of the deepest draft classes that we’ve seen in a long, long time, we’re also looking at a deep talent pool that’s still available entering Day 2 as we’ll go through the second and third rounds of the draft. On both sides of the ball, teams can get instant-impact starters in the No. 33-106 picks that will be made on Friday night.

Guys such as safeties Grant Delpit, Xavier McKinney and Antoine Winfield Jr., edge rusher Curtis Weaver, running backs Jonathan Taylor, D’Andre Swift and J.K. Dobbins, wide receiver Denzel Mims and even quarterbacks Jalen Hurts and Jake Fromm, among many others, will all be selected on Day 2.

But whether or not those are good selections, as always, depends on what team drafts each player and at what position. And that’s what we’re here to decide in the moment. As we did last night, we’ll be giving instant grades, analysis and reactions to every second- and third-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Tee Higgins is not my favorite player in this class nor is he the top wide receiver remaining on Day 2. However, he can be a replacement for A.J. Green and gives Joe Burrow a shiny new toy.

Grade: B

With Philip Rivers in tow, the Colts make their first pick of the 2020 NFL Draft and get a potential stud. Michael Pittman Jr. has NFL bloodlines and a pro-ready frame that just gets open and makes plays.

Grade: A-

I love D’Andre Swift’s talent and he is undoubtedly an upgrade for the Lions offense. Detroit is not a D’Andre Swift away from competing and the defensive line needed attention.

Grade: C+

Fantastic pick for the Giants here. While safety isn’t the biggest need, it was a need and Xavier McKinney was the best player on the board. He’ll pair well on the back end with Jabrill Peppers.

Grade: A

Trading Duron Harmon left a hole at safety and the Patriots use their first pick to fill it. It seems obvious they’re heading towards a veteran quarterback but Kyle Dugger is an ultra-athlete who can move and thrive all over the place.

Grade: B

It may not be exciting what the Panthers are doing but it could be highly effective. Gross-Matos can be stout on the edge against the run early and develop into a top-end pass-rusher.

Grade: B+

I’m super high on Robert Hunt’s positional with the mean streak he plays with and the ability to play tackle and guard. Protecting Tua is critical and Hunt helps the Dolphins do that quite well.

Grade: A-

The Texans’ offseason has been lambasted but this is a good pick. They needed some juice along with J.J. Watt on the defensive line and Blacklock is all juice coming out of TCU.

Grade: B+

TRADE ALERT: Colts send No. 44 and 160 to Browns for No. 41

The Colts aren’t playing games about making a run at a Super Bowl with Philip Rivers. Jonathan Taylor is an instant stud behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. Even with a trade, this is a win for Indy.

Grade: A

The health of Shenault is the only thing keeping him from being a great player in the NFL. He’s unbelievably versatile and should give this offense more explosiveness and playmaking.

Grade: A-

The Bears needed a tight end (sort of) and Cole Kmet is the best in the class. Of course, he went about 20 picks higher than I would’ve considered taking him, which isn’t great, and other players at positions of need were right there.

Grade: C-

The value for this pick has the potential to be unbelievable. There is a pretty-easy-to-see world where Grant Delpit is the best safety in the 2020 NFL Draft class and gives the Browns a playmaker they’re currently missing.

Grade: A+

Everyone was talking about running back here but I love this pick for the Bucs. Winfield is a ballhawk on the back end with tremendous versatility and feel for the game that should have an immediate positive impact on the Tampa secondary.

Grade: A-

K.J. Hamler is a player who I believe has a chance to be a great playmaker in the NFL. And he fits with the Broncos. But man, two wide receivers with their two first-round picks is tough to swallow for me.

Grade: C

Size and versatility, Marlon Davidson is the type of powerful force the Falcons need on the defensive line to help Grady Jarrett and newcomer Dante Fowler work.

Grade: A

TRADE ALERT: Seahawks send No. 59 and 101 to Jets for No. 48

Man, leave it to the Seahawks to do weird things. I really like Darrell Taylor but giving up two Day 2 picks to move up 11 spots to get him, even with their need, just blows my mind. Seattle should outsource their drafting.

Grade: D

The Steelers and taking wide receivers — might as well call them peanut butter and jelly. Unfortunately, Chase Claypool was over-drafted at No. 49 and wasn’t Pittsburgh’s primary need. Still, his potential and athleticism are incredible.

Grade: C+

Had the Bears taken Jaylon Johnson with the No. 43 pick, I’d have given it an “A”. Taking him at No. 50, that doesn’t change. The secondary needed a long playmaker on the boundary and Johnson is a physical man corner who can be that.

Grade: A

Man, there was talk that the Cowboys could potentially reach for Trevon Diggs at No. 17. So to get him at No. 51 is unbelievable. They too BPA in CeeDee Lamb and still get a cornerback to replace Byron Jones.

Grade: A+

I really like Cam Akers and the notion that the Rams needed to replace Gurley for the play-action offense to work properly. But taking Akers over Dobbins knocks this down from and “A” to a “B”.

Grade: B

The potential of Jalen Hurts is tremendous. But for the Eagles, backup quarterback wasn’t one of their top-five needs and they have several holes to fill in order to compete. What in the world.

Grade: D

Wonderful pick that fits the Bills to perfection. Epenesa is a force with a ton of power and length off the edge and, at No. 54, his value is quite great.

Grade: A

Mark Ingram’s prowess was quietly critical to the Ravens offense in 2019 but he showed his age late. J.K. Dobbins is great value here and should keep Baltimore’s top rushing offense cruising.

Grade: A

Full disclosure, this would not have been the pick for me if I were the Dolphins. Even if they valued defensive line more than other spots, better players are available. But Davis has a ton of athletic potential still and is a good addition to a unit that’s adding a lot of talent.

Grade: C+

Van Jefferson has a chance to be a good player and the Rams needed to add a cheaper option at wide receiver to replace Brandin Cooks. Jefferson, however, is a completely different type of player drafted far earlier than I would’ve taken him.

Grade: C

Love the value of a player at a position of need here. The big-time athlete can improve his functional strength but has the best offensive tackle potential in the Vikings locker room.

Grade: A

Trading back and being able to get Denzel Mims and a late-third is wonderful for the Jets. The versatile, long and athletic Baylor product is already the Jets’ No. 1 wide receiver.

Grade: A+

TRADE ALERT: Patriots send No. 71 and 98 to Ravens for No. 60 and 129

I really like the versatility and explosiveness of Josh Uche and he fits super well with the Patriots coaching staff. Trading up to No. 60, however, keeps it from being an “A”.

Grade: B+

After losing Logan Ryan, the Titans needed a corner. Kristian Fulton had a Round 1 grade from me and getting him at the end of the second round is unbelievable and a coup out of Tennessee.

Grade: A+

AJ Dillon has the potential to be a very good running back and maybe the Packers are still planning for the future. But man, I hate what they’re doing right now in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Grade: D

The Chiefs need help at linebacker and Willie Gay Jr. has the most upside of anyone at the position. The freak athlete coming to KC in this spot is huge for the defending champs.

Grade: A

TRADE ALERT: Panthers send No. 69 and 148 to Seahawks for No. 148

The Panthers are clearly looking for athletic, strong and physical defenders to rebuild their team and Chinn is that. He’s raw coming from a small school but giving up a fifth-rounder to move up and get him could be worth it.

Grade: B+

Wilson could be a good player and the Bengals are at their best when their linebackers are good. But this was a slight reach for me.

Grade: B-

Love this pick for Redskins as they aim to get weapons for Dwayne Haskins. Running back, wide receiver, something in-between — Gibson can take it to the house at any moment.

Grade: B+

The Lions need some more pop up front on the defensive line and Okwara gives them that. His inconsistency bothers me a bit but his top-end ability is hard to ignore.

Grade: B+

Davis pairs well with Jamal Adams on the back end of the defense as an uber-athletic safety. However, I’m not sure he makes a ton of sense in terms of overall need.

Grade: B-

Seattle actually made a pick that makes sense. They needed guard help and Lewis is a monster on the interior that has a nice bit of football IQ. He’ll help that group right away.

Grade: A

Jones has some real talent but this was definitely a reach in my book, even if he fills a need at the position for the Dolphins.

Grade: C+

Baltimore went 14-2 last season and is now looking like a team that’s going to get much better with how this draft is falling for them.

Grade: A

Josh Jones’ fall was one of the more shocking in the 2020 NFL Draft but, with his big frame and athletic ability, this could be a steal for the Cardinals at this spot.

Grade: A

It’s clear the Jaguars value their defense and what that unit has done for them in the past. Hamilton is a nice addition in the trenches.

Grade: B

TRADE ALERT: Saints send No. 88 and 2021 third-rounder to Browns for No. 74 and 244

The Saints are a great landing spot for the versatile Baun. He can be a linebacker or edge defender that moves all over the field. Trading up for him and giving up a future pick was well worth it.

Grade: A

TRADE ALERT: Lions send No. 85, 149 and 182 to Lions for No. 75 and 197

Jackson was awesome in the 2019 season and fills the hole left by Graham Glasgow in free agency. Expensive to trade up but perhaps worth it too.

Grade: B

Vaughn has plenty of talent but was in a bad situation at Vandy. He can be a nice, versatile weapon for the Buccaneers and Tom Brady. However, I’m not sure about the value at No. 76.

Grade: C+

I was higher on Ojemudia than most of the consensus and, apparently, so was Denver. They needed a long-term cornerback on the roster and he can be that with some fine-tuning.

Grade: B+

I’m not entirely sure why Hennessy is the fit for the Falcons here. However, I like the player and value enough at No. 78 to not totally hate it.

Grade: C+

The Jets are crushing the draft thus far. Zuniga has legitimate versatility and explosiveness to be the edge-rushing presence New York has been lacking for so long.

Grade: A

Gruden and Mayock can’t help but love speed and gamers. They take Bowden here and his do-it-all athletic presence. Of course, I have no idea how he fits into this offense.

Grade: C+

Well, the Raiders got Derek Carr some weapons. I like Edwards but, man, maybe draft something other than a wide receiver.

Grade: C+

Few teams have gotten the value at every pick like the Cowboys have and Gallimore can be an explosive force on the defensive line they’ve been looking for.

Grade: A+

Another great value pick at a position of need, the Broncos get a falling Cushenberry to slot wherever they need him to on the interior of the line.

Grade: A+

Terrell Lewis is well worth the risk here. If healthy, he can be a standout pass-rusher off the edge for the Rams.

Grade: A

Blackmon is coming off an ACL tear but has coverage ability as a converted cornerback to be a nice move piece for the Colts defense.

Grade: B

The Bills needed a power player to pair with Devin Singletary and Moss is perfect for that. He’s a bully with the ball and should be a nice asset in Buffalo.

Grade: A

If they hadn’t taken Uche earlier, I might like this a bit more. However, Jennings is a solid overall player that seems perfect for New England.

Grade: B-

Great pick — another one — for the Browns. They needed a high-motor instant-impact rotational player on the D-line and that’s Elliott to a tee.

Grade: A

Toolsy cornerbacks and the Vikings — name a better duo.

Grade: B

For as much fun as I’ve made of the Texans’ offseason, they’ve done a nice job revamping the front seven thus far with limited capital in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Grade: B+

TRADE ALERT: Patriots send No. 100, 139 and 172 to Raiders for No. 91 and 159

Did the Patriots need to address tight end? Yep. Was Asiasi good value on this draft board, especially with trading up? Nope.

Grade: D

Not only do the Ravens get another pass-rusher but they add even more speed and verticality to the already explosive offense.

Grade: B+

Evans is a home run threat and the team needs a player who can actually spell Derrick Henry in the backfield. The App State product is that player.

Grade: A-

This is the Packers’ best selection thus far. That is not a high bar for them to clear.

Grade: B-

Nice pick for the Broncos to get some depth on the defensive line that can penetrate as a pass-rusher.

Grade: B+

Niang has positional versatility on the offensive line and top-50 talent if healthy. This is a steal for the Chiefs as the champs are putting together a nice draft.

Grade: A

Phillips wasn’t a Round 3 player — or all that close — for me. However, he could fit well enough with the Browns and they need help at the position.

Grade: B-

Patrick Queen and Malik Harrison paired in the middle of the defense? The Ravens are looking scary.

Grade: B+

Matt Peart is a great pickup for the Giants as they continue to address a lacking offensive line group.

Grade: A

Athletic and versatile, Muse fits the mold for what the Raiders like. Where he plays on defense, however, is more up for debate.

Grade: C+

TRADE ALERT: Patriots send No. 125, 129 and 2021 sixth-rounder to Jets for No. 101

I like Keene more than Asiasi and the VaTech product has an immense amount of upside.

Grade: B+

Highsmith has a ton of potential and could be a stud to pair with T.J. Watt for the long term on the edge.

Grade: A-

This is a lot better than the Hurts pick, that’s for sure. All athlete in need of polish, who knows what Taylor’s ceiling is.

Grade: B+

Safety may not have been the biggest need but I like Burgess a ton as the No. 104 pick. he can be a nickel in coverage that helps the Rams secondary.

Grade: A-

Like this a lot for New Orleans. Trautman gives Brees and the passing offense another weapon and he’s a different skill set than Cook.

Grade: B+

Phillips isn’t the most complete prospect but he’s a massive human being with a ton of play strength to be a bully across the line.

Grade: B-

Agree or disagree with these 2020 NFL Draft grades from the second and third rounds? Even if you disagree, that’s what makes these instant reactions beautiful — there’s still plenty of time for every one of these teams and prospects to prove us wrong either way.