Expert Analysis
4/29/23
27 min read
2023 NFL Draft: Grades, Analysis for Every Day 2 Pick
The first three rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft are officially in the books. More quarterbacks came off the board while teams moved up and down the order looking to get the player they hope will complete their roster.
The 33rd Team Scouting Dept. graded every pick in this year’s first round to give you an idea of how your team did in this year’s draft.
Led by T.J. McCreight, The 33rd Team Scouting Department evaluated nearly 300 players in this year’s class. A former player personnel executive for the Philadelphia Eagles and former director of college scouting for the Indianapolis Colts, McCreight has nearly 25 years of NFL scouting experience.
He is joined in the department by three scouts:
- Kevin Cohn, a former scouting assistant for the Jacksonville Jaguars and assistant director of player personnel for the University of Connecticut.
- Justin Casey, who worked for the Arizona Cardinals in football administration and then as the senior player personnel executive for the Montreal Alouettes.
- Evan Pritt, a former scouting assistant for the Eagles and former player personnel assistant for the University of Maryland.
Round 2 Draft Grades
32. Pittsburgh Steelers
*From BEARS
Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
The first pick of the second day is always interesting. Teams have a night to sleep on their decision and meet as a staff to discuss strategy. The Pittsburgh Steelers went offensive tackle with their first pick, and in the second round, they stay within the family and pick the son of former Steelers linebacker Joey Porter. Porter Jr. (scouting report) has the length, speed and overall movement skills to be a No. 1 corner in the NFL.
Grade: B+
33. Tennessee Titans
*From CARDINALS
Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
The Tennessee Titans needed a quarterback, and they landed what they hope is their signal-caller of the future. Kentucky's Will Levis (scouting report) had to wait through the entire first round, but he didn't have to wait long in Round 2. Levis has the size, arm strength, toughness and mobility to fit in this offense. Levis played in a pro system in college and should have a short learning curve in year one.
Grade: A+
>> READ: Titans Trade Up for Levis
34. Detroit Lions
Sam LaPorta, TE, Notre Dame
The Detroit Lions grabbed another offensive weapon in Iowa tight end Sam LaPorta (scouting report) after nabbing Jahmyr Gibbs (scouting report) in Round 1. LaPorta has good size and is a top-level route runner, who will be solid in both the pass and run game. He could still add some strength, but he has toughness and works to finish plays. He should play and contribute early.
Grade: B
35. Las Vegas Raiders
*From COLTS
Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
The Las Vegas Raiders pick one of the most talented tight ends in this draft in Michael Mayer (scouting report). Mayer is an all-around tight end who will get movement in the run game and has some mismatch qualities as a pass catcher. He is a tough player for linebackers to defend at the sticks.
Grade: A
36. Los Angeles Rams
Steve Avila, OG, TCU
Steve Avila (scouting report) has position flexibility, he can play both center and guard. He is a big, strong lineman who can get movement off the line of scrimmage and locks on defenders with his strong hands. He has some athletic limitations and will be exposed in space at times. The Los Angeles Rams need help on the offensive line, and Avila gives them a young player who can help build toward the future.
Grade: D
37. Seattle Seahawks
*From BRONCOS
Derick Hall, Edge, Auburn
The Seattle Seahawks have picked corner, wide receiver, and now, a talented edge rusher who is a perfect fit for this defense. Derick Hall (scouting report) has the strength to set the edge and the power to push the pocket. He does have some lower-body tightness that hinders his lateral movement which shows up on film.
Grade: C
38. Atlanta Falcons
*From COLTS
Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse
With their first pick, the Atlanta Falcons picked perhaps the most talented player in the draft in Bijan Robinson (scouting report), and with this pick, they select an offensive tackle who may be best suited as an offensive guard. Matthew Bergeron (scouting report) is big, strong, smart and tough but comes with athletic limitations and will struggle in space against athletic defenders.
Grade: C-
39. Carolina Panthers
Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ole Miss
Jonathan Mingo (scouting report) is a receiver who can stretch the field and make plays underneath. He is big, long and has outstanding ball skills. Mingo has a high ceiling because of his athletic traits, toughness and work ethic.
Grade: A-
40. New Orleans Saints
Isaiah Foskey, Edge, Notre Dame
The New Orleans Saints are attacking the defensive line in this draft with the addition of Isaiah Foskey (scouting report) after picking Bryan Bresee (scouting report) in Round 1. Foskey has outstanding length and fits the profile of a Saints edge rusher. He may have been a bit overlooked in this draft and has been compared to Marcus Davenport.
Grade: B-
41. Arizona Cardinals
*From TITANS
BJ Ojulari, Edge, LSU
BJ Ojulari (scouting report) is a polished rusher, who can use his hands and always seems to have a rush plan. Ojulari is an explosive athlete who fits what the Cardinals need on defense and should be a contributor from Day 1 in the desert. He is athletic enough to drop in coverage and cover a tight end.
Grade: A
42. Green Bay Packers
*From JETS
Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
The Green Bay Packers needed a tight end and found one in Luke Musgrave (scouting report) from Oregon State. Musgrave is athletic with good size. He is a fluid route runner who is much better as a receiver than as a run blocker. He had some injuries last season, but he should help the Packers move the chains in 2023.
Grade: B
43. New York Jets
Joe Tippman, OC, Wisconsin
Even with the signing of Connor McGovern, the New York Jets still felt like they needed to address the center position. Joe Tippmann (scouting report) is tall for a center, but he is a good bender who plays on his feet. He is smart and will be able to lead the Jets' offensive line.
Grade: A
44. Indianapolis Colts
*From FALCONS
Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State
Julius Brents (scouting report) is at his best as a press corner, using his strong hands. However, he does not always play to his size and athletic testing numbers. There are some concerns about his play speed, and at times, he can't hold up against faster receivers down the field.
Grade: B-
45. Detroit Lions
*From PACKERS
Brian Branch, DB, Alabama
Brian Branch (scouting report) is a talented player who can do a variety of different things on the field for the Lions. He is instinctive and versatile, showing the ability to line up at safety and over the slot. He did not have great testing numbers, he is a good football player.
Grade: A
46. New England Patriots
Keion White, Edge, Georgia Tech
Keion White (scouting report) is a big man with good strength and power. He needs to get more of a plan as a pass rusher, but he has been able to make up for that so far with his speed and athleticism. With time and coaching, he could develop into a good player for the Patriots.
Grade: B-
47. Washington Commanders
Jartavius Martin, CB, Illinois
The Washington Commanders grabbed two defensive backs in the first two rounds. The strength of Jartavius Martin's (scouting report) game is versatility. He can play over the slot, he can play outside and he can line up at safety as well. He was overshadowed by Sydney Brown (scouting report) and Devon Witherspoon (scouting report) at Illinois. Martin tested off the charts at the combine.
Grade: C-
48. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
*From PACKERS
Cody Mauch, OT, North Dakota State
Cody Mauch (scouting report) is capable of playing tackle or guard in the NFL. Mauch needs to improve his strength, and he should do so in an NFL facility. He is a good bender, has solid movement skills and can get up to the second level to sustain linebackers.
Grade: B
49. Pittsburgh Steelers
Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin
Keeanu Benton (scouting report) is long and has good strength for a defensive tackle. He is a good fit for the Steelers and will play early as a rookie and should contribute. Benton has sneaky speed and is a good athlete who plays on his feet and has the motor to run and chase the ball down the field.
Grade: A-
50. Green Bay Packers
*From BUCCANEERS
Jayden Reed, WR, Michigan State
The Packers grab another offensive weapon to help Jordan Love in his first year as a starter. Jayden Reed (scouting report) is a good route runner who understands how to set up defenders. He's a downfield threat who can make contested catches. He needs to add weight and increase his strength to be able to hold up for a full season.
Grade: C+
51. Miami Dolphins
Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
Cam Smith (scouting report) needs to add weight to his frame, but he is a twitchy, athletic corner with speed and good instincts. Scouts love his feet and his top-level change of direction ability. With his overall football awareness, he can adapt to the NFL game quickly as a rookie.
Grade: B+
52. Seattle Seahawks
Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA
Zach Charbonnet (scouting report) is a strong, tough running back who can pound defenders and is not afraid to look for contact. Seattle already has Kenneth Walker, but it added another running back to their offense. Charbonnet is good enough catching the ball out of the backfield, but does body catch a bit too much.
Grade: C+
53. Chicago Bears
*From RAVENS
Gervon Dexter, DT, Florida
Gervon Dexter (scouting report) is a big man who eats up blockers and plays stout at the line of scrimmage. The Chicago Bears are getting a run defender and who will not make much noise as a pass rusher. He needs to improve his motor and be more consistent finishing plays.
Grade: C
54. Los Angeles Chargers
Tuli Tuipulotu, Edge, USC
Tuli Tuipulotu (scouting report) is a talented defensive lineman who has some position flexibility. He plays with good strength and power and can stack defenders with his hands. He can bend, and he does a nice job as a lateral mover in space.
Grade: B-
55. Kansas City Chiefs
*From LIONS
Rashee Rice, WR, SMU
Rashee Rice (scouting report) is an outside wide receiver with good speed and has big-play ability. He does a nice job of changing speeds in his routes and is good with the ball in his hands. He comes with ball security issues and will have some concentration drops.
Grade: B+
56. Chicago Bears
*From JAGUARS
Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami
Tyrique Stevenson (scouting report) has rare size and length for a cornerback. He is a fluid mover who can bend and move laterally. He has some inconsistencies on film but is one of the most physical press-man corners in this draft. He can bully wide receivers down the field. He's better in man coverage than he is in zone coverage.
Grade: B
57. New York Giants
John Michael Schmitz, OC, Minnesota
The New York Giants needed a center, and they got their man in the second round. John Michael Schmitz (scouting report) is a tough player who will not back down from a fight and has the instincts to lead an NFL offensive line. He does not have any rare athletic traits but was productive at the end of the day.
Grade: B
58. Dallas Cowboys
*From Titans
Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan
Luke Schoonmaker (scouting report) gives the Dallas Cowboys an in-line, blocking tight end who will unlock his hips, get hands-on defenders and move them off the line of scrimmage. He is not dynamic in the passing game, but he is capable of posting up and making a play at the first-down marker.
Grade: C+
59. Buffalo Bills
O'Cyrus Torrence, OG, Florida
O'Cyrus Torrence (scouting report) is a big, strong, inside offensive lineman who can strike defenders with his hands and is capable of controlling opposing linemen. He does not have top-level athletic traits and will miss too much at the second level. He does a nice job of rooting in against the bull rush, but quicker more agile players may give him some issues.
Grade: B
60. Cincinnati Bengals
DJ Turner, CB, Michigan
DJ Turner (scouting report) does not have the size NFL teams are looking for in a cornerback, but he does have explosive speed and good lateral movement skills. He has good awareness in zone and clean eyes. He will give up some ground in the run game due to his lack of play strength.
Grade: B-
61. Jacksonville Jaguars
*From BEARS
Brenton Strange, TE, Penn State
More smooth than explosive, Brenton Strange (scouting report) is a good route runner, who can set up linebackers and is capable of winning at the sticks. He is not a dynamic athlete but has sneaky speed. He needs to get stronger, specifically in his lower body.
Grade: C-
62. Houston Texans
*From Eagles
Juice Scruggs, OC, Penn State
Juice Scruggs (scouting report) is smart and aware. He is not dynamic and lacks any big-time traits, but he is a productive player and a sneaky athlete. He wins more than he loses and plays on his feet.
Grade: C+
63. Denver Broncos
*From LIONS
Marvin Mims Jr., WR, Oklahoma
Marvin Mims Jr. (scouting report) does not have a top-level trait to hang his hat on. He lacks size and needs to add strength. He has a tight lower body, and his play speed is average. He is a better tester than player, but he does have good hands and overall ball skills.
Grade: D
Round 3 Draft Grades
64. Chicago Bears
Zacch Pickens, DT, South Carolina
Zacch Pickens (scouting report) is a good overall athlete and has the strength to hold up on the front for the Bears. He has good feet and balance but has some hip tightness. He runs well for his size and gives good overall effort. He should be a nice fit in the Bears' rotation.
Grade: B-
65. Philadelphia Eagles
*From TEXANS
Tyler Steen, OT, Alabama
Tyler Steen (scouting report) is an extremely smart player who has good instincts. His feel for the game jumps off the film. He has good height, but his lack of length is concerning. Steen does not have top-level movement skills, but he does have good feet, balance and body control.
Grade: C
66. Philadelphia Eagles
*From CARDINALS
Sydney Brown, S, Illinois
Sydney Brown (scouting report) is a compact safety who is a coordinator's dream. Brown can align in a variety of different spots for the Eagles. He runs well and is explosive. Brown has the football intelligence and instincts to play early as a rookie.
Grade: B+
67. Denver Broncos
*From COLTS
Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
Drew Sanders (scouting report) brings length and versatility to the Denver Broncos' defense. He is a run-and-chase off-ball linebacker who flashes effectiveness rushing off the edge.
Grade: B
68. Detroit Lions
*From BRONCOS
Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
This is a good spot for Hendon Hooker (scouting report) and a value pick for Detroit. They now have insurance behind Jared Goff, and Hooker has time to fully recover from his injury before being pressed into action. Hooker has maturity, toughness and arm strength.
Grade: A
>> READ: Lions Perfect Spot for Hooker
69. Houston Texans
*From RAMS
Nathaniel Dell, WR, Houston
Nathaniel "Tank" Dell (scouting report) is an undersized but explosive slot receiver. He can create separation in the middle of the field and be a big playmaker for C.J. Stroud (scouting report). He has the speed to take the top of the defense and in addition to his prowess as a separator. This is a good value in the third round.
Grade: B+
70. Las Vegas Raiders
Byron Young, DT, Alabama
Las Vegas adds some help in the middle of its defense with a stout run defender and fluid athlete. Byron Young (scouting report) is better moving up the field rather than laterally. He will have a tendency to overcommit but has strong hands and a good base. He plays with good balance and a high motor. He should be a nice interior player for the Raiders.
Grade: A-
71. New Orleans Saints
Kendre Miller, RB, TCU
Kendre Miller (scouting report) has three-down potential at the next level. He has excellent vision and burst to take any play the distance. He is a competitive blocker and has ability to contribute out of the backfield in the passing game, despite a lack of production in that area at TCU. He is a future starter in the NFL.
Grade: B+
72. Arizona Cardinals
*From TITANS
Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse
Garrett Williams (scouting report) was one of our favorite players on tape this season. If not for his October injury, he may have been a first-round player. He is one of the most physical and sure tacklers in this secondary class. He is instinctive and aggressive. He has just average size and lacks top-tier recovery speed.
Grade: A
73. New York Giants
*From RAMS
Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
Jalin Hyatt (scouting report) is perhaps the most explosive wide receiver in the draft. He hits top speed quickly and will give the Giants a downfield threat to stretch the defense. He is not just an athlete, he is polished and understands how to run routes and set up defenders.
Grade: A+
74. Cleveland Browns
*From JETS
Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee
With the Cleveland Browns' first pick, they selected wide receiver Cedric Tillman (scouting report). Tillman is a big, long outside receiver who runs good routes for his size and can go up and snatch the ball out of the air. Tillman does not have big-time explosiveness, but he should be a solid player in the NFL.
Grade: A
75. Atlanta Falcons
Zach Harrison, Edge, Ohio State
The Falcons selected an athletic edge rusher who has a bit of tightness in his ankles but has good bend for his size. Zach Harrison (scouting report) needs to improve his pad level and overall technique, but he has natural strength and power to toss offensive linemen around.
Grade: B
76. New England Patriots
*From PANTHERS
Marte Mapu, S, Sacramento State
This is a total New England Patriots pick. Marte Mapu (scouting report) was a conference player of the year in the Big Sky. He played a hybrid LB/DB spot for Sacramento State, and he lined up and impressed as an off-ball LB at the Senior Bowl. He was not invited to the combine, and he tore his pec preparing for his pro day. He may lack the speed to play safety in the NFL. He could be a solid special teams player.
Grade: C-
77. Los Angeles Rams
*From DOLPHINS
Byron Young, Edge, Tennessee
The Rams select an explosive pass rusher with outstanding burst. Byron Young (scouting report) hits top speed quickly and can really close in the open field. He needs to improve his strength and technique in the run game, but what he will bring to the Rams can't be taught.
Grade: A
78. Green Bay Packers
Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State
The Packers grab a second tight end. Tucker Kraft (scouting report) is good with the ball in his hands and has some interesting athletic traits. Kraft needs to refine the finer points of his game, but he has top-level movement skills and a high ceiling.
Grade: A-
79. Indianapolis Colts
*From COMMANDERS
Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
Josh Downs (scouting report) is an explosive wideout who will be even faster on the quick Indy turf. Downs does not have ideal size, but he has great burst and does not have to build his speed. The Colts certainly became much faster and more explosive in this draft.
Grade: A
80. Carolina Panthers
*From STEELERS
DJ Johnson, ED, Oregon
A former tight end and Miami transfer who tested off the charts at the combine, DJ Johnson (scouting report) has size, mass and burst to close, but lacks great instincts and needs to refine his technique. He lacks experience, but the 25-year-old rookie has athletic traits.
Grade: D
81. Tennessee Titans
*From CARDINALS
Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane
Tyjae Spears (scouting report) is a productive and instinctive player with outstanding vision. He has good hands out of the backfield and is a top-level route runner. Spears possesses good, but not elite speed and shows good toughness for his size. He will be in the mix to get carries for the Titans.
Grade: C
82. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Yaya Diaby, Edge, Louisville
Yaya Diaby (scouting report) is a straight-line upright rusher who relies on strength and athleticism to win. He tested well at his pro day, and it remains to be seen if it will translate on the field for the Buccaneers.
Grade: C
83. Denver Broncos
*From SEAHAWKS
Riley Moss, CB, Iowa
Riley Moss (scouting report) is a good player, but giving up a third-round pick in 2024 to come up to get him is rich. Moss is athletic, instinctive and productive. He can stay in phase vertically and track the ball. He doesn't have ideal length, and he may lose some battles at the catch point
Grade: B-
84. Miami Dolphins
Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M
The Shanahan tree loves to stockpile running backs, and Devon Achane (scouting report) is a great fit for the Miami Dolphins' scheme with his homerun hitting ability. While he is not a big back, he does not shy away from contact. This is a solid value and a good fit.
Grade: B
85. Los Angeles Chargers
Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State
Daiyan Henley (scouting report) started his career as a wide receiver at Nevada, but you would never know he was an offensive player with the ferocity that he plays with on defense. He is a little tightly wound, but he makes plays from sideline to sideline with effort and excellent straight-line speed. He has unusual length, and he uses it well as a spot rusher who should be an effective blitzer at the next level.
Grade: B-
86. Baltimore Ravens
Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
Trenton Simpson (scouting report) is an athletic off-ball stack linebacker who has lateral movement skills and top-level speed. He is an explosive hitter on contact and can also play in coverage. He has first-round ability, but there are questions about his instincts, and he is a bit slow to react in both the run and pass game.
Grade: B+
87. San Francisco 49ers
*From VIKINGS
Ji'Ayir Brown, S, Penn State
Ji'Ayir Brown (scouting report) brings a lot of what Talanoa Hufanga has brought to the San Fransisco 49ers defense. He plays with excellent tempo and is quick to trigger. He will bring an attitude and play faster than his timed speed. This is good value and helps them fill in for the loss of Jimmie Ward and prepare for the aging out of Tashaun Gipson.
Grade: B
88. Jacksonville Jaguars
Tank Bigsby, RB, Auburn
Tank Bigsby (scouting report) brings depth to the Jaguars' running back room. He has good size, speed and second-level vision. His pass protection will have to improve for him to see the field early, but he has eventual starter ability as a runner.
Grade: B
89. Los Angeles Rams
*From GIANTS
Kobie Turner, DT, Wake Forest
This is a bit of a reach for a player that wasn't at this year's combine. Kobie Turner (scouting report) is an undersized defensive tackle who has some bend and good overall movement skills. He had 43 tackles-for-loss during his career at Richmond and Wake Forest.
Grade: D
90. Dallas Cowboys
Demarvion Overshown, LB, Texas
Demarvion Overshown (scouting report) is quick to trigger with the speed and range to corral carriers. His background as a defensive back allows him to thrive in pass coverage. On top of the athleticism, he packs a thump when he arrives at the ball carrier.
Grade: B+
91. Buffalo Bills
Dorian Williams, LB, Tulane
Dorian Williams (scouting report) is an undersized run-and-chase linebacker with good length and outstanding speed. He has three-down productivity and potential at the next level. He has the potential to fill the spot vacated by Tremaine Edmunds.
Grade: B
92. Kansas City Chiefs
*From BENGALS
Wanya Morris, OT, Oklahoma
Wanya Morris (scouting report) has the position flexibility to play guard or tackle. He has good overall movement skills and bend for his size. He is tough but needs to gain some strength to control people in the run game. Pro coaching will help him clean up his technique.
Grade: B+
93. Pittsburgh Steelers
*From PANTHERS
Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
Darnell Washington (scouting report) is a massive-bodied tight end who has good athletic ability for a guy his size. He is primarily a blocking tight end with the ability to be used in the passing game in the red zone. Pittsburgh gets a guy to add to the end of the line and will give it the ability to play smash-mouth football.
Grade: B+
94. Arizona Cardinals
*From EAGLES
Michael Wilson, WR, Stanford
Michael Wilson (scouting report) is a good-sized receiver with a solid build. He is more of a smooth, fluid athlete rather than a quick-twitch one. He has reliable hands and shows good toughness. Injuries have been a concern, as he has not played a full season since 2019. Wilson has just an average ability to separate down the field.
Grade: C
95. Cincinnati Bengals
*From CHIEFS
Jordan Battle, S, Alabama
The Cincinnati Bengals needed to address the safety position with the loss of both Vonn Bell and Jessie Bates. Jordan Battle (scouting report) is more of an old-school strong safety than a free safety who can play the deep part of the field. He plays with good instincts and strikes with violence as a tackler.
Grade: C-
96. Detroit Lions
*From CARDINALS
Brodric Martin, DT, Western Kentucky
Brodric Martin (scouting report) is a big-bodied defensive tackle. He's a space eater who has length and can get hands on people up front. The Lions made another move to solidify their run defense.
Grade: C
97. Washington Commanders
Ricky Stromberg, OC, Arkansas
Ricky Stromberg (scouting report) is a high-effort player who lacks length. He plays hard, and with toughness, but he has just average overall strength to hold up at the point of attack. Washington will like his instincts and intelligence.
Grade: C-
98. Cleveland Browns
Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor
Siaki Ika (scouting report) gives the Browns much-needed help against the run. He provides the size and strength to hold up bodies and clog lanes.
Grade: B
99. San Francisco 49ers
Jake Moody, K, Michigan
Jake Moody (scouting report) is the top kicker in the draft. He has a big leg and is accurate with clean mechanics. The 49ers let Robbie Gould go and needed a kicker.
Grade: C
100. Las Vegas Raiders
*From GIANTS
Tre Tucker, WR, Cincinnati
Tre Tucker (scouting report) is a smaller-built receiver with good speed and quickness. He shows reliable hands with toughness over the middle of the field. He is dynamic with the ball in his hands, with over half his yards coming after the catch. Size remains a major concern. He needs to get stronger and is going to struggle in contested catch situations due to his size.
Grade: C-
101. San Francisco 49ers
Cameron Latu, TE, Alabama
Cameron Latu (scouting report) is a good-looking athlete with solid movement skills, ideal size and thickness for the position. He lacks the toughness or competitiveness needed for the NFL. For a team that values blocking tight ends, this was a surprising selection.
Grade: D-
102. Minnesota Vikings
*From 49ers
Mekhi Blackmon, CB, USC
Mekhi Blackmon (scouting report) is a solid overall athlete with good enough speed, but has inconsistencies and gives up too many plays. He needs to work on his technique and overall eye control.
Grade: C
