NFL Draft grades 2023: Complete results & analysis for every pick in Rounds 1-3

Vinnie Iyer

NFL Draft grades 2023: Complete results & analysis for every pick in Rounds 1-3 image

Did your team ace or botch its pick or picks in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft? The Sporting News has you covered tracking all the selections and handing out grades in real time beginning Thursday night through the second and third rounds on Friday.

This year, the quarterbacks are back on center stage for early selections and the unpredictability started early, a perfect setup for some standout and surprising results for all 32 teams.

From the No. 1 pick through No. 102 overall, this is your hub for in-depth live reaction for Round 1 and continuing into Rounds 2 and 3, grading every team and player fit:

MORE 2023 NFL DRAFT:
Full results | Team-by-team grades | Biggest steals

NFL Draft grades 2023: Expert analysis for Rounds 1-3

Round 1

1. Carolina Panthers (from Bears): Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

  • Grade: A

The Panthers gave up a steep price (wide receiver D.J. Moore and high draft picks) to move up to get their young  franchise QB of choice for new offensive-minded coach Frank Reich, But Young is an excellent choice, worthy of such an aggressive move up because arm, athleticism, leadership, intangibles, playmaking and all-out mature “it factor.” His size becomes a non-issues because the skills and talent in all other areas are off the charts.

2. Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

  • Grade: A

The Texans stuck with their quarterback-first plan after all, going with the sturdy, accurate pocket passer in Stroud with plenty of smarts and savvy. He doesn’t wow with his arm or athleticism, but can make all the throws and move when needed. He’s a good fit for the 49ers-like QB-friendly offense under DeMeco Ryans and Bobby Slowik.

3. Houston Texans (from Cardinals): Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama

  • Grade: A-

After grabbing Stroud with the previous pick, the Texans got aggressive with a trade up from No. 12 overall to land the most coveted prospect from the other side of the ball. Anderson is an elite playmaker beyond his pass rush and will be a cornerstone of the defense for years to come for Ryans, a former standout linebacker himself at Alabama.

MORE: The 15 worst value picks in the 2023 NFL Draft

4. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

  • Grade: A

The Colts keep up the momentum with teams opting for high-ceiling talent early in the first round. Indianapolis put some up QB smokescreens, including Wil Levis, but Richardson made the most sense because of his dazzling arm and athletic upside, a perfect fit to be groomed well with offensive-minded rookie coach Shane Steichen. Steichen hit it out of the park while developing Jalen Hurts into a highly-paid elite dual threat QB in Philadelphia.

5. Seattle Seahawks (from Broncos): Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

  • Grade: B

The Seahawks pass on bigger defensive needs up front with great value left in Jalen Carter and Tyree Wilson. Witherspoon is their kind of big, physical corner to keep building on their new “Legion of Boom” opposite Tariq Woolen, but the opportunity cost was missing on a potential transcendent disruptor up front vs. pass and run.

6. Arizona Cardinals (from Lions through Rams): Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State

  • Grade: C

Johnson is a sound tackle who can play either side because of great athleticism and footwork based on size and power. But it’s curious the Cardinals, after trading down, opted for someone to try to upgrade over D.J. Humphries and Kelvin Bachum when they had huge defensive needs that fit the best talent available for new coach Jonathan Gannon.

Tyree Wilson
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7. Las Vegas Raiders: Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech

  • Grade: B

The Raiders get docked a little for passing on Jalen Carter, filling their biggest need given how weak they are at defensive tackle. But in terms of getting a freakish pass rusher to put with Maxx Crosby and groom behind Chandler Jones, this was a coup, given Wilson is versatile enough to line up in multiple spots and also play the run well.

8. Atlanta Falcons: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

  • Grade: C

The Falcons are a rebuilding team with major defensive needs. They also aren’t totally set yet at quarterback and need more receiving help. Yet they made a luxury pick in the form of a feature running back as offensive-minded head coach Arthur Smith tries to re-create the Derrick Henry-heavy success he had in Tennessee. Robinson has great potential as an explosive feature workhorse and was first-round worthy. He will be productive early, but the bottom line is Atlanta isn’t a team that could afford to use such high capital on an already good rushing attack.

9. Philadelphia Eagles (from Bears through Panthers): Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia

  • Grade: A+

The Eagles made another shrewd move with Howie Roseman to draft an elite defender from Georgia’s back-to-back national champions. Carter joins Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean on the front seven and will be groomed behind Fletcher Cox to be a quick penetrator who will blow up a lot of plays in the backfield vs. run and pass to complement Davis’ run-stuffing for a long time.

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10. Chicago Bears (from Eagles through Saints): Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

  • Grade: B-

The Bears fill their massive need for a pass-protecting left tackle for Justin Fields, but it’s not Johnson, Peter Skoronski or even Broderick Jones. Wright compares favorably as a blocker to new Bengal and former Chief Orlando Brown Jr. He rose up boards late by showing teams more athleticism in his powerful frame, but should have gone later in the round vs. the other available tackles.

11. Tennessee Titans: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern

  • Grade: A

The Titans passed on a quarterback early to address another big need after moving on from long-time Taylor Lewan. They get an explosive athlete who’s a natural for pass protection but also sound with his feet in run blocking to help their offense well all-around.

12. Detroit Lions (from Cardinals through Texans, Browns): Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama

  • Grade: A

The Lions didn’t want to risk hoping that Gibbs would still be on the board when they pick in the second round after Robinson went so early. Gibbs might be the better fit than Robinson for their needs as a compact runner with elite receiving skills. He can displace oft-injured D’Andre Swift, a free agent in 2024, in that latter capacity with the workhorse potential to push newcomer David Montgomery into a swing backup role.

Lukas Van Ness
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13. Green Bay Packers (from Jets): Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa

  • Grade: C

There’s no doubt Van Ness has first-round upside with his raw pass-rush skills, standing out with his explosiveness and relentless in getting after the quarterback. But he’s also a bit of a project with limited experience for a team that had more pressing offensive needs at wide receiver, tight end and tackle to boost new young starting quarterback Jordan Love.

14. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Patriots): Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

  • Grade: A+

The Steelers nailed this first draft pick for GM Omar Khan. They realized that with Johnson, Wright and Skoronski off the board, they had to jump the Jets to get the other surefire first-round tackle. Jones has a pleasing combination of strength and quickness to both help second-year QB Kenny Pickett big-time as a major upgrade over Dan Moore Jr. at left tackle and get downfield in run blocking for third-year running back Najee Harris.

15. New York Jets (from Packers): Will McDonald IV, EDGE, Iowa State

  • Grade: D

The Jets make a curious reach for more of a late-rising second-round prospect. Although McDonald has promising length and athleticism for Robert Saleh’s defense, he has to develop more against the run to play on regular downs. The Jets missed out on the offensive tackle run and also didn’t get an offensive skill player to boost Aaron Rodgers. This also is a head-scratcher for GM Joe Douglas after taking Jermaine Johnson as a third first-rounder in 2022.

Christian Gonzalez, Will McDonald IV
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16. Washington Commanders: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State

  • Grade: C

The Commanders went for cornerback as expected with the first pick, but they reached a bit for the undersized Forbes, a versatile and smart cover man who does not have the size and big-play flair of other corners available, including Christian Gonzalez, Deonte Banks, Joey Porter Jr., Cam Smith and Kelee Ringo. It is a curious pick for a non-shutdown type.

17. New England Patriots (from Steelers): Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

  • Grade: A+

The Patriots should be thrilled to land the best corner in the draft to fill their biggest defensive need after a trade down. Gonzalez is an exceptional athlete for his size. He is smooth and sound in coverage and will be active ballhawk to remind them of Stephon Gilmore and J.C. Jackson.

18. Detroit Lions: Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa

  • Grade: B+

Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes fill another immediate sneaky need here for a dominant second-level playmaker to upgrade from Alex Anzalone. He’s a very athletic well-rounded playmaker, but it’s a tad questionable for them to take him over Trenton Simpson and Drew Sanders given their higher overall upside.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pitt

  • Grade: A-

The Buccaneers needed to get a compact tackle with some inside pass-rush pop to help massive run stuffer Vita Vea on Todd Bowles’ three-man front. Kancey is a great fit and Tampa Bay is hoping it has mined an Aaron Donald clone from the same program. They could have gone quarterback here, but you can’t fault them for knowing Kancey was a good value and a possible target of division rivals, including the Saints.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba
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20. Seattle Seahawks: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

  • Grade: A

The Seahawks had a need for a third wideout to help support DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett with the latter turning 31 during the season. With both of those targets settling outside in Shane Waldron’s offense for Geno Smith, Smith-Njigba can use his hands, quickness and route-running skills to be an ace slot option at first before taking over for Lockett in the near future.

21. Los Angeles Chargers: Quentin Johnson, WR, TCU

  • Grade: C

The Chargers needed to follow the Seahawks and add key receiving depth behind Keenan Allen, who turned 31 on draft night and Mike Williams, given both also have durability issues. Johnston was set to go in this range, but they need some more versatility vs. just going after a pure speedy vertical outside threat for big-armed Justin Herbert.

22. Baltimore Ravens: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College

  • Grade: A+

The Ravens getting Odell Beckham Jr. and Nelson Agholor wisely didn’t stop them from getting the ideal versatile big-play threat to help newly highly paid Lamar Jackson, playing well off 2021 first-rounder Rashod Bateman and tight end Mark Andrews. The Chargers’ miss is their gain, as Flowers can be their inside-outside version of Lockett.

Jordan Addison
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23. Minnesota Vikings: Jordan Addison, WR, USC

  • Grade: A+

The Vikings took full advantage of Addison’s stock slipping to this part of the first round as a slot-forward replacement for Adam Thielen. Addison is an absolute route-running technician with ideal quickness and toughness for the slot. He will benefit nicely from the coverage attention Justin Jefferson gets all over the field.

24. New York Giants (from Jaguars): Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland

  • Grade: A

The Giants addressed a key defensive need for improved outside coverage by landing Banks, who got more attention for his size and fluid ballhawking skills later in the draft process to be a worthy first-rounder. Banks made great sense in a small trade up after the viable wide receiver options for them were gone.

25. Buffalo Bills (from Jaguars through Giants): Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

  • Grade: D

The Bills, after missing on the wide receiver run plus Robinson and Gibbs, trade up for a strange offensive skill pick of a tight end. That’s despite having Josh Allen favorite Dawson Knox under contract through 2026 and being a primary 11 personnel (three wideout) team. They also could have targeted some linebacker, offensive line, pass rush help for much more immediate impact as AFC title contenders.

26. Dallas Cowboys: Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan

  • Grade: B

The Cowboys reached a little, but they did fill a direct need for a run-stuffing nose tackle who can start right away from them with his nice combination of power and quickness.

27. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Bills): Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma

  • Grade: A

The Jaguars had a bigger need to develop at offensive tackle right before the draft with Cam Robinson facing a possible PED suspension. They did lose Jawaan Taylor in free agency and needed depth anyway behind Robinson and Walker Little. Now Little might need to slide to the left side given Harrison is a physically impressive run blocker for the right side at first before developing much better in pass protection.

28. Cincinnati Bengals: Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson

  • Grade: A

The Bengals got a potential top-10 talent to further boost their pass rush beyond Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard  vs. going after a tight end they really liked in Michael Mayer. Murphy is a solid pass rusher but also has the speed, quickness and versatility to be effective vs. the run, even at linebacker at first.

29. New Orleans Saints (from 49ers through Broncos): Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson

  • Grade: A

The Saints got gutted at defensive tackle when starters David Onymata (Falcons) and Shy Tuttle (Panthers) left for division rivals in free agency. This is a great pick and an upgrade given Bresee is such a reliable run stuffer with great untapped potential as a pass rusher.

30. Philadelphia Eagles: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia

  • Grade: A

The Eagles keep loading up on elite defensive players from Kirby Smart’s dominant Bulldogs. After getting Carter to play with Davis up front and ready to promote Dean to starting middle linebacker, they land Smith, a high-upside freakish pass-rusher to groom behind Brandon Graham and Josh Sweat. Smith will boost their pass rush situationally at first with his great speed and quickness  to help compensate for the loss of Javon Hargrave’s production inside.

31. Kansas City Chiefs: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State

  • Grade: A

The Chiefs would have considered offensive tackle in the first round but too many were taken earlier so they could make an easy pivot to the best pass rusher available after Smith went a pick ahead to the Eagles. Anudike-Uzomah, who played just down the road in Manhattan, has some freakish qualities with his length, strength and pass-rush moves. He is a good replacement for released Frank Clark to complement George Karlaftis.

Joey Porter Jr.
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Round 2

32. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Bears): Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

  • Grade: A

The Steelers make the ideal pick to fill their need at corner opposite venerable newcomer Patrick Peterson, staying in state to grab the son of their one-time star pass rusher. Porter’s size and playmaking skills give him first-round talent.

33. Tennessee Titans (from Cardinals through Texans): Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

  • Grade: B

The Titans trade up to stop the fall of Levis and address their need for a new franchise QB to clean up the Ryan Tannehill-Malik Willis mess. Levis’ cannon arm and dash of athleticism is a good fit playing off the run to upgrade Tennessee’s downfield passing game.

34. Detroit Lions (from Cardinals): Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa

  • Grade: A

The Lions go back to the Hawkeyes program to replenish tight end after trading T.J. Hockenson to the Vikings last season  LaPorta is a welcome extra intermediate target for Jared Goff.

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35. Las Vegas Raiders (from Colts): Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

  • Grade: A+

The Raiders needed to address tight end after trading Darren Waller and learning of Foster Moreau’s injury concern. Mayer gives them a legitimate dangerous all-around option vs. the the makeshift veteran combination of Austin Hooper and O.J. Howard. Josh McDaniels will hope he has his new Rob Gronkowski in the second round with blocking, field-stretching and red zone finishing.

36. Los Angeles Rams: Steve Avila, G, TCU

  • Grade: B

The Rams’ first pick is part of their offensive line rebuild. Avila offers good power and agility for reliable interior blocking and there’s a good chance he replaces fading Brian Allen at center soon.

37. Seattle Seahawks (from Broncos): Derick Hall, EDGE, Auburn

  • Grade: A

The Seahawks needed to boost their pass rush and Hall has the rudeness and quickness they like to help interior newcomer Dre’Mont Jones get to the quarterback.

38. Atlanta Falcons (from Colts through Raiders): Matthew Bergeron, G, Syracuse

  • Grade: C

The Falcons reach a little for depth behind Jake Matthews, Caleb McGary and Chris Lindstrom vs. addressing any of their defensive needs, making another curious luxury pick behind a strength after drafting running back Bijan Robinson first.

39. Carolina Panthers: Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ole Miss

  • Grade: D

Mingo shot up boards late because of some workout impressions, but in the end he’s more of a Day 3 selection given his strength/toughness profiles as a big slot vs. the big-play outside threat the Panthers needed for Bryce Young. Mingo was picked based on Adam Thielen being a short-term option.

40. New Orleans Saints: Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame

  • Grade: A

Foskey is a sound, productive pass rusher the Saints can develop well opposite Cameron Jordan after seeing Trey Hendrickson and Marcus Davenport move on in recent offseasons. He fills a key defensive need and pairs well with first-round tackle Bryan Bresee.

41. Arizona Cardinals (from Titans): B.J. Ojulari, EDGE, LSU

  • Grade: B

Make that solid, reliable college pass rushers off the board back to back. Ojulari, the brother of Giants linebacker Azeez, fills a massive void Arizona has for getting after the QB.

42. Green Bay Packers (from Browns through Jets): Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State

  • Grade: A

The Packers were tied to a lot of tight ends in this class given a glaring need for Jordan Love and chose to go with an athletic target with the speed, quickness and route-running to make big wideout-like plays.

43. New York Jets: Joe Tippmann, C, Wisconsin

  • Grade: B

More than depth behind Laken Tomlinson and Alijah Vera-Tucker, Tippmann has a good chance to displace shaky Connor McGovern as the new starting center for Aaron Rodgers with his super athleticism for the position.

44. Indianapolis Colts (from Falcons): Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State

  • Grade: A

The Colts had a critical need in outside coverage after trading Stephon Gilmore to the Cowboys. Brents is another big corner in this class with a good blend of physicality and explosiveness in this class.

45. Detroit Lions (from Packers): Brian Branch, S, Alabama

  • Grade: A+

The Lions continue their secondary upgrading this offseason after getting Cameron Sutton, C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Emmanuel Moseley in free agency. Branch gives them good inside coverage versatility, from starting next to Gardner-Johnson to starring as the nickel.

46. New England Patriots: Keion White, DT, Georgia Tech

  • Grade: B

White was a bit inflated as a potential first-rounder and is a decent value here for the Patriots’ front. His size, athleticism and classic versatility had to be all appealing for Bill Belichick.

47. Washington Commanders: Jartavius Martin, S, Illinois

  • Grade: D

The Commanders reach again to try to boost their secondary. Although Martin is a smart inside cover man, he still is developing as a playmaker and should have been a Day 3 selection.

48. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Packers through Lions): Cody Mauch, OT, North Dakota State

  • Grade: A

The Buccaneers traded up a little to make sure they got Mauch, whose toughness and quickness can allow him to start right away opposite Tristan Wirfs on the other side after the team released long-time left tackle Donovan Smith.

49. Pittsburgh Steelers: Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin

  • Grade: B

The Steelers reached a little for need, but did get their kind of defensive lineman as Benton is their prototypical run stuffer with some pass-rush upside.

50. Green Bay Packers (from Buccaneers): Jayden Reed, WR, Michigan State

  • Grade: B

The Packers went to work to get more targets for Jordan Love on Day 2. Although Reed probably was more of a third-rounder, it was a worthy reach to make sure they got the right type of receiver in between Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs. Reed can be reliable as a possession slot with some big-play upside.

51. Miami Dolphins: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina

  • Grade: A

The Dolphins have Jalen Ramsey joining Xavien Howard at corner, so from that perspective, it’s an interesting depth move for their initial pick. But in terms of the player, Smith is a great value here because he’s another big, physical, aggressive corner in this class who should have gone much earlier.

52. Seattle Seahawks: Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA

  • Grade: A

The Seahawks needed to address their power-running depth behind Kenneth Walker and Charbonnet made a lot of sense as a strong backup who provides seamless effective relief.

53. Chicago Bears (from Ravens): Gervon Dexter, DT, Florida

  • Grade: B

The Bears needed to beef up the position with a run stuffer and as a bonus, Dexter has some untapped explosive upside shooting into the backfield.

54. Los Angeles Chargers: Tuli Tuipulotu, DT, USC

  • Grade: A

The Chargers stay in L.A. to fill a key need on their front. Tuipulotu's combination of speed, power and agility is an intriguing inside pass-rush possibility for Brandon Staley.

55. Kansas City Chiefs (from Lions through Vikings): Rashee Rice, WR, SMU

  • Grade: A

The Chiefs trade up nicely to get a key versatile route-running technician and strong inside-outside possession man for Patrick Mahomes to replace JuJu Smith-Schuster.

56. Chicago Bears (from Jaguars): Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami

  • Grade: A

The Bears continue their solid defensive haul with a big, attacking corner to help out a lot of their issues in coverage behind a revamped pass rush.

57. New York Giants: John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota

  • Grade: A+

The Giants were wise to recognize that fading Ben Bredeson needed to be replaced in front of Daniel Jones. Schmitz will be a long-term snapper and line leader for them as the draft’s best pure center.

58. Dallas Cowboys: Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan

  • Grade: D

The Cowboys did get their tight end room replenished with Dalton Schultz leaving in free agency, but this is a curious reach given Darnell Washington and other much better blockers and athletes were left at the position.

59. Buffalo Bills: O'Cyrus Torrence, G, Florida

  • Grade: A+

The Bills make up for their questionable first-round offensive pick of tight end Dalton Kincaid by getting the much-needed powerful road grader for their running game as a needed upgrade over the “other” Connor McGovern.

60. Cincinnati Bengals: D.J. Turner, CB, Michigan

  • Grade: A

Turner had an excellent Combine in terms of agility drills and testing to back up his smarts and athleticism in coverage. He can help out Cincinnati in the slot but has the potential to transition outside, too.

61. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Bears through 49ers, Panthers): Brenton Strange, TE, Penn State

  • Grade: D

This is a weird reach for Strange, a deep-day three tight end, especially as a pure depth move behind Evan Engram and Luke Farrell. Darnell Washington would have been better here, too.

62. Houston Texans (from Eagles): Juice Scruggs, C, Penn State

  • Grade: C

The Texans trading up for a pure center they could have gotten deep into Day 3 is also a strange second consecutive pick from Penn State. They got a little desperate to replace Scott Quessenberry in front of C.J. Stroud.

63. Denver Broncos (from Lions through Chiefs): Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma

  • Grade: C

Mims is a strange reach for a third-round prospect here after trading up, especially with the Broncos still having Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy and Tim Patrick, bringing up whether they are ready to move one of the first two soon. At least Mims is different from the rest as a dual big-play threat, both stretching the field and shooting downfield after the catch.

Round 3

64. Chicago Bears: Zacch Pickens, DT, South Carolina

  • Grade: B

The Bears are really looking to upgrade the athleticism and quickness in their defensive line rebuild but it’s a little odd they took Pickens after just getting the similar Dexter in the previous round out of the SEC.

65. Philadelphia Eagles (from Texans): Tyler Steen, OT, Alabama

  • Grade: B

The Eagles were good to think about the future of right tackle beyond Lane Johnson with a versatile young developmental backup, but taking Steen over Dawand Jones and other better-value tackles was slightly odd. Steen is a great athlete for pass protection but needs to improve run blocking to start.

66. Philadelphia Eagles (from Cardinals): Sydney Brown, S, Illinois

  • Grade: B-

The Eagles go back to making a pick with the immediate future in mind to help replace C.J. Gardner-Johnson but Brown is a little bit of a reach. Brown does have the physical and versatile coverage to help them inside.

67. Denver Broncos (from Colts): Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas

  • Grade: A+

The Broncos make a terrific pick to fill a need with a disruptive upfield linebacker with solid run-stopping and rare pass-rushing skills. Sanders had the talent to be a late first-rounder.

68. Detroit Lions (from Broncos): Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee

  • Grade: A

After the Lions made their early picks to help put them over the top as new NFC North favorites and sleeper conference title contenders, they were smart to also not neglect the near future at QB with Hooker about to be groomed well behind Jared Goff with his big arm and strong, accurate pocket passing.

69. Houston Texans (from Rams): Tank Dell, WR, Houston

  • Grade: A

The Texans needed a mighty mite speedster to add a unique big-play element to their passing game and stay local to get C.J. Stroud another young weapon.

70. Las Vegas Raiders: Byron Young, DT, Alabama

  • Grade: A

The Raiders maybe could have waited until the end of this round to get Young, but they didn’t want to chance it as he was the ideal run-stuffing target to upgrade their major weakness at tackle.

71. New Orleans Saints: Kendre Miller, RB, TCU

  • Grade: D

The Saints get a grinding power back but it’s an odd reach for a Day 3 back with more explosive options still on the board and the fact they also signed former Lion and Packer Jamaal Williams in free agency.

72. Arizona Cardinals (from Titans): Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse

  • Grade: B+

The Cardinals get a decent value here to help them replace Byron Murphy Jr. with a corner who fits Jonathan Gannon’s scheme well with his physicality for his size and ability to cover well inside or outside.

73. New York Giants (from Rams through Texans, Browns): Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee

  • Grade: A+

The Giants had a desperate need for a big-play wide receiver to help Daniel Jones and Hyatt is the ideal vertical threat in the offense of Mike Kafka and Brian Daboll. This is a steal of a pick on a strong Day 2 for New York.

74. Cleveland Browns (from Jets): Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee

  • Grade: B

The Browns have Ameri Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones for Deshaun Watson, but given Watson’s big-play arm, they made it back-to-back Volunteers wideouts, knowing Tillman also has some of Hyatt’s field-stretching abilities.

75. Atlanta Falcons: Zach Harrison, EDGE, Ohio State

  • Grade: A

The Falcons finally make a pick in the wheelhouse of their defensive needs vs. offensive luxury with a big-frame pass rusher with some dominant upside.

76. New England Patriots (from Panthers): Marte Mapu, S, Sacramento State

  • Grade: D

Mapu, as one expects from a Patriots secondary pick, is a versatile cover man, but the small-school prospect lacks any special qualities in terms of athleticism and is a massive reach for a late Day 3 option.

77. Los Angeles Rams (from Patriots through Dolphins): Byron Young, EDGE, Tennessee

  • Grade: B-

Young is a unique rusher because of his strength and physicality that also make him an asset vs. the run, but he still needs to develop more explosiveness in his moves.

78. Green Bay Packers: Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State

  • Grade: C

The Packers made a curious move here to get Kraft after also drafting Luke Musgrave in the second round, because they are similar players. They are hoping that one pays off as a key intermediate athletic target for Jordan Love, but it came at the expense of defensive needs.

79. Indianapolis Colts (from Commanders): Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina

  • Grade: A+

The Colts get ridiculously good value in an upgrade over free-agent departure Parris Campbell. Downs is an open-field after-the-catch dynamo, possessing straight up big-play ability stretching the field. This is a great get with Anthony Richardson’s big arm in mind to play well off Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce.

80. Carolina Panthers (from Steelers): D.J. Johnson, EDGE, Oregon

  • Grade: C

The Panthers were good to think about getting a power-based complement for Brian Burns. It’s an average move because Johnson is more of a mid-Day 3 pick than a late Day 2 one.

81. Tennessee Titans (from Cardinals through Lions): Tajae Spears, RB, Tulane

  • Grade: A

The Titans make another great offensive skill value pick with Spears, the ideal explosive diminutive dashing change-of-pace to complement Derrick Henry and can turn into an Alvin Kamara-like receiving-forward feature back in a couple seasons.

82. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: YaYa Diaby, EDGE, Louisville

  • Grade: C

The Buccaneers reach a bit for hybrid outside presence for their 3-4 as Todd Bowles will need to figure out the best fit for Diaby, who’s caught between being a power defender and sometimes flashy pass rusher.

83. Denver Broncos (from Seahawks): Riley Moss, CB, Iowa

  • Grade: B

The Broncos needed some good cornerback depth behind Pat Surtain II in Moss, who gives them a nice combination of smarts, size and strengths to make plays on the ball, inside or outside. He also can play safety.

84. Miami Dolphins: Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M

  • Grade: A

The Dolphins can't rely on Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. staying healthy. Achane has great upside as a dynamic change-of-pace back who can excel as a compact runner in their zone-blocking scheme.

85. Los Angeles Chargers: Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State

  • Grade: A+

The Chargers needed to get more active on the second level everywhere to make big plays for Brandon Staley. Henley has great speed to stop the run and also has shown some great upside for coverage. 

86. Baltimore Ravens: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson

  • Grade: A+

The Ravens also land an active playmaking linebacker in the physically imposing and rangy Simpson, who could have gone either in the late first round or early second round. Baltimore is loaded with him possibly playing outside to help Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen dominate.

87. San Francisco 49ers (from Vikings): Ji'Ayir Brown, S, Penn State

  • Grade: A

The 49ers made a great pick here with the intention of helping to replace Jimmie Ward, who followed DeMeco Ryans to Houston. Brown is a perfect fit with Talanoa Hufanga with his toughness, quickness and big-play flair in coverage.

88. Jacksonville Jaguars: Tank Bigsby, RB, Auburn

  • Grade: B

Bigsby adds a pure power back to a strong backfield that includes receiving-forward dynamo Travis Etienne and newcomer swing backup D’Ernest Johnson. The Jaguars are working on their version of the Browns 1-2 punch backfield with Etienne and Bigsby.

89. Los Angeles Rams (from Giants): Kobie Turner, DT, Wake Forest

  • Grade: B

The Rams get a good all-around tackle for their rotation to groom behind Aaron Donald. He also carries some pass-rush upside if he can get better with hand and feet technique in that area.

90. Dallas Cowboys: DeMarvion Overshown, LB, Texas

  • Grade: B

The Cowboys have some great upfield linebacker play led by pass-rushing and havoc-wreaking Micah Parsons, but get good value here in the speedy and quick Overshown, made to help them a lot in pass coverage.

91. Buffalo Bills: Dorian Williams, LB, Tulane

  • Grade: C

The Bills hope they have their replacement for Tremaine Edmunds with Williams’ athletic and aggressive run-stopping to complement second-level coverage ace Matt Milano, but Williams needs some work to be more than a situational backup.

92. Kansas City Chiefs (from Bengals): Wanya Morris, OT, Oklahoma

  • Grade: A

The Chiefs nailed their Creed Humphrey pick from the same program and now get great value with a good all-around rising blocker to help offset the loss of right tackle Andrew Wylie in free agency.

93. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Panthers through 49ers): Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia

  • Grade: A+

The Steelers get an absolute steal in one of the draft’s top tight ends who fell to them. He can be a strong complementary run blocker to Pat Freiermuth before giving them some literally massive upside as a receiver to prompt more usage of 12 personnel to help Kenny Pickett.

94. Arizona Cardinals (from Eagles): Michael Wilson, WR, Stanford

  • Grade: C-

Wilson is an intriguing size-speed-strength prospect for the outside but he’s more developmental as his explosiveness and versatility are still limited.

95. Cincinnati Bengals (from Chiefs): Jordan Battle, S, Alabama

  • Grade: A+

The Bengals lost starting safeties Jessie Bates III (Falcons) and Vonn Bell (Panthers) in free agency. The well-rounded Battle is a great fit with his speed and quickness, which allow for a ton of plays in coverage.

96. Detroit Lions (from Cardinals, compensatory): Broderic Martin, DT, Western Kentucky

  • Grade: D

The Lions had been making good win-now or upside picks (Hendon Hooker) before this stumble after trading up for another pick. A development late-round run-stopping nose doesn’t do much to move the needle now or later.

97. Washington Commanders (compensatory): Ricky Stromberg, G, Arkansas

  • Grade: A-

Stromberg has an interesting blend of strength and athleticism. Although he needs development as a backup, the Commanders will be hoping he can battle Nick Gates right away for starting center duties.

98. Cleveland Browns (compensatory): Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor

  • Grade: A+

The Browns make a great value pick, filling a literal big need for a massive run-stopping tackle. Ika moves very well for his size, using his strength to full advantage.

99. San Francisco 49ers (compensatory): Jake Moody, K, Michigan

  • Grade: B

The 49ers wanted to go for a younger, bigger leg to replace Robbie Gould and he should maintain the accuracy and reliability while giving them much-needed longer range.

100. Las Vegas Raiders (from Chiefs through Giants, compensatory): Tre Tucker, WR, Cincinnati

  • Grade: D

The Raiders went old-school with their drafting of a wide receiver, being attracted most by Tucker’s pure speed and quickness while trying to add more of a big-play element to their offense. He could just easily struggle to make plays and not hold up because of his size.

101. San Francisco 49ers (compensatory): Cameron Latu, TE, Alabama

  • Grade: C-

The 49ers add a smart and versatile blocking tight end who fits their scheme well behind George Kittle but Latu has much to do to have any kind of value as a receiver. This become a reach given limitations had pushed Latu down the dratt board

102. Minnesota Vikings (from 49ers, compensatory): Mekhi Blackmon, CB, USC

  • Grade: D

The Vikings needed more corner help but decided not to stop the strange freefall of Kelee Ringo and reached deep into Day 3 for a limited physical, aggressive cover man.

Vinnie Iyer

Vinnie Iyer Photo

Vinnie Iyer, has been with TSN since 1999, not long after graduating from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. He has produced NFL content for more than 20 years, turning his attention to full-time writing in 2007. A native of St. Louis, Mo. but now a long-time resident of Charlotte, N.C. Vinnie’s top two professional sports teams are Cardinals and Blues, but he also carries purple pride for all things Northwestern Wildcats. He covers every aspect of the NFL for TSN including player evaluations, gambling and fantasy football, where he is a key contributor. Vinnie represents TSN as host of the “Locked On Fantasy Football” podcast on the Locked On network. Over his many years at TSN, he’s also written about MLB, NBA, NASCAR, college football, tennis, horse racing, film and television. His can’t-miss program remains “Jeopardy!”, where he was once a three-day champion and he is still avid about crossword puzzles and trivia games. When not watching sports or his favorite game show, Vinnie is probably watching a DC, Marvel or Star Wars-related TV or movie.