2023 NFL Mock Draft: Final Mock 7 Rounds

Round 2

Chris Ransom follow @DraftUtopia Last Updated: April 27, 2022.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Anton Harrison, LT, Oklahoma
    
    
    Pittsburgh got this second round pick from Chicago in the Chase Claypool trade. If Pittsburgh drafts a cornerback like Joey Porter Jr. at 17 then they must spend pick 32 on a left tackle. Pittsburgh is picking at 32 instead of 33 because Miami was stripped of their 2023 first round pick due to tampering.
    
    
    
    The 6-4 315 lb Anton Harrison started 9 games at left tackle in 2020. Last year, Anton Harrison started all 13 games at left tackle for Oklahoma in 2021. Anton Harrison started the season opener at right tackle before starting the final eleven games of the season at left tackle. Anton Harrison went from being Spencer Rattler's blindside in 2020, to Caleb Williams blindside in 2021, to Dillon Gabriel's blindside in 2022.
    
    
    
    Pittsburgh's offensive line now has Anton Harrison at left tackle, Isaac Seumalo at left guard, Mason Cole at center, James Daniels at right guard, and Chukwuma Okorafor at right tackle. Kenny Pickett will have much better pass protection while this group will do a much better job run blocking for Najee Harris with Anton Harrison joining Pittsburgh. Running back Najee Harris will also have a much better group for run blocking at running back. The depth of this offensive line also improves with Dan Moore Jr. as the swing tackle, Kevin Dotson as the backup left guard, and Kendrick Green as both the backup center as well as the backup right guard.
    
    
    
33. Houston Texans: John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota
    
    
    Houston gets the top center in the 2023 NFL Draft. With growing speculation that Minnesota center John Michael Schmitz could sneak into the back half of the first round, waiting for a center is no longer a luxury that the Houston Texans have. Especially if the top center in the 2023 NFL Draft falls to day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft.
    
    
    
    The 6-3 306 lb John Michael Schmitz actually did better against Ohio State in 2021 than Daniel Faalele as hard as that is to believe. That was just Minnesota's opener not the entire course of the season though. John Michael Schmitz missed fewer blocks than Georgia center Sedrick Van Pran while dominating Ohio State's defensive tackles when Minnesota handed the ball off to running back Mohamed Ibraham before Ibrahim's season ending injury in 2021. John Michael Schmitz dominated in 2022 with Tanner Morgan at quarterback and Mohamed Ibrahim healthy at running back in 2022.
    
    
    
    John Michael Schmitz has the pass blocking, pass blocking strength, run blocking, run blocking strength, run blocking footwork, and zone blocking you want an NFL center to have. His pass blocking footwork needs some refinement, but it's not a weakness. I don't think he's as complete of a center prospect as Creed Humphrey was coming out of Oklahoma, but John Michael Schmitz is the only center in this draft to check off every box except one with this draft class lacking a center like Alex Mack, Maurkice Pouncey, or Creed Humphrey that checks off every single box at center. John Michael Schmitz checks off 9/10 boxes and that will be good enough for the Houston Texans.
    
    
    
    Houston's offensive line now has Laremy Tunsil at left tackle, Kenyon Green last years first round pick from the Browns in the Deshaun Watson trade at left guard, John Michael Schmitz at center, Shaq Mason at right guard, and Tytus Howard at right tackle. Bryce Young will have a clean pocket with this offensive line assuming everyone is healthy. The running back tandem of Dameon Pierce and Devin Singletary will also see opportunities. Houston got their quarterback at 2, established their identity at wide receiver at 12, and drafted their starting center at 34. Houston has quality starters everywhere on offense now, so now it's time to fix Houston's defense.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Antonio Johnson, FS, Texas A&M
    
    
    
    
34. Arizona Cardinals: Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
    
    
    Arizona is going to try to trade DeAndre Hopkins. That means Arizona uses this second round pick to get a number one wide receiver that most people have a first round grade on early in the second round. Even if Arizona keeps Hopkins, that won't sto them from drafting a wide receiver if the value is there.
    
    
    
    The 6-0 179 Jalin Hyatt had 67 receptions on 91 targets, 1,267 receiving yards, and 15 receiving touchdowns in 2022. Jalin Hyatt finally broke out and won the 2022 Billetnikoff Award as the best wide receiver in the country.
    
    
    
    You will see Jalin Hyatt perform precise routes with screen passes, streaks, slants, wheel routes, post routes, post stops, curls, curl stops, drags, snags, shoots, out routes, out & ups, corner routes, slugos, slugo posts, slugo stops, IOU's, stop & gos, double stops, and double stop & gos. Can execute any type of route at an elite level. Has an extremely high football IQ. He can run all 30 different routes on the route tree.
    
    
    
    Arizona needs a strong 2023 NFL Draft to make things easier for Kyler Murray when he comes back from his injury. Drafting Jalin Hyatt as a number one target and replacement to DeAndre Hopkins is a start. You would also have Marques Brown as the number two wide receiver and Rondale Moore as the slot receiver for Kyler Murray when he comes back from his injury in 2023.
    
    
    
    Let's say for hypothetical purposes that DeAndre Hopkins stays and Arizona still drafts Jalin Hyatt. At that point, Arizona has DeAndre Hopkins, Marques Brown, Rondale Moore, and Jalin Hyatt for Colt McCoy to throw to while Kyler Murray recovers from his torn ACL. Colt McCoy would also have Zach Ertz and Trey McBride at tight end with James Conner at running back.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
    
    
35. Indianapolis Colts: Cody Mauch, RT, North Dakota State
    
    
    Indianapolis gets a first round prospect on offense to build around the quarterback they draft at 4. Indianapolis picks the best offensive player in the second round for this reason. The two first round players still on my board are Darnell Washington the Georgia tight end and North Dakota State offensive lineman Cody Mauch. Cody Mauch can play all five positions on the offensive line, so we're giving him to the Indianapolis Colts in the second round.
    
    
    
    The 6-4 305 lb Cody Mauch is versatile enough to play left tackle or right tackle. When watching the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl on ESPN U, Mike Tannebaum believes that Mauch projects better at guard then tackle.
    
    
    
    Cody Mauch dominated the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl showcasing exceptional pass blocking, pass blocking strength, and pass blocking footwork. He is a great run blocker and has ideal run blocking strength. Mauch can play special teams and outside of positioning his feet better on run blocking plays along with refining his technique, I don't see a weakness in Mauch's game. Cody Mauch is someone who can help Indianapolis's offensive line right now in 2023.
    
    
    
    Cody Mauch dominated the 2023 NFL Combine. Joe Thomas mentioned that Mauch improved tremendously when coaching him from the summer until now. Cody Mauch can play all five positions on the offensive line with his versatility whether that be left tackle, left guard, center, right guard, or right tackle.
    
    
    
    Indianapolis has their starting offensive linemen Bernard Raimann at left tackle, Quinton Nelson at left guard, Ryan Kelly at center, Danny Pinter at right guard, and Braden Smith locked up for next season. However impact players like Michael Pittman Jr. and Jonathan Taylor are Free Agents at running back and wide receiver. If you extend those guys it means you may have to cut center Ryan Kelly or right tackle Braden Smith to save cap space. Cody Mauch is my fourth best offensive tackle in this draft and I have a first round grade on him. In this scenario, the Colts draft the best player on the board and can play him at right guard if he's good enough to win a starting spot as a rookie before moving him over to right tackle whenever they need to cut Braden Smith to save cap space. You could also keep Braden Smith and move Mauch to center on a rookie deal if Ryan Kelly gets injured again in 2023.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
    
    
    
    
36. Los Angeles Rams: Isaiah Foskey, 3-4 ROLB, Notre Dame
    
    
    The Los Angeles Rams draft a 3-4 right outside linebacker to replace Leonard Floyd with their first pick in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Notre Dame pass rusher Isaiah Foskey is a guy I had a first round grade on for most of the draft process. He's been an extremely consistent as a sack artist for Notre Dame the last two seasons. He's the only player outside of Will Anderson Jr. to have 10 or more sacks in each of the past two seasons.
    
    
    
    The 6-5 265 lb Isaiah Foskey had 38 solo tackles, 14 assisted tackles, 52 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for a loss, 11 sacks, 7 quarterback hurries, and 6 forced fumbles in 2021. Isaiah Foskey had 23 solo tackes, 22 assisted tackles, 45 total tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, 11 sacks, 6 quarterback hurries, and 1 forced fumble in 2022.
    
    
    
    Isaiah Foskey also showed the versatility to line up at 4-3 right outside linebacker, 4-3 left outside linebacker, 3-4 right outside linebacker or 3-4 left outside linebacker making him a great replacement to Leonard Floyd or Von Miller. I have the Rams replacing Leonard Floyd with Isaiah Foskey here.
    
    
    
    I posted a film cut of Notre Dame edge rusher Isaiah Foskey VS Ohio State. You can watch that film cut in the clip below.
    
    
    
    
    
    Previous Pick: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, LE, Kansas State
    
    
37. Seattle Seahawks: Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
    
    
    Seattle uses this second round pick from Denver to get a quarterback to groom behind Geno Smith with no center worthy of being picked here. Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker has gained a lot of traction and he may move into the back end of the first round. Seattle can groom Hendon Hooker behing Geno Smith as Hooker continues to recover from his injury.
    
    
    
    The 6-3 208 lb Hendon Hooker emerged at Tennesssee last Fall. Hendon Hooker had 2,945 passing yards, 31 passing yards, and 3 interceptions in 2021. Hendon Hooker had 3,135 passing yards, 27 passing touchdowns, 430 rushing yards, 5 rushing touchdowns, 3,565 total yards, 32 total touchdowns, and 2 interceptions in 2022. Hendon Hooker dominated against Pittsburgh, Florida, and Alabama. He also struggled agaunst undefeated Georgia and tore his ACL against South Carolina in 2022. Hendon Hooker had the highest quarterback rating among quarterbacks in 2022 with an 89.4 quarterback rating which was highest among the top five quarterbacks in this draft outperforming C.J. Stroud 87.7, Bryce Young 83.7, Anthony Richardson 70.6, and Will Levis 60.4.
    
    
    
    The 25-year-old Hendon Hooker only knows the shotgun spread offense, but if he dominates in 2022 I think NFL teams will look past his age especially if Tennessee wins 10 games because he's got a good arm, good decision making, and can make up to 6 progressions when going through his reads. Hendon Hooker improved his medium and deep ball accuracy in 2022 which was my big question with him. Hooker only had the ball for 13 minutes against Kentucky and went 15/20 with 316 passing yards, 4 passing touchdowns, and no interceptions in 2021. Hooker also went 26/41 in his bowl game with 378 passing yards, 5 passing touchdowns, and no interceptions in Tennessee's bowl game against Purdue in 2021.
    
    
    
    Hendon Hooker showed the ability to go 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 with his progressions. Having weapons like Jalin Hyatt, Cedric Tillman, Bru McCoy, multiple tight ends, and a running back did help. He's completed a 1-step, 3-step, 5-step, and 7-step throw on film.
    
    
    
    Hendon Hooker is the perfect quarterback for Seattle to groom behind Geno Smith. Hendon Hooker will be ready to step in by 2024 or 2025 if Geno Smith slips up in the next year or two. If Geno Smith reverts to his awful quarterback play prior to 2022, we could see a situation where Hendon Hooker plays as a rookie down the stretch like Jalen Hurts. Blaine Gabbert never defeated Alabama in College despite exceeding 3,500 passing yards at Missouri as a passer. Hendon Hooker did. I think the quarterback competition between Hendon Hooker and Blaine Gabbert for the backup job in the preseason behind Geno Smith will be one of the NFL's better storylines if Seattle drafts Hooker once he recovers from his injury.
    
    
    
    I posted a film cut of Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker VS Florida. You can watch that film cut in the clip below.
    
    
    
    
    
    Previous Pick: John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota
    
    
    
    
38. Las Vegas Raiders: Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
    
    
    The Las Vegas Raiders draft a tight end to give their quarterback room of Jimmy Garoppolo, Brian Hoyer, and Will Levis who I mocked at 7 because I believe the Raiders reach for him a tight end. Darnell Washington compliments weapons at wide receiver that play for the Las Vegas Raiders such as Davante Adams, Hunter Renfrow, Jakobi Meyers, and Phillip Dorsett.
    
    
    
    The 6-6 264 lb Darnell Washington had 28 receptions, 454 receiving yards, and 2 receiving touchdowns in 2022. Darnell Washington was Georgia's number two tight end as their number one tight end Brock Bowers is a top 10 potentially a top 5 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
    
    
    
    Darnell Washington could catch, block, and run all 30 routes on the route tree in High School. He was the number two tight end to Brock Bowers at Georgia who already looks like a 2024 first round pick as Bowers can run all 30 routes on the route tree too.
    
    
    
    You will see Darnell Washington perform precise routes with screen passes, streaks, slants, wheel routes, post routes, post stops, curls, curl stops, drags, snags, shoots, out routes, out & ups, corner routes, slugos, slugo posts, slugo stops, IOU's, stop & gos, double stops, and double stop & gos. Can execute any type of route at an elite level. Las Vegas may have lost Darren Waller and Foster Moreau, but Darnell Washington will be able to replace what those two do since he's a tight end I have a first round grade on. Austin Hooper and O.J. Howard are stop gaps that the Raiders added in Free Agency to replace Waller and Moreau, but I honestly think Darnell Washington might have a higher ceiling than both players.
    
    
    
    Las Vegas has Will Levis as their quarterback of the future in the first round with Jimmy Garoppolo as the starter for 2023. Josh Jacobs the NFL's best running back in 2022 to take pressure off of their quarterback. Davante Adams, Hunter Renfrow, Jakobi Meyers, and Phillip Dorsett at wide receiver. Plus a tight end trio of Darnell Washington, Austin Hooper, and O.J. Howard. Kolton Miller, Dylan Parham at left guard, Andre James at center, Alex Bars at right guard, and Thayer Munford Jr. at right tackle. Now it's time to for Las Vegas to use their remaining draft capital on defense and value picks.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Brandon Joseph, SS, Notre Dame
    
    
39. Carolina Panthers: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
    
    
    Carolina traded two first round picks, two second round picks, and wide receiver D.J. Moore to get the first overall pick in teh 2023 NFL Draft. It's pretty clear Carolina will get a quarterback at 1. Carolina will take the best player on thier board at 39. In this mock draft, I'm giving Carolina a wide receiver.
    
    
    
    Right now, Carolina's number one receiver is Adam Theilen who was Minnesota's number two receiver to Stephon Diggs and Justin Jefferson in Minnesota. Carolina also has last years number two wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. back as the 2021 second round pick out of LSU improved in 2022. I am giving Carolina a third receiver that can ccompete with D.J. Chark for the slot receiver job while also having the upside and potential to be a number one wide receiver for quarterback Bryce Young who I mocked to Carolina down the road.
    
    
    
    The 5-11 171 lb Josh Downs had 98 receptions, 1,273 receiving yards, and 8 receiving touchdowns in 2021. Josh Downs had 94 receptions, 1,029 receiving yards, and 11 receiving touchdowns improving with Drake Maye replacing his former North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell in 2022.
    
    
    
    Josh Downs can run 25/30 routes on the route tree which is more routes than any receiver in the 2022 NFL Draft as Garrett Wilson had the most routes of any wide receiver in the 2022 NFL Draft with 24/30 routes on the route tree. Josh Downs caught contested catches on 75 percent of his passes which was best among wide receivers in the 2023 NFL Draft. Josh Downs ran a 4.48 40-time at the 2023 NFL Combine. Now Josh Downs returns to North Carolina to play for the Carolina Panthers in the NFL after playing for the North Carolina Tar Heels in College.
    
    
    
    Carolina has Adam Theilen, Terrace Marshall Jr., Josh Downs, D.J. Chark, tight end Hayden Hurst, running back Miles Sanders, and running back Chubba Hubbard as weapons for Bryce Young with all five starters back on the offensive line.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
    
    
    
    
40. New Orleans Saints: Gervon Dexter, DT, Florida
    
    
    New Orleans has Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams who led the NFL in rushing touchdowns under contract until 2026 as the backup to Kamara as well as the replacement to Mark Ingram. I wanted to mock Tulane running back Tyjae Spears here, but with two borderline first round defensive tackles still on the board in the second round, it feels irresponsible not to mock one of those two players to New Orleans here.
    
    
    
    Heading into the Fall of 2022, there were three players on Florida's defense that could be day 2 picks involve Gervon Dexter at 3-4 left end, Brenton Cox Jr. at 3-4 right outside linebacker, and Ventrell Miller at 3-4 middle linebacker. Gervon Dexter may run a sub 4.9 40-time at the 2023 NFL Combine as he ran a 4.82 in the Spring which is impressive for a big guy. Also, Dexter is the only guy now in that Day 2 conversation despite some impressive plays by the other two Florida Gators on film.
    
    
    
    The 6-6 310 lb Gervon Dexter gives Buffalo a second consistent 4-3 defensive tackle to pair with Ed Oliver. Jordan Phillips can start if the Bills don't want to play Dexter right away, but both Ed Oliver and Jordan Phillips will be Free Agents in 2024. Tim Settle and DaQuan Jones will also be Free Agents next year too. Dexter is good enough to start right now, but with four defensive tackles on the roster, Buffalo can patiently develop Dexter and he will be ready to start by 2024 if he doesn't beat out Jordan Phillips for a starting spot in 2023.
    
    
    
    Gervon Dexter had 23 solo tackles, 32 assisted tackles, 55 total tackles, 4 tackles for a loss, 4 quarterback hurries, 2 sacks, 1 deflection from a pass breakup, and 1 interception in 2022. Gervon Dexter can play 3-technique and 5-technique.
    
    
    
    Gervon Dexter would play the 3-technique in New Orleans where he would compete with Nathan Shepherd and Khalen Saunders two backup 4-3 defensive tackles for a starting spot. I think Dexter could win that competition if we're being honest. Dexter ran a 4.88 40-yard dash time at the 2023 NFL Combine. Gervon Dexter was the most consistent defensive tackle at the 2023 NFL Combine. New Orleans would have a defensive line with Lukas Van Ness at 4-3 right end, Gervon Dexter at 4-3 defensive tackle, Khalen Saunders at 4-3 defensive tackle, and Cameron Jordan at 4-3 left end. That's quite the group on the defensive line.
    
    
    
    I posted a film cut of Florida defensive linemen Gervon Dexter VS Tennessee. You can watch that film cut in the clip below.
    
    
    
    
    
    Previous Pick: Cameron Latu, TE, Alabama
    
    
41. Tennessee Titans: Calijah Kancey, 3-4 LE, Pittsburgh
    
    
    Tennessee drafts a 3-4 left end to compliment Jeffrey Simmons at 3-4 right end who just got extended. Calijah Kancey is my fourth best defensive tackle in the 2023 NFL Draft and he's a perfect fit for Tennessee. Tennessee has Denico Autry at 3-4 left end, but he's in a contract year and already 32-years-old. Autry turns 33 in July. Kancey is a perfect depth piece for Tennessee at five technique this year if Tennessee is in a situation where Simmons or Autry misses games due to injuries. Kancey will be ready to start by 2024 at the very latest where he will be re-united with former Pittsburgh Panther teammate Rashad Weaver.
    
    
    
    The 6-1 281 lb Calijah Kancey had 22 solo tackles, 12 assisted tackles, 34 total tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, 7 sacks, and 2 quarterback hurries in 2021. Calijah Kancey did appear unblockable in some games, but he was inconsistent in Pittsburgh's two biggest games of the year against Clemson at Heinz Field and Wake Forest in the 2021 ACC Championship game where Pittsburgh defeated Wake Forest to win the 2021 ACC Championship game.
    
    
    
    Calijah Kancey had 17 solo tackles, 13 assisted tackles, 30 total tackles, 14.5 tackles for a loss, 10 quarterback hurries, and 7.5 sacks with the Pittsburgh Panthers in 2022 only missing two games against Miami FL and Pittsburgh's Sun Bowl against UCLA to prepare for the 2023 NFL Draft. In fact the only team that kept Calijah Kancey from getting a quarterback hurry, a sack, or a tackle for a loss in the games he played for Pittsburgh in 2022 is Western Michigan.
    
    
    
    Calijah Kancey has improved his rip and swim moves. He also knows how to spin past an interior offensive linemen. On one play against West Virginia he got triple teamed and still got past the line of scrimmage. I believe Kancey is versatile enough to play 4-3 right end, 4-3 left end, 4-3 defensive tackle, 3-4 right end, 3-4 nose tackle, and 3-4 left end. Calijah Kancey might be the only defensive lineman in this draft that can play 0-technique, 1-technique, 2-technique, 3-technique, 4-technique, 5-technique, 6-technique, 7-technique, 8-technique, and 9-technique. I would argue this makes him the most versatilie defensive lineman in the 2023 NFL Draft.
    
    
    
    Calijah Kancey ran a 4.67 40 yard dash which was best among defensive linemen at the 2023 NFL Combine. He also discussed wanting to perfect a club move to compliment his rip, swim, and spin moves while improving his block shedding for an NFL defensive tackle at Pittsburgh's 2023 Pro Day. He's my fourth best defensive tackle behind Jalen Carter, Bryan Bresse, and Gervon Dexter.
    
    
    
    I can see why Daniel Kelly compared this guy to Warren Sapp. Calijah Kancey can be the steal of the 2023 NFL Draft if he can get stronger and continue to improve his block shedding because the versatility, variety of techniques, rip moves, spin moves, swim moves, and foot speed for a defensive lineman is there.
    
    
    
    Despite being my fourth best defensive tackle, you can argue that Kancey jumped through enough hoops to warrant a first round grade. Tennessee gets Calijah Kancey in the second round for this reason. Let's face it Kancey to Tennessee is an incredible value pick.
    
    
    
    I posted a film cut of Pittsburgh defensive linemen Calijah Kancey VS West Virginia. You can watch that film cut in the clip below.
    
    
    
    
    
    Previous Pick: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
    
    
    
    
42. Green Bay Packers: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
    
    
    Green Bay loses both Robert Tonyan Jr. and Marcedes Lewis to Free Agency in 2023. Getting a pass catching tight end like Dalton Kincaid would be smart here since he would give Green Bay a day 1 starter at tight end for Jordan Love.
    
    
    
    The 6-4 240 lb Dalton Kincaid had 36 receptions, 510 receiving yards, and 8 receiving touchdowns in 2021. Dalton Kincaid had 70 receptions, 890 receiving yards, and 8 receviing touchdowns in 2022.
    
    
    
    You will see Dalton Kincaid perform precise routes with screen passes, streaks, slants, wheel routes, post routes, post stops, curls, curl stops, drags, snags, shoots, out routes, out & ups, corner routes, slugos, slugo posts, slugo stops, IOU's, stop & gos, double stops, and double stop & gos. Can execute any type of route at an elite level.
    
    
    
    Dalton Kincaid didn't work out at the 2023 NFL Combine or Utah's Pro Day due to injuries. He was medically cleared to play last week by his doctor prior to the 2023 NFL Draft. Some had him ahead of Michael Mayer and Darnell Washington before his injury.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Lukas Van Ness, LE, Iowa
    
    
43. New York Jets: Joe Tippmann, C, Wisconsin
    
    
    The 6-6 313 lb Joe Tippmann was a pass blocker for quarterback Graham Mertz and run blocker for running back Braelon Allen at Wisconsin. Some have Wisconsin's center as the second best center in the 2023 NFL Draft simply due to how well he's interviewed. He didn't work out at the 2023 NFL Combine due to an injury, but he's now considered the consensus number two center behind Minnesota center John Michael Schmitz.
    
    
    
    With Joe Tippmann, New York has addressed every positiion on the offensive line. Joe Tippmann has the pass blocking, pass blocking strength, run blocking, run blocking strength, and run blocking footwork that you want in a center. Joe Tippmann has continued to improve his run blocking footwork. He's got great athleticism for a big guy and takes up a lot of space.
    
    
    
    New York now has Broderick Jones at left tackle, Laken Tomlinson at left guard, Joe Tippmann at center, Alijah Vera-Tucker at right guard, and Duane Brown at right tackle. This is an offensive line that can allow Aaron Rodgers to rebound in 2023 if all five starters stay healthy. You also got Mekhi Becton as your backup left tackle and Max Mitchell as your backup right tackle.
    
    
    
    Aaron Rodgers will have offensive rookie of the year Garrett Wilson as his flanker receiver, Allen Lazard his number one receiver in Green Bay last year is his number two receiver. Corey Davis is now New York's slot receiver for the moment. New York still has C.J. Uzomah and Tyler Conklin back at tight end. New York also has Breece Hall and Michael Carter at running back as well. There is enough offensive firepower for the New York Jets to be a wild card if everyone on this offense stays healthy. Now that the New York Jets have addressed all of their needs on offense, it's time to shift the focus to the defensive side of the ball.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Jacquelin Roy, DT, LSU
    
    
    
    
44. Atlanta Falcons: Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane
    
    
    Atlanta will use this second round pick to draft a running back to compliment running backs Cordarrelle Patterson and Tyler Allgeier if they don't take a running back at 8. Tyjae Spears warrants a top fifty selection for Atlanta here.
    
    
    
    The 5-9 204 lb Tyjae Spears had 129 carries, 863 rushing yards, 19 receptions, 145 receiving yards, 148 touches, 1,008 total yards, and 9 rushing touchdowns in 2021 after returning from a season ending injury in 2020. Tyjae Spears had 229 carries, 1,581 rushing yards, 19 rushing touchdowns, 22 receptions, 256 receiving yards, 2 receiving touchdowns, 251 touches, 1,837 total yards, and 21 total touchdowns in 2022.
    
    
    
    Tyjae Spears had the speed, pass catching, and ball carrier vision. He was the most elusive running back I've seen on film since the greatest running back in Detroit Lions history in Barry Sanders, but his height and questions with pass blocking were the only two things that kept him from being a day 2 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
    
    
    
    Tyjae Spears dominated one-on-ones in pass protection at the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl. Tulane running back Tyjae Spears was also the only running back at the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl who had 10 inch hands when the running backs did their weigh ins. Spears dominated all week in Mobile and everyone agrees about him having potential to be a special running back prospect now that he's fixed his weaknesses. Tyjae Spears entered Senior Bowl week as my twelfth best running back, but ended the week as my fourth best running back behind Texas running back Bijan Robinson, Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and Syracuse running back Sean Tucker in the 2023 NFL Draft. Spears is now the consensus third best running back moving ahead of Syracuse running back Sean Tucker in my running back rankings.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee
    
    
45. Green Bay Packers: Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee
    
    
    Green Bay gets another big body wide receiver to compliment Christian Watson. This allows Romeo Doubs to move into a slot receiver role with less pressure on him. Cedric Tillman is just as effective at route running as Doubs and has fewer drops too. Jordan Love will have Watson, Tillman, and Doubs at wide receiver with Dalton Kincaid at tight end. He will also have everyone on Green Bay's offensive line back along with the Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon running back tandem.
    
    
    
    The 6-3 215 lb Cedric Tillman had 61 receptions, 1,081 receiving yards, and 12 receiving touchdowns in 2021. Cedric Tillman had 37 receptions, 417 recceiving yards, and 3 receiving touchdowns while dealing with an injury in 2022. Cedric Tillman had incredible chemistry with quarterback Hendon Hooker while showing the versatility to run all 30 routes on the route tree.
    
    
    
    You will see Cedric Tillman perform precise routes with screen passes, streaks, slants, wheel routes, post routes, post stops, curls, curl stops, drags, snags, shoots, out routes, out & ups, corner routes, slugos, slugo posts, slugo stops, IOU's, stop & gos, double stops, and double stop & gos. Can execute any type of route at an elite level. He got off to a slow start, but his best games were against tough competition like Georgia and Alabama in 2021. Georgia adjusted to Tillman in 2022.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
    
    
    
    
46. New England Patriots: Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
    
    
    New England's top two tight ends Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki only have one year contracts. Oregon State tight end Luke Musgrave showed flashes of Rob Gronkowski coming out of Arizona when watching his tape. Musgrave has the size and pass catching that Gronkowski had when New England drafted him, so they take Musgrave here.
    
    
    
    The 6-5 255 lb Luke Musgrave had 11 receptions, 169 receiving yards, and 1receiving touchdown in 2022 before suffering a season ending injury against Boise State. Luke Musgrave was dominating JL Skinner in the one-on-ones. He's the final tight end in this draft that can run all 30 routes on the route tree that can separate with speed, catch the ball on passing plays, and block at a high level.
    
    
    
    You will see Luke Musgrave perform precise routes with screen passes, streaks, slants, wheel routes, post routes, post stops, curls, curl stops, drags, snags, shoots, out routes, out & ups, corner routes, slugos, slugo posts, slugo stops, IOU's, stop & gos, double stops, and double stop & gos. Can execute any type of route at an elite level. Luke Musgrave improved as a blocker and dominated the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl solidifying his draft status here.
    
    
    
    Luke Musgrave is the nephew of Bill Musgrave. Bill Musgrave is a long-time quarterbacks coach and is now a senior offensive assistant with the Cleveland Browns.
    
    
    Previous Pick: JL Skinner, FS, Boise State
    
    
47. Washington Commanders: Antonio Johnson, FS, Texas A&M
    
    
    Washington replaces Cole Holcomb at 4-3 right outside linebacker. Nick Herbig is a guy who impressed me on film and may be Wisconsin's best outside linebacker since T.J. Watt.
    
    
    
    The 6-2 198 lb Antonio Johnson is a good free safety addition for the Washington Commanders. I gave Antonio Johnson an A- grade in man coverage, an A- zone coverage, and an A- in press coverage. He went 4/4 against Treylon Burks who the Tennessee Titans drafted in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Washington now has Kelee Ringo at field cornerback, Darrick Forrest at strong safety, Antonio Johnson at free safety, Kendall Fuller at boundary cornerback, and Benjamin St. Juste at nickel cornerback. Washington has their secondary set up.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Nick Herbig, 3-4 LOLB, Wisconsin
    
    
    
    
48. Detroit Lions: Zacch Pickens, DT, South Carolina
    
    
    The Detroit Lions add one more defensive tackle for depth after releasing Michael Brockers. Zacch Pickens did well in the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl and also improved his draft stock at the 2023 NFL Combine.
    
    
    
    The 6-4 290 lb Zacch Pickens is South Carolina's best 4-3 defensive tackle prospect since Javon Kinlaw. Zacch Pickens had 22 solo tackles, 20 assisted tackles, 42 total tackles, 4 tackles for a loss, 3 quarterback hurries, 3 deflections from pass breakups, and 2.5 sacks in 2022. Zacch Pickens played well enough to earn an invite to the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl.
    
    
    
    Zacch Pickens has a nice motor for a defensive tackle, but he still needs to develop his rip and swim moves without relying so much on his speed. He's fast and was a 5 star recruit at defensive tackle in High School. Zacch Pickens did well at the 2023 NFL Combine and ran a 4.89 40 time and did 22 reps on the bench press. Pickens also showcased moderate improvement with his rip and swim moves at South Carolina's Pro Day.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Sean Tucker, RB, Syracuse
    
    
49. Pittsburgh Steelers: Brandon Joseph, SS, Notre Dame
    
    
    Pittsburgh drafts a strong safety here. A replacement for Terrell Edmunds could be used next to Minkah Fitzpatrick. Pittsburgh signed Keanu Neal, but I'm not high on Neal because Pittsburgh is the third different team Neal has played on since Atlanta drafted him in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Dallas gave him a shot as a starter moving him to linebacker. Tampa Bay treated him like a backup safety. Pittsburgh will probably draft someone to compete with Neal for the starting strong safety job next to Minkah Fitzpatrick at free safety. The player I'm giving Pittsburgh to compete with Keanu Neal is Notre Dame safety Brandon Joseph.
    
    
    
    The 6-1 192 lb Brandon Joseph transferred from Northwestern to Notre Dame. Brandon Joseph would have been my top safety in the 2022 NFL Draft had he declared. He's still a top 3 safety in the 2023 NFL Draft despite going back to Notre Dame.
    
    
    
    Brandon Joseph had 54 solo tackles, 25 assisted tackles, 79 total tackles, 4 deflections from pass breakups, and 3 interceptions in 2021. Brandon Smith had 15 solo tackles, 15 assisted tackles, 30 total tackles, 1 deflection from a pass breakup, 1 interception, 1 quarterback hurry, 1 forced fumble, and 1 defensive touchdown after taking over for Kyle Hamilton at Notre Dame in 2022. I gave Brandon Joseph a B grade in man coverage, an A+ grade in zone coverage, and a C grade in press coverage. Joseph is an elite zone coverage safety and he can start right away for the Steelers next to Minkah Fitzpatrick if he can beat out Keanu Neal for the starting strong safety job.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Jammie Robinson, FS, Florida State
    
    
    
    
50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sydney Brown, SS, Illinois
    
    
    Tampa Bay drafts a safety for depth. Both starting strong safety Ryan Neal who had a good season filling in for Jamal Adams at strong safety with Seattle before signing a one year deal with Tampa Bay and free safety Antoine Winfield Jr. enter contract years.
    
    
    
    The 5-10 213 lb Sydney Brown is my fourth best safety in this draft and the top three safeties are off the board at this point in the second round. Sydney Brown had 40 solo tackles, 19 assisted takles, 59 total tackles, 7 deflections from pass breakups, 6 interceptions, 3.5 tackles for a loss, 1 sack, 1 quarterback hurry, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery in 2022.
    
    
    
    Sydney Brown participated in the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl. Sydney Brown ran the best 40 time among the safeties at the 2023 NFL Combine with a 4.47 40 yard dash.
    
    
    
    I gave Sydney Brown an A grade in man coverage, an A grade in zone coverage, an A grade in press coverage, an A grade in run stuffing, and an A grade in hard hitting. Sydney Brown lined up at outside linebacker, nickel cornerback, strong safety, and free safety on tape. Sydney Brown did enough throughout the draft process to surpass JL Skinner as my fourth best safety. This guy can play in cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, or cover 4 schemes.
    
    
    
    Sydney Brown the twin brother of of Illinois running back Chase Brown is pretty versatile on tape similar to Andre Cisco coming out of Syracuse a few years ago. He's good in coverage, but needs to improve timing on his assignments. He was late on a few assignments against Michigan despite making some big tackles that prevented touchdowns.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
    
    
51. Miami Dolphins: Keeanu Benton, NT, Wisconsin
    
    
    Miami gets a nose tackle here. Wisconsin defensive tackle Keeanu Benton is a great value pick here in the second round.
    
    
    
    The 6-3 312 lb Keeanu Benton had 20 solo tackles, 15 assisted tackles, 35 total tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, 2 quarterback hurries, and 2 deflections from pass breakups in 2022. Keeanu Benton has the rip and swim moves you want in a 4-3 defensive tackle, but you'd like to see his block shedding improve. It's not a weakness though and Benton has incredible strength for a defensive tackle.
    
    
    
    Keeanu Benton did a good job at the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl. Keeanu Benton improved his block shedding at the 2023 NFL Combine and was one of the most consistent defensive tackles during individual drills at the 2023 NFL Combine.
    
    
    
    Keeanu Benton is the sixth defensive tackle off the board and only the fourth defensive tackle among those six in the 2023 NFL Draft outside of Jalen Carter, Bryan Bresse, and Calijah Kancey that can play in the 0-technique, 1-technique, 2-technique, 3-technique, 4-technique, and 5-techinique in terms of showcasing his variety and versatility. He lined up at 3-4 defensive end and won a one-on-one against Ohio State left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. while pressuring Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud.
    
    
    
    Keeanu Benton might be the best value pick at defensive tackle in the entire 2023 NFL Draft as crazy as that sounds. Miami's defensive line now has Christian Wilkins at 3-4 right end, Keeanu Benton at nose tackle, and Emmanuel Ogbah at 3-4 left end.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami FL
    
    
    
    
52. Seattle Seahawks: Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami FL
    
    
    MThe Seattle Seahawks grab their replacement to Michael Jackson. Tyrique Stevenson dominated the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl and is now my sixth best cornerback outside of the consensus first round cornerbacks. He also caught every target thrown his way at the 2023 NFL Combine.
    
    
    
    The 6-0 204 lb Tyrique Stevenson had 18 solo tackles, 7 assisted tackles, 25 total tackles, 7 deflections from pass breakups, 2 interceptions, and 1.5 tackles for a loss in 2022. I gave Tyrique Stevenson an A- man coverage grade, a B grade in zone coverage, and an A grade in press coverage. Tyrique Stevenson can play man or press coverage in cover 0, cover 1, and cover 2 schemes where cornerbacks play man coverage.
    
    
    
    The Seattle Seahawks grab their replacement to Michael Jackson. Drafting Tyrique Stevenson in the second round gives Seattle a cornerback trio of Tariq Woolen, Coby Bryant, and Tyrique Stevenson who are all outstanding in man coverage.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah
    
    li> Chicago Bears: Sean Tucker, RB, Syracuse
    
    
    Chicago signed D'Onta Foreman from the Carolina Panthers to pair with Khalil Herbert. Syracuse running back Sean Tucker is my fourth best running back, .
    
    
    
    The 5-9 207 lb Sean Tucker had 246 carries, 1,496 rushing yards, 12 rushing touchdowns, 20 receptions, 255 receiving yards, 2 receiving touchdowns, 266 touches, 1,751 total yards, and 14 total touchdowns with Syracuse in 2021. Sean Tucker had 206 carries, 1,060 rushing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns, 36 receptions, 254 receiving yards, 2 receiving touchdowns, 242 touches, 1,314 total yards, and 13 total touchdowns in 2022. Outside of Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Tyjae Spears Sean Tucker is the clear cut fourth best running back in the 2023 NFL Draft.
    
    
    
    Sean Tucker wasn't cleared to workout for the 2023 NFL Combine. Sean Tucker did a video of all the workouts at the 2023 NFL Combine where he posted a 41.5 inch vertical, 28 reps on the bench press, and ran a 4.39 and a 4.33 in his two 40 yard dash attempts. Sean Tucker did a 39 inch vertical and 29 reps on the bench press.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane
    
    
    
    
53. Los Angeles Chargers: JL Skinner, FS, Boise State
    
    
    Los Angeles Chargers free safety Nasir Adderley retired. I don't trust 2022 third round pick JT Woods at free safety. Competition is needed and Boise State safety JL Skinner could beat out JT Woods for the free safety job next to strong safety Derwin James.
    
    
    
    The 6-4 211 lb JL Skinner had 66 solo tackles, 26 assisted tackles, 92 total tackles, 5 deflections from pass breakups, and 2 intereceptions in 2021. JL Skinner was also the leader of a Boise State secondary that had 13 interceptions and only 12 passing touchdowns allowed in 2021. JL Skinner had 35 solo tackles, 29 assisted tackles, 64 total tackles, 4 deflections from pass breakups, 4 interceptions, and a 0.5 tackle for a loss in 2022.
    
    
    
    I gave JL Skinner an A grade in man coverage, an A grade in zone coverage, and a B grade in press coverage. He's great at blitzing and stopping the run too. He can play in a cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, or cover 4 defense. He's loud, fiery, energetic, recovers fumbles, calls the plays on defense, screams at the top of his lungs after a big play, and he can play defense on special teams too.
    
    
    
    If the 2023 NFL Draft didn't have Brian Branch, Antonio Johnson, Brandon Joseph, or Sydney Brown, then you could definitely make an argument for JL Skinner as the top safety in this draft. He is easily a top 5 safety in the 2023 NFL Draft.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Andrew Vorhees, LG, USC
    
    
54. Detroit Lions: Henry To'oTo'o, MLB, Alabama
    
    
    Detroit adds depth at middle linebacker behind Alex Anzalone. Initially, I was going to put Sam Laporta here, but Wes Langley mocked Henry To'oTo'o, my top middle linebacker in this draft class to Detroit in the second round of our private group mock featuring Draft Utopia staff members and readers on Facebook.
    
    
    
    The 6-1 227 lb Henry To'oTo'o was a five star recruit and the top player at middle linebacker as a five star recruit for De LaSalle High School in California. Henry To'oTo'o played both running back and middle linebacker in High School on a 12-1 team that won a state Championship prior to enrolling into Tennessee.
    
    
    
    Henry To'oTo'o had 72 total tackles as a freshman in 2019 before leading Tennessee with 76 total tackles as a 4-3 right outside linebacker in 2020. In 2021, Henry To'oTo'o transferred to Alabama and made the transition to a 3-4 defense at 3-4 middle linebacker where he earned enough trust from Nick Saban to call plays on Alabama's defense. Henry To'oTo'o had 53 solo tackles, 60 assisted tackles, 113 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for a loss, 4 sacks, and 2 deflections from pass breakups in 2021. Henry To'oTo'o had 45 solo tackles, 49 assisted tackles, 94 total tackles, 8 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, and 1 quarterback hurry in 2022.
    
    
    
    Henry To'oTo'o processes information quicker than any linebacker in this draft. He's a tough, instinctive linebacker who plays through pain and he's also a high energy guy in terms of both his on the field play and his off the field play with his football intelligence.
    
    
    
    Henry To'oTo'o always performs with urgency since he can rush the quarterback, stop the running lanes, and drop back into coverage. There's two linebackers in this draft with the potential to check off a majority of the boxes that you want in a middle linebacker. One of those linebackers is Oregon linebacker Noah Sewell and the other linebacker is Henry To'oTo'o.
    
    
    
    Henry To'oTo'o may not have every athletic trait you want in a linebacker, but his football intelligence does separate him from Oregon linebacker Noah Sewell right now at this time. Both Henry To'oTo'o and Noah Sewell had disappointing NFL Combines. Mark Sciubba was critical of To'oTo'o because of his lack of athletic traits, but Joseph Potter, Ken Leblanc, and Wes Langley all agree with me on him being the top inside linebacker if you treat Trenton Simpson as an outside linebacker.
    
    
    
    I posted a film cut of Alabama linebacker Henry To'oTo'o VS Texas. You can watch that film cut in the clip below.
    
    
    
    
    
    Previous Pick: Jordan Battle, SS, Alabama
    
    
    
    
55. Jacksonville Jaguars: B.J. Ojulari, 3-4 ROLB, LSU
    
    
    Jacksonville uses this second round pick on a pass rusher to replace Arden Key by adding depth at 3-4 outside linebacker. Jacksonville has Josh Allen at 3-4 right outside linebacker and Travon Walker at 3-4 left outside linebacker. Jacksonville adds B.J. Ojulari to be the backup 3-4 right outside linebacker while K'Lavon Chaisson remains the backup 3-4 left outside linebacker.
    
    
    
    The 6-2 248 lb B.J. Ojulari had 33 solo tackles, 22 assisted tackles, 55 total tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, 9 quarterback hurries, and 7.5 sacks in 2021. B.J. Ojulari had 35 solo tackles, 22 assisted tackles, 13 quarterback hurries, 8 tackles for a loss, and 5 sacks in 2022. B.J. Ojulari has the rip and swim moves you want to see from a pass rusher when you watch his tape.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama
    
    
56. New York Giants: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
    
    
    New York has Adoree Jackson and Aaron Robinson. Neither of those guys looks like a long-term number one field cornerback though. Maryland cornerback Deonte Banks could be a long-term number one cornerback. When Robinson and Jackson got injured, New York didn't have a freaking answer at cornerback.
    
    
    
    The 6-2 205 lb Deonte Banks had 25 solo tackles, 13 assisted tackles, 38 total tackles, 8 deflections from pass breakups, 1 interception, 0.5 tackles for a loss, and a 0.5 sack in 2022. I gave Deonte Banks an A- grade in man coverage, an A- in zone coverage, and an A- in press coverage. Deonte Banks showed the ability to play Cover 0, Cover 1, Cover 2, Cover 3, and Cover 4 against Purdue. My friend Cole Baggett has Deonte Banks as his number two cornerback behind Devon Witherspoon, so it's possible Banks ends up playing his way into round 1.
    
    
    
    Deonte Banks did good, but not great at the 2023 NFL Combine as his only drop occurred in the final drill of the 2023 NFL Combine. He dominated Maryland's 2023 NFL Pro Day and had the second highest relative athletic score of any cornerback dating back to 1987 only trailing Zyon McCollum from the 2022 NFL Draft.
    
    
    
    Initially, I had a third round grade on Deonte Banks. He did enough to cement himself as a top 7 cornerback in the 2023 NFL Draft. I have him going in the seccond round, but it is entirely possible a team gambles on him in the first round.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
    
    
    
    
57. Dallas Cowboys: Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan
    
    
    Dallas only has three 4-3 defensive tackles on the active roster. Michigan defensive tackle Mazi Smith is a guy that Dallas could end up picking in the late second round.
    
    
    
    The 6-3 323 lb Mazi Smith is the on returning starter on Michigan's defensive line in 2022 after complimenting Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo in 2021. Mazi Smith is so strong that he forced Michigan to upgrade its combo-twist machine. Mazi Smith is also Michigan's best defensive player this upcoming season with some comparing him to Kris Jenkins. I thought Mazi Smith would break out, but he only had 23 solo tackles, 25 assisted tackles, 48 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss, and a 0.5 a sack in 2022.
    
    
    
    Mazi Smith can play 0-techinque, 1-technique, 2-technique, and 3-technique. He can play a variety of roles and that is one reason why Mazi Smith is so tough to game plan against.
    
    
    
    From a tape standpoint, he's a top 100 player with a consensus third round grade. I mocked him to Kansas City in round one back in September and I've seen him as high as Cleveland in the second round of some mock drafts. Mazi Smith had a good Pro Day after doing the most bench press reps of any defensive linemen with 34 bench press reps at the 2023 NFL Combine.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Christopher Smith, FS, Georgia
    
    
58. Buffalo Bills: Noah Sewell, MLB, Oregon
    
    
    Buffalo is going to move on from starting 4-3 middle linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. Noah Sewell fell to the late second round, so Buffalo drafts him here with this second round pick.
    
    
    
    The 6-2 253 lb Noah Sewell came onto Oregon in the Fall of 2020 and led Oregon in tackles as a true freshman after his older brother Penei Sewell opted out of Oregon to prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft during Covid-19. Noah Sewell had 53 solo tackles, 61 assisted tackles, 114 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for a loss, 5 deflections from pass breakups, and 4 sacks in 2021. Noah Sewell had 24 solo tackles, 32 assisted tackles, 56 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss, 4 quarterback hurries, 4 deflections from pass breakups, 1 sack, 1 interception, and 1 fumble recovery in 2022.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor
    
    
    
    
59. Cincinnati Bengals: Dawand Jones, RT, Ohio State
    
    
    Cincinnati signed Orlando Brown Jr. to be their new left tackle. Jonah Williams the current left tackle is too stubborn to change positions and wants to go to a different team. There is also speculation about starting right tackle La'El Collins being released to save cap space. That is why I am mocking a right tackle to Cincinnati with this pick.
    
    
    
    The 6-8 375 lb Dawand Jones Dawand Jones took over as Ohio State's starting right tackle in 2021. Not only did he pass block for C.J. Stroud at quarterback he also did a good job run blocking for Tre'Veon Henderson. He's a former basketball player too who excelled on film against Penn State pass rusher Jesse Luketta. He's got great foot speed and light feet for someone his size.
    
    
    
    Dawand Jones improved his pass blocking, pass blocking strength, pass blocking footwork, run blocking, run blocking strength, and run blocking footwork in 2022. He dominated the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl knocking Andre Carter II on his rear end in one-on-one drills in Mobile. Dawand Jones did well at the 2023 NFL Combine having the longest arms at the weigh in while performing well in the individual offensive line drills. Dawand Jones as a bookend right tackle to Orlando Brown Jr. is quite the tandem if Cincinnati moved on from both Jonah Williams and La'El Collins.
    
    
    
    Cincinnati would have Orlando Brown Jr. at left tackle, Cordell Volson at left guard, Ted Karras at center, Alex Cappa at right guard, and Dawand Jones at right tackle. That is if Cincinnati opts to move on from both Jonah Williams and La'El Collins.
    
    
    
    I posted a film cut of Ohio State's offensive line VS Notre Dame. Left tackle Paris Johnson Jr., center Luke Wypler, and right tackle Dawand Jones are the three offensive linemen to keep an eye on in this film cut. You can watch that film cut in the clip below.
    
    
    
    
    
    Previous Pick: Cody Mauch, LT, North Dakota State
    
    
60. Chicago Bears: Blake Freeland, RT, BYU
    
    
    Carolina got a 2023 second, 2023 third, and 2023 fourth round pick from San Francisco in the Christian MccCaffrey trade. Carolina traded this pick. to Chicago in the trade that sent Carolina the first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
    
    
    
    The 6-7 312 lb Blake Freeland had an up and down week at the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl. He did well at the 2023 NFL Combine though. Freeland would be an upgrade at right tackle over Larry Borom.
    
    
    
    Blake Freeland played right tackle and left tackle at BYU. He was the right tackle bookend to Brady Christensen when Zach Wilson was quarterback. He was also a left tackle for BYU quarterback Jaren Hall and BYU running back Tyler Allgeier in his draft year.
    
    
    
    Blake Freeland isn't a guy I'm high on despite having the prototypical body to play offensive tackle. After the consensus top seven offensive tackles you can make an argument for him or Syracuse offensive tackle Matthew Bergeron here. Bergeron stood out more at the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl while Freeland stood out more at the 2023 NFL Combine. I'm leaning Freeland slightly here, but Chicago could take either offensive tackle and get an upgrade over Larry Borom.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Isreal Abinkanda, RB, Pittsburgh
    
    
    
    
61. Philadelphia Eagles: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
    
    
    The 6-0 180 lb Emmanuel Forbes had 46 solo tackles, 14 assisted tackles, 60 total tackles, 5 deflections from pass breakups, and 3 interceptions in 2021. Emmanuel Forbes not Martin Emerson led Mississippi State in both deflections and interceptions in 2021 prior to Emerson being drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Emmanuel Forbes had 26 solo tackles, 20 assisted tackles, 46 total tackles, 10 deflections from pass breakups, and 6 interceptions in 2022 once Martin Emerson left. Emmanuel Forbes actually improved without Emerson.
    
    
    
    I gave Emmanuel Forbes an A+ grade in man coverage, a C grade in zone coverage, and a C grade in press coverage after watching his 2021 tape. Emmanuel Forbes improved his zone coverage to the point where it is on par with his man coverage after rewatching his 2022 tape as I'd give Forbes an A grade in zone coverage now after giving his zone coverage a C grade in 2021. However Forbes press coverage did not improve. Emmanuel Forbes struggled against the run for most of the season despite tackling effectively against Alabama on both passing and running plays in 2022. Forbes also struggled to keep his back straight when changing his angles and direction in coverage so that's something a cornerbacks coach will have to fix in the NFL despite his stellar improvement in zone coverage.
    
    
    
    Emmanuel Forbes frustrated the hell out of Kentucky quarterback Will Levis in 2021. Bryce Young threw the ball away from 13 on Mississippi State which is Forbes number when Alabama played Mississippi State in 2022. Emmanuel Forbes gives Philadelphia a good number two boundary cornerback to compliment Darius Slay while Avonte Maddox remains in the nickel with James Bradberry set to be a Free Agent.
    
    
    
    Many will argue that Emmanuel Forbes is a first round corner based off his production in 2022 since he doubled his deflections and interceptions after Martin Emerson left Mississppi State and Forbes led Mississippi State in picks and deflections prior to 2022. However Forbes still hasn't improved in press coverage, his run stuffing is a weakness in his game, and he doesn't keep his back straight while changing angles in coverage which is why I have a second round grade on Forbes. I agree with these fans of Forbes like my friend Markus Cross that he's a day 1 starter in the NFL, however he's a second round prospect rather than a first round prospect because this is an insanely deep cornerback class and Forbes hasn't fixed all of his weaknesses yet. At the same time you can argue that Forbes is the best cornerback outside of the top 5 first round cornerbacks in Devon Witherspoon, Kelee Ringo, Cam Smith, Christian Gonzalez, and Joey Porter Jr.
    
    
    
62. Kansas City Chiefs: Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
    
    
    Kansas City seems happy with Jawaan Taylor at left tackle, Joe Thuney at left guard, Creed Humphrey at center, Trey Smith at right guard, and Lucas Niang the former starting right tackle prior to Andrew Wylie's arrival getting a second chance at the right tackle job in the final year of his rookie deal. Kansas City also has Prince Tega Wanagho as the backup left tackle who did well at right tackle against Jacksonville when Wylie was injured and Darrian Kinnard a player I liked out of Kentucky as the backup right tackle to Niang. That's why I'm not giving the Chiefs an offensive tackle in the second round.
    
    
    
    That leaves wide receiver as the pick here with no second round defensive tackles on my board. Kansas City currently has Kadarius Toney, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Skyy Moore, Justin Watson who stepped up at times last season, Justyn Ross recovered from his injury, and Ritchie James, a free agent from the New York Giants that Kansas City picked up on a one year deal as the current wide receivers in this room. Kansas City has six quality wide receivers, but needs one more to maximize the depth and effectiveness of this offense. That is where LSU wide receceiver Kayshon Boutte comes into play.
    
    
    
    Like former LSU receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Terrace Marshall Jr. this is a guy who can run all 30 routes on the route tree. You will see Boutte perform precise routes with screen passes, streaks, slants, wheel routes, post routes, post stops, curls, curl stops, drags, snags, shoots, out routes, out & ups, corner routes, slugos, slugo posts, slugo stops, IOU's, stop & gos, double stops, and double stop & gos. Can execute any type of route at an elite level. Has an extremely high football IQ. He can run all 30 different routes on the route tree.
    
    
    
    Kayshon Boutte entered the preseason as the top receiver in the 2023 NFL Draft. After watching him against Florida State, it was evident he lacked the traits you want in an alpha receiver, but Kansas City is drafting him as a complimentary wide receiver which means this could work out.
    
    
    
    The 5-11 195 lb Kayshon Boutte ran a 4.50 40 time. He caught a lot of passes in drills. The 29 inch vertical he showed at the 2023 NFL Combine may cause him to drop.
    
    
    
    Kayshon Boutte had 45 receptions, 735 receiving yards, and 5 receiving touchdowns as a freshman in 2020. Kayshon Boutte had 38 receptions, 509 receiving yards, and 9 receiving touchdowns in 2021. Boutte only had 48 receptions, 538 receiving yards, and a career low 2 receiving touchdowns in 2022. He wasn't playing like the alpha receiver that many hyped him up to be in the Presseason. Still, he can be a good complimentary wide receiver who could thrive in the right environment.
    
    
    
    Kansas City takes a gamble on Kayshon Boutte to end the second round. If he puts everything together and plays like the guy he was prior to 2022, you can get a potential upgrade at wide receiver. If he doesn't pan out you still get a quality number three to number four wide receiver on a rookie deal like Chris Conley, Byron Pringle, or Mecole Hardman.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Darnell Wright, RT, Tennessee