We already did a pick-by-pick analysis of the first round, but there's much more going on in the next six rounds. After all, much more players are taken in those rounds and they have plenty of star potential. Current NFL stars who were drafted in Days 2 and 3 include Tom Brady, Richard Sherman, Russell Wilson, Drew Brees, Travis Kelce, DeSean Jackson, Golden Tate, Josh Norman, Tyrann Matthieu, and Kawann Short. Out of all the players drafted in Rounds 2-7 this year, there are definitely some future Hall of Famers and Super Bowl winners. In this article we'll look at 30 picks that we here at The Sports Examiner loved. Let's get started.
45. New Orleans Saints: Michael Thomas, WR (Ohio State): Rd. 2, Pick 16 (Overall: 47)- Thomas was a big play-maker for the Buckeyes and will be a good target for Drew Brees.
44. New York Jets: Christian Hackenberg, QB (Penn St.): Rd. 2, Pick 20, Overall (51): The Jets have yet to resign Ryan Fitzpatrick, so drafting a QB seems like a smart move. Hackenberg is a great player who should be a successful slinger for NYJ.
43. Cleveland Browns: Emmanuel Ogbah, DE (Clemson): Rd. 2, Pick 1 (Overall: 32)- Getting Ogbah significantly helps the Browns' pass-rushing efforts, something that is important in a division with Big Ben, Andy Dalton, and Joe Flacco.
42. Cincinnati Bengals: Andrew Billings, NT (Baylor): Rd. 4, Pick 24 (Overall: 122)- The Bengals are a pretty stacked team, so they went for one of the best guys still on the board. Billings should learn a lot working with Geno Atkins.
41. Houston Texans (from Atlanta): Nick Martin, OG (Notre Dame): Rd. 2, Pick 19 (Overall: 50)- Though his older brother Zack is a better talent, Martin will help protect Brock Osweiler and create room for Lamar Miller.
40. Washington Redskins: Su'a Cravens, OLB (USC): Rd. 2, Pick 22 (Overall: 53)- As I said in the previous post, the main issue the Redskins had to address was their defense. Getting a playmaker like Cravens helps to address that.
39. New York Giants: Sterling Shephard, WR (Oklahoma): Rd. 2, Pick 9 (Overall: 40)- I would rather the Giants picked up a defensive player, but having another playmaker on your offense (along with Odell Beckham Jr. and Victor Cruz) certainly doesn't hurt.
38. Buffalo Bills (compensatory selection): Cardale Jones, QB (Ohio State): Rd. 4, Pick 41 (Overall: 139)- The Bills seem to have found their franchise QB in Tyrod Taylor, but having a man who knows how to win as your backup doesn't hurt. Jones has what it takes to be a franchise QB in this league, maybe even in Buffalo.
37. San Diego Chargers: Hunter Henry, TE (Arkansas): Rd. 2, Pick 4 (Overall: 35)- Henry was the best TE of this class and gives Phillip Rivers another target. A double-TE lineup with Antonio Gates could reap huge dividends for SD.
36. Kansas City Chiefs (from Tampa Bay): KeiVarae Russell, CB (Notre Dame): Rd. 3, Pick 11 (Overall: 74)- Russell is a sneaky-good corner who was a big reason Notre Dame did so well last season. The Chiefs should be in the playoff hunt this year, so Russell should get some invaluable playing-time and experience.
35. Detroit Lions: A'Shawn Robinson, DT (Alabama): Rd. 2, Pick 15 (Overall: 46)- The Lions' defensive line has not been the same since losing Ndamkong Suh, so this was a very smart pick.
34. Baltimore Ravens: Keenan Reynolds, RB (Navy): Rd. 6, Pick 7 (Overall: 182)- I love this pick. Reynolds had one of the best collegiate careers of all-time and this pick allows him to stay in-state.
33. New Orleans Saints (from New England via Arizona): Vonn Bell, FS (Ohio State): Rd. 2, Pick 30 (Overall: 61)- Like I said in the previous post, NO had a weak defense last year, so picking Bell was a good move. The former Buckeye could start at the beginning of the season.
32. Cincinnati Bengals: Tyler Boyd, WR (Pittsburgh): Rd. 2, Pick 24 (Overall: 55)- I like this move. The Bengals lost Marvin Jones to the Lions, so there is room for Boyd here. Working with A.J. Green (unarguably one of the best receivers in the league) also helps Boyd. The former Panther could become an important cog in a team looking to win the Super Bowl.
31. Chicago Bears (from Seattle): Cody Whitehair, OG (Kansas St.): Rd. 2 Pick 25 (Overall: 56)- Whitehair was one of the best o-linemen in the draft and it feels a need for the Bears, so this is a good pick.
30. Denver Broncos (compensatory selection); Devontae Booker, RB (Utah): Rd. 4, Pick 38 (Overall: 136)- The Broncos have C.J. Anderson, but Booker is a great back who runs hard, so the Broncos' offense will not suffer whenever Anderson is taking a break on the sidelines.
29. Los Angeles Rams (from Chicago via Buffalo): Pharoh Cooper, WR (South Carolina): Rd. 4, Pick 19 (Overall: 117)- If Jared Goff is to succeed in L.A., he's going to need weapons. He already has Tavon Austin and Todd Gurley, but adding another one only helps him.
28. Cleveland Browns (from Oakland): Ricardo Louis, WR (Auburn): Rd. 4, Pick 16 (Overall: 114)- Louis is most famous for his miracle catch against Georgia in 2013 and he's another deep-ball threat (along with Corey Coleman) for RG3.
27. Dallas Cowboys (compensatory selection): Dak Prescott, QB (Mississippi St.): Rd. 4, Pick 37 (Overall: 135)- After Tony Romo went down last season, the 'Boys struggled with Matt Cassel. If that should happen again this season, Dallas might have a better shot with Prescott.
26. Green Bay Packers (from Indianapolis): Jason Spriggs, T (Indiana): Rd. 2, Pick 17 (Overall: 48)- Eddie Lacy didn't have the fantastic season last year as many expected him to have, so adding a top-notch offensive linemen (and one many expected to go in the first round) should help.
25. Cleveland Browns (from Miami via New England): Scooby Wright III, ILB (Arizona); Rd. 7, Pick 29 (Overall 250)- If you look up the word "steal" in the dictionary, you'll find this pick. Wright is an incredibly talented and athletic linebacker who could make a real impact in Ohio.
24. Washington Redskins: Keith Marshall, RB (Georgia); Rd. 7, Pick 21 (Overall 240)- Most of the Georgia rushing game in the last few years has centered around Todd Gurley and Nick Chubb (and rightfully so), but Marshall is also a capable back that might be able to help the 'Skins forget about Alfred Morris.
23. New York Giants: Paul Perkins, RB (UCLA): Rd. 5, Pick 10 (Overall: 149)- The Giants have a great passing game (thanks to guys like Eli Manning and Odell Beckham Jr.), but their rushing game is not as great. Having a guy like Perkins who is a bruiser and runs hard can change that.
22. Oakland Raiders: Shilique Calhoun, DE (Michigan State): Rd. 3, Pick 12 (Overall: 75)- Calhoun made a name for himself in the Big 10 as a ferocious pass-rusher and he should make an impact in Nor Cal.
21. Cleveland Browns: Spencer Drango, OG (Baylor): Rd. 5, Pick 31 (Overall: 168)- The Browns need plenty of help rebuilding, so adding a top-tier talent certainly helps.
20. Detroit Lions: Jake Rudock, QB (Michigan): Rd. 5, Pick 16 (Overall: 191)- The Lions need a backup QB for Matthew Stafford, so might as well get a good, in-state QB.
19. Chicago Bears: Jordan Howard, RB (Indiana): Rd. 5, Pick 111 (Overall: 150)- The Bears lost their elite RB Matt Forte, so there is a big opportunity for Howard to shine.
18. Minnesota Vikings: Mackensie Alexander, CB (Clemson): Rd. 2, Pick: 23 (Overall: 54)- Alexander has first-round potential, so getting him in the second round is a steal.
17. San Diego Chargers: Max Tuerk, C (USC): Rd. 3, Pick 3 (Overall: 66)- The Chargers' run-game was disappointing last season (especially Melvin Gordon) so getting the second-best center in the draft is a smart move.
16. Cleveland Browns (compensatory selection): Rashard Higgins, WR (Colorado State): Rd. 5, Pick 35 (Overall: 172)- Higgins was once considered one of the best receivers in the nation and he should be one of the front-runners for Cleveland's breakout star next year.
15. Seattle Seahawks: C.J. Prosise, RB (Notre Dame): Rd. 3, Pick 27 (Overall: 90)- It looks like Thomas Rawls will be the starting rusher for Seattle next year, but Prosise (who was a Heisman contender last year) will be more than a competent backup.
14. Cleveland Browns (from Carolina): Cody Kessler, QB (USC): Rd. 3, Pick 91 (Overall: 93)- Kessler played well at USC. He probably won't get the chance to start in Cleveland, but he should be more than a serviceable back-up.
13. Seattle Seahawks (compensatory selection): Alex Collins, RB (Arkansas): Rd. 5, Pick 134 (Overall: 171)- See #13 (except for the Heisman contender part).
12. Jacksonville Jaguars: Sheldon Day, DT (Notre Dame); Rd. 4, Pick 5 (Overall: 103)- Day was a big part of ND's disruptive defensive-line last year. Jacksonville has a lot of young defensive talent, including Day, Jalen Ramsey, and Donte Fowler Jr.
11. Kansas City Chiefs (from Seattle): Kevin Hogan, QB (Stanford): Rd. 5, Pick 125 (Overall: 162)- Hogan is the most successful Stanford QB ever (and that includes guys like John Elway and Andrew Luck). He has all the tools to be a franchise QB and will learn a lot from Alex Smith and Andy Reid. I think he fits perfectly into KC's offensive scheme.
10. New England Patriots (from New Orleans): Malcolm Mitchell, WR (Georgia): Rd. 4, Pick 14 (Overall: 112)- It's no secret that the Pats have had receiver issues in recent years, so adding the underrated Mitchell is smart.
9. Buffalo Bills (from Chicago): Reggie Ragland, ILB (Alabama): Rd. 2, Pick 10 (Overall: 41)- Buffalo's defense was surprisingly disappointing last season, so getting Ragland may be that spark they need.
8. Miami Dolphins: Kenyan Drake, RB (Alabama): Rd. 3, Pick 10 (Overall: 73)- The Dolphins lost Lamar Miller, and Drake can be the man to fill that hole. He's a great back with lots of potential.
7. Tennessee Titans: Derrick Henry, RB (Alabama): Rd. 2, Pick 14 (Overall: 45)- The Heisman winner from last season should run like crazy in Tennessee, especially now that Jack Conklin is there. The o-line still needs work, but Henry should be productive next year.
6. Houston Texans: Braxton Miller, WR (Ohio State): Rd. 3, Pick 22 (Overall: 85)- Miller is a phenomenal athlete who's only been playing WR for a season. Expect Bill O'Brien to tap into Miller's potential.
5. Tennessee Titans, Kevin Dodd, DE (Clemson): Rd. 2, Pick 2 (Overall: 33)- Dodd is an impressive physical specimen who can really transform Tennesse's lackluster defense.
4. Seattle Seahawks (from Chicago via Buffalo): Jarran Reed, DT (Alabama): Rd. 2, Pick 18 (Overall: 49)- Reed is a guy who many believe should have gone in the first round, so this is a steal for Pete Carroll and the 'Hawks.
3. Oakland Raiders (from Cleveland via Philadelphia via Tennessee): Connor Cook, QB (Michigan State)- The Raiders have their franchise QB in Derek Carr, but having Cook gives them a competent back-up. The fact that Cook fell all the way to Day 3 is a shock.
2. Dallas Cowboys: Jaylon Smith, OLB (Notre Dame): Rd. 2, Pick 3 (Overall: 34)- One of the best picks in the entire draft. Not only did it create an intensely emotional moment, but it was a super smart pick. If he wasn't injured, Smith would probably be a top five pick. Though he will not be playing next season, he should be good to go for 2017, a time where Dallas wants to be a Super Bowl contender. This was a smart future pick
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Myles Jack, OLB (UCLA): Rd. 2, Pick 5 (Overall: 36)- Arguably the best pick in the entire draft. Jack is one of the best athletes in the entire draft and would probably be a top five pick if it weren't for his knee issues. He can play next year and will be a vital part of a young but talented team (that includes guys like Jalen Ramsey, Blake Bortles, Allen Robinson, Donte Fowler Jr, and Allen Hurns) looking for a playoff spot.
How did your team do in the draft? Comment and let me know.
45. New Orleans Saints: Michael Thomas, WR (Ohio State): Rd. 2, Pick 16 (Overall: 47)- Thomas was a big play-maker for the Buckeyes and will be a good target for Drew Brees.
44. New York Jets: Christian Hackenberg, QB (Penn St.): Rd. 2, Pick 20, Overall (51): The Jets have yet to resign Ryan Fitzpatrick, so drafting a QB seems like a smart move. Hackenberg is a great player who should be a successful slinger for NYJ.
43. Cleveland Browns: Emmanuel Ogbah, DE (Clemson): Rd. 2, Pick 1 (Overall: 32)- Getting Ogbah significantly helps the Browns' pass-rushing efforts, something that is important in a division with Big Ben, Andy Dalton, and Joe Flacco.
42. Cincinnati Bengals: Andrew Billings, NT (Baylor): Rd. 4, Pick 24 (Overall: 122)- The Bengals are a pretty stacked team, so they went for one of the best guys still on the board. Billings should learn a lot working with Geno Atkins.
41. Houston Texans (from Atlanta): Nick Martin, OG (Notre Dame): Rd. 2, Pick 19 (Overall: 50)- Though his older brother Zack is a better talent, Martin will help protect Brock Osweiler and create room for Lamar Miller.
40. Washington Redskins: Su'a Cravens, OLB (USC): Rd. 2, Pick 22 (Overall: 53)- As I said in the previous post, the main issue the Redskins had to address was their defense. Getting a playmaker like Cravens helps to address that.
39. New York Giants: Sterling Shephard, WR (Oklahoma): Rd. 2, Pick 9 (Overall: 40)- I would rather the Giants picked up a defensive player, but having another playmaker on your offense (along with Odell Beckham Jr. and Victor Cruz) certainly doesn't hurt.
38. Buffalo Bills (compensatory selection): Cardale Jones, QB (Ohio State): Rd. 4, Pick 41 (Overall: 139)- The Bills seem to have found their franchise QB in Tyrod Taylor, but having a man who knows how to win as your backup doesn't hurt. Jones has what it takes to be a franchise QB in this league, maybe even in Buffalo.
37. San Diego Chargers: Hunter Henry, TE (Arkansas): Rd. 2, Pick 4 (Overall: 35)- Henry was the best TE of this class and gives Phillip Rivers another target. A double-TE lineup with Antonio Gates could reap huge dividends for SD.
36. Kansas City Chiefs (from Tampa Bay): KeiVarae Russell, CB (Notre Dame): Rd. 3, Pick 11 (Overall: 74)- Russell is a sneaky-good corner who was a big reason Notre Dame did so well last season. The Chiefs should be in the playoff hunt this year, so Russell should get some invaluable playing-time and experience.
35. Detroit Lions: A'Shawn Robinson, DT (Alabama): Rd. 2, Pick 15 (Overall: 46)- The Lions' defensive line has not been the same since losing Ndamkong Suh, so this was a very smart pick.
34. Baltimore Ravens: Keenan Reynolds, RB (Navy): Rd. 6, Pick 7 (Overall: 182)- I love this pick. Reynolds had one of the best collegiate careers of all-time and this pick allows him to stay in-state.
33. New Orleans Saints (from New England via Arizona): Vonn Bell, FS (Ohio State): Rd. 2, Pick 30 (Overall: 61)- Like I said in the previous post, NO had a weak defense last year, so picking Bell was a good move. The former Buckeye could start at the beginning of the season.
32. Cincinnati Bengals: Tyler Boyd, WR (Pittsburgh): Rd. 2, Pick 24 (Overall: 55)- I like this move. The Bengals lost Marvin Jones to the Lions, so there is room for Boyd here. Working with A.J. Green (unarguably one of the best receivers in the league) also helps Boyd. The former Panther could become an important cog in a team looking to win the Super Bowl.
31. Chicago Bears (from Seattle): Cody Whitehair, OG (Kansas St.): Rd. 2 Pick 25 (Overall: 56)- Whitehair was one of the best o-linemen in the draft and it feels a need for the Bears, so this is a good pick.
30. Denver Broncos (compensatory selection); Devontae Booker, RB (Utah): Rd. 4, Pick 38 (Overall: 136)- The Broncos have C.J. Anderson, but Booker is a great back who runs hard, so the Broncos' offense will not suffer whenever Anderson is taking a break on the sidelines.
29. Los Angeles Rams (from Chicago via Buffalo): Pharoh Cooper, WR (South Carolina): Rd. 4, Pick 19 (Overall: 117)- If Jared Goff is to succeed in L.A., he's going to need weapons. He already has Tavon Austin and Todd Gurley, but adding another one only helps him.
28. Cleveland Browns (from Oakland): Ricardo Louis, WR (Auburn): Rd. 4, Pick 16 (Overall: 114)- Louis is most famous for his miracle catch against Georgia in 2013 and he's another deep-ball threat (along with Corey Coleman) for RG3.
27. Dallas Cowboys (compensatory selection): Dak Prescott, QB (Mississippi St.): Rd. 4, Pick 37 (Overall: 135)- After Tony Romo went down last season, the 'Boys struggled with Matt Cassel. If that should happen again this season, Dallas might have a better shot with Prescott.
26. Green Bay Packers (from Indianapolis): Jason Spriggs, T (Indiana): Rd. 2, Pick 17 (Overall: 48)- Eddie Lacy didn't have the fantastic season last year as many expected him to have, so adding a top-notch offensive linemen (and one many expected to go in the first round) should help.
25. Cleveland Browns (from Miami via New England): Scooby Wright III, ILB (Arizona); Rd. 7, Pick 29 (Overall 250)- If you look up the word "steal" in the dictionary, you'll find this pick. Wright is an incredibly talented and athletic linebacker who could make a real impact in Ohio.
24. Washington Redskins: Keith Marshall, RB (Georgia); Rd. 7, Pick 21 (Overall 240)- Most of the Georgia rushing game in the last few years has centered around Todd Gurley and Nick Chubb (and rightfully so), but Marshall is also a capable back that might be able to help the 'Skins forget about Alfred Morris.
23. New York Giants: Paul Perkins, RB (UCLA): Rd. 5, Pick 10 (Overall: 149)- The Giants have a great passing game (thanks to guys like Eli Manning and Odell Beckham Jr.), but their rushing game is not as great. Having a guy like Perkins who is a bruiser and runs hard can change that.
22. Oakland Raiders: Shilique Calhoun, DE (Michigan State): Rd. 3, Pick 12 (Overall: 75)- Calhoun made a name for himself in the Big 10 as a ferocious pass-rusher and he should make an impact in Nor Cal.
21. Cleveland Browns: Spencer Drango, OG (Baylor): Rd. 5, Pick 31 (Overall: 168)- The Browns need plenty of help rebuilding, so adding a top-tier talent certainly helps.
20. Detroit Lions: Jake Rudock, QB (Michigan): Rd. 5, Pick 16 (Overall: 191)- The Lions need a backup QB for Matthew Stafford, so might as well get a good, in-state QB.
19. Chicago Bears: Jordan Howard, RB (Indiana): Rd. 5, Pick 111 (Overall: 150)- The Bears lost their elite RB Matt Forte, so there is a big opportunity for Howard to shine.
18. Minnesota Vikings: Mackensie Alexander, CB (Clemson): Rd. 2, Pick: 23 (Overall: 54)- Alexander has first-round potential, so getting him in the second round is a steal.
17. San Diego Chargers: Max Tuerk, C (USC): Rd. 3, Pick 3 (Overall: 66)- The Chargers' run-game was disappointing last season (especially Melvin Gordon) so getting the second-best center in the draft is a smart move.
16. Cleveland Browns (compensatory selection): Rashard Higgins, WR (Colorado State): Rd. 5, Pick 35 (Overall: 172)- Higgins was once considered one of the best receivers in the nation and he should be one of the front-runners for Cleveland's breakout star next year.
15. Seattle Seahawks: C.J. Prosise, RB (Notre Dame): Rd. 3, Pick 27 (Overall: 90)- It looks like Thomas Rawls will be the starting rusher for Seattle next year, but Prosise (who was a Heisman contender last year) will be more than a competent backup.
14. Cleveland Browns (from Carolina): Cody Kessler, QB (USC): Rd. 3, Pick 91 (Overall: 93)- Kessler played well at USC. He probably won't get the chance to start in Cleveland, but he should be more than a serviceable back-up.
13. Seattle Seahawks (compensatory selection): Alex Collins, RB (Arkansas): Rd. 5, Pick 134 (Overall: 171)- See #13 (except for the Heisman contender part).
12. Jacksonville Jaguars: Sheldon Day, DT (Notre Dame); Rd. 4, Pick 5 (Overall: 103)- Day was a big part of ND's disruptive defensive-line last year. Jacksonville has a lot of young defensive talent, including Day, Jalen Ramsey, and Donte Fowler Jr.
11. Kansas City Chiefs (from Seattle): Kevin Hogan, QB (Stanford): Rd. 5, Pick 125 (Overall: 162)- Hogan is the most successful Stanford QB ever (and that includes guys like John Elway and Andrew Luck). He has all the tools to be a franchise QB and will learn a lot from Alex Smith and Andy Reid. I think he fits perfectly into KC's offensive scheme.
10. New England Patriots (from New Orleans): Malcolm Mitchell, WR (Georgia): Rd. 4, Pick 14 (Overall: 112)- It's no secret that the Pats have had receiver issues in recent years, so adding the underrated Mitchell is smart.
9. Buffalo Bills (from Chicago): Reggie Ragland, ILB (Alabama): Rd. 2, Pick 10 (Overall: 41)- Buffalo's defense was surprisingly disappointing last season, so getting Ragland may be that spark they need.
8. Miami Dolphins: Kenyan Drake, RB (Alabama): Rd. 3, Pick 10 (Overall: 73)- The Dolphins lost Lamar Miller, and Drake can be the man to fill that hole. He's a great back with lots of potential.
7. Tennessee Titans: Derrick Henry, RB (Alabama): Rd. 2, Pick 14 (Overall: 45)- The Heisman winner from last season should run like crazy in Tennessee, especially now that Jack Conklin is there. The o-line still needs work, but Henry should be productive next year.
6. Houston Texans: Braxton Miller, WR (Ohio State): Rd. 3, Pick 22 (Overall: 85)- Miller is a phenomenal athlete who's only been playing WR for a season. Expect Bill O'Brien to tap into Miller's potential.
5. Tennessee Titans, Kevin Dodd, DE (Clemson): Rd. 2, Pick 2 (Overall: 33)- Dodd is an impressive physical specimen who can really transform Tennesse's lackluster defense.
4. Seattle Seahawks (from Chicago via Buffalo): Jarran Reed, DT (Alabama): Rd. 2, Pick 18 (Overall: 49)- Reed is a guy who many believe should have gone in the first round, so this is a steal for Pete Carroll and the 'Hawks.
3. Oakland Raiders (from Cleveland via Philadelphia via Tennessee): Connor Cook, QB (Michigan State)- The Raiders have their franchise QB in Derek Carr, but having Cook gives them a competent back-up. The fact that Cook fell all the way to Day 3 is a shock.
2. Dallas Cowboys: Jaylon Smith, OLB (Notre Dame): Rd. 2, Pick 3 (Overall: 34)- One of the best picks in the entire draft. Not only did it create an intensely emotional moment, but it was a super smart pick. If he wasn't injured, Smith would probably be a top five pick. Though he will not be playing next season, he should be good to go for 2017, a time where Dallas wants to be a Super Bowl contender. This was a smart future pick
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Myles Jack, OLB (UCLA): Rd. 2, Pick 5 (Overall: 36)- Arguably the best pick in the entire draft. Jack is one of the best athletes in the entire draft and would probably be a top five pick if it weren't for his knee issues. He can play next year and will be a vital part of a young but talented team (that includes guys like Jalen Ramsey, Blake Bortles, Allen Robinson, Donte Fowler Jr, and Allen Hurns) looking for a playoff spot.
How did your team do in the draft? Comment and let me know.
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