It’s time to look ahead to our 2023 NFL mock draft for Day 2 after the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft delivered plenty of surprises. A draft class that everyone viewed as unpredictable with divisive opinions on every prospect delivered plenty of stunners. Now, it’s time to focus on our early Day 2 mock draft with predictions for Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Quarterbacks dominated the top of first round, with the top passers coming off the board early. Unsurprisingly, we also saw a run on offensive weapons, and running back Bijan Robinson landed in an excellent spot. While many of the best players in the 2023 NFL Draft have already been selected, there is still an abundance of talent available for Rounds 2 and 3 on Friday Night.
Let’s dive into our 2023 NFL mock draft for Day 2, with the draft order from NFL.com with alternating picks made by Andrew Buller-Russ and Matt Johnson
2023 NFL mock draft Day 2: Raiders take Will Levis
32. Pittsburgh Steelers (via CHI): Joey Porter Jr, CB, Penn State
It doesn’t get much better than this for both the Pittsburgh fanbase and for Joey Porter Jr. Sure, he’d love to be drafted higher, but retracing his father’s footsteps for the Steelers is a storybook ending. — Andrew BR
33. Arizona Cardinals (via HOU): O’Cyrus Torrence, iOL, Florida
Trading up for Paris Johnson Jr isn’t enough, the Arizona Cardinals must make the offensive line a strength. O’Cyrus Torrence is the best guard in the 2023 NFL Draft and he’ll provide interior pass protection for Arizona and create running lanes with his eye-popping power. — Matt J
34. Detroit Lions (via ARI): Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
The Lions get Jared Goff yet another weapon, adding who some might suggest is the best tight end in the draft. Dan Campbell will love that Mayer is both a consistent pass-catcher and a strong run-blocker. Great value pick here. — Andrew BR
35. Indianapolis Colts: Steve Avila, OG, TCU
The Indianapolis Colts struck gold with Antony Richardson, now they have to protect him. Steve Avila generated some first-round buzz, but ultimately became available on Day 2. He’s a plug-and-play guard on the right side, filling out the Colts’ offensive line. — Matt J
36. Los Angeles Rams: Brian Branch, S, Alabama
Here the Rams start replenishing their secondary after trading Jalen Ramsey. Branch is a high-IQ football player who’s a sound tackler and has no trouble covering the slot. — Andrew BR
37. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN): John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota
The Seattle Seahawks are going all-in with this offense but the only way for it to be an elite unit is by keeping Geno Smith upright. John Michael Schmitz is the best center in the 2023 NFL Draft and after allowing just five pressures across 317 snaps (PFF) last season, he’ll be a nice fit as the heart of the Seahawks offensive line. — Matt J
38. Las Vegas Raiders: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
The Will Levis slide finally ends with the Raiders finding their potential QB of the future. It’s a bit ironic, as Derek Carr was once the 36th overall pick. Like Carr, Levis has plenty of arm talent, and with Jimmy Garoppolo in town, the rookie will have plenty of time to learn. — Andrew BR
39. Carolina Panthers: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
Now that the Carolina Panthers have their franchise quarterback, it’s time to provide him with more weapons. Josh Downs is undersized (5-foot-9), but he’s an excellent slot receiver. Put him in Frank Reich’s offense as an underneath weapon and Young will have a lot of easy throws. — Matt J
Related: Bryce Young scouting report
40. New Orleans Saints: Adetomiwa Adebawore, EDGE, Northwestern
After grabbing Bryan Bresee in the first round, the Saints continue adding talent to the defensive line. This time, it’s along the edge with the freakish Adebawore, who blazed a 4.49 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. — Andrew BR
41. Tennessee Titans: Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
The Tennessee Titans keep quarterback Hendon Hooker at home and effectively commit to Ryan Tannehill as their starter early in the 2023 season. Fortunately, Hooker should be ready by November and he could become a very effective starter over the course of his career. — Matt J
2023 NFL Draft Day 2 predictions: Packers, Jets land top talent
42. Green Bay Packers (via CLE): Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
Why not accomplish two goals at once? The Packers can improve Jordan Love’s protection while giving him another weapon. Darnell Washington fills multiple needs in the second round. That’s incredible value. — Andrew BR
43. New York Jets: Dawand Jones, OT, Georgia
Our Day 2 mock draft becomes the dream scenario for the New York Jets. Right now, one of the lone holes on the offense is at right tackle. Dawand Jones is eerily similar to Orlando Brown Jr. as a prospect and getting anything close to that on the right side would be perfect for the Jets next year and beyond. — Matt J
Related: NFL defense rankings
44. Atlanta Falcons: Keion White, EDGE, Georgia Tech
The Falcons chose to inject more talent into their offense instead of addressing several defensive needs. White is an athletic freak with high upside both as a pass rusher and a run defender. Atlanta’s challenge will be getting the most out of a prospect who’s raw but not as young as you’d like (24 years old). — Andrew BR
45. Green Bay Packers: Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M
The Green Bay Packers are alarmingly thin at safety and they would really love it if that defensive back could be versatile. Enter Antonio Johnson, the top safety in the 2023 NFL Draft who is comfortable either playing in the slot or playing closer to the line of scrimmage as a safety. He would immediately become the best safety in Green Bay. — Matt J
46. New England Patriots: Cody Mauch, OL, North Dakota State
Cody Mauch is a pure offensive lineman. It doesn’t matter where he’s asked to play, he’ll play from whistle to whistle, giving his opponent his best. This feels like a classic Belichick pick, adding a versatile lineman capable of filling multiple roles. — Andrew BR
47. Washington Commanders: Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa
After addressing their need at cornerback in the first round, the Washington Commanders now add a weapon for their young quarterback. Sam LaPorta was stuck on a lethargic Iowa offense, but he was a bright spot. While he’s undersized at 6-foot-3, he’s an excellent athlete with outstanding YAC ability and that fits perfectly into Eric Bieniemy’s offense. — Matt J
48. Detroit Lions: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
After possibly looking at a cornerback with their first pick, the Lions finally get a player with CB1 potential. Cam Smith routinely gets to the ball before the receiver does and could quickly turn into a playmaker. — Andrew BR
49. Pittsburgh Steelers: Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
Not only did Drew Sanders meet with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he also models his game after T.J. Watt. No one would ever mistake Sanders for Watt, but they could form an exciting linebacker tandem. In his final season at Arkansas, Sanders recorded 39 pressures and 11 sacks (PFF). The Steelers would love having this former 6-foot-4 edge rusher as a blitzer. — Matt J
50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse
The Buccaneers need to address the offensive line for the scoring attack to find consistency. Tristan Wirfs can switch to the left side, and Bergeron can fill the opposite side, where he projects as an above-average pass protector. — Andrew BR
51. Miami Dolphins: Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
Luke Musgrave didn’t have an opportunity to prove himself last season due to injuries. However, it doesn’t prevent him from being one of the top picks in our Day 2 mock draft. As a rookie, the 6-foot-6 tight end will be a useful vertical threat. Over time, as his route running becomes more refined and he becomes a reliable run blocker, he can be a top-10 tight end. — Matt J
52. Seattle Seahawks: Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame
Instead of getting Will Anderson or Jalen Carter, the Seahawks invested in the secondary. Well, they still don’t have their sack specialist, but Foskey could quickly become one. — Andrew BR
53. Chicago Bears (via BAL): DJ Turner, CB, Michigan
Michigan cornerback DJ Turner lit up the combine (9.58 Relative Athletic Score), showing athleticism and fluidity that isn’t always easy to find at cornerback. While he struggles against bigger receivers and can get bodied along the sideline, he would be a productive nickel cornerback for Chicago and could eventually develop into a perimeter starter. — Matt J
Related: 2024 NFL mock draft
54. Los Angeles Chargers: Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA
Austin Ekeler’s future in LA is unclear, so adding a younger, more inexpensive option makes sense. He may not match Ekeler’s ability as a pass-catcher, but Charbonnet still has respectable hands and will bowl over defenders at every level of the defense. — Andrew BR
55. Detroit Lions (via MIN): Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee
While there was some temptation to use this pick on Jalin Hyatt, based on the Jameson Williams suspension, Cedric Tillman profiles as the better NFL player. He’s more polished as a route runner, brings more physicality and is far more effective on contested catches. — Matt J
Related: 2023 NFL Draft takeaways
56. Jacksonville Jaguars: Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami (FL)
Jacksonville’s 28th-ranked pass defense isn’t going to fix itself. Adding Stevenson, who is viewed as one of the better cover corners in the draft class, isn’t a bad get late in the second round. — Andrew BR
57. New York Giants: Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
The New York Giants still need more speed, especially when you look at the low percentage of deep shots Daniel Jones took this past season. While Jalin Hyatt is a bit undeveloped as a receiver and he faces a difficult transition to the NFL, he’s the best pure vertical threat in the 2023 NFL Draft class. — Matt J
Related: Jalin Hyatt scouting report
58. Dallas Cowboys: Luke Wypler, C, Ohio State
Jerry Jones isn’t afraid to invest in the offensive line. Wypler isn’t like many of the other linemen on the Cowboys, he’s most likely to stick at center, but he’s still just 22 and could quickly push for a starting role. — Andrew BR
59. Buffalo Bills: Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State
After losing one of their top linebackers this season, the Buffalo Bills find a replacement in Daiyan Henley. The 6-foot-2 linebacker relies on his speed to make plays, allowing him to fly to the football and cover quite a lot of ground. He can be an effective starter in Buffalo and even play special teams. — Matt J
Related: 2023 NFL power rankings
60. Cincinnati Bengals: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
Adding more athletes with high upside in the secondary should be a priority for the Bengals after losing Jessie Bates to free agency. Ringo is a physical freak, and if he can put it all together, we’re looking at a shutdown corner. — Andrew BR
61. Chicago Bears (via SF): Joe Tippman, C, Wisconsin
The Chicago Bears turn their attention back to the offensive line, providing Justin Fields with a steady presence snapping him the football. Joe Tippman is more of an athlete than a finished product, but that also provides reason to believe there is more beneath the surface that NFL coaches can tap into. — Matt J
62. Philadelphia Eagles: Nathaniel Dell, WR, Houston
Tank Dell is the ideal slot receiver for any offense. He’s a human joystick, capably of doing damage in short areas of the field, thanks to his excellent agility. Dell gives the Eagles another speed threat capable of making big plays downfield. — Andrew BR
63. Kansas City Chiefs: Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State
The Kansas City Chiefs have to start thinking about a future without Travis Kelce. Tucker Kraft dominated at the FCS, proving he can be both a playmaker and an effective in-line blocker. He’d be the perfect TE2 opposite of Kelce for the next two years and could eventually take over for him as the starter. — Matt J
Related: Best tight ends of all time
Day 2 mock draft: Round 3 projections
- 64) Chicago Bears: BJ Ojulari, EDGE, LSU
- 65) Houston Texans: Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ole Miss
- 66) Philadelphia Eagles (via ARI): Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah
- 67) Denver Broncos (via IND): Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, CB, TCU
- 68) Denver Broncos: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
- 69) Los Angeles Rams: Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M
- 70) Las Vegas Raiders: Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State
- 71) New Orleans Saints: Chandler Zavala, OG, North Carolina State
- 72) Tennessee Titans: Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma
- 73) Houston Texans (via CLE): Rashee Rice, WR, SMU
- 74) Cleveland Browns (via NYJ): Tuli Tuipulotu, EDGE, USC
- 75) Atlanta Falcons: Michael Wilson, WR, Stanford
- 76) New England Patriots (via CAR): Nick Herbig, EDGE, Wisconsin
- 77) Los Angeles Rams (via NE): Keeanu Benton, DL, Wisconsin
- 78) Green Bay Packers: Tyler Scott, WR, Cincinnati
- 79) Indianapolis Colts (via WAS): Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina
- 80) Pittsburgh Steelers: Kobie Turner, DL, Wake Forest
- 81) Arizona Cardinals (via DET): Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane
- 82) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DeMarvion Overshown, LB, Texas
- 83) Seattle Seahawks: Andrew Vorhees, OG, USC
- 84) Miami Dolphins: Tank Bigsby, RB, Auburn
- 85) Los Angeles Chargers: Anthony Johnson Jr., S, Iowa State
- 86) Baltimore Ravens: Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse
- 87) Minnesota Vikings: Tanner McKee, QB, Stanford
- 88) Jacksonville Jaguars: Jordan Battle, S, Alabama
- 89) New York Giants: Sydney Brown, S, Syracuse
- 90) Dallas Cowboys: Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan
- 91) Buffalo Bills: Siaki Ika, DL, Baylor
- 92) Cincinnati Bengals: DeWayne McBride, RB, UAB
- 93) Carolina Panthers (via SF): Derick Hall, EDGE, Auburn
- 94) Arizona Cardinals (via PHI): Isaiah McGuire, EDGE, Missouri
- 95) Kansas City Chiefs: A.T. Perry, WR, Wake Forest
- 96) Arizona Cardinals: Jartavius Martin, CB, Illinois
- 97) Washington Commanders: Roschon Johnson, RB, Texas
- 98) Cleveland Browns: Moro Ojomo, DT, Texas
- 99) San Francisco 49ers: Cory Trice, CB, Purdue
- 100) Las Vegas Raiders (via NYG): Blake Freeland, OT, Purdue
- 101) San Francisco 49ers: Wanya Morris, OT, Oklahoma
- 102) San Francisco 49ers: Jammie Robinson, S, Florida State