The second and third rounds of the 2021 NFL Draft were some of the most entertaining in recent memory. Many superstars fell and extreme reaches were flying left, right, and center. Let’s delay no longer and get into grading each of the teams and their picks from Day 2, along with mentioning some solid targets for Day 3.
You can find all of our in-depth draft coverage here.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys: C
Round 2, Pick 44: Kelvin Joseph, CB, Kentucky
The Cowboys needed a corner desperately. Joseph had some amazing games against high-end talent. When combined with his amazing pro day, the pick was far from surprising. Personality concerns and consistency are two major issues, so time will tell whether the talent is worth it. (B-).
Round 3, Pick 75: Osa Odighizuwa, IDL, UCLA
The interior of the defensive line was a need. Odighizuwa will be developmental and can flourish into a starter. (B-)
Round 3, Pick 84: Chauncey Golston, EDGE, Iowa
This was a reach for a position of need. There is upside, but that is about it. (F)
Round 3, Pick 99: Nahshon Wright, CB, Oregon State
The former Last Chance University star gets reached for by the secondary-needy Cowboys. His size and range are two solid traits to build upon. (F)
Best targets for day three: Jabril Cox, Jamar Johnson, and Elerson Smith.
New York Giants: B+
Round 2, Pick 50: Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia
The Giants go back to the well with another Georgia edge. This pick flashes similarly to Lorenzo Carter years ago. New York took advantage of injuries to steal an amazing talent. (A+)
Round 3, Pick 71: Aaron Robinson, CB, UCF
This pick was amazing value at the one position the Giants do not need. Darnay Holmes must be confused, given his high level of play last year. (C)
Best targets for day three: Royce Freeman, Tyler Shelvin, and Drew Dalman
Philadelphia Eagles: A-
Round 2, Pick 37: Landon Dickerson, IOL, Alabama
Jason Kelce will not last much longer, and the Eagles needed to replace Isaac Seumalo. Dickerson is an amazing investment for the future. Eagles fans may be irritated, but they will not when Kelce retires and Dickerson steps in and plays at an extremely high level. (A-)
Round 3, Pick 73: Milton Williams, EDGE, Louisiana Tech
It appears as if Williams will play on the edge for Philadelphia. Derek Barnett is closing in on the end of his road with the Eagles, and he is the perfect fit. Williams needs time to develop, but the ceiling is unbelievable. Corner is still a major hole, though. (A-)
Best targets for day three: Jabril Cox, Robert Rochell, and Trey Smith.
Washington Football Team: B-
Round 2, Pick 51: Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
Cosmi was far from a need. NFL teams were quite low on him, and the tackles are both 30 and under while playing at a high level. This seemed extracurricular when other needs were quite apparent. (C+)
Round 3, Pick 74: Benjamin St. Juste, CB, Minnesota
Boundary corner was not a need, and Ifeatu Melifonwu was on the board. This pick just did not make sense. (D+)
Round 3, Pick 82: Dyami Brown, WR, UNC
What a steal. Boundary wide receiver was a major need, and Washington addressed it with a late pick perfectly. This was an amazing choice for a day-one impact. (A+)
Best targets for day three: Jamar Johnson, Brevin Jordan, and Trill Williams.
NFC West
Los Angeles Rams: D+
Round 2, Pick 57: Chatarius Atwell, WR, Louisville
When the Rams have limited draft capital, they waste a pick on a player who may never play a full season. He also has major ball security issues. (F)
Round 3, Pick 103: Ernest Jones, LB, South Carolina
Jones is extremely developmental. He is athletic, young, and a need. The future will determine the value of this pick. (B+)
Best targets for day three: Stone Forsythe, James Hudson, and Shaun Wade.
Seattle Seahawks: A-
Round 2, Pick 56: Dwayne Eskridge, WR, Western Michigan
Eskridge will be an amazing compliment to Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf. He will be one of the best day-one impacts. Eskridge will be an excellent option for Russell Wilson, who desperately needed a third receiver. (A-)
Best targets for day three: Robert Rochell, Tay Gowan, and Rachad Weaver.
Arizona Cardinals: B
Round 2, Pick 49: Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
This pick essentially replaces what Andy Isabella was supposed to be. Moore provides a fun tool for Kliff Kingsbury to use and torment the NFC West with. Cornerback is still a huge need, though. (B)
Best targets for day three: Robert Rochell, Keith Taylor Jr., and Cameron Sample.
San Francisco 49ers: C+
Round 2, Pick 48: Aaron Banks, IOL, Notre Dame
San Francisco reached for a player that not even their full scouting department supported. This was a hard pick to understand. Guard is still a huge need, so this was not a terrible pick. (C+)
Round 3, Pick 88: Trey Sermon, RB, Ohio State
The 49ers once again made a questionable pick, but this time it was a trade-up. Sermon will offer an excellent relief option, but there was still a large number of positions that need to be addressed. (C-)
Round 3, Pick 102: Ambry Thomas, CB, Michigan
Thomas is an excellent locker room presence. He has an unbelievable motor, but the talent is not always enough to justify starting him. It is hard to love and it is hard to hate this pick. (B)
Best targets for day three: Cameron Sample, Semi Fehoko, and Tony Fields.
NFC North
Chicago Bears: A+
Round 2, Pick 39: Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State
The Bears traded up to select their future at the tackle position. This pick was beyond amazing. Jenkins has power like no other, and he can fit in a guard role if need be. Chicago aced this draft so far. (A+)
Best targets for day three: Keith Taylor Jr., Tay Gowan, and Rachad Wildgoose Jr.
Green Bay Packers: B+
Round 2, Pick 62: Josh Myers, IOL, Ohio State
Losing Corey Lindsley hurts tremendously, but this numbs that a bit. Myers can start day one, which is a major asset in the second round. Whoever is taking snaps from him will be pleased. The value was questionable, but the need was worth it. (B+)
Round 3, Pick 85: Amari Rodgers, WR, Clemson
Finally, Aaron Rodgers gets a weapon. The Clemson product offers excellent after-the-catch ability. Finally, someone besides DeVante Adams is competent in this receiving corps. (B+)
Best targets for day three: Jabril Cox, Tyler Shelvin, and Stone Forsythe.
Detroit Lions: B-
Round 2, Pick 41: Levi Onwuzerike, IDL, Washington
It is no secret that the defensive line is a huge need for the Lions. Onwuzerike might have been a reach after not playing for a year, though. (C+)
Round 3, Pick 72: Alim McNeil, IDL, North Carolina St.
This pick would have been great if they did not already address this position. (C+)
Round 3, Pick 101: Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Syracuse
What a steal. Corner was a major need for the Lions, and they addressed the boundary need with amazing value. This has the same feeling as getting Amani Oruwariye on day three. (A+)
Best targets for day three: Jabril Cox, Tony Fields, and Trey Smith.
Minnesota Vikings: A-
Round 3, Pick 66: Kellen Mond, QB, Texas A&M
Minnesota tries out a new direction for their franchise. So long as Mond can increase his stellar plays’ consistency, he will be perfect to take the reins from Kirk Cousins. Great pick. (A)
Round 3, Pick 78: Chazz Surratt, LB, UNC
The Vikings are great at utilizing athletic linebackers that are weaker against the run. Surratt has day-one starting potential. (B)
Round 3, Pick 86: Wyatt Davis, IOL, Ohio State
What a steal. Davis is very raw, but the upside is undeniable. This may be the biggest steal of the whole draft. (A+)
Round 3, Pick 90: Patrick Jones II, EDGE, Pittsburgh
The Vikings are desperate to add pass rush help on a very weak defensive front. Jones may not have been the best edge on the board, but at least they addressed a major position of need. (B-)
Best targets for day three: Tay Gowan, Elerson Smith, and Hamsah Nasirildeen.
NFC South
New Orleans Saints: B+
Round 2, Pick 60: Pete Werner, LB, Ohio State
Werner is an excellent linebacker, but it is hard to think that he fits a Kwon Alexander role. The talent is there, but the fit does not seem to be. (B-)
Round 3, Pick 76: Paulsen Adebo, CB, Stanford
It is hard to believe that Adebo could fall this far. He is a day-one starter for the Saints. (A)
Best targets for day three: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Simi Fehoko, and Tylan Wallace.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A-
Round 2, Pick 64: Kyle Trask, QB, Florida
Tampa Bay could not go wrong here. Trask has franchise quarterback potential. So long as he fixes up his processing and mechanics, he can take over this organization. Luckily for him, Tom Brady is the best of all time at both of those. (A-)
Round 3, Pick 95: Robert Hainsey, OT, Notre Dame
Hainsey can play anywhere on the line. Tampa Bay won the Super Bowl due to their line being at full strength. If one player goes down, Hainsey can step in and keep the fight alive. (A)
Best targets for day three: Tylan Wallace, Drew Dahlman, and Tyler Shelvin.
Carolina Panthers: B+
Round 2, Pick 59: Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU
The Panthers gained draft capital and selected a potential franchise wide receiver. Marshall was never supposed to be here, but now he can join Robby Anderson and D.J. Moore to form a deadly receiving corps. Sam Darnold has zero excuses now. (A+)
Round 3, Pick 70: Brady Christensen, OT, BYU
Offensive line was a major need. Christensen certainly has major issues: his arms are terribly short, he has a poor anchor, and his mechanics need work. With other talents like Spencer Brown on the board, it is hard to understand why Christensen went here. (D+)
Round 3, Pick 83: Tommy Tremble, TE, Notre Dame
Tight end was the final missing piece on this offense. Tremble has almost zero experience as a pass-catcher, but he is one of the best blockers in the class. There will certainly be a role for this athletic weapon in the Joe Brady offense. (A-)
Best targets for day three: Jaelon Darden, Rhamondre Stevenson, and Trey Smith.
Atlanta Falcons: B+
Round 2, Pick 40: Richie Grant, SAF, UCF
Safety is a huge need for the Falcons. Grant replaces Damontae Kazee perfectly. This could be the Kevin Byard of the Falcons. (A-)
Round 3, Pick 68: Jaylen Mayfield, OT, Michigan
Mayfield will be stepping into any role on this offensive line. None of the positions are desperate for filling the way some other positions are, but going offensive line is never a bad option. (B)
Best targets for day three: Dylan Moses, Jabril Cox, and Richard LeCounte.
AFC East
New England Patriots: A
Round 2, Pick 38: Christian Barmore, IDL, Alabama
Barmore fell due to character and talent concerns. He fits well as a defensive end in the Patriots defense. If anyone can get Barmore to work, it is Bill Belichick. (A-)
Round 3, Pick 96: Ronnie Perkins, EDGE, Oklahoma
The Patriots once again took advantage of players falling and scooped up a highly talented edge player. Perkins may have a role within a year next to Josh Uche. (A+)
Best targets for day three: Jaelon Darden, Simi Fehoko, and Tylan Wallace.
New York Jets: A+
Round 2, Pick 34: Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss
Somehow Moore fell this far. Slot wide receiver was a major hole on an almost complete offense. Moore fills that without a doubt. Zach Wilson will surely be pleased with his electric receiving corps. (A+)
Best targets for day three: Robert Rochell, Marco Wilson, and Jabril Cox.
Buffalo Bills: A
Round 2, Pick 61: Carlos Basham Jr., EDGE, Wake Forest
According to insiders in the NFL, the Bills are trying to convert Gregory Rousseau into an interior defensive lineman. If that is true, the edge position is still one of need, and Buffalo filled it with the best available. Basham can play on day one. (A-)
Round 3, Pick 93: Spencer Brown, OT, Northern Iowa
Tampa Bay won the super bowl thanks to line depth. The Bills loved having Ty Nsekhe on their roster to fill in holes when needed. Brown was a pure luxury pick that can play that same role at a high level. (A+)
Best targets for day three: Robert Rochell, Kylin Hill, and Jabril Cox.
Miami Dolphins: C-
Round 2, Pick 36: Jevon Holland, SAF, Oregon
Safety was an underrated position for the Dolphins last year. It is hard to understand why Holland was selected, let alone selected above all of the other safety talents. (D+)
Round 2, Pick 42: Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame
Eichenberg is amazing. He is ready on day one, and there is little to work on in his game. The arm length is a concern, but Eichenberg uses it to its max. Although he is a great talent, it is hard to grade this not knowing what role he will play. (B)
Round 3, Pick 81: Hunter Long, TE, Boston College
Long will be acting as the Hunter Henry to New England. This pick honestly makes no sense, given other talents on the board. (D-)
Best targets for day three: Jimmy Morrissey, Trey Smith, and Simi Fehoko.
AFC West
Denver Broncos: A+
Round 2, Pick 36: Javonte Williams, RB, UNC
Royce Freeman is not the answer for the power-back role in this offense. Williams will be a lethal sidekick to Melvin Gordon for this year. (A)
Round 3, Pick 98: Quinn Meinerz, IOL, Wisconsin-Whitewater
Center was a major issue for the Broncos. Meinerz may not start day one, but he is a beast and surely will within a short period of time. What a steal. (A+)
Round 3, Pick 105: Baron Browning, LB, Ohio State
Browning fell due to major character concerns. If anyone can get Browning to work as a linebacker, it is Vic Fangio. (A)
Best targets for day three: Jabril Cox, Michael Carter, and Hamsah Nasirildeen.
Kansas City Chiefs: A-
Round 2, Pick 58: Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri
Bolton will be an amazing sidekick to Willie Gay Jr. for years to come. This was a perfect pick that could have been made in the first round. (A)
Round 2, Pick 63: Creed Humphrey, IOL, Oklahoma
Humphrey has major motor and IQ concerns. Mahomes can limit the IQ issues and maybe a Super Bowl run could motivate the Oklahoma product to play for the whole down. (B)
Best targets for day three: Tylan Wallace, Quincy Roche, and Elerson Smith.
Las Vegas Raiders: B
Round 2, Pick 43: Trevon Moehrig, SAF, TCU
Somehow the Raiders either pick amazing picks or terrible. This was amazing. Great job to the Raiders organization. (A+)
Round 3, Pick 79: Malcolm Koonce, EDGE, Buffalo
Buffalo edge rushers have been successful in the past for the Raiders. Koonce is a day-one impact, but the pick was a bit high given his limited upside. (C+)
Round 3, Pick 80: Divine Diablo, LB, Virginia Tech
The Raiders already have plenty of linebacker-safety hybrids. Diablo is an amazing talent that should fill Raekwon McMillan’s vacancy, but it is a bit of a head-scratching pick with other talents on the board. (B-)
Best targets for day three: Shaun Wade, Damar Hamlin, and Trey Smith.
Los Angeles Chargers: B
Round 2, Pick 47: Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida State
Having a starting cornerback was a major need for the Chargers. Samuel fell right into their laps due to size and role concerns. He will be a 10-15 year starter. Great pick. (A+)
Round 3, Pick 77: Josh Palmer, WR, Tennessee
Palmer is a mean, nasty finisher at the catch point. There is tremendous upside here, but the pick was a bit high for a player with limited upside. (B-)
Round 3, Pick 97: Tre McKitty, TE, Georgia
This was too high for McKitty. Brevin Jordan is falling due to size, character, and testing concerns, but these talents should be available in the next round or two. (D+)
Best targets for day three: Royce Newman, Keith Taylor Jr., and Tay Gowan.
AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers: B+
Round 2, Pick 55: Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State
Lineman is a major concern still, but most of the targets were picked up. Freiermuth is a Steeler at heart and will limit Ben Roethlisberger’s interception tendency. He should be excellent in black and gold. (A)
Round 3, Pick 87: Kendrick Green, C, Illinois
Center was a huge vacancy once Maurkice Pouncey left. Green fits the role perfectly and has major upside. The spot might have been a bit high, but the need makes the pick a very solid one. (B)
Best targets for day three: Stone Forsythe, James Hudson, and Robert Rochell.
Cleveland Browns: A-
Round 2, Pick 52: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame
Wow. The Browns stole an excellent talent that will have an instant impact on their roster. What a pick. (A+)
Round 3, Pick 91: Anthony Schwartz, WR, Auburn
Schwartz will be a lethal weapon downfield for the Browns. The pick is a bit too high, but the speed is undeniable. (B-)
Best targets for day three: Jimmy Morrissey, Tylan Wallace, and Tyler Shelvin.
Baltimore Ravens: B
Round 3, Pick 94: Ben Cleveland, IOL, Georgia
Cleveland has major upside on the interior. Look for him to fill in or compete for a starting role in year one. This pick has excellent value. (A-)
Round 3, Pick 104: Brandon Stephens, CB, SMU
Stephens is raw, but he is aggressive and enforcing. Rashee Rice, star SMU wide receiver, said that Stephens was the best opponent that he faced in his SMU career. The Ravens will find a way to make this pick worth it. (C+)
Best targets for day three: Jabril Cox, Jamar Johnson, and Brevin Jordan.
Cincinnati Bengals: B
Round 2, Pick 46: Jackson Carman, OT, Clemson
Offensive line was a major need. The Panthers gained draft capital and selected a potential franchise tackle. Carman certainly has major issues: his arms are terribly short, he has a poor processor, and his mechanics need work. With other talents like Dillon Radunz on the board, it is hard to understand why Carman went here. (C+)
Round 3, Pick 69: Joseph Ossai, EDGE, Texas
Ossai does not seem to fit this defense, but the value is unbelievable. It will be interesting to see what Cincinnati does with him. (A)
Best targets for day three: Brevin Jordan, Kenny Yeboah, and Trey Smith.
AFC South
Indianapolis Colts: C
Round 2, Pick 54: Dayo Odeyingbo, EDGE, Vanderbilt
This pick was way too high. To be fair, though, the Titans took the last starter-worthy left tackle the pick before. Edge was still a need, and now it is filled. (C)
Best targets for day three: Stone Forsythe, James Hudson, and Will Fries.
Houston Texans: A-
Round 3, Pick 67: Davis Mills, QB, Stanford
With Deshaun Watson potentially on his way out and Tyrod Taylor as a mentor, Mills might have his best shot in an organization that was hopeless just months ago. This pick was perfect. (A)
Round 3, Pick 89: Nico Collins, WR, Michigan
Collins has major upside as a jump-ball threat. His 4.4 speed at over 6’3’’ is hard to find. (A-)
Best targets for day three: D’Ante Smith, Dylan Moses, and Drew Dahlman.
Jacksonville Jaguars: B
Round 2, Pick 33: Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia
If Shaquille Griffin was not signed in free agency, this would be a home run. Obviously, Jacksonville was trying to get the best player available, and he fits their scheme well. Maybe Griffin will go to the slot if Campbell turns out to be a star. (B)
Round 2, Pick 45: Walker Little, OT, Stanford
Tackle was a major hole. Little has not played since early 2019, but the upside is there. To be fair, it is not like the Jaguars have anything better than Little in the first place. (B+)
Round 3, Pick 65: Andre Cisco, SAF, Syracuse
Safety was another major hole. Cisco is very hit-or-miss, but the safety corps is easily terrible enough to take a chance on this. (B)
Best targets for day three: Brevin Jordan, Kenny Yeboah, and Trey Smith.
Tennessee Titans: A
Round 2, Pick 53: Dillon Radunz, OT, North Dakota State
Right tackle is a major hole. Isaiah Wilson busted out, so Radunz will step in. He is a very talented tackle with first-round potential. This was a great pickup. (A)
Round 3, Pick 92: Monty Rice, LB, Georgia
Rice will be eventually filling in for Jayon Brown, most likely. This can save cap, which was a major reason for releasing many key players this offseason. The value was a bit high. (C+)
Round 3, Pick 100: Elijah Molden, CB, Washington
Molden fell due to terrible interviews at his pro day. His talent is undeniably worth an early second-round pick. This was a steal for a secondary-needy team. (A+)
Best targets for day three: Elerson Smith, Brevin Jordan, and Marvin Wilson.
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