Welcome back for day 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft. The first round featured a decent amount of chalk after talk of trades left and right. There were still some surprises that left us scratching our heads, but I’d say a good majority of teams appeared to do the right thing. Given how the draft sometimes operates, that qualifies as unexpected.
The draft is back for night two, which features the second and third rounds. There’s talk of the depth of this year’s class dropping players who previously might have gone in first rounds into the second. It remains to be seen how true that will prove to be.
It takes several years to fully evaluate draft picks, but that won’t stop us from some knee-jerk reactions right after the pick is made. We broke down all 32 first round picks with grades, and we’re back for another round of grades. If you want to save this article and yell at me on Twitter next year or in a few years, I eagerly await it!
For now though, these are just some initial reactions. I don’t watch a ton of college football, so the focus of these grades will be weighted more toward team needs. I can guess on how a player will turn out, but I’ll just assume most players are going to turn out solid — not a super star, but a good player. If it’s what seems like a huge obvious reach, I’ll reflect that. Otherwise, the focus is on whether or not a player fills relevant needs.
33. Cincinnati Bengals — Tee Higgins, WR, Bengals
Grade: A
The Bengals franchised A.J. Green, but need someone to grow opposite him and Tyler Boyd. Higgins could fill that need.
34. Indianapolis Colts — Michael Pittman Jr., WR, USC
Grade: A
The Colts badly need help at receiver. After T.Y. Hilton, the Colts did not get nearly enough from Zach Pascal and Parris Campbell. Pittman offers Philip Rivers a much-needed addition to the receiver corps.
35. Detroit Lions — D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
Grade: B
Adding a second running back makes sense in the NFL, but not at this point. They might not be sold on some of the receivers, but there just seems better value on both sides of the ball. It’s not a bad pick, but feels a little early.
36. New York Giants — Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
Grade: A
The Giants defense needs some serious upgrades, and McKinney slipping to them early in the second is a nice value addition.
37. New England Patriots — Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoir–Rhyne
Grade: B
This is a pick for the future. They have some bigger needs and there are some questions as to this spot for Dugger, but Belichick has done some good work adding safeties over the years.
38. Carolina Panthers — Yetur Gross-Matos, Edge, Penn State
Grade: A
I love the Panthers beefing up their defensive line even more. They added Derrick brown in the first, and now Gross-Matos in the second.
39. Miami Dolphins — Robert Hunt, OG, Louisiana-Lafayette
Grade: B+
There are other areas of need still, but you can’t fault the Dolphins beefing up their line for Tua.
40. Houston Texans — Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU
Grade: A
J.J. Watt could use some help on the line, and Blacklock brings some beef for the middle of that defensive front.
41. Indianapolis Colts — Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
Grade: B-
The Colts must not be quite as big a fans of Marlon Mack as others. It seems like a wasted opportunity for other depth, although Taylor is a great talent.
42. Jacksonville Jaguars — Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado
Grade: B
A nice addition to hopefully offer a big threat opposite D.J. Chark. I don’t know what to make of the Jaguars quarterback situation, but Gardner Minshew will have another threat.
43. Chicago Bears — Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame
Grade: F
Listen, Kmet is an upgrade for them at tight end. But they have ten tight ends right now after spending money on Jimmy Graham’s washed up carcass. I just don’t know what they’re doing.
44. Cleveland Browns — Grant Delpit, S, LSU
Grade: B+
I like boosting the secondary, I probably would have leaned Winfield with the pick. But solid addition.
45. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Antoine Winfield, Jr., S, Minnesota
Grade: A-
The Bucs upgraded their line in round 1 and are addressing the defense in round 2. It’s a solid boost and I like the secondary value better with Winfield.
46. Denver Broncos — K.J. Hamler, WR, Penn State
Grade: B
The Broncos are loading up on receiver talent, adding Hamler to go with rookie Jerry Jeudy and veteran Courtland Sutton. They know they need points to beat the Chiefs of the world.
47. Atlanta Falcons — Marlon Davidson, DE, Auburn
Grade: B
The Falcons are focused on upgrading their defense. It seems like they’ve reached in both rounds, but they’re addressing serious needs.
48. Seattle Seahawks — Darrell Taylor, Edge, Tennessee
Grade: B-
The Seahawks add more talent to their defensive front, but like their LB pick in the first, it feels like a reach.
49. Pittsburgh Steelers — Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame
Grade: A
This feels like a potential all-or-nothing with the Combine freak. I’m betting on optimism and the Steelers needed more help at receiver opposite JuJu Smith-Schuster.
50. Chicago Bears — Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah
Grade: A
This is a great pick for the Bears defense. It’s a surprise Johnson slipped this far. No word on if he can also play tight end.
51. Dallas Cowboys — Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
Grade: A-
The Cowboys were expected to go defensive back in the first round until CeeDee Lamb slipped. They don’t get quite the blue-chipper, but Diggs is a solid addition to a defense that needs some work.
52. Los Angeles Rams — Cam Akers, RB, Florida State
Grade: B-
He’s a strong addition, but a little surprising they went running back this early. It’s not a bad pick, but they could have addressed some other needs.
53. Philadelphia Eagles — Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma
Grade: A
Wentz’s injury history is concerning, but this is still out of left field. That being said, I like being aggressive with your quarterback depth and Hurts has star potential.
54. Buffalo Bills — A.J. Epenesa, Edge, Iowa
Grade: B+
Bills finally get on the board and get a solid upgrade to their defensive line. His upside might be a bit limited, but if he turns into a solid player, this is a boost.
55. Baltimore Ravens — J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio State
Grade: B
The Ravens backfield is absolutely silly. That being said, receiver is where Baltimore could use some more help. But man, that backfield is gonna be something.
56. Miami Dolphins — Raekwon Davis, DT, Alabam
Grade: B
This is a solid addition to the defensive front, but there’s limited upside. He’ll help against the run, but not as much against the pass.
57. Los Angeles Rams — Van Jefferson, WR, Florida
Grade: B-
The Rams needed help after unloading Brandin Cooks. Jefferson isn’t flashy, but he could be decent enough. Not super sexy, but he will help.
58. Minnesota Vikings — Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State
Grade: B+
Solid get for the Vikings. Cleveland was speculated to be a potential late first round pick, but he slipped near the end of the second. A guy to lock in on one end of the line.
59. New York Jets — Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
Grade: A
The Jets moved back and got a great receiver addition. Mims was thought of as an early second, so getting him back here could be some nice value with his upside.
60. New England Patriots — Josh Uche, LB, Michigan
Grade: B
A lot of rawness to consider here for a guy who is a bit undersized off the edge. If they can coach him up, this could turn into a great pick.
61. Tennessee Titans — Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
Grade: B
Solid depth addition for a defense that needed some improvement. His upside is a bit shaky, so we’ll see.
62. Green Bay Packers — A.J. Dillon, RB
Grade: C
I don’t really get the pick. The Packers need pass catchers, not running backs. Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams are already there. It’s a questionable decision.
63. Kansas City Chiefs — Willie Gay, Jr., LB, Mississippi State
Grade: B
Feels like a sizable reach, but addresses a need on defense. There’s upside that gives this a bump up.
64. Carolina Panthers — Jeremy Chinn, S, Southern Illinois
Grade: A-
The Panthers invested on offense in free agency, and are loading up on defense in the draft. Solid addition on the back end of the defense.
65. Cincinnati Bengals — Logan Wilson, LB, Wyoming
Grade: A
He’s a tackling machine and is a nice upgrade in the middle of the defense. Love the pick.
66. Washington — Antonio Gibson, WR, Memphis
Grade: A
This could be a really fun pick for Washington’s offense. Terry McLaurin had a strong rookie season, and they now give Dwayne Haskins an explosive weapon that can do a little bit of everything.
67. Detroit Lions — Julian Okwara, LB, Notre Dame
Grade: B
Solid addition to the Jets defensive front. He slipped a bit, but he can add some oomph to the pass rush.
68. New York Jets — Ashtyn Davis, S, Cal
Grade: B+
Davis was a walk-on after entering college as a track athlete. He’s a rangy safety that could be a nice upgrade to the secondary.
69. Seattle Seahawks — Damien Lewis, OG, LSU
Grade: A-
Seattle sometimes makes questionable decisions with their offensive line, but this is not one of those decisions. Lewis is a strong addition to their run game.
70. Miami Dolphins — Brandon Jones, S, Texas
Grade: B+
Solid addition to the back end. Nice versatility as Dolphins doing solid work on a bad defense.
71. Baltimore Ravens — Justin Madubuike, DT, Texas A&M
Grade: A
Very much an upside pick, with an inconsistent player who could get serious penetration. If you think the coaching can build him up, we’ll look back on this as a phenomenal pick.
72. Arizona Cardinals — Josh Jones, OT, Houston
Grade: A
This is a great value pick with Jones slipping into the third round. Kyler Murray needs protection, and I like what this could mean.
73. Jacksonville Jaguars — DaVon Hamilton, DT, Ohio State
Grade: B
A nice addition of some power to the Jaguars defensive line.
74. Cleveland Browns — Zack Baun, LB, Wisconsin
Grade: A
Great versatility and tremendous value for a guy many saw as an earlier ascond round pick. A big addition to a shaky Browns defense.
75. Detroit Lions — Jonah Jackson, OG, Ohio State
Grade: B+
Should dive right in and compete to boost the interior of the Lions line. This is a great addition to boost the ground game and protect Matthew Stafford a bit better.
76. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Ke’Shawn Vaughn, RB, Vanderbilt
Grade: C
Ronald Jones isn’t exactly a clear star, but an inconsistent back in the third round seems like an odd choice. I would have expected the Bucs to load up more on defense.
77. Denver Broncos — Michael Ojemudia, CB, Iowa
Grade: B
The Broncos added A.J. Bouye and lost Chris Harris. Considering the Chiefs are in their division, you can’t add enough talent in the secondary.
78. Atlanta Falcons — Matt Hennessy, C, Temple
Grade: B
Solid interior lineman to reload that offensive line in front of Matt Ryan.
79. New York Jets — Jabari Zuniga, Edge, Florida
Grade: C+
Talented but has some work in front of him. Seems like it’s a project for a team that needs more.
80. Las Vegas Raiders — Lynn Bowden, Jr., WR/RB/QB, Kentucky
Grade: A
This is a fascinating pick given Bowden’s versatility. Love the upside.
81. Las Vegas Raiders — Bryan Edwards, WR, South Carolina
Grade: B-
The Raiders needed to upgrade their pass catchers, but another one? They’re overhauling that receiver corps.
82. Dallas Cowboys — Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma
Grade: B+
Solid addition to the Cowboys defensive front. They’ve been aggressive loading up there, but the 49ers showed you can never have too many defensive linemen.
83. Denver Broncos — Lloyd Cushenberry, C, LSU
Grade: B
Drew Lock gets protection to go with all the pass catchers.
84. Los Angeles Rams — Terrell Lewis, LB, Alabama
Grade: B
A great pass rushing option if healthy, but that’s the big question with Lewis. Could look back on this as an A+ or a D in a few years.
85. Indianapolis Colts — Julian Blackmon, S, Utah
Grade: A
Versatile addition to the Colts secondary, which needed more depth.
86. Buffalo Bills — Zack Moss, RB, Utah
Grade: A
I really like what this could mean for the Bills offense. They’re moving on from Frank Gore, and Moss offers a great potential running mate for Devin Singletary.
87. New England Patriots — Anfernee Jennings, OLB, Alabama
Grade: C+
Solid if unspectacular addition to the Patriots defense. They need to get younger, and this gives them a decent addition.
88. Cleveland Browns — Jordan Elliott, DT, Missouri
Grade: B+
The third round is defensive upgrade round for Cleveland. A really solid option on the defensive interior.
89. Minnesota Vikings — Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State
Grade: B-
Slow Combine run and he didn’t get to improve at his Pro Day. Secondary was a big need for the Vikings and they’ve loaded up.
90. Houston Texans — Jonathan Greenard, LB, Florida
Grade: B
The tools are there, but can he put it together?
91. New England Patriots — Devin Asiasi, TE, UCLA
Grade: B+
The Patriots have been looking for a replacement for Gronk. Asiasi is an intriguing talent.
92. Baltimore Ravens — Devin Duvernay, WR, Texas
Grade: A-
The Ravens might have been better suited adding a receiver earlier, but Duvernay is a playmaker out of the slot. Nice speed addition.
93. Tennessee Titans — Darrynton Evans, RB, Appalachian State
Grade: B+
The Titans could use some insurance/a complement for Derrick Henry. This is a really solid addition.
94. Green Bay Packers — Josiah Deguara, TE, Cincinnati
Grade: C+
Kinda of a meh pick, but tight end is an area the Packers have been trying to sort out for some time.
95. Denver Broncos — McTelvin Agim, DT, Arkansas
Grade: A-
Strong interior pass rush option off the bench.
96. Kansas City Chiefs — Lucas Niang, OT, TCU
Grade: B-
Project to develop for the future.
97. Cleveland Browns — Jacob Phillips, LB, LSU
Grade: C+
Fits a need, but hard to get too excited about the player.
98. Baltimore Ravens — Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio State
Grade: A-
Nice boost to the Ravens linebacker corps. Harrison is a nice all-around option.
99. New York Giants — Matt Peart, OT, Connecticut
Grade: A
Scouts love his athleticism and the Giants are early enough in their rebuild that projects make sense.
100. Las Vegas Raiders — Tanner Muse, S, Clemson
Grade: C
Hybrid player without great athleticism. Almost an anti-Raiders pick!
101. New England Patriots — Dalton Keene, TE, Virginia Tech
Grade: B
Seems like another h-back.
102. Pittsburgh Steelers — Alex Highsmith, DE, UNC Charlotte
Grade: C+
Pass rush project.
103. Philadelphia Eagles — Davion Taylor, LB, Colorado
Grade: B+
Fascinating hybrid option who can cover well as a linebacker.
104. Los Angeles Rams — Terrell Burgess, S, Utah
Grade: B+
Another impressive hybrid player
105. New Orleans Saints — Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton
Grade: A-
A great addition to the Saints pass catching unit, and New Orleans clearly wanted him badly, trading away their remaining picks to move into the end of the third round.
106. Baltimore Ravens — Tyre Phillips, OT, Mississippi State
Grade: B
Strong depth addition.