Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft is in the books. The draft is just flying by man… bittersweet. I figured I’d share some of my favorite picks from Rounds 2 and 3. A fairly simple concept that will be executed in a simple way.

Round 2

Will Levis QB — Tennessee Titans (33rd Overall)

I’ve been his biggest doubter for well over a year. Who cares though? Will Levis just got drafted 33rd overall and is cashing a massive check. In addition, he has a chance to start for the Titans in due time. After a brutal Thursday where he was essentially stalked by ESPN and clowned by many, it’s good to see him get his moment and make it to the big leagues.

Julius Brents CB — Indianapolis Colts (44th Overall)

The Colts are having a very fun draft with a lot of potential, and the Julius Brents pick is fascinating. I had a Round 1 grade on Brents and slotted him as my CB3. This is sensational value.

Brian Branch DB — Detroit Lions (45th Overall)

I didn’t envision Brian Branch being a first-round pick, and he went in the range I expected. What I didn’t expect is a landing spot as good as this. Branch’s intelligence shines on the field and his versatility is a major weapon. He should thrive in Detroit.

Cody Mauch OL — Tampa Bay Buccaneers (48th Overall)

Ryan Jensen, Ko Kieft, and Cody Mauch walk into a bar…cook up the Spider-Man meme. I’m ecstatic that Mauch was picked this early and that he’s headed to Tampa Bay. It’s an amazing landing spot and it’ll be a joy to see him and Jensen work in the trenches. Bucs fans are going to love this kid.

Cam Smith CB — Miami Dolphins (51st Overall)

Well, my CB1 gets to learn from Jalen Ramsey. Think about that for a second. Let’s just think about all the trash talk that Ramsey and Cam Smith are going to spit on gameday. Can’t wait.

Round 3

Tyler Steen OL — Philadelphia Eagles (65th Overall)

The Eagles love them some top notch SEC talent. Tyler Steen has pro written all over him. He’s a starter in this league and offers plenty of versatility on the line.

Kendre Miller RB — New Orleans Saints (71st Overall)

I am loving the Saints draft. Seeing Kendre Miller go 71st overall was a pleasant shock to my system and brought a massive grin to my face. He’s a severely underrated back who had an MCL injury that affected his pre-draft process. My biggest gripe with TCU was that it didn’t use him in the receiving game. That should change in New Orleans, and Miller is poised to be one of the top producers at running back in the class.

Garrett Williams CB — Arizona Cardinals (72nd Overall)

This is another one of those picks that brings a smile to your face. Garrett Williams was an early second-round talent who saw his stock drop due to an ACL injury. The expectation was that he’d be a Day 3 pick. Instead, he’s an early third-rounder who will see the field early in Arizona. Love it.

Tyjae Spears RB — Tennessee Titans (81st Overall)

Wow. Tyjae Spears was not supposed to go in this range due to major medical red flags. He’s missing an ACL in one leg, has cartilage damage and arthritis. The initial injury had him contemplating retirement back in 2020-2021. The talk was that Spears could be a late Day 3 pick due to the leg issues. Yet here he is, going 81st overall and getting PAID! Spears’ longevity is a worry, but who cares about that right now? He’s getting paid handsomely and receives incredible draft capital. You get a few strong years out of him and we’ll all be happy. Right now I am very happy for Spears who has been a favorite of mine since 2020.

Daiyan Henley LB — Los Angeles Chargers (85th Overall)

Friend of The Transfer Portal CFB, Daiyan Henley saw his dreams come true today. Henley went later than expected, but it’s a blessing in disguise. He’s just a kid from Crenshaw and he’s going back home to play in Los Angeles and in the suburb of Inglewood, which is close to Crenshaw. Henley shared with us that he wanted to give back to the community by holding football camps back home and making sure teens and young adults have jobs and stay out of trouble. This pick is all sorts of perfect.

Trenton Simpson LB — Baltimore Ravens (86th Overall)

I feel like Trenton Simpson was severely overlooked in recent months. He shouldn’t be anymore. Baltimore will develop him into a feared linebacker. I compare him to the queen piece in chess. Wherever Simpson is lined up, he’s the most frightening piece that’s on the board. You can line him up at EDGE, at his more natural outside linebacker spot, inside linebacker, safety and in the slot. Versatility is value; it’s never an issue. The Ravens will figure out the strongest ways to use Simpson and unlock his talent.

Jordan Battle SAF — Cincinnati Bengals (95th Overall)

This is a superb pick for a good player who got no love in the pre-draft process. The safety class is mid, but there were still some studs to be found and the value in a player like Jordan Battle at 95 is wild. He has great eyes, instincts and helps a lot in run support. Winning franchises make winning picks like this.