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NFL DRAFT
NFL draft

NFL draft tracker 2017: Second- and third-round picks, analysis

Nate Davis
USA TODAY Sports
Former Notre Dame QB DeShone Kizer is now a Cleveland Brown.

Pick-by-pick analysis of the 2017 NFL draft's second and third rounds, which took place Friday night in Philadelphia:

MORE DRAFT ANALYSIS

NFL draft tracker 2017: First-round picks, analysis

SECOND ROUND

33. Green Bay Packers (from Cleveland Browns) — Kevin King, CB, Washington: A big (6-3, 200), athletic defender, King would help remedy the secondary woes that sunk the Pack in the NFC Championship Game. He looks like an ideal Seattle corner, too, but comes off the board right before the Seahawks were originally scheduled to pick.

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34. Jacksonville Jaguars (from San Francisco 49ers via Seattle Seahawks) — Cam Robinson, OL, Alabama: The Jags enlisted support for QB Blake Bortles in Round 1 by taking RB Leonard Fournette. Now they move up one slot to get additional help for both players by reinforcing the offensive line with Robinson, a left tackle in college who seems likely to start his pro career at guard. But if Robinson proves he can handle NFL edge rushers, maybe he takes over for new LT Branden Albert in the not-too-distant future.

35. Seahawks (from Jaguars) — Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State: Interesting choice here. There's no denying McDowell's talent improves the effectiveness and depth of Seattle's D-line as he's arguably the best defensive tackle in the whole draft. However there have been questions about his motor and football desire, so he'll have to quickly answer the naysayers amid a team culture based on competitive spirit.

36. Arizona Cardinals (from Chicago Bears) — Budda Baker, DB, Washington: He and Tyrann Mathieu will help form what's becoming a very kinetic secondary. Baker plays with a ferocity atypical of a 5-10, 195-pound defensive back. He will fly into any area of the field to make a play in run support or coverage. He'll probably need to pack on some more weight to survive as an NFL safety. Thankfully, his skill set should also allow him to thrive as a nickelback in the interim.

37. Buffalo Bills (from Los Angeles Rams) — Zay Jones, WR, East Carolina: Their wideout room was raided of depth this offseason, and holdover Sammy Watkins hasn't exactly proven reliable from a durability perspective. Jones certainly did in college, where he became the all-time FBS leader for receptions (399), including a mind-boggling single-season record 158 (13.2 per game) in 2016. His speed and hands should make him a starter Day 1. His father, Robert Jones, and uncle, Jeff Blake, both played in the NFL for at least a decade.

38. Los Angeles Chargers — Forrest Lamp, OL, Western Kentucky: An excellent college tackle likely to man an interior position as a pro, Lamp is another asset obtained for QB Philip Rivers after WR Mike Williams went in Round 1. Lamp could immediately replace departed D.J. Fluker at guard.

39. New York Jets — Marcus Maye, S, Florida: The Jets suddenly have a new safety tandem, with Maye teamed with first rounder Jamal Adams. Maye was a versatile piece to the Gators' standout secondary and seems to always be around the ball. His acquisition further fuels rumors the Jets are looking to deal former first rounder Calvin Pryor.

40. Carolina Panthers — Curtis Samuel, WR, Ohio State: Think Percy Harvin. Samuel can play in the slot or backfield. His 4.31 time in the 40-yard dash at the combine was overshadowed by John Ross but nevertheless is indicative of big-play ability. Samuel and first rounder Christian McCaffrey form quite a versatile duo with a certain amount of interchangeability, not to mention insurance neither is overused.

41. Minnesota Vikings (from Cincinnati Bengals) — Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State: It seems pretty clear questions about wear and tear on his body and potential off-field red flags got him barred from the first round. But Cook, the Seminoles' all-time leading rusher, is a do-it-all back now part of a potent committee with newly signed Latavius Murray. Good news for the Vikes, who ranked dead last in rushing offense in 2016. A great home-run threat for QB Sam Bradford, who threw a ton of checkdowns last year.

42. New Orleans Saints — Marcus Williams, S, Utah: They continue revamping the pass defense, which was the NFL's worst in 2016. An explosive player, Williams joins first rounder Marcus Lattimore as New Orleans hopes to stem the bleeding in a pass-heavy division.

43. Philadelphia Eagles — Sidney Jones, CB, Washington: He might have been the No. 2 corner in this draft had he not been waylaid by an Achilles tear during his pro day. Still, he might be ready to play in the latter half of the upcoming season and seems like a pretty good value for a team that desperately needs corners.

44. Rams (from Bills) — Gerald Everett, TE, South Alabama: A highly athletic player who would surely have been a mismatch even if he wasn’t playing against Sun Belt competition. Everett could be a nice intermediate target for QB Jared Goff amid a corps of receivers that lacks a standout. A former hoopster, Everett could be a star if he puts it all together.

45. Bears (from Cardinals) — Adam Shaheen, TE, Ashland: This 6-6, 278-pounder could not be contained on the Division II stage, where he overmatched the competition on his way to accumulating 26 TDs over the last two seasons. Shaheen also has a basketball background and should post up quite a few linebackers with his huge body before escaping some with surprising 4.79 speed. Must navigate a large learning curve in the NFL, but maybe he and new QB Mitchell Trubisky will jell into a deadly combo in the Windy City.

46. Indianapolis Colts — Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida: New GM Chris Ballard continues overhauling a secondary that picked off just seven passes in 2016 and ranked 27th in pass defense. Wilson should start opposite Vontae Davis with first-round S Malik Hooker backing them up.

47. Baltimore Ravens — Tyus Bowser, OLB, Houston: They had to get younger on the edge after releasing Elvis Dumervil and with Terrell Suggs now 34. Bowser is explosive but inconsistent but will get the opportunity to learn from quite a mentor in Suggs.

48. Bengals (from Vikings) — Joe Mixon, RB, Oklahoma: Maybe not a stunner since the Bengals have a longstanding reputation for taking in players with checkered histories. Mixon's heinous assault of a woman in 2014 (caught on video) is infamous, and Cincinnati should prepared for a PR hit. From a football standpoint, he might be the best back in the draft, a dual threat (1,274 yards rushing last year, 538 receiving) who could immediately supplant Jeremy Hill and Gio Bernard atop the depth chart.

49. Washington Redskins — Ryan Anderson, OLB, Alabama: They needed another pass rusher given the secondary's struggles, not to mention Trent Murphy's four-game suspension to start the 2017 season. Anderson had 8½ sacks for the Tide in 2016.

50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Justin Evans, S, Texas A&M: At 6-0, 199 pounds, he's not the biggest guy in the bunch yet is athletic, aggressive and fearless. Probably not someone suited to playing in the box very extensively at the NFL level, but the Bucs may not ask him to, either.

51. Denver Broncos — DeMarcus Walker, DE, Florida State: He had 25 sacks over his final two years with the Seminoles and could be a real factor in sub packages as learns the professional ropes. At 6-4, 280 pounds, it's probably a stretch to think he can be an every-down linebacker and could be too light to be a base end. Nevertheless, he should earn an important role as a rookie.

52. Browns (from Tennessee Titans) — DeShone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame: Apparently the value was too good to pass up here after the Browns steered clear of Carson Wentz last year and Deshaun Watson last night. Kizer, an Ohio native, has all the talent in the world and has even been mentioned in comparison to Cam Newton. However he was far less effective in 2016 after losing the best parts of his supporting cast (Ronnie Stanley, Will Fuller, C.J. Prosise) in last year's draft. But if Kizer can put it all together under Hue Jackson's tutelage, especially his accuracy and decision making, it's certainly plausible that Cleveland may have finally solved its long-standing problem.

53. Detroit Lions — Teez Tabor, CB, Florida: He didn't run well at the combine and was even worse at his pro day, and those performances may have dropped him from first-round consideration. But Tabor is a two-time all-SEC performer who promises to be much better in a football uniform than spandex for a defense that gave up 33 passing TDs in 2016.

54. Miami Dolphins — Raekwon McMillan, LB, Ohio State: A decent athlete and good player who solidifies a pedestrian linebacking corps. McMillan could challenge Koa Misi to start on the strong side of a defense that finished 30th against the run last year.

55. New York Giants — Dalvin Tomlinson, DT, Alabama: New York always favors deep talent on its defensive line, and Tomlinson certainly checks that box. The Giants also had a need after Johnathan Hankins' recent defection to the Colts.

56. Oakland Raiders — Obi Melifonwu, DB, Connecticut: He's got freakish athleticism (4.4 40-yard dash, 44-inch vertical leap, 11 feet-9 inch broad jump — the latter two figures combine bests in 2017), especially given his 6-4, 224-pound build. A four-year starter at UConn, Melifonwu is willing to play outside corner, slot or safety. Raiders DC Ken Norton will surely find an ideal home for him in a secondary that needs help. Melifonwu's ability to quickly diagnose plays and react will have to improve while he’s taking a huge step up in competition level.

57. Houston Texans — Zach Cunningham, LB, Vanderbilt: At 6-3, 234 pounds, he isn't exactly a thumper, but Brian Cushing and Benardrick McKinney have that covered in Houston. But Cunningham is very good athlete who racked up tackles for the Commodores. He might start out playing mostly on passing downs.

58. Seahawks — Ethan Pocic, OL, LSU: A center for the Tigers, he could assume that role in Seattle and allow Justin Britt to go revert to tackle or guard. Blocking had to be a priority for the Seahawks after the abuse QB Russell Wilson absorbed last year as well as the running game's unusual ineffectiveness.

59. Kansas City Chiefs — Tanoh Kpassagnon, DE, Villanova: A sculpted athlete at 6-7 and 289 pounds who could develop into a special base end for K.C.'s three-man front. Of African descent, he told USA TODAY Sports' Tom Pelissero, “I wasn’t the greatest player ever when I started. I just liked playing. It was my way of making friends here. It was really good for me all around. I just stuck with it and I’m here today.”

60. Dallas Cowboys — Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Colorado: After losing four key defensive backs during free agency, including both starting corners, this is a gift for Dallas. Awuzie is excellent in the slot, though Orlando Scandrick effectively usually plays inside. Regardless, Awuzie is a talent who will doubtless step into the starting lineup somewhere.

61. Packers — Josh Jones, S, North Carolina State: He put on a show at the combine (4.41 40-yard dash, 37½-inch vertical). At 6-1, 220 pounds, Jones is an enforcer but no liability in coverage, which is key as Green Bay continues upgrading its shaky secondary.

62. Pittsburgh Steelers — JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, Southern California: A very tough player whose name is typically linked to Anquan Boldin's as a comparison. Smith-Schuster's production dropped in 2016, yet he gleefully noted USC's resurgence as a program and was only too happy to be part of a winner. He can make chain-moving catches for Ben Roethlisberger when coverages have rolled toward Antonio Brown and/or Le'Veon Bell. A good insurance policy, too, as Martavis Bryant works his way back from suspension.

63. Bills (from Atlanta Falcons) — Dion Dawkins, OL, Temple: Buffalo jumps back into Round 2, apparently with the intent of plugging Dawkins into its right tackle spot. At 6-4, 314 pounds, he's an impressive specimen who should also create wider rush lanes for Shady McCoy.

64. Panthers (from New England Patriots) — Taylor Moton, OL, Western Michigan: After surrounding QB Cam Newton and his surgically repaired wing with two multi-dimensional backs, GM Dave Gettleman gets to work bolstering the blocking. Moton could get a shot at right tackle now that Mike Remmers has moved on.

THIRD ROUND

65. Browns — Larry Ogunjobi, DL, North Carolina-Charlotte: A 6-3, 305-pounder who can play inside along Danny Shelton in Cleveland's new four-man front.

66. 49ers — Ahkello Witherspoon, CB, Colorado: Could compete for a starting spot opposite Jimmie Ward in a so-so secondary.

67. Saints (from Bears via 49ers) — Alvin Kamara, RB, Tennessee: His talents as a runner, receiver and returner don't put him all that far behind Christian McCaffrey. The biggest question with Kamara is his ability to handle an NFL workload after being used judiciously by the Vols, who never gave more than 18 carries in a game. Stated another way, his tires are nice and fresh. But playing behind Mark Ingram and Adrian Peterson, Kamara may still have to be content with 10 or so touches per game at the outset of his career.

68. Jaguars — Dawuane Smoot, DE, Illinois: Probably a rotational player to start his career for a defense that appears loaded in 2017.

69. Rams — Cooper Kupp, WR, Eastern Washington: Could instantly compete for starting role in L.A. The standard bearer for the Football Championship Subdivision level with career marks for catches (428), receiving yards (6,464) and TDs (73). He went out with a bang as a senior in 2016, compiling 117 receptions for 1,700 yards, and 17 scores. Kupp (6-2, 204) makes every catch from the routine to the circus variety. He’s got nice size and just enough speed (4.62 in the 40) to keep defenses honest. He can also return punts.

70. Vikings (from Jets) — Pat Elflein, OL, Ohio State: Whether at guard or center, he's a more-than-reliable performer who should help steady an offensive line that was decimated by injuries in 2016.

71. Chargers — Dan Feeney, G, Indiana: The Bolts suddenly much stronger up the middle with Feeney being added to the mix along with second rounder Forrest Lamp. It's possible years are being added to QB Philip Rivers' career.

72. Titans (from Panthers via Patriots) — Taywan Taylor, WR, Western Kentucky: Another new toy for Marcus Mariota. Taylor racked up more than 3,200 receiving yards over the past two years.

73. Bengals — Jordan Willis, DE, Kansas State: He was the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2016 after efforting his way to 11½ sacks and 17½ tackles for loss. At 6-4, 255 pounds, he'll nicely fit Cincinnati's preference for long edge players with a little more time in the weight room.

74. Ravens (from Eagles) —  Chris Wormley, DT, Michigan: Should immediately challenge for a starting job on Baltimore's three-man front. Had 22 tackles for loss over past two seasons. Goes from Jim Harbaugh to John Harbaugh.

75. Falcons (from Bills) — Duke Riley, LB, LSU: He's just 6-feet, 232 pounds but his athleticism should fit in nicely with Atlanta's speedy, somewhat undersized group.

76. Saints — Alex Anzalone, LB, Florida: At 6-3, 241 pounds with 4.6 speed, he's got a lot of enviable traits for a defense that needs them. If Anzalone, who has durability issues, can stay on the field, this should be an excellent choice.

77. Panthers (from Cardinals) — Daeshon Hall, DE, Texas A&M: Myles Garrett's Aggies wingman, Hall joins a D with aging pass rushers Julius Peppers and Charles Johnson. A good opportunity for him to learn and establish himself in time.

78. Ravens — Tim Williams, OLB, Alabama: There's no questioning the talent, but concerns about Williams' character dropped him down the board. But GM Ozzie Newsome tends to see extra value in players from his alma mater and will hope Williams can put his issues behind him. With 27½ sacks since 2015, he's got the ability to help revitalize the Baltimore pass rush.

79. Jets (from Vikings) — ArDarius Stewart, WR, Alabama: Produced consistently even in the Tide’s pedestrian passing offense. Stewart averaged 59 grabs for 782 yards over the last two years. He can also contribute on special teams. But Stewart might challenge for major offensive snaps given Brandon Marshall's departure and the general lack of play-making ability on New York's roster.

80. Colts — Tarell Basham, DE, Ohio: Indianapolis needs playmakers in its front seven, and Basham (27 sacks in college) will have ample opportunity to play on a defense in transition.

81. Redskins — Fabian Moreau, CB, UCLA: Washington made a great value pick in Round 1 by landing DL Jonathan Allen, who has worrisome shoulders. They probably did it again in the third round. If not for the pectoral tear he suffered at the Bruins' pro day, Moreau would have been long gone. He'll probably be ready to play at some point this season and would be a nice upgrade opposite Josh Norman.

82. Broncos — Carlos Henderson, WR, Louisana Tech: Could compete for No. 3 job behind Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. Henderson rolled up 1,535 receiving yards in 2016.

83. Patriots (from Titans) — Derek Rivers, DE, Youngstown State: They finally get to pick a player in this draft, and it's one who could help them get to quarterbacks on passing downs. Rivers had 14 sacks a year ago.

84. Buccaneers — Chris Godwin, WR, Penn State: Bucs QB Jameis Winston is loving this draft. Godwin was a solid producer for the Nittany Lions and thrived while battling for the ball and yards in traffic. Capped his career with a 187-yard, two-touchdown day in the Rose Bowl. He had a strong combine, too, shining in the weight room, during on-field drills and posted a 4.42 40 time.

85. Patriots (from Lions) — Antonio Garcia, T, Troy: At 6-6, 302 pounds, he's long and a standout athlete for the position. Maybe New England's left tackle of the future?

86. Chiefs (from Dolphins via Vikings) — Kareem Hunt, RB, Toledo: A very productive runner who also developed his pass-catching ability as a senior, Hunt joins a relatively crowded Kansas City backfield.

87. Giants — Davis Webb, QB, California: A dogged worker whose numbers (4,295 yards, 37 TD passes) at Cal last year were just a tick below Jared Goff's production a season earlier. Like most of his peers, Webb needs some acclimation time from the spread offense to the NFL, but he'd get plenty of that apprenticing under Eli Manning. Webb might also have a coaching future.

88. Raiders — Eddie Vanderdoes, DT, UCLA: Some Oakland players have willingly noted the lack of impact they got from their defensive interior last season. If healthy, Vanderdoes could change that.

89. Texans — D'Onta Foreman, RB, Texas: Last year's Doak Walker Award winner racked up more than 2,000 yards on the ground. Could form a nice thunder-and-lightning combo with Lamar Miller.

90. Seahawks — Shaquill Griffin, CB, Central Florida: Posted 4.38 40 time at combine. At 6-0, 194 pounds, he fits the prototype of Seattle corners. Willing tackler.

91. Rams (from Chiefs via Bills) — John Johnson, S, Boston College: His experience at corner and defending the slot are assets. But he’ll probably need to shore up his tackling to be a reliable three-down player. Picked off three passes each of past two seasons, mostly while playing at deep safety, but split time between strong safety and cornerback in 2015. Could challenge for a starting role on back end for L.A.

92. Cowboys — Jourdan Lewis, CB, Michigan: Dallas continues reloading its secondary with a tenacious player. Lewis might have gone higher if not for the misdemeanor charge of domestic violence he faces. He's scheduled to go on trial in July.

93. Packers — Montravius Adams, DT, Auburn: Could challenge for Pack's nose tackle post if he harnesses his ability.

94. Steelers — Cameron Sutton, CB, Tennessee: Pittsburgh wanted to add depth to its secondary, and Sutton is good in man coverage.

95. Seahawks (from Falcons) — Delano Hill, S, Michigan: Could make an impact on sub packages or special teams and provide nice depth as the miles add up on Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor.

96. Lions (from Patriots) — Kenny Golladay, WR, Northern Illinois: Averaged 80 receptions and more than 1,100 yards over last two seasons. A 6-4, 218-pound build will distinguish him among Detroit receivers.

97. Dolphins (compensatory) — Cordrea Tankersley, CB, Clemson: Has NFL build (6-1, 199) but plenty of flaws in his game. Still, nice piece of clay for Miami to potentially mold.

98. Cardinals (compensatory from Panthers) — Chad Williams, WR, Grambling: Will have to claw his way to find snaps on this roster. May have  to make early mark on special teams.

99. Eagles (compensatory from Ravens) — Rasul Douglas, CB, West Virginia: Massive (6-2, 209) productive DB, who swiped eight passes as a senior in 2016. Has a chance to start right away in Philly, perhaps drawing assignments against larger wideouts like Brandon Marshall and Dez Bryant.

100. Titans (compensatory from Rams) — Jonnu Smith, TE, Florida International: At 6-3, 248 pounds, he's got 78 grabs since 2015. Depth behind Delanie Walker for now.

101. Broncos (compensatory) — Brendan Langley, CB, Lamar: Good size (6 feet, 201) and speed (4.43 40 time), but he'll have to bide his time for a team that may have the best trio of corners in the league.

102. Seahawks (compensatory) — Nazair Jones, DT, North Carolina: Seattle held exceptional D-line depth during its 2013 championship year and seems to be attempting to recreate that now after taking Malik McDowell earlier tonight.

103. Saints (compensatory from Patriots via Browns) — Trey Hendrickson, LB, Florida Atlantic: He posted 15 tackles for loss each of the last two seasons and totaled 23 sacks. New Orleans would love half that production for its woeful pass defense.

104. 49ers (compensatory from Chiefs via Vikings) — C.J. Beathard, QB, Iowa: Upside seems limited but could crack a depth chart that currently only has Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley.

105. Steelers (compensatory) — James Conner, RB, Pitt: Nice story as the Panthers star who beat cancer gets to remain in the same football facility, which is shared with Pittsburgh. Before he became sick, Conner was the ACC offensive player of the year in 2014 after amassing 1,765 rushing yards and 26 TDs. Physical runner who will give Le'Veon Bell needed breathers.

106. Seahawks (compensatory) — Amara Darboh, WR, Michigan: He doesn’t look particularly gifted in any specific area, nor is he really lacking in any aspect. He’s fast if not quick but does a nice job getting behind defenders. Could develop into a steady No. 2 receiver.

107. Buccaneers (compensatory from Jets) — Kendell Beckwith, LB, LSU: Throwback linebacker at 6-2, 243 pounds and not necessarily great in coverage. Also coming off major knee injury. Physicality should be welcome in base packages.

***

Follow Nate Davis on Twitter @ByNateDavis

PHOTOS: First-round picks

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