The second night of the NFL Draft was rich in offensive linemen, as a record 25 were selected in the first three rounds (or 25% of the first 100 picks). Many defensive players were also selected after the first 14 picks were offensive players in the first round, making Day 2 a free-for-all with defensive talent.
No quarterbacks were taken in the second round and no running backs were taken before pick 46, demonstrating how this draft was designed for wide receivers and the trenches. Which of the picks were worth the spot they found themselves in and which teams benefited?
For overreactions and reality checks on Day 2 of the NFL Draft, let’s take a look at notable picks and trends from Rounds 2 and 3:
Overreaction or reality: Reality
How did Wilson fall all the way to No. 98 in the first place? Reports came out just before the Steelers took Wilson that one of his knees was missing an ACL. Wilson was always able to rack up tackles and never missed a game, showing a presence all over the field.
Wilson should thrive in Teryl Austin’s defense as an immediate starter in Pittsburgh. He ran a 4.4 40-yard dash despite lacking an ACL and is an avid track and field athlete. If Wilson stays healthy, he’s at least a Pro Bowler.
Overreaction or reality: Reality
The Bills took Coleman to start the second day of the draft after trading up twice in the first round – and passing on a receiver. The return ended up working for them with Coleman still on the board, while Buffalo immediately jumped on him.
A two-sport athlete at Michigan State, Coleman focused solely on football at Florida State and threw for 11 touchdowns in his lone season with the Seminoles. He makes incredible catches and can win at the catch point against any defender.
Coleman’s game is built for the NFL level and he will thrive with Josh Allen throwing him the ball. He will be WR1 in his first year.
Overreaction or reality: Overreaction
If the Eagles were wise, they would just have DeJean play safety. DeJean can play all three positions in the secondary (outside corner, slot corner and safety) and the Eagles will definitely give him some reps at outside corner.
With someone who plays on the ball like DeJean, having a safety who can line up in the box is better for what the Eagles can use in the secondary. DeJean may get some reps in the slot, but the Eagles secondary is significantly better with him lined up with CJ Gardner-Johnson at safety.
The Eagles have enough cornerbacks to sort things out anyway.
The Panthers drafted Jonathan Brooks too early
Overreaction or reality: Overreaction
Brooks was the best running back in the draft and would have been drafted higher if he hadn’t torn his ACL in November. His talent deserved to be retained late in the first or early in the second, but concerns over his ACL recovery made his fate uncertain.
Dave Canales said at the owners’ meeting that he liked his running back group of Miles Sanders and Chuba Hubbard, but not enough to leave out Brooks. This was a weak running back class at the top of the draft, but taking Brooks 46th overall was more than ideal.
The Panthers couldn’t afford to leave him out.
No quarterback was worth facing on Day 2
Overreaction or reality: Reality
Six quarterbacks were selected in the first round, all among the first 12 picks. None were selected on Day 2, leaving only six quarterbacks selected among the first 100 picks. Spencer Rattler and Michael Pratt deserved to be selected in the third round, but this draft was loaded with offensive linemen and too many good defensive players were on the board in rounds 2 and 3 to pass up.
Teams don’t spend money on a backup when other areas need to be addressed. Rattler and Pratt are expected to leave early on the third day.
Adonai Mitchell will be a future 1,000 yard receiver with the Colts
Overreaction or reality: Reality
Why did Mitchell fall again to 52nd overall — and as the 11th wide receiver selected in this draft? Mitchell certainly had the talent to go in the first round, but reported character issues were the reason for the slide. Mitchell has every right to be upset about the fall, which ended up being the Colts’ gain.
He will now be able to catch passes from Anthony Richardson and line up with Michael Pittman, which will make the Colts passing game even better. He’s a deep threat in an offense that can use one, allowing Richardson to use his massive arm to his advantage.
A motivated Mitchell can do some serious damage in the NFL. He has the talent to collect 1,000 yards in Indianapolis, especially with his speed and his ability to achieve first downs and touchdowns (81.8% was the best in FBS). This could be a huge steal at #52.
