The smoke has cleared and we’re starting to get a better picture of the plan that teams came into the NFL Draft with. Was it right? Was it wrong? We’ll be discussing that in Monday’s article where I’ll assign each team a grade from the 2020 draft.
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While the first round was the most important one, Day 2 is still extremely important and valuable. Knowing what players are available, here are my best guesses as to where teams may look during rounds two and three on Friday evening.
SECOND ROUND
2.01 Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Epenesa (EDGE – Iowa)
It would make some sense for the Bengals to snag upside offensive tackle Josh Jones here, but they must address the defense, and not many saw Epenesa falling out of the first round. He’d be a rotational edge rusher alongside Carlos Dunlap and Sam Hubbard with the ability to kick inside, if absolutely necessary. We could also see them trade back here.
2.02 Indianapolis Colts (from Redskins): Xavier McKinney (S – Alabama)
The Colts have been rumored to be shopping Malik Hooker, which makes absolutely no sense. Still, where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire, and they still need another safety even if he stays on the team. Many had McKinney pegged for the first round, so they snag him here.
2.03 Detroit Lions: Julian Okwara (EDGE – Notre Dame)
This feels like a Matt Patricia pick, as Okwara would be an ideal fit for their hybrid scheme they run. After losing Devon Kennard this offseason, they need another presence on the edge alongside Trey Flowers. Yetur Gross-Matos is possible, but he doesn’t offer as much flexibility as Okwara.
2.04 New York Giants: Yetur Gross-Matos (EDGE – Penn State)
This pick has to be defense, right? Some good cornerbacks have fallen in the draft but after snagging James Bradberry in free agency, that’s not a pressing need. Gross-Matos is ideally suited for a 4-3 defense, but the Giants need playmakers who can get after the passer, and he can do that extremely well.
2.05 New England Patriots (from Chargers): Cole Kmet (TE – Notre Dame)
If the Patriots wanted to take Kmet, it would make sense that they’d stay in this range and not fall too far back. If they wanted a linebacker, there were a few top-notch ones on the board when they traded back. The alternative pick would be an edge rusher or safety.
2.06 Carolina Panthers: Kristian Fulton (CB – LSU)
This is a dream scenario for the Panthers, as Fulton drops into their lap in the second round. He’s a first-round talent that will go early on Day 2. The Panthers current starters at cornerback are Donte Jackson, Corn Elder, and Dominique Hatfield.
2.07 Miami Dolphins: Josh Jones (OT – Houston)
The Dolphins double down on protecting their investment of Tua Tagovailoa, snagging another upside offensive tackle. Jones projects as a left tackle down the road with excellent length, though very raw. We could see them go running back with this pick, though they can snag one later after landing Jordan Howard in free agency.
2.08 Houston Texans (from Cardinals): Ross Blacklock (IDL – TCU)
The Texans cleared up one of their needs trading for Brandin Cooks (even if the collection of receivers they have is odd), so they can move on to another need that arose when D.J. Reader left them in free agency. Blacklock did visit with the Texans before they had to shut down operations, so the interest is there.
2.09 Cleveland Browns: Grant Delpit (S – LSU)
The Browns snagged their desperately needed tackle in the first round, though they still need a linebacker, but it’d be a reach to take one here. Trading back would make much more sense given the players on the board. But staying here, Delpit would be a fine pick to the back end of that defense.
2.10 Jacksonville Jaguars: Justin Madubuike (IDL – Texas A&M)
We didn’t see many defensive tackles come off the board in the first round (just two), but Madubuike is the second to come off in the first 10 picks of the second round. The Jaguars need to address the losses of both Calais Campbell and Marcell Dareus. We also know they’re about to lose Yannick Ngakoue, right? They need to continue rebuilding that front seven.
2.11 Chicago Bears (from Raiders): Antoine Winfield (S – Minnesota)
The Bears should be targeting a safety, cornerback, or interior offensive linemen with their two picks in the second round, though it wouldn’t be a shock to see them move back considering they don’t have another top-150 pick. Winfield has first-round talent and should come off the board around this time, so pairing him with Eddie Jackson makes tons of sense. The alternate pick would’ve been Trevon Diggs.
2.12 Indianapolis Colts: Tee Higgins (WR – Clemson)
The Colts current wide receiver depth chart feels like it’s missing something, as T.Y. Hilton is getting up there in age and has just one year left on his contract, while Parris Campbell is likely going to take over the slot role. Higgins makes sense as a big target for Philip Rivers who can consistently win contested catches down the field.
2.13 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trevon Diggs (CB – Alabama)
This would be a great pick for the Bucs, whose secondary did play better down the stretch, but I’m not convinced that Carlton Davis and Sean Murphy-Bunting can handle the likes of Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley, or Michael Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. Diggs has been on the biggest of stages and this team is trying to win now.
2.14 Denver Broncos: Lloyd Cushenberry (IOL – LSU)
The current starter at center for the Broncos is one of either former undrafted free agents Patrick Morris or Austin Schlottmann. They signed guard Graham Glasgow in free agency to help protect Drew Lock, but missing the centerpiece could be an issue. Cushenberry is considered a plug-and-play center by many, though I feel he’s a tad overrated.
2.15 Atlanta Falcons: Zack Baun (LB – Wisconsin)
After news dropped about Baun’s diluted sample at the NFL Combine, his stock could fall. The Falcons could benefit from that, as Baun is a versatile linebacker who can play on the edge and provide a pass-rush, as well as dropping back in coverage.
2.16 New York Jets: Denzel Mims (WR – Baylor)
There are not many who expected Mims to fall this far, but it seems NFL teams haven’t relied on the Combine athletic testing as much this year. Still, Mims is a lock to go on Day 2 and the Jets are in clear need of a wide receiver, as they have Breshad Perriman on a one-year deal and not much behind him on the perimeter.
2.17 Pittsburgh Steelers: Jonathan Taylor (RB – Wisconsin)
I still believe the Steelers have to consider a quarterback here, though they have also been tied to a lot of running back conversations and Taylor fits what they want. He’s a workhorse running back who has tremendous durability. They have passing-down backs to complement him as well.
2.18 Chicago Bears: Matt Hennessy (IOL – Temple)
The Bears likely trade out of this pick, as they don’t pick again until the fifth round. If they do stay here, they need to address the offensive line void left by Kyle Long. Hennessy is someone they were interested in back at the Senior Bowl, and after he dominated the NFL Combine, he’s moving up draft boards.
2.19 Dallas Cowboys: Jaylon Johnson (CB – Utah)
Some had pegged the Cowboys with a cornerback in the first round as they look for Byron Jones‘ replacement, so snagging Johnson here makes sense. He’s another guy who’s fallen down the draft board a bit more than expected.
2.20 Los Angeles Rams: Ezra Cleveland (OT – Boise State)
There was someone who called Cleveland a virtual lock to go in the first round, though I never saw it that way. He may not fall this far, but it makes plenty of the sense for the Rams to take him. They need to upgrade Rob Havenstein, as well as prepare for future life without Andrew Whitworth.
2.21 Philadelphia Eagles: Kyle Dugger (S/LB – Lenoir-Rhyne)
There were many who wondered how high Dugger could move up draft boards considering he was coming out of a small school, but after doing extremely well at both the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine, I believe he’s going on Day 2 of the NFL Draft. His upside is immense, and the Eagles have needs at both positions he’s likely able to play.
2.22 Buffalo Bills: D’Andre Swift (RB – Georgia)
The Bills were tied to Melvin Gordon in the free agency process, so they’re certainly interested in running backs who can handle a decent sized workload. While Devin Singletary proved to be capable, they clearly want a timeshare in the backfield.
2.23 Baltimore Ravens (from Falcons (from Patriots)): Donovan Peoples-Jones (WR – Michigan)
It’s no secret that the Ravens need wide receiver help. The question is: how much do they value the position? They need an offensive guard after Marshal Yanda decided to retire, though it’s a weak class for interior linemen. Peoples-Jones would fit right into the slot, a position that’s empty right now after Seth Roberts left via free agency. Peoples-Jones is a baller who should come off the board on Day 2.
2.24 Miami Dolphins (from Saints): JK Dobbins (RB – Ohio State)
After watching both Jonathan Taylor and D’Andre Swift come off the board, they pair Dobbins with Jordan Howard, and the pairing makes sense. With all the moves the Dolphins made in free agency, as well as adding Noah Igbinoghene in the first round, they can continue to re-shape the offense.
2.25 Los Angeles Rams (from Texans): Josh Uche (EDGE – Michigan)
The Rams have needs at both edge rusher and linebacker, so Uche makes tons of sense for them, as he offers versatility. The Rams have plenty of team needs and not many picks, so going only off “best player available” on their board may not be wise.
2.26 Minnesota Vikings: Jonathan Greenard (EDGE – Florida)
After snagging a wide receiver and cornerback in the first round (Vikings had one of my favorite first round grades), the Vikings need to shift to the defensive line. They haven’t shut the door on a return by Everson Griffin, but there’s no guarantee he comes back, either. They need depth and Greenard would be a solid fit.
2.27 Seattle Seahawks: Raekwon Davis (IDL – Alabama)
He falls right into their laps and it would be a pick Seahawks fans should love. Davis is a great fit for Pete Carroll’s defense that just lost Quinton Jefferson and Al Woods on the interior of the defensive line and looks likely to lose Jadeveon Clowney.
2.28 Baltimore Ravens: Robert Hunt (IOL – Louisiana-Lafayette)
There’s a trend early in the draft where players coming off injury (or those that have injury question marks) are falling. The Ravens lost Pro Bowl guard Marshal Yanda to retirement and need to plug that hole in the draft. Hunt has experience on the interior, as well as tackle, giving them depth and versatility.
2.29 Tennessee Titans: Terrell Lewis (EDGE – Alabama)
This is assuming they don’t land Jadeveon Clowney before they’re on the clock, as he would completely change their plans. But as of right now, the Titans need an edge rusher, and no, Vic Beasley isn’t the answer. Lewis isn’t one of my favorite prospects, but many are expecting him off the board by now, and the Titans have talked with him.
2.30 Green Bay Packers: Neville Gallimore (IDL – Oklahoma)
Do the Packers try and get back on Aaron Rodgers‘ good side? They might. If so, I’d expect either Laviska Shenault or KJ Hamler. But instead, they beef up the defensive line by adding Gallimore.
2.31 Kansas City Chiefs (from 49ers): Cameron Dantzler (CB – Mississippi State)
The Chiefs passed on edge rusher in the first round with a few big names there, so it’s clear they’ve identified some mid-round picks they like. Dantzler is the last of the cornerbacks who got first round buzz this year, and would be asked to be a starter immediately.
2.32 Seattle Seahawks (from Chiefs): Michael Pittman (WR – USC)
We’ve heard Russell Wilson ask for more weapons, and Pittman is rising up draft boards. He’d be on the perimeter opposite D.K. Metcalf with Tyler Lockett in the slot, forming a potent 3WR set. I can see them going offensive line here, though many of the lineman they’d hoped for are gone.
THIRD ROUND
3.01 Cincinnati Bengals: Jeremy Chinn (S – Southern Illinois)
3.02 Washington Redskins: Laviska Shenault (WR – Colorado)
3.03 Detroit Lions: Jonah Jackson (IOL – Ohio State)
3.04 New York Jets (from Giants): Amik Robertson (CB – Louisiana Tech)
3.05 Carolina Panthers: Darrell Taylor (EDGE – Tennessee)
3.06 Miami Dolphins: Ashtyn Davis (S – California)
3.07 New England Patriots (from Chargers): Malik Harrison (LB – Ohio State)
3.08 Arizona Cardinals: Lucas Niang (OT – TCU)
3.09 Jacksonville Jaguars: Jalen Hurts (QB – Oklahoma)
3.10 Cleveland Browns: KJ Hamler (WR – Penn State)
3.11 Indianapolis Colts: Jake Fromm (QB – Georgia)
3.12 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Darrynton Evans (RB – Appalachian State)
3.13 Denver Broncos: Evan Weaver (LB – California)
3.14 Atlanta Falcons: Nick Harris (IOL – Washington)
3.15 New York Jets: Curtis Weaver (EDGE – Boise State)
3.16 Las Vegas Raiders: Logan Stenberg (IOL – Kentucky)
3.17 Las Vegas Raiders (from Bears): Logan Wilson (LB – Wyoming)
3.18 Dallas Cowboys: Brandon Jones (S – Texas)
3.19 Denver Broncos (from Steelers): Matt Peart (OT – UConn)
3.20 Los Angeles Rams: Troy Pride Jr. (CB – Notre Dame)
3.21 Detroit Lions (from Eagles): Cam Akers (RB – Florida State)
3.22 Buffalo Bills: Solomon Kindley (IOL – Georgia)
3.23 New England Patriots: Bradlee Anae (EDGE – Utah)
3.24 New Orleans Saints: Jacob Eason (QB – Washington)
3.25 Minnesota Vikings: Tyler Biadasz (IOL – Wisconsin)
3.26 Houston Texans: Netane Muti (IOL – Fresno State)
3.27 Las Vegas Raiders (from Seahawks): Quintez Cephus (WR – Wisconsin)
3.28 Baltimore Ravens: Alton Robinson (EDGE – Syracuse)
3.29 Tennessee Titans: Bryce Hall (CB – Virginia)
3.30 Green Bay Packers: Antonio Gandy-Golden (WR – Liberty)
3.31 Denver Broncos (from 49ers): Geno Stone (S – Iowa)
3.32 Kansas City Chiefs: Marlon Davidson (DL – Auburn)
Compensatory Pick 3.33 Cleveland Browns: Davion Taylor (LB – Colorado)
Compensatory Pick 3.34 New England Patriots: Jordan Elliott (IDL – Missouri)
Compensatory Pick 3.35 New York Giants: Troy Dye (LB – Oregon)
Compensatory Pick 3.36 New England Patriots: Bryan Edwards (WR – South Carolina)
Compensatory Pick 3.37 Seattle Seahawks: Zack Moss (RB – Utah)
Compensatory Pick 3.38 Pittsburgh Steelers: Jabari Zuniga (EDGE – Florida)
Compensatory Pick 3.39 Philadelphia Eagles: Damien Lewis (IOL – LSU)
Compensatory Pick 3.40 Los Angeles Rams: Willie Gay Jr. (LB – Mississippi State)
Compensatory Pick 3.41 Minnesota Vikings: Terrell Burgess (S – Utah)
Compensatory Pick 3.42 Baltimore Ravens: A.J. Dillon (RB – Boston College)
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Mike Tagliere is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @MikeTagliereNFL.