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NFL Draft: Rounds 2 & 3 Analysis

Sliding Prospects Find Homes

The second and third rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft went mostly as expected. Prospects who the Las Vegas NFL odds projected as first-round picks, like quarterback Will Levis, were taken early in the second round. We saw a run of defensive linemen, tight ends, and cornerbacks selected. Several talented players remain on the board for day three of the draft, including cornerback Kelee Ringo and defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore.

Check out the best and worst picks of the second and third rounds.

Joey Porter #DB23 of the Penn State speaks with the media
Justin Casterline/Getty Images/AFP

Best Picks

1. Steelers: CB Joey Porter Jr., Penn State

Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. was one of the surprise prospects to fall out of the first round. The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Porter with the first pick of the second round. This makes for an awesome story, as Porter’s father, Joey Porter, won a Super Bowl with the Steelers. This is also an excellent fit for Pittsburgh. Porter excels in man coverage with impressive length, physicality, and ball skills.

2. Rams: G Steve Avila, TCU

The Los Angeles Ram’s offensive line was a mess last season. With the 36th pick in the second round, they selected one of the draft’s most versatile offensive linemen, Steve Avila. He made All-Big 12 honors at center and guard over the last two seasons. NFL odds had Avila as a borderline first-round selection. The Rams get an instant quality starter in the interior offensive line.

3. Chiefs: WR Rashee Rice, SMU

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes got another target with wide receiver Rashee Rice. The former Mustang has good athleticism, excels after the catch, and flashed the ability to win contested catches. However, Rice must work on consistency, mainly in his route running. He could thrive in the Kansas City Chiefs offense with Mahomes slinging the rock.

4. Giants: C John Michael Schmitz, Minnesota

The sportsbook had center John Michael Schmitz as a potential first-round pick. Some mock drafts had the New York Giants selecting Schmitz in the first round. New York got fantastic value with the 57th pick, drafting perhaps the best center in the class. The Giants have filled their center void.

5. Broncos: LB Drew Sanders, Arkansas

Drew Sanders was landing in the first round of some NFL predictions. The Denver Broncos scooped Sanders in the third round, getting excellent value. The Arkansas product is versatile with a 6-foot-4 frame. As a former defensive end, he can rush the passer and provides great range as an off-ball linebacker. Denver got a steal.

Worst Picks

1. Commanders: S Jartavius Martin, Illinois

The Washington Commanders selected safety Jartavius Martin with the No. 47 pick. Martin is one of the most athletic safeties of the class with good physicality and coverage skills in the slot. However, this felt like a reach, as most NFL expert picks expected Martin to land in the third round.

2. Cowboys: TE Luke Schoonmaker

One of the Dallas Cowboys clear needs on the second day of the draft was a tight end. Georgia’s Darnell Washington was on the board. Instead, Dallas took Michigan’s Luke Schoonmaker, who had a third-round grade by most scouts. Schoonmaker should help in run blocking but could be a year or two away from being a reliable receiver. In addition, he will turn 25 during the 2023 season.

3. Raiders: DT Byron Young, Alabama

The Las Vegas Raiders made a strong selection in the second round with tight end Michael Mayer. However, the third round did not go as well. The Raiders drafted defensive tackle Byron Young with the 70th selection. Young does have an exciting upside and excels as a run-stopper, which Las Vegas needs. However, passing on several promising edge prospects, like Byron Young of Tennessee and Zach Harrison of Ohio State, was surprising.

4. Patriots: LB Marte Mapu, Sacramento State

Marte Mapu is an interesting prospect, which most view as a weakside linebacker. He also has the ability to cover the slot and guard tight ends. Mapu is a hybrid defender that can fill in multiple positions. The New England Patriots selected Mapu with the 76th pick in the third round, which was a shocker. Most NFL picks had Mapu as a day-three pick. Some had the Sacramento State product going in the fifth round or later.

5. Green Bay Packers: TE Tucker Kraft, South Dakota State

The Green Bay Packers went all out on acquiring targets for quarterback Jordan Love. In the second round, they selected Luke Musgrave – one of the most athletic tight ends in the class. The Packers double-dipped, taking Tucker Kraft of South Dakota State in the third round. This one was a head-scratcher. Green Bay could have targeted other needs, like defensive tackle or safety.

Before placing a bet on the NFL game, it’s important to check the latest NFL lines and Vegas NFL odds to make an informed decision.

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