Instant grades for every 2023 NFL Draft Round 2 and Round 3 pick

We’re on to Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft, and if the sequel is as any good as the first day of the NFL Draft, we’re in for a special one. Multiple trades and surprises came out of the night, but night 2 has a chance to be just as fun.

Of course, the main storyline is where Kentucky QB Will Levis will end up going. Once believed to be the Texans pick at number 2, Levis faced a long night in the greenroom in Kansas City, falling out of the first round altogether. Levis has his warts, but in the right system with the right coach he can become a starting QB. In addition, Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker was believed to sneak into the back end of the first round, but ended up not hearing his name called as well. While he’s older than Levis and coming off a major knee injury, he throws a very pretty deep ball that was highlighted in the Tennessee offense. Where he goes will be interesting to watch.

On top of that, there are a lot of talented players still left on the board. Alabama DB Brian Branch, Northwestern DL Adetomiwa Adebawore, TEs Michael Mayer( Notre Dame) and Darnell Washington(Georgia) highlight the best of the bunch. Check out our list of the top remaining players around round one.

SB Nation has you covered on the 2023 NFL Draft from every angle. Read my first round grades here. Also check out our pick-by-pick tracker, our first round winners and losers, and our second round mock draft. You can bet on NFL futures at DraftKings Sportsbook.

As always, we’ll have grades so let’s have some fun tonight.

Grade: A-

This feels like a perfect fit, doesn’t it? Porter was thought to be a first round pick but falls to the top of round 2, where he’ll slide right in and provide more of an edge and physicality to the Steeler QB room.

Grade: A

The Titans have to wait a day, but find their QB of the future. They didn’t have to give up much to Arizona to move up, and this is vastly preferable than taking him with the No. 11 pick, which felt like a real possibility a day ago. Levis fits well in the Titans system, and has a lot of similarities to Ryan Tannehill. Big value here, and a good get.

Grade: C+

Fascinating pick here, as LaPorta goes over Mayer and Washington. However, LaPorta has the athletic traits to be more of a field stretcher with his ability after the catch. Again, I understand why, but I wonder if there were better players at the position on the board.

Grade: A

Love this pick by the Raiders. Mayer isn’t the most dynamic athlete at all, but he’s got a great understanding of how to create space for himself, while still being a plus defender. He’ll make the Raiders offense even more efficient.

Grade: A-

Very fun fit here, with the Rams taking a bruising guard from TCU in Avila. The Rams’ offensive line is currently held together by silly putty, so Avila should be able to step immediately and contribute. He’s strong and a very smart player, who will be a starter for many years.

Grade: B+

Hall is a long and violent player who looks to run through opposing linemen, not around them. In Seattle, he can help improve their porous run defense and provide a nicer complement to Uchenna Nwosu.

Grade: C+

Bergeron was a tackle in college, but was announced as a guard so he’s going to get the chance to start at left guard. However, picking a tackle to play guard when a guard like O’Cyrus Torrence is available is interesting.

Grade: B

Mingo is a very interesting pick for Carolina. He’s a big, fast receiver who could be better after the catch in Carolina’s RPO-based offense. Maybe his skill set is a bit redundant with Laviska Shenault, but Mingo will be an outside receiver.

Grade: B+

Foskey is a big, long EDGE who wins with power and a long arm. Sound familiar? He’s a perfect Saints player who may not be a superstar but will be a reliable havoc player.

Grade: A-

I really love BJ Ojulari. His pass rush ability is very good, and provides a lot of bend and burst in a draft class that doesn’t have much of those players. Ojulari is still improving against the run, but he can be a pass rusher at first while developing into a complete player.

Grade: C-

I understand the need for a tight end, but picking Musgrave over Washington is a head-scratcher. Musgrave isn’t as good of a blocker, and I think he’s limited to more of a vertical route tree right now. A little confusing.

Grade: B+

Like the Tipmann pick here, it’s solid but not an outstanding pick. Tipmann is a big and powerful player, who will thrive as the starting center in New York.

Grade: A-

Brents is such a Colts pick. From Indy, he’s a big, physical corner who wants to put hands on the opposing receiver. He’s also a very willing and capable tackler. He’s the perfect Gus Bradley corner.

Grade: A+

This is a STEAL by the Lions. Branch is a versatile, smart and disciplined player who can wear multiple hats for the Lions defense. He and CJ Gardner-Johnson will make for a safety duo that’s extremely versatile and smart.

Grade: B+

White and the Pats is a great scheme fit. He’s a powerfully built EDGE defender who primarily wins with power, and then can kick inside and win against guards. That third down group with White on the inside and Judon and Josh Uche on the outside will be fun to watch.

Grade: B-

Nickel corner who is athletic and fits the need on the inside in Washington. Very solid pick.

Grade: B+

Cody Mauch is a mauler. Played on the outside at NDSU, but will probably kick inside at the next level. He’s physical and is always looking to finish blocks. Tampa fills the hole they made by trading Shaq Mason.

Grade: A-

Benton is a large, powerful tackle with heavy hands who can be a contributor on all 3 downs. He can continue to improve as a pass rusher, but the Steelers are a great destination for him.

Grade: B

The Packers needed some more juice in that receiver room, and Reed is going to provide that in bunches. He’s a slot only guy, but he’ll give Jordan Love more options downfield.

Grade: B

Cam Smith is a very athletic and instinctive corner who succeeds best in an off-man scheme. In Miami, he can learn and play outside, and let Jalen Ramsey be a nickel/star in the role he played in LA.

Grade: C

I love Zach Charbonnet, his contact balance and leg drive make him a consistent back who doesn’t have to be taken off the field. I just wonder if his skillset is kind of redundant in Seattle with Kenneth Walker.

Grade: B+

Dexter has had an up and down career at Florida, with different coordinators switching up what his role is. However, he’s at his best when he controls one gap, and he uses his size and burst to overwhelm opponents. He’ll slide right in at defensive tackle and can develop into a potential gamechanger. Needs to improve his consistency.

Grade: C+

Tweener who will probably play more on the edge, who was extremely productive. Just feels like they could’ve gone for guys with more juice in the run and pass game.

Grade: A+

I love the player and fit here with Rice and the Chiefs. Rashee Rice is a well built receiver, who wins at the catch point and in yards after the catch. He’s not super shifty, nor is he a burner, but he can do the dirty work over the middle. The Chiefs offense has morphed from a feast or famine, deep ball offense to efficient, and going for more guys who can get yards after the catch is a perfect fit.

Grade: B+

Like the fit here for Stevenson. Physical corner who looks to use his hands and jam receivers at the line of scrimmage. He can play inside or outside, but will likely play outside. He’s a good fit in the Bears’ Cover-2 heavy scheme.

Grade: A

Schmitz was my top center in the draft, a tough and physical center who will play through the whistle. The Giants fortified the center position here.

Grade: C-

I didn’t think Schoonmaker would go in Day 2, let alone over Darnell Washington. Odd pick here.

Grade: A

Not sure why Torrence fell this far, but he’s a steal at this point for the Bills. Powerful mauler in a phone booth who will instantly boost the run game of Buffalo.

Grade: B+

This is another pick looking towards the future for the Bengals. Turner has inside-outside versatility, and can be another potential star in the Bengals secondary.

Grade: C-

I get the rationale in taking a TE, I really do. But Strange seems more like a guy the Jaguars could’ve gotten on Day 3.

Grade: C+

His hands get a little too wide at times, but he’s an experienced center who will vouch for reps right away. Will succeed in gap based offenses, but with the Texans bringing in Bobby Slowik, it makes me raise an eyebrow.

Grade: B-

Mims has capital J Juice. He can get down the field in a hurry and runs a variety of routes downfield. He’ll open up the offense a lot, and could signal that KJ Hamler is on the way out.

Grade: C+

This is a bit higher than I thought Pickens would go, but he’s another athletic talent who hasn’t put it together yet. He can be a fine pass rushing three technique.

Grade: B-

This is a luxury line pick for the Eagles, who will probably slide Steen to guard or play him at right tackle in the event Lane Johnson retires. Steen is another powerful player, who came on later in the draft process.

Grade: C+

Another luxury pick for Philly, although this one feels more questionable. Brown is a speeding bullet at safety, who is better coming downhill to fill run lanes or cover the flats, and has lateral range to think he can be a better player in coverage.

Grade: B+

This one feels interesting. I never bought the Drew Sanders first round hype, but this feels like a good range for him. He can rush the passer and fill runs going laterally, so his usage should be fun to watch.

Grade: B+

This feels more like the appropriate range for Hooker. He’s a smart player who can throw a pretty pass, but coming from that offense at Tennessee and off a major knee injury, he’ll need some time before he can start. Hooker can sit for a year behind Goff and then take the reins if that’s what the Lions want to do.

Grade: B-

I think this is a nice player and team fit. Tank Dell is fast, but he’s not burner fast. He’s more short area burst and quickness to create separation fast. He should operate only from the slot and thrive in that offense.

Grade: B+

Byron Young is just an overall solid player. He’s disciplined in the run game and can anchor very well. His pass rush upside is a little limited, but he should step in and be a great run defender early.

Grade: B-

The Alvin Kamara suspension is looming over the Saints, but Miller is a solid runner who plays violently. The Saints can use him to rotate with Kamara while having the ability to hit the singles and doubles.

Grade: C+

This feels like a pick more for the future, as Williams suffered a major knee injury last season. When he’s healthy, he can be an instinctive outside corner in an off man scheme. If he’s healthy, I like the player, but it is a risk.

Grade: A

This is a great pick for New York, in getting a player who will stretch the field in Hyatt. He’s a limited route runner, but he has natural hands and can force a defense to adjust to his speed. The Giants have a lot of slot receivers, but none with the verticality of Hyatt.

Grade: B

I liked Tillman more tha Hyatt as a true receiver, a traditional X who can win in the short to intermediate areas of the field. He’s a tough blocker as well, and he’ll slide in right away on the outside. I just wonder if the Browns could’ve helped their DL here.

Grade: B

Another player who was highly recruited and has all the athletic tools, but didn’t fill up the stat sheet. He’s a powerful EDGE player, though, one that’ll fit in Atlanta with their new defense.

Grade: A+

God, yes. Mapu is a safety/LB hybrid who fills the hole with bad intentions. He’s also an experienced player in the middle of the field, and has instincts in coverage. Homerun pick for the Pats.

Grade: A-

Young is a powerful pass rusher who can convert speed to power with the best of them. He’s an explosive player who’s not the best against the run right now, but he’ll instantly turn up their pass rush.

Grade: C+

A little weird doubling up on tight ends, but Kraft is a physical player who complements Luke Musgrave’s playing style well. He’ll be a fun player in that offense.

Grade: A

Very good ball tracker who can make contested catches and create separation in short areas. He’s a different body type from Alec Pierce and Michael Pittman Jr., and should help new QB Anthony Richardson thrive.

Grade: C-

The Panthers needed another complementary edge rusher but man, this feels like a reach. Johnson is a great athlete who is still learning how to play LB. but he has all the tools to make it work.

Grade: A-

I like this pick for Tennessee. If the medicals check out, he’s such a nice complement to Derrick Henry and can eventually take over as a lead back. He’s got great elusiveness and the ability to make the first guy miss.

Grade: B

Another guy who was inside but will be and EDGE, Diaby is at his best when he can use his change of direction to knife inside and stunt. Tampa fits him perfectly.

Grade: C+

Moss is an interesting player. Some viewed him as a safety, but he’ll most likely play corner. He’s instinctive and productive, but I wonder about his change of direction to play corner. He’ll be nice depth in Denver.

Grade: B+

This is a pick that fits the gimmick. Achane isn’t a bellcow, but he has the speed to make every touch a house call. He can be used as a receiver or out the backfield, adding to an already fast Dolphins offense.

Grade: A

Love this pick for the Chargers. Henley is a fast player who plays with a quick trigger downhill. He can play WILL and thrive immediately.

Grade: C+

This feels kind of redundant, with Patrick Queen having sort of the same playing style. Simpson is a rangy backer who can run with backs and blitz, but is still learning how to read gaps on the inside.

Grade: B+

Instinctive player who can make plays all over the field. The 40 time was concerning, but in San Francisco he can be more of a range player.

Grade: B-

Tank Bigsby runs angry, he’s got no problems fighting through contact and made a lot of plays after being dealt a bad hand at Auburn. Bigsby won’t have to be the bellcow in Jacksonville, and he’s a nice complement to Travis Etienne.

Grade: A

Kobie Turner has some pass rush juice from the inside. He’s got explosiveness and burst, while not being the most powerful, and can disrupt plays in an instant. The Rams needed talent on the DL outside of Aaron Donald, and Turner is a great pick.

Grade: B+

Overshown is a long, tall defender who is a run and chase player at best. When he sees everything unfold, he can get downhill in an instant. He’s got range as a former safety, and in Dallas Dan Quinn can use him well.

Grade: B-

Williams is a fine player, he’s got a lot of range and can run, while providing nice special teams impact. Buffalo can play him on the weakside of plays and use him as a blitzer.

Grade: A-

Experienced player on the right side who is long and physical in the run game, and Oklahoma used him a lot on pulls. Going to Kansas City is the best spot for him.

Grade: A

If the medicals come back clear on Washington, then Pittsburgh got an absolute steal in the third round. Washington is an extra offensive linemen as a run blocker, with an extremely long runway as a receiver. He can potentially become an uber-reliable and explosive target in the red zone, and in Pittsburgh, he can combine with Pat Freiermuth and create a dominant offense.

Grade: B+

I really like Wilson. He’s a good route runner who can create separation in intermediate areas, combined with a good frame to play on the outside or inside. He might not be a star, but he’ll be extremely reliable.

Grade: B

Reliable, smart safety who makes up for a lack of pure athleticism with experience and instincts. He’ll be a good addition to the Bengals safety room.

Grade: B-

Interesting pick, as Martin fills a need, but I wonder if there were other players there that filled that need. Especially trading three picks to get back up for him. Ultimately, Detroit needed a nose tackle, and that’s what Martin does.

Grade: B-

Stromberg is an experienced player who can play in multiple schemes. Unspectacular, but a reliable pick.

Grade: A-

Ika is a great value pick here for the Browns. He’s a walking double-wide RV who is an instant impact run defender, who will help the Browns ailing run defense.

Grade: C-

Hey man...he’s the best kicker in the draft but on Day 2...

Grade: C-

I didn’t think Tucker would be the first Bearcat receiver off the board, but here we are. Tucker is a jitterbug at receiver, exclusively a slot only but has some juice to him as well. Provides on special teams too.

Grade: C+

Solid, reliable tight end who won’t wow you in any aspect of the game but he’ll provide depth for the Niners.

Grade: C+

Interesting pick with guys like Kelee Ringo and Clark Phillips still on the board, but Blackmon is scrappy to the point of getting flags for being too grabby. He’ll need that coached out of him, but it’s a scheme fit for Brian Flores and the Vikings D.