Round 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft is in the books, and our initial grades are in, too. Thursday was a historic night with six quarterbacks going in the top 12 and no defensive player getting drafted until No. 15. Now we enter Day 2 with the Buffalo Bills — who traded down twice — on the clock. And just like we did Thursday, we'll give our snap judgments on every pick from the proceedings on Friday night. Here are our 2024 NFL Draft grades and tracker for Rounds 2 and 3.
2024 NFL Draft tracker, live grades —Round 2
33. Buffalo Bills: WR Keon Coleman, Florida State
Welcome to the 2024 NFL Draft, Bills Mafia. Buffalo could have easily sat at 28 and taken Keon Coleman, the underrated FSU wideout who slipped due to his 4.61 40. At 6-foot-3, 213 pounds with incredible ball skills, Coleman will be an excellent target for Josh Allen. This offseason, the Bills lost two top WRs but now gain a guy who can be a true No. 1. And the Bills picked up some draft position by trading down twice before taking him, which is a smart move.
Grade: A
34. Los Angeles Chargers: WR Ladd McConkey, Georgia
Here's a run on the WRs that didn't go in the first. This group that is going and is about to go is why pundits love this widout draft class so much. There is a ton of talent here, and Ladd McConkey is part of that. He is, at worst, a prototypical slot reciever but has a little more size and speed than he gets credit for. He could develop into a real go-to guy for Justin Herbert, so this is a great pick.
Grade: A
35. Atlanta Falcons: DT Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson
Oh, Falcons. Yes, the franchise spent most of the day on Friday getting killed for taking Michael Penix Jr. when they desperately needed big pieces on the other side of the ball, specifically at defensive tackle. Well, the Falcons finally took a DT, but it was the raw and somewhat suspect Ruke Orhorhoro, who didn't start regularly start until his fifth year of college.
What makes matters worse is that arguably the second-best DT in the draft, Jer'Zhan Newton was still on the board as were other more NFL-ready prospects like Kris Jenkins, Braden Smith, and Maason Smith.
Grade: C-
36. Washington Commanders: DT Jer'Zhan Newton, Illinois
The Falcons' blunder ends up being the Commanders' gain. Jer'Zhan Newton is a little undersized, but it's hard not to look at him and see (at least a little) Aaron Donald. He is a first-round talent who slipped to the second, so this is an excellent value pick. Yes, Washington has Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen still, but picking the best player on the board is never a bad idea. They can figure out the rest.
Grade: A
37. New England Patriots: WR Ja'Lynn Polk, Washington
Rome Odune's running mate is a big, physical WR at 6-foot-1, 203 pounds but he doesn't have a ton of speed to separate at the next level. I see what the Patriots are doing here, trying to get weapons for Drake Maye, and that's commendable. However, there were better options on the board. This feels a lot like N'Keal Harry all over again.
Grade: C+
38. Tennessee Titans: NT T'Vondre Sweat, Texas
This is a boom-or-bust pick that could pay off huge for the Titans' defense. T'Vondre Sweat is 6-foot-4, 366 pounds, and he can absolutely control the line of scrimmage. At his best, he could be a dominant force. That said, there are a lot of questions from, can he control his weight? To why did he get arrested for DWI during the draft process? If the Titans get get him on the right path, though, they will have a run-stuffer extraordinaire and a potential star.
Grade: B
39. Los Angeles Rams: DT Braden Fiske, Florida State
After drafting FSU DE Jared Verse in Round 1, the Rams went back to Tallahassee to take Verse's partner, Braden Fiske. The big DT can do a lot of things, and while he won't replace Aaron Donald, he is a nice stand-in. Plus, having the familiarity next to Verse is something interesting to watch, ala the Eagles drafting Georgia Bulldogs defenders.
Grade: B+
40. Philadelphia Eagles: DB Cooper DeJean, Iowa
This is a classic Eagles pick, going up to grab a guy who fell way too far for whatever reason. Cooper DeJean is a versatile defensive back who will make the Philly secondary much more multiple, especially with first-round pick Quinyon Mitchell in the mix as well. Whether the Eagles can still get the best out of a weapon like DeJean without Jonathan Gannon is still up for debate, but that's not our problem right now during the 2024 NFL Draft.
Grade: A
41. New Orleans Saints: CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
The second Alabama corner off the board is a good one. Kool-Aid McKinstry may not be a lockdown cover man, but he is good at everything, including sticking his nose into tackles to stop the run. McKinstry was a borderline first-rounder and the Saints did a good job filling a need here with a good player.
Grade: A-
42. Houston Texans: CB Kamari Lassiter, Georgia
The corners keep on coming, and Kamari Lassiter becomes the next in this run. The Georgia DB won't be a boundary cover guy at the next level, but as a nickel CB or even a hybrid safety, he has the potential to become a legit starter. That's great for the Texans, who can't neglect the defensive side of the ball as they build their powerhouse offense.
Grade: B+
43. Arizona Cardinals: CB Max Melton, Rutgers
Max Melton is good-sized, fast, athletic, and tough. Plus he has a nose for the ball with eight interceptions in college. He can play inside or out, which is a big bonus for Jonathan Gannon, who seems to be building a really interesting defense in the desert with players who can play multiple positions as he had in Philly two years ago.
Grade: A-
44. Las Vegas Raiders: C Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon
The bets pure center in the draft, Jackson Powers-Johnson could be the final piece to the Raiders' much-improved offensive line. Las Vegas may not have a starting quarterback, but whoever is back there will have time to throw with this pick and the other solid players up front on the offense.
Grade: A
45. Green Bay Packers: LB Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M
This is not a strong off-ball linebacker class, but Edgerrin Cooper is unquestionably the best of the bunch. This is a very Packers-like pick, adding a pretty talented, but somewhat unnecessary defensive player in the first two rounds. Helping out Jordan Love on any level would have been nice, but since when have the Packers helped their QB early in the draft? The answer is never, and Love is just lucky Green Bay didn't draft his replacement here.
Grade: C+
46. Carolina Panthers: RB Jonathon Brooks, Texas
Yes, Jonathon Brooks is coming off an ACL injury, but that doesn't mean what it used to. What it does mean is that the Panthers get the best running back in, admittedly, a weak draft class for the position. That said, the instinct to continue to add weapons for Bryce Young is a good one.
Grade: B+
47. New York Giants: S Tyler Nubin, Minnesota
With Xavier McKinney gone, the Giants need a safety, and they took the first one off the board in the 2024 NFL Draft. Tyler Nubin can stuff a stat sheet and can be a playmaker at the next level. This is a high-floor player who should be a credible starter at worst on the Giants D this season.
Grade: B+
48. Jacksonville Jaguars: DT Maason Smith, LSU
The 6-foot-5, 306-pound defensive tackle is an amazing athlete, but he hasn't shown the production or consistency yet to go along with the body. This type of traits-based prospect is right up GM Trent Baalke's alley, though, so this isn't exactly a surprising pick for the Jaguars.
Grade: B-
49. Cincinnati Bengals: DT Kris Jenkins, Michigan
Another talented DT off the board, Kris Jenkins is the son of a Pro Bowl defensive tackle and should have a long career himself in the National Football League. With Lou Anarumo as his DT, Jenkins could unlock another level to his game and really become a stud like his dad.
Grade: B+
50. Washington Commanders: CB Mike Sainristil, Michigan
Another pick, another Wolverine defender off the board. Mike Sainristil used to be a WR, so he has excellent ball skills. He is a little small at 5-foot-9, so he is likely a nickel corner in the future, but the Commanders need secondary help, and this is a solid pick at this point in the NFL draft after the huge run on CBs at the beginning of this round.
Grade: B
51. Pittsburgh Steelers: C Zach Frazier, West Virginia
Wrestlers make good centers, and Zach Frazier was a heck of a wrestler in addition to being a solid center. The Steelers' offensive line has been a work in progress for a while now, so adding to that unit to protect Russell Wilson (or Justin Feilds) makes sense. Frazier is probably just a center, so this pick doesn't help anywhere else, but that's not a terrible thing.
Grade: B+
52. Indianapolis Colts: WR Adonai Mitchell, Texas
Frankly, Adonai Mitchell is the better of the two Texas wide receivers coming out, and if Xavier Worthy didn't set a 40-yard dash record, Mitchell may have gone higher. At 6-goot-2, 205 pounds, he only ran a tenth of a second slower than Worthy, which shows what type of athleticism Micthell has. Apparently, there are some character concerns (according to Ian Rapoport on the NFL Network broadcast), but he is a real talent, and a good pick for the Colts at this point to help Anthony Richardson.
Grade: B+
53. Washington Commanders: TE Ben Sinnott, Kansas State
Ben Sinnott is a versatile move tight end who can play fullback, h-back, or in-line tight end. That type of flexibility will be a big bonus for a rookie quarterback like Jaden Daniels. This isn't a great TE draft by any means, but Sinnott has a chance to be a safety blanket for his new QB, and that's a valuable player.
Grade: B
54. Cleveland Browns: DE Michael Hall Jr., Ohio State
At 6-foot-3, 290 pounds, Michael Hall Jr. is a bit undersized for the middle of the line, and the fact is Hall doesn't have a ton of production no matter where on the line he plays. There are some tools here that could turn into a good NFL player, but there is a lot of work to do to get those tools to turn into production.
Grade: C+
55. Miami Dolphins: OT Patrick Paul, Houston
This is a low-floor, high-ceiling pick for the future of the Dolphins. Right now, the 6-foot-7, 331-pound OT is probably not going to help. However, with a year of studying under Terron Armstead and Miami could have a potential franchise tackle on their hands with a mid-second-round pick this season.
Grade: B-
56. Dallas Cowboys: EDGE Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan
Marshawn Kneeland is 6-foot03, 267 pounds, and has a little inside/outside flexibility, but he is best when standing up and rushing the passer. This small-school rusher is a bit of a project, but on the other side of Micah Parsons, he may be able to find some success in one-on-one matchups early in his career.
Grade: B
57. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: EDGE Chris Braswell, Alabama
The Buccaneers needed an edge rusher, and they got a serviceable one in Chris Braswell. He's an OK player who will likely find a role in the league, but his potential to become a double-digit-sack guy just doesn't seem to be there. The EDGE class in the 2024 NFL Draft is underwhelming, but you'd still like to take a little bigger swing here than the Bucs did.
Grade: C+
58. Green Bay Packers: S Javon Bullard, Georgia
This former Bulldogs safety is a good player, but likely a situational player at the next level. He's small to be a box safety and not fast enough to play nickel or centerfield full-time. He can definitely play in the NFL with his strength and toughness, but again the Packers just love loading up on highly-drafted defenders when they need players on offense.
Grade: C+
59. Houston Texans: OT Blake Fisher, Notre Dame
One of the best linemen left on the board, Blake Fisher is youg and developmental but still skilled enough to potentially start this year. When you have a young star QB, protecting him is paramount, so this is exactly what the Texans have to do to build around CJ Stroud.
Grade: A-
60. Buffalo Bills: S Cole Bishop, Utah
This is a playmaking safety who can do it all for the Bills. He can tackle, cover, and has a nose for the ball. After losing Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde this offseason, the team got a starting replacement right away, which makes this an excellent pick.
Grade: A-
61. Detroit Lions: CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Missouri
This is a big, physical cornerback who Dan Campbell will love. The biggest red flag here is a spotty injury history. Still, in conjunction with the Lions' first-round pick, Terrion Arnold, the Detroit secondary just went from the team's biggest weakness to possibly a major strength. Drafting like this is why the Lions are finally becoming relevant in the NFL this century.
Grade: B+
62. Baltimore Ravens: OT Roger Rosengarten, Washington
The Ravens got a decent tackle here who seems like a high-end backup of swing tackle at best. He played for winning teams in Washington, though, so he knows how to get the job done, and his best position in the league might be guard, which gives him a little more upside.
Grade: B-
63. Kansas City Chiefs: OT Kingsley Suamataia, BYU
The Chiefs are always looking for long-term tackle solutions to protect Patrick Mahomes moving forward. Kingsley Suamataia was the best pure tackle on the board and will be an excellent swing tackle for the team this season. At 6-foot-5, 326 pounds with good technique, there is a chance he could become a starter in a few years, too.
Grade: B
64. San Francisco 49ers: CB Renardo Green, Florida State
Renardo Green is a fast, 6-foot cornerback who had big games against the biggest players, including the LSU wide receivers who went well before him. He is physical to a fault, though, and could be a flag magnet at the next level. If the 49ers coach that out of him, though, this could be a steal here.
Grade: B
Round 3
65. New York Jets: WR Malachai Corley, Western Kentucky
This is an interesting pick by the Jets, as we all know that Aaron Rodgers doesn't always love rookie wide receivers, In fairness, though, the Packers rarely gave him highly-drafted rookie wide receivers. In Malachai Corley, the Jets get a Deebo Samuel clone who they can integrate into the offense on designed plays to keep Rodgers out of it. He can be a solid playmaker for a team that doesn't have a great No. 2 option unless Mike Willaimas really turns his health around.
Grade: B+
66. Arizona Cardinals: RB Trey Benson, Florida State
Trey Benson is a big back who can be a home run hitter, too. The former Seminole is 6 foot, 216 and has 4.39 speed to burn. Benson's biggest issue is that he sometimes forgets he's a big back, but if the Cardinals can get him to run harder more often, he'll be a great complement to Marvin Harrison Jr. and Kyler Murray.
Grade: B
67. Washington Commanders: OG Brandon Coleman, TCU
This 6-foot-4, 313-pound offensive lineman can play four positions on the offensive line, and while he might not become a Pro Bowler at any of them, he can definitely start games at all of them when necessary. He was also a three-year starter and team captain, which should make him a leader on the line. In front of a rookie quarterback, having depth, leadership, and versatility like this is excellent.
Grade: B
68. New England Patriots: OL Caedan Wallace, Penn State
After starting mostly at right tackle across from Olu Fashanu, Caedan Wallace is likely a guard at the NFL level. Getting players with guard/tackle flexibility is important at this point in the NFL Draft, so the Patriots get a solid mark for adding to the protectors in front of Drake Maye.
Grade: B
69. Los Angeles Chargers: LB Junior Colson, Michigan
Jim Harbaugh takes his Michigan man, drafting stout linebacker Junior Colson. Harbaugh leaned on Colson to lead his defense with the Wolverines, so there's a good chance he will do the same in LA. Colson is s olid, if unspectacular, player overall, but with Harbaugh, there's something a little more special, so this NFL draft grade gets a bump.
Grade: B+
70. New York Giants: CB Andru Phillips, Kentucky
Andru Phillips doesn't have a lot of experience or all that great tape, but there is some speed here and some plays that show some possible potential in a decently sized 5-foot-11, 190-pound frame. This is a bit f a big swing from the Giants, but at this point why not take a chance on someone with a higher ceiling even if they have a lower floor?
Grade: B-
71. Arizona Cardinals: OG Isaiah Adams, Illinois
This is a two-year starter and team captain with guard/tackle flexibility, so this checks all the boxes you want to see in the third round. Outside of that, though, Isaiah Adams is just a run-of-the-mill prospect who will probably make the team but there's a chance he never becomes a full-time starter.
Grade: C+
72. Carolina Panthers: LB Trevin Wallace, Kentucky
Another Wildcat off the board in the early third round, Trevin Wallace is a big-time athlete who hasn't had consistent production yet. That's OK for the Panthers, though, who need to find blue-chip players on both sides of the ball. Being a team captain gives fans hope he can figure it out, and if he does, Wallace will be a real difference-maker.
Grade: B
73. Dallas Cowboys: OG Cooper Bebe, Kansas State
On the NFL Network broadcast, the analysts called Cooper Bebe a “bad body, good player” guy, which is quite the backhanded compliment. Overall, though, Bebe is a productive player at a position of need for the Cowboys, so here is yet another unsexy Jerry Jones pick that will likely pay dividends.
Grade: B
74. Atlanta Falcons: EDGE Bralen Trice, Washington
Finally, the Falcons make a solid pick that can actually help them this year. Bralen Trice was a team captain on a national championship finalist and has the body and build to pay a stout DE spot in the NFL. He may never be a double-digit sack guy, but he is a player who can set the edge and rush the passer a little bit, especially if he plays across the line from a dynamic rusher someday.
Grade: B
75. Chicago Bears: OT Kiran Amegadjie, Yale
This is a massive 6-foot-5, 323-pound developmental project for the Bears to undertake, but if the Ivy Leaguer puts it together from a technique standpoint to go with his frame and his smarts, here is a chance he can hold down a line spot for years to come. Amegadjie can play guard, too, so while the Bears probably weren't getting a Week 1 starter here, taking a player with this much upside is a good idea.
Grade: B
76. Denver Broncos: EDGE Jonah Elliss, Utah
A little short (6-foot-2) and a little light (248 pounds) Jonah Elliss isn't going to turn head coming off the bus. However, he has a motor that never quits, and the same could have been said about his brother, Kaden Elliss, who's had 11.0 sacks the last two seasons for the Saints.
Grade: B-
77. Las Vegas Raiders: OT Delmar Glaze, Maryland
This is a depth pick with some upside for the future. Delmar Glaze will be a swing tackle at first with starting potential down the line. For the Raiders, it's just nice to see them building through the trenches instead of falling into the old fastest guy on the board trap.
Grade: B
78. Houston Texans: S Calen Bullock, USC
Tall, skinny, and fast, Calen Bullock can cover from the safety spot but doesn't want to hit or tackle at all. If the Texans turn him into a corner, maybe he has a future. Otherwise, this is a borderline roster guy.
Grade: C+
79. Indianapolis Colts: OT Matt Goncalves, Pitt
Stop me if you've heard this one before. Matt Goncalves is a starter, a team captain, and had tackle/guard flexibility at the next level. As discussed (a lot) above, this makes a lineman a smart pick at this spot, as they have a chance to be a quality backup at worst.
Grade: B-
80. Cincinnati Bengals: WR Jermaine Burton, Alabama
This is a talented guy who fell due to some “maturity issues.” However, for a team that is likely looking to replace Tee Higgins soon, drafting a player like this who can go for sure but might just need some leadership around him is a smart move.
Grade: B+
81. Seattle Seahawks: OG Christian Haynes, UConn
Christian Haynes is a right guard through and through, and … a four-year starter and team captain, DRINK! In all seriousness, though, Haynes is one of my favorite interior linemen in this draft and could be a Week 1 starter for the Seahawks over Anthony Bradford.
Grade: A-
82. Arizona Cardinals: TE Tip Reiman, Illinois
At 6-foot-5, 270 pounds, Tip Reiman might be the most athletic TE in this draft. He can also play in-line, on the move, or at fullback. Also, he doesn't believe in birds and Peter Scharger loves him. So, I guess that's cool.
Grade: B
83. Los Angeles Rams: RB Blake Corum, Michigan
Yes, Blake Corum is a winner and a leader but he also played in a run-friendly offense against weak Big 10 defenses. A lot of pundits like Corum and think he can be a good NFL back. I' just not one of those pundits. I want my backs to be way more athletic than Corum is.
Grade: C
84. Pittsburgh Steelers: WR Roman Wilson, Michigan
Small and fast, Roman Wilson could be a high-end slot receiver in the NFL. With his ready-made skills, he could quickly become a favorite safety blanket of Russell Wilson (or Justin Fields).
Grade: B-
85. Cleveland Browns: OG Zak Zinter, Michigan
The run on Wolverines continues with possibly the best of this little bunch. Zak Zinter is a 6-foot-6 guard who can play. He broke his leg in November, and if that didn't happen he may have been a high Round 2 selection. Good value here for the Browns.
Grade: A
86. San Francisco 49ers: OG Dominick Puni, Kansas
Dominick Puni will move inside to guard at the next level and offer the 49ers depth there. This isn't a bad pick by any means but it is not going to excite 49ers fans or move the championship needle at all.
Grade: C+
87. Dallas Cowboys: LB Marist Liufau, Notre Dame
Oft-injured and a little slow, Marist Liufau hasn't shown a ton that proves he is going to be more than a special teamer coming out of the NFL draft. The Cowboys need off-ball linebackers, but they probably could have done better than this Fighting Irish backer in the third round (or waited until the fifth to get him).
Grade: C-
88. Green Bay Packers: RB MarShawn Lloyd, USC
Finally, the Packers get some help for Jordan Love. MarShawn Lloyd might mostly be a stout third-down back, but his pass-catching ability and bowling ball 5-foot-2, 220-pound frame make him an interesting complement to Josh Jacobs.
Grade: B
89. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: S Tykee Smith, Georgia
Tykee Smith is a linebacker in a safety body. This is becoming more enticing in the modern NFL, but for Smith, at just 5-foot-10, 202 pounds, he may simply not be big enough to play that way in the pros.
Grade: C+
90. Arizona Cardinals: CB Elijah Jones, Boston College
The Boston College corner comes in at almost 6-foot-2 and 4.44 speed, but without the skills or technique to play in the NFL right now. For the Cardinals, they also need blue-chip prospects more than anything, so I like taking a chance on a player with these types of tools and hoping for a Home Run.
Grade: B-
91. Green Bay Packers: LB Ty'Ron Hopper, Missouri
This is a tools-y linebacker with good range but he is still raw and has issues diagnosing plays from time to time. Ty'Ron Hopper is a bit of a reach here as the Packers seem set on adding depth on defense even if the players aren't that great.
Grade: C
92. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: WR Jalen McMilan, Washington
Jalen McMilan went almost 60 picks later than teammate Ja'Lynn Polk but might end up being the better receiver. He has good size, speed, and physicality, and will be a player that Baker Mayfield will like to throw to.
Grade: B
93. Baltimore Ravens: EDGE Adisa Isaac, Penn State
Penn State has produced some good edge rushers in the last few years, and Adisa Isaac could be the next one. He may not be ready now, but he has all the tools to be a solid pass rusher, and if any team can turn him into a good one it's the Ravens.
Grade: B+
94. Philadelphia Eagles: EDGE Jalyx Hunt, Houston Christian
Small school wonder with upside, Jalyx Hunt is a ways away from being an NFL stud, but with the right coaching, he could be a diamond in the rough for the Eagles.
Grade: B-
95. Buffalo Bills: DT DeWayne Carter, Duke
DeWayne Carter is a team captain and the leader of the Duke defense. He also has some nice pass-rush skills. Pundits describe him as the defensive Graham Barton, and that's an interesting prospect who could fit well next to Ed Oliver.
Grade: B+
96. Jacksonville Jaguars: CB Jarrian Jones, Florida State
This is a bit of a reach for who Jarrian Jones is now, but like all Jaguars prospects he has great measurables and the team will try to teach him ho to play corner better than he's shown in college.
Grade: C+
97. Cincinnati Bengals: DT McKinnley Jackson, Texas A&M
For the Aggies, McKinnley Jackson played nose tackle at 326 pounds, but he might be better as a traditional DT at the next level. Next to Kris Jenkins, he could form a formidable D-line duo that will secure the position for the future of the Bengals.
Grade: B-
98. Pittsburgh Steelers: LB Payton Wilson, NC State
Payton Wilson is a beast who flies all over the field and can hit, tackle, and cover. He's fast, has great size, and is an intense player. So, why is he not a first-round or early second-round pick? Well, despite his solid 6-foot-4, 233 pound frame, Wilson gets hurt a lot. If he can stay healthy, this is a steal, and the Steelers may have found their next great linebacker. That's a big if, though.
Grade: A-
99. Los Angeles Rams: S Kamren Kinchens, Miami
The Rams have nailed mid-to-late-round picks in the last few years, and it seems like they just keep doing it. Kam Kinchens is a playmaker, and while he's not Ed Reed or Sean Taylor don't be shocked if the Hurricanes safety ends up in the Pro Bowl someday as the next great safety from The U.
Grade: A
100. Washington Commanders: WR Luke McCaffrey, Rice
Hey, you know who is good at NFL football? Dudes from the McCaffrey family. Sure, Luke played QB in college but the son of Ed and brother of Christian is an excellent athlete, and with his family, do you want to bet against him finding at least a role and maybe even some serious success in pro football?
Grade: A
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