

Still, at 6-6 and 250 pounds with immediate speed off the line of scrimmage, Musgrave will create mismatches as a deep threat too tall for safeties to cover and too fast for linebackers to handle. The body of work is limited, as the COVID-shortened 2020 season and a knee injury that ended last year's campaign after two games left him with career production (47 catches, 633 yards and two touchdowns) that fell short of what other top tight ends posted in just one year. He might not end up seeing extensive action as a receiver beyond work as a red-zone weapon, but his immense upside as a run blocker make him an intriguing possibility for offenses, especially those that routinely deploy two tight ends. But when he ran a 4.64-second 40-yard dash at the combine, he established himself as a true outlier. With his 6-7 and 264-pound build, Washington long looked destined to be an anomaly as an NFL tight end. His 5-9, 171-pound frame will likely relegate him to the slot to limit his exposure against bigger cornerbacks who can push him around, but he can still be a high-volume target who can be productive at every level of the field. Whether facing zone or man coverage, Jones repeatedly finds a way to position himself for the ball thanks to his crafty footwork and pacing as a route runner. Flags will follow him consistently unless he cleans up his overly handsy approach, but he has the physical and mental makeup to thrive in press coverage. But the younger Porter made a name for himself by smothering receivers at the line of scrimmage and challenging them at the catch point on any pass thrown in his direction. The link to his father, former Steelers great and ex-assistant coach Joey Porter, will continue to follow him throughout his career. Also a fierce run blocker, Mayer can be an immediate asset to an offense as an in-line tight end who can be frequently targeted and move people in the run game. The 6-5, 249-pounder compensates for his unremarkable speed by deftly setting up defenders with his route running and boxing them out mid-air for any jump balls. Michael Mayer, TE, Notre DameĪmid the proliferation of tight ends who more closely resemble wide receivers, Mayer stands out as a hulking target still capable of elevating an aerial attack despite his athletic limitations. Branch won't wow anyone with his size, speed or strength, but there's no denying the value of his reliability and well-rounded game. The 6-0, 190-pounder is the kind of versatile slot defender that defensive coordinators covet. Whether in coverage or working downhill against the run, Branch tends to find the ball. PLAYERS SELECTED ON DAY 2 OF 2023 NFL DRAFT 7. To others, though, Ringo's struggles with changing direction and anticipating plays are major concerns. Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgiaįor some, the 6-2, 207-pound cornerback with 4.36-second speed in the 40-yard dash and a proven track record against the premier wide receivers of the Southeastern Conference seems like the perfect piece for an NFL secondary. The solution seems to be placing him in the slot and letting him keep everything in front of him. Sometimes his proclivity for seeking out the ball can lead him into bad spots, and his pedestrian physical tools could be a problem against certain receivers. It's all about instincts for Phillips, who tapped into his quick-developing recognition and rapid closing speed to nab six interceptions last year. Here are the best players still available entering Round 2 of the draft, with their pre-draft USA TODAY Sports big board ranking listed beforehand. Several could be scooped up quickly in the first few selections, though others could see their waits extended even further. When the action resumes Friday, there should be several potentially high-impact starters up for the taking. But a few marquee names always slide into Day 2, and this year's event was no exception.

The first round of the NFL draft typically features the bulk of the class' elite players hearing their names called by commissioner Roger Goodell.
