Chiefs Acquire No. 92 From Bengals
The past two AFC championship foes are making a third-round trade. The Bengals are sending No. 92 overall to the Chiefs in exchange for Nos. 95 and 217.
This year’s draft hosts selected Oklahoma tackle Wanya Morris. While Morris was not teammates with Sooner-turned-Chief Creed Humphrey, having transferred from Tennessee in 2021, he will join a Chiefs team that features some tackle uncertainty opposite Jawaan Taylor.
Kansas City is planning to move Taylor from his right tackle position, where he started four seasons with the Jaguars and played primarily in college, to left tackle. Taylor’s $20MM-per-year contract reflects that. Morris’ 2022 role would support Kansas City completing its Taylor transition plan. Morris started eight games at right tackle for the Sooners last season.
The Chiefs lost right tackle starter Andrew Wylie in free agency in March; Wylie, who had only played for the Chiefs over the course of his five-year career, is now with the Commanders. The Chiefs did not allocate much funding toward their right tackle spot during Orlando Brown‘s Missouri tenure, and they may not be prepared to do so opposite Taylor. Morris and former third-round pick Lucas Niang, who has dealt with extensive injury trouble, represent the team’s top options here.
Morris, who started seven games at left tackle during his 2020 sophomore season at Tennessee, becomes the second Oklahoma tackle taken in this draft. The Jaguars chose Anton Harrison in Round 1.
Vikings Send No. 87 To 49ers
The 49ers have entered the draft room. For No. 87 overall, the 49ers are sending the Vikings Nos. 102, 164 and 222. San Francisco selected Penn State safety Ji’Ayir Brown. 
The 49ers were armed with a plethora of late selections this year, so it comes as little surprise that they have spent a few of them to move up the board. Their decision to do so has landed them one of the top options available at the position in this year’s class.
Brown was not joined by many other highly-touted safeties in terms of draftable prospects, explaining his fall to this point on Day 2. He put up impressive numbers in the past two years in particular with the Nittany Lions, however, which could set him up for a notable early role in the Bay Area.
The 5-11, 203-pounder racked up 10 interceptions and eight PBUs in 2021 and ’22, adding eight tackles for loss during that span. That production could allow him to line up at a number of spots at the NFL level, and there are vacancies to be filled in San Francisco’s secondary given the way the early free agent period played out.
The 49ers lost Jimmie Ward and Tarvarius Moore to the Texans and Packers, respectively, last month. While San Francisco was able to re-sign Tashaun Gipson, the departures of the former two should allow for Brown to at least compete for rotational snaps as a rookie. Over the long term, he could easily find himself in a starting role down the road as a contributor on one of the league’s elite defenses.
Broncos Trade 2024 Third-Rounder To Move Into Seahawks’ No. 83 Slot
The Broncos and Seahawks are trading again. While this is not a pick Seattle obtained in the Russell Wilson trade, the NFC West team will send it to Denver. 
With the newly obtained choice, the Broncos are taking Iowa defensive back Riley Moss. The Broncos are paying up to make this move. They will send the Seahawks No. 108 this year and a 2024 third-round pick, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com tweets.
Moss was a two-star recruit who chose local Iowa for college. He made an immediate impact in the Hawkeyes’ secondary making 24 tackles, two interceptions, and five passes defensed as a freshman. As a four-year starter, Moss played way beyond his high school rankings. He earned first-team All-Big Ten honors this year and was a first-team All-American in 2021. Over five years in Iowa City, Moss totaled 11 interceptions and 37 passes defensed. He added physicality with four tackles for loss and two forced fumbles in his last two years.
Moss is electric after making an interception. He’s top 19 in school history in interceptions but top two in interception return yards. He’s a true hustler not only on defense but as a huge special teams contributor, as well. He does have a little injury history in his hip and left knee, but Moss only missed seven games over five years. Some pundits pegged him as a safety at the next level, but after five years at Iowa as a true outside cornerback, it’s hard to imagine Moss settling for anything less.
More realistically, Moss provides Denver with true defensive back depth. All-Pro Patrick Surtain leads the Broncos’ cornerback contingent. Damarri Mathis filled in for Ronald Darby after his October ACL tear; the team cut Darby last month. After seeing oft-used backup safety Caden Sterns miss 12 games last year with injury, the Broncos may hope to see Moss in a role at safety, but Moss has the ability to play at any position in the secondary. Regardless, the Broncos are getting a hard worker who truly prides himself on proving he can do what others think he can’t.
Panthers Acquire No. 80 From Steelers
The latest Day 2 deal will see the Panthers acquire pick No. 80 from the Steelers. Pittsburgh will add the 93rd and 132nd selections, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero tweets. Carolina has selected defensive end D.J. Johnson.
The Panthers gained the ability to make moves up the board in no small part due to the capital added in the Christian McCaffrey trade, including each of the selections used in this swap. Johnson will add to their edge rushing stable, a spot the team made clear was a point of emphasis leading up to the draft.
Carolina has Brian Burns at the top of their depth chart in that department, but depth additions such as this one will be welcomed. Johnson wore a number of hats at Oregon, but his play on the defensive side of the ball highlighted his abilities as a disruptive force both against the pass and run.
The 6-4, 260-pounder racked up 39 tackles (including 8.5 for loss) and six sacks in 2022, making it by far the most productive season of his career. He was one of many mid-round edge rushing prospects in this year’s deep class, and he will look to continue his progression as a full-time player in that regard at the NFL level.
The Steelers have already filled arguably their two biggest needs (offensive tackle and cornerback) with their first two selections, making it especially beneficial to move down the board with this move. Carolina, meanwhile, still has fourth- and fifth-rounders as things currently stand.
Giants Obtain No. 73 From Rams, Draft WR Jalin Hyatt
The Rams have completed another trade-down maneuver. They are sending No. 73 overall to the Giants in exchange for Nos. 89 and 128.
This move comes shortly after Sean McVay‘s team slid down from No. 69, dealing with the Texans. At 73, the Giants are taking wide receiver Jalin Hyatt. The Giants will add the Tennessee deep threat to a revamped receiving corps. The Volunteers’ top 2022 wideouts have gone back-to-back, with the Browns selecting Cedric Tillman at No. 74.
One of this draft’s best deep threats, Hyatt was among the many receiver prospects to spend time with the Giants during the pre-draft process. Hyatt will join new additions Parris Campbell and Jamison Crowder in New York. With the Giants also re-signing Darius Slayton and Sterling Shepard — along with RFA Isaiah Hodgins — their receiver group is about at capacity.
Hyatt’s arrival does not supply the Giants with tremendous size, as he stands 6-foot tall. But he brings elite speed to the mix. He ran a 4.40-second 40-yard dash at the Combine but did so while dealing with a hamstring issue. He also is the reigning Biletnikoff award winner.
Hyatt broke through for a stunning performance against Alabama — in Tennessee’s October win — with a 207-yard, five-touchdown display. Last year represented Hyatt’s only notable run of production with the Volunteers; prior to his 1,267-yard season, he did not top 300 receiving yards in 2020 or ’21.
Last season, the Giants needed to drag Slayton out of their doghouse and use Hodgins — a midseason waiver claim — extensively as well. Big Blue also has Wan’Dale Robinson coming off an ACL tear. It would not seem there is room for all seven of these wideouts on Brian Daboll‘s roster, but considering the injury trouble the team has dealt with recently — while adding Campbell’s injury past to the mix — it might be wise for the team to stock up at the position.
If nothing else, Daniel Jones will enjoy a much deeper pass-catching corps compared to last season. After earning a $40MM-per-year payday, the fifth-year quarterback has this contingent and Darren Waller to target in 2023.
Texans Acquire No. 69 From Rams
The Texans have moved up to the 69th spot, swapping with the Rams. In exchange, Los Angeles will receive picks Nos. 73 and 151, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network (Twitter link). Houston has used the pick to add wide receiver Nathaniel Dell.
Dell, nicknamed “Tank,” put together a highly productive career at the University of Houston. Between the 2021 and ’22 campaigns, he totaled 199 catches, 2,727 yards and 29 touchdowns. He led the AAC in receiving in each season, and ranked first in the country in yards last year.
Those massive figures made him one of the top options in this year’s receiver class. Questions have understandably been asked, though, about his ability to translate his production to the NFL level. Dell’s frame (5-foot-8, 165 pounds) is likely to limit his usage to the slot in the pro game.
Still, he should be able to find a role with the Texans, a team which lacked in pass-catchers last season. They added veteran Robert Woods in free agency and have 2022 second-rounder John Metchie on track to make his NFL debut in 2023. Dell will add further to a Houston offense which has now seen a number of additions during the draft.
The most impactful of those, of course, was the team’s decision to select C.J. Stroud second overall. The Ohio State alum will be tasked with solidifying the quarterback position for the long-term, something which will be made easier with an improved skill position group. Dell – who has experience as a kick and punt returner in addition to his success on offense – figures to play a part in the effort to add impact offensive players. If he can alleviate his size concerns, the former Cougar could prove to be a highly effective addition.
Lions Draft QB Hendon Hooker At No. 68
Hendon Hooker generated buzz as a possible late-first-round pick, but the Tennessee quarterback fell out of Round 2. The Lions will stop his fall, selecting him at No. 68 overall. 
Detroit moved down twice in Round 2, sliding back to from No. 55 to No. 63 and back to No. 68. They now have a unique developmental quarterback set to work behind Jared Goff. Hooker, however, spent six years in college and is going into his age-25 season. He is also coming off an ACL tear sustained in November.
After four years at Virginia Tech, Hooker transferred to Tennessee to take over after the departure of Jarrett Guarantano. A breakout season saw Hooker throw for 2,945 yards and 31 touchdowns to just three interceptions, adding 616 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. He utilized his extra COVID year of eligibility to return in 2022. Playing in two fewer games due to the ACL tear that ended his final year early, Hooker threw for 3,135 yards and 27 touchdowns to just two interceptions, adding 430 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
His knee might not be the only concern health-wise. A potential heart condition was discovered when undergoing tests after a positive COVID test, according to Dennis Dodd of CBS Sports. The condition was determined to be a “false alarm” as a result of a procedure, but Hooker later suffered a convulsive episode that he blamed on medication from the heart procedure.
Looking past all that, Hooker was dominant at Tennessee. He took advantage of the quarterback-friendly offense for a masterfully efficient 58 touchdowns to five interceptions. He has a strong arm and touch that makes him a phenomenal deep ball passer. He didn’t rely on it in college, but he has an instinctive ability in the open field, utilizing agility, elusiveness, and toughness. Heupel lauded him as a hard worker and a strong leader, as well.
There’s a lot to like about Hooker’s long-term upside. His mental development over his collegiate career bodes well for his ability to attack the learning-curve he’ll face in the NFL. He boasts some strong tools, as well, that will come in handy when he does catch up to the professional game. As long as health is of no concern, there’s no reason that Hooker can’t develop into a starter at the NFL-level.
Hooker lands in a beautiful spot to develop with the Lions. Detroit had an impressive season behind their veteran quarterback in Goff. Goff had a resurgent season last year but still holds a massive $30.98MM cap hit in 2023 and a $31.65MM cap his in 2024. If Hooker can take up the Lions offense quickly while sitting behind Goff as a rookie, Detroit may feel comfortable taking on the $5MM of dead money they would incur by releasing Goff in 2024.
If not, Goff has two years left on his contract. If the Lions are planning to transition to an offense lead by Hooker, he’ll have one to two years to get comfortable running an NFL attack. If they’re happy with Goff and plan on extending his stay in the Motor City, then they’ve acquired a strong upgrade at the backup quarterback position.
Lions Trade No. 63 To Broncos
The Lions will make another second-round trade with an AFC West team, sending Nos. 63 and 183 overall to the Broncos in exchange for Nos. 68 and 139 (Twitter link via Lions reporter Tim Twentyman). Denver selected Oklahoma wide receiver Marvin Mims.
Considering the Broncos have held intermittent trade talks regarding Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton, this selection is an eyebrow-raising move. Mims will add another young element to a Denver passing game which struggled to establish production or consistency in 2022. That was an especially disappointing development considering the expectations the team faced.
Mims – the younger brother of the Jets’ Denzel Mims – followed him by playing in the Big 12 in college. The Sooners pass-catcher enjoyed an intriguing freshman campaign, totaling 610 yards and nine touchdowns. He was once again a major deep threat in 2021, but his most productive campaign came last year.
The 5-11, 177-pounder racked up 1,083 yards and six touchdowns on 54 receptions in 2022. His 20.1 yards-per-catch average established himself as a dynamic field-stretcher. His frame made him similar to many other WRs in this year’s class, though, which no doubt contributed to his wait to hear his name called. He will now join an intriguing situation in the NFL.
Denver faces plenty of expectation once again with Sean Payton now at the helm. He has insisted that neither Jeudy nor Sutton will be on the move, and that pair will top the team’s depth chart in 2023 presuming they do indeed remain in the fold. Mims will look to fill the deep-speed position occupied by KJ Hamler, who has struggled to stay healthy during his three years in the NFL. If the latter were to depart in free agency, Mims could be well-positioned to take his place for the long-term future.
Texans Acquire No. 62 From Eagles, Draft C Juice Scruggs
The Eagles fielded calls on moving back from No. 30. With the penultimate pick in the second round, the defending NFC champions will slide down a bit. The Texans moved up to No. 62. To move down three spots to No. 65, the Eagles will pick up Nos. 188 and 230. The Texans will take Penn State offensive lineman Juice Scruggs.
Scruggs continues a bit of a second-round run on centers, slotting in as the third center off the board behind Wisconsin’s Joe Tippmann and Minnesota’s John Michael Schmitz. The third Nittany Lion off the board, and the second in as many picks, Scruggs brings ideal size, strength, and acumen to Houston.
Scruggs had to come back from a serious car accident in 2019, suffering a break of his L3 vertebra after being thrown from the vehicle in the wreck. Instead of risking spinal surgery that could end his career, he allowed it to heal naturally and slowly, eventually rehabbing back into playing shape. He returned to become a captain in Happy Valley.
Scruggs reads defenses well before the snap and masterfully reacts to defensive line stunts and twists. He has strength to push blocks into the next level, but when overpowered, Scruggs can struggle to recover.
After releasing Justin Britt, the Texans re-signed Scott Quessenberry, who ranked dead last in the NFL out of 36 qualifying centers, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). This should provide Scruggs with an immediate starting opportunity at center in 2023. If not, Scruggs can provide some strong competition or depth on the interior with experience at both center and guard at Penn State.
Bears Obtain No. 56 From Jaguars, Select CB Tyrique Stevenson
The Bears will climb five spots for a cornerback. Dealing Nos. 61 and 136 to the Jaguars in exchange for No. 56, the Bears selected Miami’s Tyrique Stevenson. 
A consensus top-five cornerback in the high school class of 2019, Stevenson transferred to Miami after two years at Georgia. He dealt with a number of injuries throughout his career, including a torn labrum and surgery to shave his collarbone, but he made the most out of the time he did play, earning honorable mention All-ACC in 2021 and third-team All-ACC honors this past season.
Stevenson brings some versatility to the Bears secondary. The staff in Athens transferred him to their STAR position (a linebacker/safety hybrid). The Hurricanes put him right back at his natural position as an outside corner, and he rewarded them with three interceptions and 14 passes defensed over two years in Coral Gables. He brings a long, muscular build matched with rangy speed and agility. He can stray in coverage but excels in press-man, rerouting receivers without drawing penalties.
Stevenson should find some immediate opportunities to contribute in Chicago. Kyler Gordon, Jaylon Johnson, Kindle Vildor, and Jaylon Jones all got the most run of the cornerbacks in the Bears secondary last year. According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Johnson was the best of the group, grading out as the 67th-best cornerback in the league. If Stevenson makes a strong showing in camp, he can make a run for a starting job. He should be a strong rotation candidate either way.