2023 Live Mock Draft - Round 2

Steelers make a legacy pick here at a position of need. The Steelers love big, physical corners who can play man coverage. Porter is a monster at the catch point with 11 pass break ups for the Nittany Lions in 2022.

This feels a little odd because I was rooting so loudly against the Titans picking Will Levis. What you have to realize is that that was with the number 11 overall pick. Now we're at the number 33 overall pick, a lot closer to Levis' actual value. I would have still liked to see Malik Willis get more of a chance to develop, but I can't argue with taking a high-ceiling QB in RD 2. Stop putting mayo in your coffee and start peeling bananas and you'll fit in just fine.

Jonah Anderson Senior Drafttek Analyst

Grade: B+

Half a season after trading out of an Iowa Tight End to avoid extending his contract, the Lions dipped in for the Hawkeye called "Kittle 2.0" Sam Laporta. Again, the Lions trusted their board enough to bypass other top prospects and grab someone expected to go a half-round later. Laporta is good but not great in a lot of ways, but he comes from Tight End U and should be in heavy rotation from Day 1. Grade: B

--Jud Branam, Lions Analyst.

After dealing Darren Waller, the Raiders were able to make the position respectable by signing Austin Hooper and OJ Howard. Now, the franchise lands our #17 overall prospect and #1 TE in Michael Mayer - a do-it-all, old-school prospect who can make plays in the passing game and deliver punishing blocks. It would not be surprising to see the Notre Dame product earn the TE1 designation early, and this selection puts the offense in a really strong position. While I like the pick (and am VERY glad the trade up was not for a middling QB like Hendon Hooker), Cam Smith, O'Cyrus Torrence, or Trenton Simpson probably would have been preferred selections here. Still, you cannot argue with the value, and, for better or worse, this does seem to be a "Patriots-esque" selection.

Grade: A-

The Rams absolutely had to add offensive linemen and they do so with Steve Avila. The versatile TCU product played LG in 2022 but has experience at OC. The 332 lb lineman brings a good combination of power and athleticism. The offense needs more work, but this is a good start.

- David Payne, DraftTek Senior Analyst

Grade: B+

The Seahawks added pass rushing help with their first Day 2 pick. Hall was a team captain at Auburn and harassed opposing offenses with his power rush to the tune of 19.5 career sacks. Not to mention he's got some giddy up in him as he posted a 4.55 40-yard dash at the Combine. This is an intriguing prospect to be excited about for the evolving defense.

Grade: A-

~Jeff Chapman, Seahawks Analyst

Atlanta has added talent at just about every position group this offseason except the offensive line, most notably the apparent vacancy at LG. Bergeron has some issues in space, and the presumed move inside to guard could allow him to develop into a LT with time. This gives Atlanta a very good run blocking O-line for Robinson with improved pass protection for Ridder. They needed to improve their options at LG and they certainly have. A-

The Carolina Panthers are not done adding talent to their WR core!

Jonathan Mingo is a fast, physical WR prospect who will make the perfect complement for Bryce Young! Jonathan shows elite separation skills while also demonstrating top-tier YAC ability. Mingo has the ability to use his strength and quickness to play through DB's in press coverage and quickly get into his route. Once Mingo has the ball in his hands, he is a nightmare to tackle an open space due to his immense physical prowess.

A fantastic potential #1 WR option to help Bryce Young for the foreseeable future!

- Cody Lachney, Panthers Analyst

The Saints add more needed help on the D-line. Foskey has been a pass-rushing fiend for the Fighting Irish for the last few years. He had 11 sacks in each of the last two years and set the career record against Boston College late this past season before extending it to 26.5 total with 1.5 sacks in his final game against USC. Cameron Jordan is entering the final year of his contract, Marcus Davenport is gone, and Payton Turner has yet to prove his RD1 status. Great choice!

~DatBudMan, Saints Analyst

The Cardinals trade back for the second day in a row, this time with the Titans. They use the next of their many picks to take a pass rusher.

General Manager Monti Ossenfort's second pick with the Cardinals is an explosive stand-up edge rusher with lots of potential to be the next anchor for the Cardinals' defensive line after the retirement of J.J. Watt. Arizona took advantage of the freefall of Will Levis into the second day of the draft to gather more draft capital, getting Tennessee's 2024 third-round and swapping this year's second and third-round picks while still getting a great prospect.

The Packers got Jordan Love a weapon in TE Luke Musgrave, who has great hands and experience both in-line and from the slot. Musgrave was a focal point of the Oregon State offense, logging 3.38 yards/route run before injuries derailed his 2022 season after two games. Musgrave, who topped 20 mph at the Senior Bowl, could be an excellent field stretcher in Green Bay's offense.

Grade: A

The Jets needed a Center and they added Tippman who plays a scheme versatile game and is "Day One" ready to plug and play. Aaron Rodgers is not a young man and improving his pass protection is critical. Tippman can fill an immediate and urgent need.

Indianapolis traded back with the Raiders and the Falcons, getting additional fourth and fifth-round picks before finally making its first selection of the second day of the draft. With the Anthony Richardson selection, GM Chris Ballard now focuses on helping the defense with a replacement for CB Stephon Gilmore, who was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in March. Brents has incredible size for the position with rare length to work against bigger receivers and press the line of scrimmage while also supporting in the run game.

Brian Branch's surprising slide came to an abrupt end when the Lions traded up three spots to grab him. Besides becoming Alabama North, the move gives the new-look Lions secondary some versatile depth. Branch is a coach on the field and an outstanding tackler and fits in with the whole Dan Campbell vibe. Good move! Grade: A

I had Keion White marked as a late RD 1 early RD 2 pick, so the Pats take a good value DE. He's got the size to be a 3-4 end or a 4-3 tackle. He looks like he can come in and compete, and probably win, the starting end job from Lawrence Guy. This is a good logical pick, nothing too crazy from Belichick yet which is a surprise in itself.

Jonah Anderson Senior Drafttek analyst

Grade: A-

Illinois defensive back Jartavius Martin projects as a big nickel safety in the NFL.

"Quan" Martin has the requisite size, physicality, and tackling ability to make himself a valuable subpackage defender in today's NFL game. Martin's tackling skills make him a capable defender against the run and a prospect capable of commanding the majority of snaps in an NFL defense. Martin is one of the Best tackling DB's in this years draft!

Tampa Bay has trimmed quite a bit of fat on the offensive line this year, and this helps give that group of a surge of youth, athleticism and nastiness. I think he fits best at guard, but he maa get a shot at right tackle. I wondered about them considering Hendon Hooker to compete for the starting job, but it's hard to argue with this selection. Two players in the trenches tell you where this rebuild in Tampa Bay is headed. Grade A-

~Austin Smith, DraftTek Senior Analyst

The Steelers have struggled to stuff the run in base defense since Alualu went down in 2021. The team finally fills that need with a powerful defensive tackle. A plus athlete with quick powerful hands, Benton has little upside as a pass rusher but squarely fills the gap on this team.

Jayden Reed can immediately compete for snaps as a WR3 in Green Bay. Reed's production dipped in 2022, but he ranks in the 98th percentile for breakout age and 73rd percentile for dominator rating. His 6.74 RAS is dragged down by his size and explosion, but he has inside-outside versatility and adds value as a punt returner. Ranked at 107 Overall on our Big Board, he's a bit of a reach in RD2.

Grade: B-

Cam Smith is a very good player who could have easily been selected in RD1, but Miami has a handful of positional needs, and corner is not one of them. Yet again, with the opportunity to improve the o-line, we have not done so. Alternatively, Darnell Washington would have been a great pick. However, the South Carolina CB joins a crowded and talented secondary in South Florida.

- David Payne, DraftTek Senior Analyst

Grade: B-

Seattle entered the draft with just two RBs on the roster and needed someone to spell last year's RD2 pick; Kenneth Walker III. Charbonnet toted the rock for 7 yards per carry in 2022 and ended with a total of 1359 yards while adding 14 touchdowns - career numbers of 3346 yards and 39 scores. This offense is looking fun and explosive.

Grade: B+

~Jeff Chapman, Seahawks Analyst

After addressing the offensive line in RD1, the Bears turn to the defensive line in RD2. Gervon Dexter is an intriguing prospect who is incredibly athletic for a 310 lb man. Dexter won't wow anyone with statistical production and he needs to improve drastically on his reaction to the snap. This could be a reach, but definitely fills a need.

- David Payne, DraftTek Senior Analyst

Grade: B

The Chargers tick off another area of need in Round 2 with USC DE Tuli Tuipulotu. A high-motor end who racked up 21 sacks with the Trojans, Tuipulotu will add needed depth and youth to the Chargers' pass rush after his short move across town. Grade: B+

Mahomes worked out many WRs heading up to the draft and you can bet he was allowed input on this choice. Rashee Rice comes from Chiefs Owner Clark Hunt's alma mater, Southern Methodist University. He has excellent body control and ball tracking skills. He is a shifty route runner, who can create extra separation at the top of the route. He will be dangerous threat in the intermediate to deep passing game. Rice's spatial awareness can create many missed tackles. Grade: C+

~KCBudMan, Chiefs Analyst

The Bears trade up to grab Miami's Tyrique Stevenson. Even though corner wasn't a huge need, Stevenson should replace Kindle Vildor on the outside opposite Jaylon Johnson. The former Hurricane is a good size/speed/strength prospect who should excel as a press corner. Chicago's secondary could be much improved in 2023.

- David Payne, DraftTek Senior Analyst

Grade: B+

The Giants continue to throw high draft picks at offensive linemen, and I think they've got a steal here. My top center and a mobile, tough player that fits what they've looked for over the last few years. He can make plays on the move and hold the spot against guys lined up over him. Most importantly, he fills a void that has been an issue for some time in New York. Grade A-

~Austin Smith, DraftTek Senior Analyst

This feels like the Cowboys had their mind made up at a position and simply took the best one when they were on the clock. That is not a good strategy in the draft, especially in the top 100. I get that Dallas couldn't pass on an offensive prospect for a second-straight pick considering the offense was the more prominent need heading into the draft. Still, there were defenders that had much higher grades for me. If Schoonmaker can beat out Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot, he is a possession target that can be an inline option. Still, that's a big "if". I liked the idea of taking a tight end that was considered a big upgrade over those two. Not sure this is it. Grade C-

~Austin Smith, DraftTek Senior Analyst

I thought O'Cyrus Torrence was going to go late RD 1, so late RD 2 is a very nice value. Connor McGovern didn't look so hot last year, so I would expect Torrence to come in and likely start. Torrence is arguably the best interior offensive lineman in the 2023 NFL Draft. Big win for Buffalo here.

Jonah Anderson, Senior Drafttek Analyst

Grade: A

The Bengals bolster the secondary with a versatile player and elite athlete in Turner. He can play outside or in the slot. His 4.26-40 speed will be an asset in zone schemes as the Bengals contend with the elite quarterbacks in the AFC. He's an instinctive corner who's combative at the catch point with 10 pass break ups in 2022 for the Wolverines.

Brenton Strange is a big athletic TE. He's a strong blocker with good speed and agility. Strange should be a good three-down TE for Jacksonville. He needs some polish on his hands and focus, but he looks to be a very solid prospect. A year of learning from Evan Engram could be perfect for Strange to really develop and it's never a bad idea to add weapons for Trevor Lawrence.

Jonah Anderson, Senior Drafttek Analyst

Grade: B+

The Texans trade up to take Penn State Center Juice Scruggs. In addition to an amazing name Scruggs brings a tenacity to Center position, and will get to grow alogside rookie QB CJ Stroud. This is earlier than expected, but Scruggs stood out at the Senior Bowl and can step right into a starting role at a position of need for Houston

Grade: B

Denver got sick of waiting for their turn, and jumped up to get Marvin Mims, a receiver that can attack all three levels of the field from the slot or perimeter. I have to think Rashee Rice going off the board lit a fire under them to make sure they got Mims, who I did not expect to fall to the end of the second round. Denver has a talented receiver room that hasn't always played up to expectations for a variety of reasons. If guys don't start performing, Mims may become Russell Wilson' favorite target quickly. This could be his Mile-High version of Tyler Lockett. Grade A-

~Austin Smith, DraftTek Senior Analyst