2021 NFL Draft: Grades, pick tracker and analysis for Rounds 2 and 3

Grades for every Day 2 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft as we track every selection and hand out instant analysis for what each team does.

Good thing the 2021 NFL Draft didn’t start off with any excitement, right?

The first round of the 2021 NFL Draft got off to a wild start when the 49ers completed an expert smokescreen by selecting Trey Lance over Mac Jones with the No. 3 pick. Then Justin Fields fell right into range for the Bears to trade up for him while Jones slipped all the way to the Patriots at No. 15.

But after the initial 32 selections, we still have a ton of talent left on the board. Players like Elijah Moore, Teven Jenkins, Liam Eichenberg, Trevon Moehrig and many more are all still available. This is the time when teams can really win the 2021 NFL Draft as they can find the best value to help build up their roster moving forward.

At the same time, you can also start to sink a draft class at this point. Having a good first-round pick is great — but he’s just one player. If you miss on the rest of the top-100 picks, they’re going to be out on an island.

More than that, we also get our first look at the Kansas City Chiefs, Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams and Houston Texans as those four teams will make their first selections of the 2021 draft. And we’ll be here to break it all down, handing out immediate grades and instant analysis for every selection.

Grades and analysis for every second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft

33. Jacksonville Jaguars: Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia – Grade: B+

While Campbell wasn’t the best player on the board, the big-bodied, long man-coverage cornerback is loaded with talent but just needs more coaching. He’ll pair well in an aggressive young defense with C.J. Henderson.

34. New York Jets: Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss – Grade: A

Zach Wilson is going to have weapons. After the Jets wide receiver corps was dismal, the speedy and versatile Moore joins Corey Davis and Denzel Mims as high-end young options. His ability to attack all levels with speed will be key in Wilson’s development.

35. Denver Broncos (via trade): Javonte Williams, RB, North Carolina – Grade: B+

Denver moved up ahead of Miami to get Williams and it’s not hard to see why. Williams is a hard-nosed runner who’s both versatile and physical. He can be a huge asset as a complement to Melvin Gordon in this offense, though I probably would’ve stayed put and taken what was there.

36. Miami Dolphins: Jevon Holland, S, Oregon – Grade: B-

Adding a safety makes a lot of sense for the Dolphins and Holland is an extremely talented player who can come in and be a terrific addition on the back end. The issue I have is that he’s not as good as Trevon Moehrig, who was still on the board here. Still, it’s a good overall pick.

37. Philadelphia Eagles: Landon Dickerson, IOL, Alabama – Grade: A+

Look, the big issue for Landon Dickerson is a litany of knee injuries. When he’s on the field, though, he’s one of the best interior linemen in the entire class and a likely first-round pick. This is a big swing for the Eagles but, at a position of need, I love the risk on a player of his talent.

38. New England Patriots (via trade): Christian Barmore, IDL, Alabama – Grade: A+

After staying put in Round 1, the Patriots couldn’t let Christian Barmore fall anymore. I love a move up for a player with this type of talent. He’s raw and needs some development to show consistency but his ability to penetrate from the inside is absolutely huge and perfect for New England.

39. Chicago Bears (via trade): Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State – Grade: A+

I’m handing out A+ grades like candy but I love this as well. If Chicago couldn’t land a quarterback in the first round, they needed a tackle. Now they get Justin Fields and the mauling Jenkins in the same draft class? This is a huge win for the Bears as they are setting the foundation.

40. Atlanta Falcons: Richie Grant, S, UCF – Grade: B

Much like with the Dolphins, the only problem I have with this pick is that Moehrig still hasn’t been picked. In any case, the Falcons needed safety help after losing a ton in free agency. Grant has a ton of talent on the back end and could be a nice asset for them moving forward.

41. Detroit Lions: Levi Onwuzurike, IDL, Washington – Grade: B+

With such a shallow defensive line class, Onwuzurike is one of the best at the position and this might be a bit high for him. But he’s a player who can consistently make noise in the backfield, even if he doesn’t get a ton of sacks. Detroit is building from the trenches, which isn’t a bad idea.

42. Miami Dolphins (via trade): Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame – Grade: A+

Not only do the Dolphins fill a newfound hole at right tackle with Eichenberg — even if they had to trade up to take him — but they get one of my guys I cape for. The Notre Dame product may not be the best athlete or best physical specimen but he’s a smart technician who rarely loses. Love this pick in the second round.

43. Las Vegas Raiders (via trade): Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU – Grade: A+

With Moehrig slipping farther than I expected, it makes a ton of sense for the Raiders to get aggressive and grab the TCU product. He’s a versatile and extremely capable safety that can come in and shore up the back end of a defense that has lacked some playmakers in recent years.

44. Dallas Cowboys: Kelvin Joseph, CB, Kentucky – Grade: B+

This would be an A grade if we were looking at talent because Joseph undoubtedly has that. His untapped potential is incredible and he could be a fantastic player if he develops. But this is the second player they’ve taken in as many picks with character issues, which is tough to swallow.

45. Jacksonville Jaguars: Walker Little, OT, Stanford – Grade C-

Well, the Jaguars needed offensive tackle help and Little gives that. He’s a former highly touted recruit but he has never lived up to that billing overall. This was a massive reach over some tackles more talented than Little. Not a huge fan of the value but the pedigree is at least in play.

46. Cincinnati Bengals: Jackson Carman, OT, Clemson – Grade: B

Cincinnati needed to protect Joe Burrow and they finally made the pick to do that. Carman is an undervalued asset in this draft and is a slight reach but not as bad as Little to the Jaguars. He has talent and physicality and athleticism, all of which can be molded into a lineman the Bengals need.

47. Los Angeles Chargers: Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida State – Grade: A

Though sized like a slot, Samuel Jr. can play anywhere and is a big boost to a secondary that has been full of talent but has struggled to stay healthy. The Chargers made another smart pick and they are readying for a legitimate run with Justin Herbert at the helm.

48. San Francisco 49ers: Aaron Banks, IOL, Notre Dame – Grade: C

This is undoubtedly a big reach for Banks but he’s a great fit for the 49ers, it should be said. He comes from an offensive line factory and the 49ers needed some help on the interior as they move forward — I just don’t care for the value.

49. Arizona Cardinals: Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue – Grade: A

Arizona has been doing everything in their power to put Kyler Murray in a position to succeed and this is a big part of that. Moore is an explosive weapon that can move all over the field and further open up the offense. Biggest need? No. Great player for their cause? Absolutely.

50. New York Giants: Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia – Grade: A+

This was wholly predictable for Gettleman who loves the Georgia defense. Ojulari was a top-20 pick in my book but medical concerns pushed him down. If healthy, though, he fills a huge hole on this Giants defense and they were able to move down and get him. Well done.

51. Washington Football Team: Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas – Grade: A

Washington has needed some offensive tackle help since they botched their relationship with Trent Williams. Cosmi offers them that in a big way as an athletic tackle who is capable of starting right away should be extremely helpful for the Football Team offense.

52. Cleveland Browns (via trade): Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB/S, Notre Dame – Grade: A+

As mentioned last night, the Browns are in a luxury spot to just get playmakers on either side of the ball. With Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah falling, they had the chance to trade up and do that in a huge way. The Notre Dame hybrid can play all over the field and be an impact player.

53. Tennessee Titans: Dillon Radunz, OT, North Dakota State – Grade: B+

Isaiah Wilson really hurt the Titans in a big way and they have a hole at right tackle. Radunz can plug that right away, even coming from the FCS level. I would’ve gone tight end or wide receiver but this is a strong pick that fills a need for Tennessee.

54. Indianapolis Colts: Dayo Odeyingbo, EDGE, Vanderbilt – Grade: C+

Do the Colts know that their starting left tackle retired? Should someone tell them? They take an edge with their second straight pick here. I like Odeyingbo but this feels like addressing a need that they didn’t really need to in the second round. Swing and a miss from Indianapolis.

55. Pittsburgh Steelers: Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State – Grade: C+

Undoubtedly, the Steelers will be able to use Freiermuth in the passing offense as they are clearly loading up on weapons for one final run. But the offensive line is a mess and that’s something they’re ignoring. Good luck using these weapons if Big Ben is trying to shrug off three guys.

56. Seattle Seahawks: D’Wayne Eskridge, WR, Western Michigan – Grade: B-

This wasn’t exactly what most people had in mind when they talked about getting Russell Wilson help. Eskridge will be a great weapon between D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett but the fact that they again didn’t care about the offensive line is really frustrating to see.

57. Los Angeles Rams: Tutu Atwell, WR, Louisville – Grade: C-

I don’t get this pick. Atwell could be a ton of fun in the Rams offense, albeit a limited one due to his size. Having said that, the Rams needed to help the O-line and also don’t have many picks to work with. This didn’t feel like a good use of resources by Los Angeles.

58. Kansas City Chiefs: Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri – Grade: B

This is a nice pickup for the Chiefs. Linebacker has been a problem area in Kansas City for some time and Bolton will help with that. Moreover, the personnel on that side of the ball should allow the speedy Bolton to do what he does best.

59. Carolina Panthers: Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU – Grade: A+

Great, great value for the Panthers as they’re able to secure another weapon for Sam Darnold in this offense. Marshall slipped due to some injury concerns but he’s an ultra-versatile player who can come in and play extremely well with D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson.

60. New Orleans Saints: Pete Werner, LB, Ohio State – Grade: B+

New Orleans reached for Payton Turner but this is nice value here for the Saints defense at a position that they actually need to address. Werner is an underrated player who, although a tad limited, will help the defense from the time he steps in the building.

61. Buffalo Bills: Carlos Basham Jr., EDGE, Wake Forest – Grade: A

Basham has all of the potential in the world and flashed it often at Wake Forest. He needs some NFL coaching but he’s a perfect fit for the Bills and what they like to do on that side of the ball and off the edge. Solid value, good player, great fit.

62. Green Bay Packers: Josh Myers, C, Ohio State – Grade: B-

This fills a need after Corey Linsley left in free agency but, man, when you’re star quarterback is threatening to leave or retire, you would think you might get a wide receiver. Nope. Regardless, Myers is a solid player who could slot in along this interior and plug a hole.

63. Kansas City Chiefs: Creed Humphrey, C, Oklahoma – Grade: A

The Chiefs overhauled the entire offensive line this offseason and this makes a ton of sense to continue that. Humphrey’s ability to move fits into the offensive scheme and he’s a terrific player that can snap to Patrick Mahomes for the long haul.

64. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kyle Trask, QB, Florida – Grade: A

Low key, this makes a ton of sense. Kyle Trask isn’t a ready-for-the-NFL product. However, he has some enticing traits that could possibly make him an option for the Buccaneers. Tom Brady hasn’t slowed down but he may hang it up soon. They’ll get to see if Trask can step in when that happens.

Grades and analysis for every third-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft

65. Jacksonville Jaguars: Andre Cisco, S, Syracuse – Grade: B

Safety is a need for the Jaguars, even if not the most pressing. But Urban Meyer is getting a ball-skilled playmaker on the back end with Cisco who has versatility in schemes.

66. Minnesota Vikings: Kellen Mond, QB, Texas A&M – Grade: B-

Frankly, Mond probably has more raw talent than Kirk Cousins. He just needs a lot more polish before he’s NFL ready. Perhaps the Vikings will try to mold him to eventually usurp Cousins.

67. Houston Texans: Davis Mills, QB, Stanford – Grade: A-

Given everything going on with Deshaun Watson, you have to imagine the Texans are thinking about what’s next at quarterback. Mills has a ton of talent but needs to showcase and show that more consistently.

68. Atlanta Falcons: Jalen Mayfield, OL, Michigan – Grade: A

Mayfield has a ton of talent and was announced as a guard. A kick inside might allow him to reach his potential but he will help the Falcons offensive line, a quiet problem area for Atlanta.

69. Cincinnati Bengals: Joseph Ossai, EDGE, Texas – Grade: A

People had Ossai in Round 2 so for the Bengals to fill a need in the third round with him at this point is a great move. He can help give their defense some versatility and pop.

70. Carolina Panthers: Brady Christensen, OT, BYU – Grade: B+

Christensen is a great player who shined at BYU. He might be a little short-armed but he could possibly move inside as well. In any case, he’s a great need-addresser for the Panthers.

71. New York Giants: Aaron Robinson, CB, UCF – Grade: B-

Others like Robinson a lot more than me so I’m probably harsher grading this Giants pick than some you might find. That said, he should come in and address some depth needs in the secondary.

72. Detroit Lions: Alim McNeill, IDL, NC State – Grade: B+

Dan Campbell wants nasty knee-biters in the trenches and he’s getting them in this draft. McNeill may not be a three-down player but he’s a mauler when he is on the field.

73. Philadelphia Eagles: Milton Williams, IDL, Louisiana Tech – Grade: A

Philly has a lot of holes to fill and Williams can fill one. He’s as explosive as they come and could possibly be a penetration 3-technique who can see time by the end of his rookie year.

74. Washington Football Team: Benjamin St-Juste, CB, Minnesota – Grade: B+

This is a solid pick that addresses a need. St-Juste isn’t my favorite player but he certainly has value in an NFL secondary and that’s something the Football Team needs help with.

75. Dallas Cowboys: Osa Odighizuwa, IDL, UCLA – Grade: B

Dallas has always needed some help on the interior of the defensive line and Odighizuwa needs some polish and to find a natural position but his ability to penetrate makes him valuable to the Cowboys.

76. New Orleans Saints: Paulson Adebo, CB, Stanford – Grade: A

I haven’t been kind to the Saints overall in their drafting but this is a stellar pick. Adebo could be a Day 1 starter for a secondary that has to replace Janoris Jenkins.

77. Los Angeles Chargers: Josh Palmer, WR, Tennessee – Grade: B-

This is a big reach for Palmer based on what he did in college but the wideout has a boatload of talent. It’s definitely a reach overall but the Chargers need a receiver and he could be a big help.

78. Minnesota Vikings: Chazz Surratt, LB, North Carolina – Grade: A

Mike Zimmer is searching for solutions on the defense and Surratt could be that. A converted quarterback, he’s already come along in a huge way in just two years and could develop into something special.

79. Las Vegas Raiders: Malcolm Koonce, EDGE, Buffalo – Grade: D

Koonce is a late-round prospect with upside but, man, this is a huge reach from the Raiders. Maybe he can help boost the pass rush but this felt like a misfire.

80. Las Vegas Raiders: Divine Deablo, S/LB, Virginia Tech – Grade: B+

Kind of in contrast to that, Deablo is a player who has a ton of upside as long as you can figure out which position he’s going to play. But his ability as a football player is absolutely undeniable.

81. Miami Dolphins: Hunter Long, TE, Boston College – Grade: B-

Mike Gesicki is a great weapon but Brian Flores comes from the land of multiple tight ends and Long can help with that. He has a good bit of pass-catching ability that should help out.

82. Washington Football Team: Dyami Brown, WR, North Carolina – Grade: A+

Brown could’ve been an early second-round pick and I would’ve been happy with the value so this is a massive steal for Washington. Brown, McLaurin and Samuel could be a scary trio of receivers.

83. Carolina Panthers: Tommy Tremble, TE, Notre Dame – Grade: A-

You would’ve liked to see Tremble catch the ball more in college but he’s a great blocker who can also show off some athleticism. Carolina has hardly anything in the tight end room, so this is a big help.

84. Dallas Cowboys: Chauncey Golston, EDGE, Iowa – Grade: C+

This is way too rich for Golston but he also seems like a player the Cowboys brass would love. We’ll see if he can prove me wrong but I don’t like the value at all here.

85. Green Bay Packers: Amari Rodgers, WR, Clemson – Grade: A+

Finally we get a wide receiver for Aaron Rodgers, assuming he ends up staying. Rodgers is a perfect player to get with Davante Adams and run in the slot and make a lot of plays.

86. Minnesota Vikings: Wyatt Davis, IOL, Ohio State – Grade: A-

This fits the O-line need still there for Minnesota even after getting a tackle in Round 1. Davis didn’t play to his potential in 2020 but he has a lot in the tank to succeed in the NFL.

87. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kendrick Green, IOL, Illinois – Grade: B+

Green wasn’t my favorite player but he can be a big help for the Steelers who have quickly gotten depleted up front. He doesn’t have a ton of center experience so he could have to learn there.

88. San Francisco 49ers: Trey Sermon, RB, Ohio State – Grade: C-

I don’t totally get this pick if we’re being honest. Is it a rule that Kyle Shanahan needs four backs in the offense at all times? I hope not. Sermon has some upside and could be a nice piece but it’s weird San Francisco made the pick.

89. Houston Texans: Nico Collins, WR, Michigan – Grade: A

Things are taking a weird turn in Houston, as we all know. But Collins has a ton of potential to be a real NFL weapon and the Texans could definitely use another one of those types of players.

90. Minnesota Vikings: Patrick Jones II, EDGE, Pittsburgh – Grade: A

Jones offers tremendous value here as the Vikings get a player who is explosive and quick off the edge and can offer them some pass-rush help right away.

91. Cleveland Browns: Anthony Schwartz, WR, Auburn – Grade: B

It figured that the Browns would look at wide receiver given some contracts that could be coming up soon. Schwartz has a ton of speed and athleticism but his lack of refinement leaves me a bit cold.

92. Tennessee Titans: Monty Rice, LB, Georgia – Grade: B-

This was admittedly a bit of a reach on Rice but I’m also higher on the linebacker than a lot of people. His athleticism and ability to move all over should play well in Tennessee.

93. Buffalo Bills: Spencer Brown, OT, Northern Iowa – Grade: A

Re-signing Daryl Williams affords the Bills the chance to take a player like Brown here. He has a ton of upside if he can develop but needs time. Buffalo has that and he should hit for them.

94. Baltimore Ravens: Ben Cleveland, IOL, Georgia – Grade: A-

Cleveland just seems perfect to fill the need for offensive line depth in Baltimore. His power game on the interior and positional versatility should serve him well with the Ravens.

95. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Robert Hainsey, OL, Notre Dame – Grade: B+

Speaking of versatility, Hainsey has the ability to play both guard and tackle and the Buccaneers get some great depth to help Tom Brady stay upright.

96. New England Patriots: Ronnie Perkins, EDGE, Oklahoma – Grade: A+

Perkins needs to be coached on how to develop a pass-rush plan and counters but he has a ton of juice off the edge. The Patriots get tremendous value with the OU product here.

97. Los Angeles Chargers: Tre’ McKitty, TE, Georgia – Grade: B-

LA needed a tight end with Hunter Henry leaving and they get a high-upside play here in McKitty. The value isn’t terrific but there is a lot of untapped potential with what McKitty could be eventually.

98. Denver Broncos: Quinn Meinerz, IOL, Wisconsin-Whitewater – Grade: A

Meinerz dominated Division III competition and has the upside to legitimately be a good NFL guard or center. This is a strong pick to potentially upgrade the interior in Denver.

99. Dallas Cowboys: Nahshon Wright, CB, Oregon State – Grade: B-

There is a lot to like about what Wright could be and the Cowboys continuing to just add athleticism and talent to the defense. However, he’s a bit raw and better corners were available.

100. Tennessee Titans: Elijah Molden, CB, Washington – Grade: A

The Titans really needed to replenish the cornerback room and they do that here with Molden. He’s one of the most polished players in the slot but may be limited to there with his size. Still, it’s a nice addition for this secondary.

101. Detroit Lions: Ifeatu Melifnonwu, CB, Syracuse – Grade: A+

I would’ve taken Melifonwu in the mid-second round so suffice it to say that I like the value here. Pairing him with Jeffery Okudah in Detroit should give this team a nice combination of young corners.

102. San Francisco 49ers: Ambry Thomas, CB, Michigan – Grade: A

Loving the cornerback value here as Thomas has all the athletic traits and cover skills to be a starter in the league. San Francisco needed some depth at the position so this is a nice spot.

103. Los Angeles Rams: Ernest Jones, LB, South Carolina – Grade: B

This is early on Jones for me but he was productive in college and the Rams need a ton of help in the middle of the defense. Subsequently, I can’t hate the pick by any measure.

104. Baltimore Ravens: Brandon Stephens, CB, SMU – Grade: C

This was another player who I see as a reach but the potential for the converted running back Stephens is there. He’s athletic and needs development but could provide versatility and depth.

105. Denver Broncos: Baron Browning, LB, Ohio State – Grade: A

Denver nailed this pick to end the third round. Browning is ultra-athletic and has a ton of versatility in what he can do at linebacker, a position where the Broncos need some help.