The first round of the 2020 NFL draft gave fans tons of drama and surprises, and Day 2 brings twice as many chances for wild scenarios.
The second round is now in the books, so let’s hand out some instant grades for the first 32 picks from Friday night’s action:
33. Cincinnati Bengals
Tee Higgins | WR | Clemson
When you use the No. 1 overall pick on a quarterback, you have to surround him with as much help as possible. That’s exactly what the Bengals do here, giving Joe Burrow a big target with a huge catch radius.
They could have added another offensive tackle here, but it’s hard to argue with this pick. Higgins was a consensus first-round pick for most of the college football seasons, and concerns about an ankle injury likely kept him from going Thursday night.
After entertaining trade offers, the Bengals stick and pick here, giving their new franchise quarterback another dynamic weapon to go with A.J. Green and John Ross.
Grade: B
34. Indianapolis Colts (from WAS)
Michael Pittman, Jr. | WR | USC
The run on wide receivers continues after six of them went in the first round. The Colts finally make their first pick of the draft, and they find the perfect pass-catcher to pair with T.Y. Hilton and Parris Campbell.
The son of a Super Bowl champion running back who ran with a punishing style, Pittman plays the same way his dad did. He’s big, physical target with long arms who excels in contested-catch situations.
Colts GM Chris Ballard loves Senior Bowl guys, and Pittman made the most of his trip to Mobile earlier this year. Now, he’s a high second-round pick, and it’s a great fit in Indy.
GRADE: B
35. Detroit Lions
D’Andre Swift | RB | Georgia
A bit of a surprise here, but it’s hard to complain about the value the Lions are getting here. The Lions spent a second-round pick two years ago on Kerryon Johnson, but durability has been an issue.
Swift is a first-round talent with a complete skill set who can make big plays on all three downs. He’s a physical runner with fantastic quickness and vision, with the explosiveness to hit paydirt on every touch.
There were bigger needs elsewhere on both sides of the ball in Detroit, but Swift gives them an immediate upgrade in the backfield, and he’s a bargain outside the first round.
GRADE: B+
36. New York Giants
Xavier McKinney | S | Alabama
Another player who could have easily come off the board in the first round, McKinney is the first safety off the board, and gives the Giants a fantastic match of value and need here.
A versatile defensive weapon who can make plays all over the field, McKinney loves contact, and has the athleticism to cover in space and hang with any pass-catcher in coverage.
McKinney’s intelligence and instincts may be his best qualities, and that’s why he’ll be a huge upgrade over anything the Giants currently have at his position. He’s the perfect defender for today’s NFL, and a bargain this late.
GRADE: A
37. New England Patriots (from LAC)
Kyle Dugger | S | Lenoir-Rhyne
After trading out of the first round, the Patriots use the first of their five Day 2 picks on one of this year’s top small-school prospects.
Don’t let the level of competition fool you; Dugger should have been playing at a powerhouse program on Saturdays. He’s got a fantastic combination of size, athleticism and versatility, allowing him to line up all over the field and make big plays in every facet of the game.
Dugger brings immediate special teams value, but he’s got tons of upside as an impact defender, no matter where he played in college. There were bigger names available at safety, but the Patriots know their guys when they see them.
GRADE: B-
38. Carolina Panthers
Yetur Gross-Matos | EDGE | Penn State
The defensive line rebuild continues in Carolina, as the Panthers eschew bigger needs in the back seven to add a talented pass rusher here.
Gross-Matos had first-round potential, thanks to his prototypical frame and complete skill set. He has the size, strength and power to anchor the edge against the run, but also the ability to collapse the pocket as a pass rusher.
Linebacker, corner and safety may have been more pressing needs, but it’s hard to argue with the value here. You can never have too many pass rushers in today’s NFL, so this pick makes plenty of sense.
GRADE: B-
39. Miami Dolphins
Robert Hunt | OL | Louisiana
It makes sense for the Dolphins to keep building around Tua Tagovailoa, giving him even more protection after spending one of their other first-round picks on USC offensive tackle Austin Jackson.
Hunt may be an unknown to many fans, but he’s a stout blocker who played tackle in college, but projects inside at guard at the next level. He’s a tough competitor with a physical playing style, and his versatility will be valuable in Miami.
There were better values at this position, and it’s strange to see the Dolphins pass on a top running back here, which is what’s holding this grade back.
GRADE: C+
40. Houston Texans (from ARI)
Ross Blacklock | DL | TCU
Houston traded arguably the best receiver in the NFL for this pick, so they had to come away with a big-impact player, and that’s exactly what they did here.
Blackock was worthy of first-round consideration, which makes him a bargain at this point on Day 2. With D.J. Reader gone in free agency, the Texans needed to bolster the interior of the defensive line, and Blacklock is a fantastic addition.
A great blend of need and value, Houston knocked this pick out of the park.
GRADE: A
41. Indianapolis Colts (from CLE)
Jonathan Taylor | RB | Wisconsin
Most expected an early run on these top running back prospects, but they’re landing in places we did not expect, and it happens again here with Taylor in Indy.
The best running back prospect in this year’s class, Taylor has many of the same traits that made Leonard Fournette a top-five pick just a few years ago. One of the most productive backs in college football history, Taylor is a power runner with rare speed for his size.
There were bigger needs elsewhere on both sides of the ball, but getting a powerful runner like Taylor this late is a big win. He pairs with Marlon Mack to give the Colts a formidable tandem.
GRADE: B+
42. Jacksonville Jaguars
Laviska Shenault, Jr. | WR | Colorado
After loading up on defense with both of their first-round picks, the Jags get some help for Gardner Minshew here with one of the draft’s most dynamic pass-catchers.
Shenault was held back by a core muscle injury throughout the predraft process, but even a quick look at his film shows a physical, explosive receiver who excels at breaking tackles and making big plays after the catch.
Even after letting Marqise Lee go, the Jags have a promising young receiving corps with Dede Westbrook, D.J. Chark, and now Shenault, who could have gone much earlier if not for the injury.
GRADE: A
43. Chicago Bears (from LV)
Cole Kmet | TE | Notre Dame
I’ve been mocking this pick for months, and no matter how much Bears fans hate it, it felt like it was just destined to happen. Despite a loaded depth chart at tight end already, the Bears take the first one off the board here.
As a prospect, Kmet is indeed the top tight end in this year’s class, with a complete skill set that will make him valuable on every down. He’s a reliable pass-catcher at every level, and willing and able to block in the run game.
There were much bigger needs to address here, especially without a first-round pick, but the Bears give their quarterback competition yet another tight end to help them. The value is decent, but the positional fit makes little sense.
GRADE: C+
44. Cleveland Browns (from IND)
Grant Delpit | S | LSU
After moving back a few spots and getting an extra pick, the Browns still land a fantastic value at their biggest position of need on defense. After getting their left tackle in the first round, the Browns get another perfect match here.
Delpit could have easily been a first-round pick a year ago, but injuries and inconsistency as a tackler led to his short drop this year. He’s still a fantastic athlete with tons of potential, and he was a vocal leader on a national championship defense.
Two picks, two big needs, two blue-chip players for the Browns so far in this draft. A great start for a team hoping to bounce back from a disappointing season.
GRADE: A
45. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Antoine Winfield, Jr. | S | Minnesota
I’m betting the Bucs would have loved a top running back here, but the early run leaves better value on the board elsewhere, and they take advantage of it on defense.
The son of a Pro Bowler, Winfield is a versatile ball-hawk who makes big plays all over the field. His instincts are among the best in this entire draft, and he could have easily garnered first-round consideration.
Tampa Bay traded up a spot to fill their biggest offensive need in the first round, but here, they stay put and do the same for their defense with a top-25 overall player in this class. A stellar offseason continues for the Bucs.
GRADE: A
46. Denver Broncos
K.J. Hamler | WR | Penn State
I can understand why a team would get enamored with Hamler, thanks to his lengthy highlight reel of big plays. He’s one of the most explosive playmakers in this class, and it was evident even against the top competition in college.
The question here is when the Broncos will fill their other needs, having double-dipped at receiver to start this draft. Jerry Jeudy was a steal at No. 15 overall, but in a deep receiver class, Hamler feels like too much of a luxury in the top 50.
Defensive line, linebacker, corner, offensive line . . . still a lot of needs to address for Denver. Helping your young quarterback is great, but Denver needs to hit on those three third-rounders after this.
GRADE: C+
47. Atlanta Falcons
Marlon Davidson | DL | Auburn
After reaching for a corner in the first round, the Falcons get a bit better value here, and still address a big need with a player who has tons of upside.
Davidson is a powerful, athletic interior defender who will be a fantastic fit alongside Grady Jarrett. This defense needs playmakers across the board, and Davidson had a knack for ending up in the opposing backfield.
Games are won and lost in the trenches, and this pick will help the Falcons win more games in the future.
GRADE: B
48. Seattle Seahawks (from NYJ)
Darrell Taylor | EDGE | Tennessee
The Seahawks draft to the beat of their own drum, and this pick is yet another example. After making another puzzling pick in the first round with Texas Tech linebacker Jordyn Brooks in the first round, the Seahawks trade up another one here.
At full strength, Taylor showed flashes of potential that definitely warranted top-50 consideration, but injuries and inconsistency kept him from living up to his full potential.
If he can stay healthy at the next level, this pick could pan out in a big way. But it’s a risky pick when there were many other prospects available that would have been better values at positions of need especially after moving up the board.
GRADE: C
49. Pittsburgh Steelers
Chase Claypool | WR | Notre Dame
This pick had to be an offensive playmaker, and there were plenty of worthy candidates at both running back and wide receiver for the Steelers. They go with one of the most versatile and intriguing players in this draft in Claypool.
A wide receiver in a tight end’s body, Claypool’s skill set could see him used much like the Giants have used Evan Engram in recent years. He’s got rare speed and athleticism for his size, and his massive frame makes him a challenge for smaller defensive backs.
The Steelers know what they’re doing when it comes to drafting wide receivers. I’ll trust them on this one, even if it’s earlier than I expected to see Claypool come off the board.
GRADE: B
50. Chicago Bears
Jaylon Johnson | CB | Utah
There are a number of big, physical corner prospects who could have slipped into the latter part of the first round, and Johnson is certainly among them. The Bears didn’t have a first-round pick, but they land a first-round talent a position of need here.
Johnson’s physical tools are great, and he matches them with great instincts and intelligence. He’s got a nose for the big play, is always around the football, and is willing to mix it up in run support when necessary.
It’s hard for the fans when your team doesn’t have a first-round pick, but the Bears faithful should feel like they still got one with this selection.
GRADE: A
51. Dallas Cowboys
Trevon Diggs | CB | Alabama
Speaking of big, physical corners who could have gone in the first round, the Cowboys get one of their own here, landing a player with tons of upside in Diggs.
The younger brother of now-Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon, Diggs has a tantalizing combination of size, length, athleticism and ball skills that made him a constant headache for opposing quarterbacks.
After losing Byron Jones in free agency, the Cowboys had to find a worthy replacement early in this draft. They’ve done just that with Diggs, continuing their fantastic start to this year’s event.
GRADE: A
52. Los Angeles Rams
Cam Akers | RB | Florida State
After the Rams cut Todd Gurley, it was only a matter of time before they found his replacement in this year’s draft. Yes, they spent a high pick last year on Darrell Henderson, but one back is never enough in today’s NFL.
Akers is a complete back who did more with less than just about any other runner in college football throughout his career. Florida State’s offensive line was abysmal, and yet Akers still managed to flash the skill set that made him one of the nation’s top recruits coming out of high school.
There may have been more glaring needs elsewhere for a team that didn’t have a first-round pick, but Akers is a dynamic playmaker who will make an immediate impact in Sean McVay’s offense.
GRADE: B+
53. Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Hurts | QB | Oklahoma
Last night’s big surprise was the Packers trading up for Aaron Rodgers’ eventual replacement, and it looks like the Eagles just pulled a similar move by taking Hurts here.
One of the biggest wild-cards in this year’s draft, Hurts made huge strides as a passer in his senior season at Oklahoma. There’s no denying his intangibles and leadership, but he answered the biggest concerns about his skill set this past season.
The fit is intriguing with Carson Wentz in Philly, but the backup quarterback spot has proven its value for this team if it ever has for anyone. Keep an eye on this one moving forward.
GRADE: B
54. Buffalo Bills
A.J. Epenesa | EDGE | Iowa
The Bills spent their first-round pick on a No. 1 receiver by trading for Stefon Diggs from the Minnesota Vikings, but they still land a borderline first-round prospect here.
There may be flashier, more athletic edge defenders in this year’s class, but Epenesa is one of the most complete prospects in the group. He’s doesn’t have the ceiling of some others, but he may have the highest floor.
Epenesa overcame a slow start to the 2019 season and finished strong. A defensive coach like Sean McDermott has to love adding a big, physical presence like Epenesa to the trenches.
GRADE: A
55. Baltimore Ravens (from NE via ATL)
J.K. Dobbins | RB | Ohio State
It was surprising to see the Steelers pass on Dobbins at No. 49 overall, and it could end up hurting them even worse now that he’s landed with a division rival in Baltimore.
Dobbins is exactly the kind of tough, physical runner who will excel in the Ravens’ downhill, smash-mouth ground attack. Mark Ingram isn’t getting any younger, and that offense wasn’t the same without him in the lineup last season.
This is a perfect fit in terms of scheme and style, the need is more than some may think, and the value is fantastic. The rich get richer as the league’s top rushing offense loads up.
GRADE: A
56. Miami Dolphins (from NO)
Raekwon Davis | DL | Alabama
With all the top running backs off the board, the Dolphins opt for better value elsewhere instead of reaching at bigger position of need. They could have gone in many different directions here, but they go pure best player available with this pick.
Christian Wilkins is already a promising anchor for this defensive line, but adding Davis gives the Dolphins a whole different dynamic up front. His massive frame, impressive length and versatile skill set makes him a dangerous weapon in any scheme.
Davis could have been a first-round pick a year ago, but he didn’t live up to the hype this past season. The potential is still there, though, and it makes this pick a great one for Miami.
GRADE: A
57. Los Angeles Rams (from HOU)
Van Jefferson | WR | Florida
The Rams traded away Brandin Cooks, so this pick makes sense in terms of filling that hole, but there were much bigger needs across the roster, even after losing a player like Cooks.
As a prospect, Jefferson is one of the most polished route runners in this year’s loaded receiver class, and while there may be pass-catchers with more upside, he’s got an extremely high floor.
This isn’t a bad pick, but with Denzel Mims still on the board at receiver, and Josh Jones still there at a position they need more, it just felt too early for a team that needs to maximize every selection after not having a first-rounder.
GRADE: C
58. Minnesota Vikings
Ezra Cleveland | OT | Boise State
The Vikings absolutely had to address the offensive line as early as possible, and after hitting both of their first-round picks out of the park, it makes sense that they did it here.
The question is why Cleveland, with the likes of Houston’s Josh Jones still on the board. Cleveland was rumored to be a potential first-round pick as a late-riser, but I gave him a third-round grade, making him a bit of a reach here.
The position makes sense, but the Vikings could have gotten a blocker with better value at this spot.
GRADE: C+
59. New York Jets (from SEA)
Denzel Mims | WR | Baylor
One of the best picks of the entire draft so far, the Jets drop back 11 spots, and still land a player who would have been a steal at their original draft slot in the second round.
Mims has a rare combination of size, speed and athleticism, and he put it on display on a weekly basis for the Bears. He shined again at the Senior Bowl, then lit up the NFL Scouting Combine more than any other receiver in attendance.
After losing Robby Anderson in free agency, Sam Darnold needed a No. 1 receiver out of this draft. The Jets got him one, and they got one of the best values of the draft so far in the process.
GRADE: A
60. New England Patriots (from BAL)
Josh Uche | EDGE | Michigan
The Pats addressed their need for a youth movement on the back end of their defense earlier in the round, and now they do the same thing with another Senior Bowl star.
Uche didn’t start until his senior year in Ann Arbor, but he made up for lost time by putting together a fantastic campaign. His versatility is a perfect fit for today’s NFL, as he can do everything required of the modern edge defender.
This is a perfect fit for both player and team, and the overall value is right. After trading out of the first round, the Pats are having a strong start to their draft on Day 2.
GRADE: B+
61. Tennessee Titans
Kristian Fulton | CB | LSU
I reserve the A+ grades for the biggest steals of the entire weekend, and the Titans landed themselves one here, and they did it at one of their biggest positions of need.
Logan Ryan left in free agency, and they replace him with a borderline first-rounder in Fulton, who has all the physical tools to be a shutdown corner at the next level.
Off-field concerns stemming from a suspension at LSU likely contributed to Fulton’s tumble down the board, but his size, skills and experience in press-man coverage could make him one of the best picks of this entire draft. One of the league’s best teams gets even better.
GRADE: A+
62. Green Bay Packers
A.J. Dillon | RB | Boston College
What a strange draft for the Packers. After trading up in the first round to take Aaron Rodgers’ eventual successor (instead of giving him a pass-catcher or an offensive tackle to replace Bryan Bulaga), they spend this pick on an old-school running back they don’t need.
Aaron Jones is one of the NFL’s most underrated running backs, and there were so many other positions the Packers needed to fill more. Even if they wanted a running back, there were better options than Dillon, a big, physical back best used as a power/change-of-pace guy at the next level.
I could at least understand the plan with the Packers’ controversial first-round pick. I have no idea what to do with this one.
GRADE: D
63. Kansas City Chiefs (from SF)
Willie Gay, Jr. | LB | Mississippi State
One of the more underrated needs for the defending Super Bowl champs, the Chiefs found themselves one of the best athletes in this year’s linebacker class.
Off-field concerns are worth considering, but on the field, Gay has the skill set required of today’s NFL linebackers in a pass-happy league. He’s fast, physical and explosive.
This team is all about mismatches and speed. Gay fits the bill here, even if it’s a little earlier than I might have taken him off the board.
Grade: B-
64. Carolina Panthers (from KC via SEA)
Jeremy Chinn | S | Southern Illinois
One of my favorite prospects in this class, and he goes to a team that has big needs at both of the positions he can play.
One of the top small-school prospects in the draft, Chinn proved with a strong week at the Senior Bowl that he can hang with the best players in the country. His rare combination of athleticism and versatility should have had him playing at a top program in the FBS.
The Panthers need help at both safety and linebacker, and Chinn has the frame and skill set to fill in at either spot. Great value, great fit, great pick.
