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Cole Thompson

Day 2 NFL mock draft: Projecting every pick in Rounds 2 and 3

The Houston Texans are looking to walk out of Day 2 with at least a pair of game-changing prospects. So are 31 other teams after an eventual first round.

Six quarterbacks, six receivers, nine offensive linemen and a Brock Bowers later, history has been made. Twenty-three total offensive players heard their names called Thursday during the first round of the 2024 NFL draft, pushing defensive studs into Day 2.

For some teams, that’s a concern. For Houston, it’s a massive strength, especially given its dire needs mostly hail on the defensive side of the ball. With three picks — for now at least — on Day 2, the Texans could walk out with a pair of defensive talents and then have fun with the third option.

It’s been a long day and it’s about to get longer, so here’s an updated mock draft to pass the time until Buffalo is on the clock. And no, there’s no trades and you will get over it.

33. Buffalo Bills (VIA CAR): Texas WR Adonai Mitchell

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (5) runs the ball during the Big 12 Championship game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at AT&T stadium on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023 in Arlington.

Could the Bills trade down again to bulk up their picks? Yes. Should they with Mitchell just waiting there at the top of after being the forgotten first-round target? No, and they won’t.

34. New England Patriots: Georgia WR Ladd McConkey

(Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports)

All offseason, I said that McConkey wasn’t a clone of Julian Edelman or Wes Welker. He isn’t, but he’s landing where they both became stars as Drake Maye’s new No. 1 weapon.

35. Arizona Cardinals: Oregon OC Jackson Powers-Johnson

(Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)

Cornerback could be a need here, but the Cardinals must bolster their interior line. Powers-Johnson was a one-year starter, but he was a part of one of the best run-blocking units in the country. This gives Kyler Murray more time to find Marvin Harrison Jr. downfield for highlight plays.

36. Washington Commanders: Houston OT Patrick Paul

(Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports)

I thought Washington would trade back up in the first to land a franchise tackle. Instead, the Commanders stand pat and secure Paul, who allowed five sacks in three years while serving as the anchor on Houston’s line.

37. Los Angeles Chargers: Oregon WR Troy Franklin

(Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)

Los Angeles made sure to add protection for Justin Hebert. Now, the Chargers secure him a hopeful future No. 1 target in Franklin, who averaged 17.1 yards per catch at Oregon last season. The two ducks are about to go quackers in this revamped offense.

38. Tennessee Titans: Illinois DL Johnny Newton

Nov 6, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Jer’Zhan Newton (94) reacts to a missed stop in the third quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

This is where the fall ends for Newton, who now becomes one of the best bull-rushing 3-4 defensive ends in the AFC. He’ll learn opposite of Jeffery Simmons as he looks to eliminate the run and add a second element to the pass rush.

39. Carolina Panthers (VIA NYG): Texas A&M LB Edgerrin Cooper

Sep 23, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (45) sacks Auburn Tigers quarterback Payton Thorne (1) during the first half at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Shaq Thompson has lost a step over the past few years and Frankie Luvu left in free agency. With Cooper, Carolina secures its long-term middle linebacker with blazing speed and a big-time hit radius.

40. Washington Commanders (from CHI): Missouri CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr.

(Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports)

In today’s game, you need two cornerbacks to be successful. The Commanders pair former SEC interceptions leader Emmanuel Forbes with Rakestraw, a three-year starter who loves contact.

41. Green Bay Packers (VIA NYJ): Iowa DB Cooper DeJean

(Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports)

DeJean was on Green Bay’s radar at pick No. 25. Instead, the Packers now land him in the second round, thus killing their special teams woes and nickel defender problems with one prospect.

42. Houston Texans (Via MIN): Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry

(Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports)

Oh, ya! The Kool-Aid Man isn’t real, but McKinstry’s man cover skills are as legit as they get. The former Crimson Tide star reunites with Will Anderson Jr. and gets to play for fellow Bama alum DeMeco Ryans as the new No. 2 corner.

43. Atlanta Falcons: Western Michigan EDGE Marshawn Kneeland

Sep 18, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back Vincent Davis (22) recovers a fumble ahead of Western Michigan Broncos defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland (94) during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

NFL Network reported Friday morning that the Falcons tried to trade back up into the first round to land UCLA’s Laiatu Latu. They take the next-best edge rusher in Kneeland instead.

44. Las Vegas Raiders: Georgia CB Kamari Lassiter

Dec 3, 2022; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Kamari Lassiter (3) reacts following a stop against the LSU Tigers during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

An alpha dog in coverage with a bit of an attitude, Lassiter isn’t the fastest cornerback, but he’s very tough and loves to hit. Antonio Pierce will have a field day with him in Sin City.

45. New Orleans Saints (fVIA DEN): Florida State WR Keon Coleman

(Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports)

Michael Thomas is gone, so the Saints need a new No. 2 option alongside Chris Olave. Coleman proved last season he’s a prototypical big-bodied receiver who will cook in space and downfield. He’s consistent wherever you line him up, which could be a blessing for Derek Carr in a prove-it year.

46. Indianapolis Colts: Washington WR Ja'Lynn Polk

Jan 1, 2024; New Orleans, LA, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk (2) runs the ball after a catch against Texas Longhorns defensive back Terrance Brooks (8) during the first quarter in the 2024 Sugar Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports

There were rumors that the Colts were looking to trade up for one of the top three receivers. Instead, they stand pat in Round 2 and land the No. 2 target from the top passing attack in college football. Polk is one of the better route runners in the class with excellent body control and the strong hands to make a tough catch for an offense as a secondary target.

47. New York Giants (VIA SEA): Iowa State CB TJ Tampa

Iowa State defensive back T.J. Tampa stands for a photo during media day at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Friday, Aug. 4, 2023.

New York needs another boundary defender. With Tampa, the Giants secure a physical defender on the edge who is willing to lay his body on the line in run support.

48. Jacksonville Jaguars: Rutgers CB Max Melton

Oct 7, 2022; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Max Melton (16) celebrates after an interception during the first half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The Jags entered the draft with needs at cornerback and receiver. After landing a home run threat in Round 1 with Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville smacks another one out of the park with Melton, a hard-hitting nickel defender that will go head-to-head against anyone.

49. Cincinnati Bengals: Michigan WR Roman Wilson

(Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)

Tyler Boyd left in free agency, leaving a hole in the slot. Meet the plug-and-play replacement who secured Michigan a national title with his smooth route-running skills and sure-fire hands. Tee Higgins might want out, but Cincinnati is making sure it has one last chance for a title before that happens.

50. Philadelphia Eagles: Michigan LB Junior Colson

December 31, 2022, 2022; Glendale, Ariz; USA; TCU quarterback Max Duggan (15) dives for a first down against Michigan linebacker Junior Colson (25) during the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Breen-Arizona Republic

The Eagles might not be ready to give up on Nakobe Dean, but they need another option besides Devin White. Colson has a veteran demeanor in the middle of the defense and should pair nicely with in space

51. Pittsburgh Steelers: West Virginia OC Zach Frazier

Sep 17, 2022; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers offensive lineman Zach Frazier (54) celebrates with fans after defeating the Towson Tigers at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports

This is the part of the draft where Pittsburgh ruins lives by taking a future Pro Bowl receiver like it has for years. This is also insane that Fraizer, who might be the most NFL-ready center, remains on the board for a team in desperate need of an upgrade.

52. Los Angeles Rams: Georgia DB Javon Bullard

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 02: Javon Bullard #22 of the Georgia Bulldogs misses an interception during the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 02, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

What position is Bullard best at? Slot defender? Cornerback? Safety? Let Sean McVay worry about that later. He’s just happy to be getting a playmaker and chess piece to his defense.

53. Philadelphia Eagles: Minnesota SAF Tyler Nubin

Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Ryan Selig (33) and Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) celebrate a defensive stop during the NCAA football game against the Purdue Boilermakers, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. Purdue Boilermakers won 49-30.

While he’s not a Georgia player. Nubin led the Big Ten in interceptions over the past three seasons with 12 takeaways. The Eagles need safety help like you need water.

54. Cleveland Browns: LSU DL Maason Smith

Nov 18, 2023; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers defensive tackle Maason Smith (0) pressures Georgia State Panthers quarterback Darren Grainger (3) in third quarter action at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Dobbins-USA TODAY Sports

It’s all about winning in the trenches, people. Smith is still a work in progress, but there aren’t many 6-foot-5, 310-pound defenders who move as fluid as him getting off blocks. Jim Schwartz landed something out of Tim Burton’s nightmares if he can refine Smith’s pass-rushing skills.

55. Miami Dolphins: Texas TE Ja'Tavion Sanders

Dec 2, 2023; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders (0) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports

Sanders does a bit of everything. He’s a solid route runner, a decent open-field blocker, and loves to hit defensive backs in the open field. Imagine having all that speed and then a security net across the middle that will look for contact. Miami completes its offensive personnel to go on a run.

56. Dallas Cowboys: Texas RB Joanthon Brooks

Nov 4, 2023; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns running back Jonathon Brooks (24) runs the ball against Kansas State Wildcats tight end Garrett Harstad (19) in the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ricardo B. Brazziell-USA TODAY Sports

What? The worst-kept secret of the second round becomes a reality? Shocker, Dallas.

57. Tempa Bay Buccaneers: Penn State EDGE Adisa Isaac

Penn State defensive end Adisa Isaac (20) sacks Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne for a loss of nine yards in the first quarter at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, in State College. The Nittany Lions won, 35-16.

A team always needs pass-rushing help, and if it says otherwise it’s a lie. Issac, who totaled 16 tackles for loss last season for the Nittany Lions, should pair well as a rotational option behind Yaya Diaby and Joe Tryon-Soyinka

58. Green Bay Packers: Utah EDGE Jonah Elliss

Nov 5, 2021; Stanford, California, USA; Utah Utes linebacker Jonah Elliss (83) attempts to defend against Stanford Cardinal quarterback Jack West (10) during the fourth quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

The Packers have a sturdy offense. They added a slot defender who can do everything in coverage. Now, it’s time to attack the two young quarterbacks who were drafted Thursday evening to the NFC North. Ellis can be that difference-maker.

59. Michigan DB Mike Sainristil

Dec 2, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive back Mike Sainristil (0) celebrates after breaking up a pass during the first half of the Big Ten Championship game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Why would Houston double down on defensive backs in the second round? Simple; Sainristil would have been a first-round pick if he stood 6-foot-1. Instead, the 5-foot-9 embodiment of an actual wolverine heads down to Houston as the new nickel defender who will shine in run support and man coverage. No one in the AFC is getting a first down easy when they play Houston in 2024.

60. Buffalo Bills: Washington State DB Jaden Hicks

Nov 5, 2022; Stanford, California, USA; Washington State Cougars defensive back Jaden Hicks (25) returns a fumble for a touchdown against the Stanford Cardinal during the second quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

After the breakup of longtime safety duo Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde, the Bills dive into the draft looking for safety help. Hicks does a bit of everything and should fill both spots in Sean McDermott’s dollar defense.

61. Detroit Lions: Alabama EDGE Chris Braswell

Dec 2, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Chris Braswell (41) reacts in the first quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Oh look, Brad Holmes is committing a highway robbery again. The former Alabama pass-rusher still needs work, but he’s got a high motor and a good feel for winning with his hands against tackles.

62. Baltimore Ravens: Texas Tech DB Dadrion Taylor-Demerson

Texas Tech’s defensive back Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (25) celebrates his interception against Ole Miss in the Texas Bowl, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022, at NRG Stadium in Houston.

Do you ever see a player who just fits a team’s aura? That’s how I feel about Taylor-Demerson playing with Kyle Hamilton, Marcus Williams and Marlon Humphrey. He’s versatile and could play at multiple spots in the secondary, so expect him to shine in the nickel from Day 1.

63. San Francisco 49ers: Washington OT Roger Rosengarten

Nov 11, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies tight end Devin Culp (83) and offensive lineman Roger Rosengarten (73) and quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) celebrate after Penix ran the ball in for a touchdown against the Utah Utes during the first half at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Championship teams need offensive line depth. Rosengarten has been a steady riser during the draft process thanks to his toughness and ability to run block. He’s a good fit for the swing tackle role out in the Bay Area thanks to his sturdy frame and footwork.

64. Kansas City Chiefs: Notre Dame OT Blake Fisher

Oct 7, 2023; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Blake Fisher (54) blocks Louisville Cardinals defensive lineman Jermayne Lole (90) during the first half at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Louisville defeated Notre Dame 33-20. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City might feel content with its starting tackles entering the year, but the depth is like looking at a boxer who refuses to throw in the damn towel. Sorry, Apollo. Fisher is a talented tackle with the athleticism and upside to be a well-rounded option on either side of the line. He’s still a work in progress, but the Chiefs don’t need a Day 1 starter.

ROUND 3: Picks No. 65-74

(Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports)

65. Carolina Panthers: Florida State DL Braden Fiske

Fiske is a wild card, but he’ll be let loose in Charlotte as the next big-time bull-rushing three-tech.

66. Arizona Cardinals: Kentucky CB Andru Phillips

67. Washington Commanders: NC State LB Payton Wilson

68. New England Patriots: BYU OT Kingsley Suamataia

You have a young quarterback with the confidence of a prized young fighter. Keep it that way, New England, by keeping him upright.

69. Los Angeles Chargers: Western Kentucky WR Malachi Corley

70. New York Giants: South Carolina QB Spencer Rattler

This is where the Giants add competition to the room. Rattler isn’t perfect, but he’ll push Daniel Jones to improve with consistency and timing.

71. Arizona Cardinals (from TEN): Florida State RB Trey Benson

72. New York Jets: UFC WR Javon Baker

73. Dallas Cowboys (from MIN via DET): Kentucky LB Trevin Wallace

74. Atlanta Falcons: Florida State CB Renardo Green

The Falcons need another corner to pair with A.J. Terrell. Green comes from a winning pedigree in Tallahassee and loves to tackle in zone coverage.

ROUND 3: Picks No. 75-84

Sep 16, 2023; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Kansas State Wildcats tight end Ben Sinnott (34) scores a touchdown during the second half against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

75. Chicago Bears: Kansas EDGE Austin Booker

76. Denver Broncos: Penn State TE Theo Johnson

Bo Nix needs weapons and Greg Dulcich just won’t cut it at tight end anymore with a talent like Johnson still on the board.

77. Las Vegas Raiders: UConn OL Christian Haynes

78. Washington Commanders (from SEA): Yale OT Kiran Amegadjie

79. Atlanta Falcons (from JAX): USC SAF Calen Bullock

Adding another play-making safety to the back end of a revamped defense makes too much sense after mixed play opposite Jessie Bates.

80. Cincinnati Bengals: Kansas State TE Ben Sinnott

81. Seattle Seahawks (from NO via DEN): Clemson LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr.

82. Indianapolis Colts: Ohio State TE Cade Stover

83. Los Angeles Rams: Alabama WR Jermaine Burton

84. Pittsburgh Steelers: North Carolina WR Tez Walker

Fans are about to find out why Walker was garnering some first-round buzz before the season as the new Day 2 target who kills it in Pittsburgh.

85. Cleveland Browns: North Carolina LB Cedric Gray

ROUND 3: Picks No. 85-100

Sep 3, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. (51) celebrates after sacking Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Tyler Buchner (not pictured) in the fourth quarter at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Robertson-USA TODAY Sports

85. Cleveland Browns: Michigan DL Kris Jenkins

86. Houston Texans (from PHI): Ohio State DL Michael Hall Jr.

87. Dallas Cowboys: Kansas State OL Cooper Beebe

88. Green Bay Packers: Houston Christian EDGE Jalyx Hunt

89. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: North Carolina LB Cedric Gray

90. Arizona Cardinals (from HOU) – Texas DL T’Vondre Sweat

91. Green Bay Packers (from BUF): Clemson DL Ruke Orhorhoro

92. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from DET): USC RB Marshawn Lloyd

93. Baltimore Ravens: Virginia WR Malik Washington

94. San Francisco 49ers: Oregon DL Brandon Dorlus

95. Buffalo Bills: Florida State WR Johnny Wilson

96. Jacksonville Jaguars: TCU OL Brandon Coleman

97. Cincinnati Bengals: Washington EDGE Bralen Trice

98. Pittsburgh Steelers (from PHI*): LSU DL Mekhi Wingo

99. Los Angeles Rams: Tulane QB Michael Pratt

100. Washington Commanders: Boston College OL Christian Mahogany

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