First-round picks get most of the spotlight as NFL rookies, but the ones drafted on Day 2 are just as talented and don’t have to deal with added pressure, allowing them to play freely to make an immediate impact.
Last season rookies Breece Hall and Kenneth Walker III, two running backs drafted in the second round, quickly established themselves as dynamic playmakers and had their respective teams in position to make the playoffs. The Jets’ offense wasn’t the same after Hall suffered a season-ending injury, ending their hopes of making the playoffs for the first time since the 2010 season.
Walker was instrumental in the Seahawks’ advancing to the playoffs, and he finished second in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting behind Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson.
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On the defensive side, Bears safety Jaquan Brisker, a 2022 second-round pick, is now considered a cornerstone piece for the franchise after recording 104 total tackles and four sacks during a memorable rookie season.
This year likely won’t be any different, with more second- and third-round picks becoming instant difference-makers for their teams. Here are 10 players who were selected on Day 2 of the 2023 draft that have the best chance of making an immediate impact:
No. 32
Joey Porter Jr., CB, Steelers
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Many mock drafts had Porter heading to Pittsburgh because of his father’s ties to the organization as a Steelers great, but not many expected the younger Porter to be available in the second round. Porter might have fallen for being an undisciplined defender at times with Penn State. But Porter has a strong chance of cleaning up his bad habits under Steelers coach Mike Tomlin and playing alongside Patrick Peterson, an eight-time Pro Bowler. Porter’s draft slide will be extra fuel for him to reach his high potential as a rookie.
No. 35
Michael Mayer, TE, RaidersTeams talked themselves into thinking Mayer is a subpar pass catcher, which became Jimmy Garoppolo and the Raiders’ gain. Mayer was the most complete tight end prospect in the draft and will make an immediate impact as a polished blocker and receiver. Sure, Mayer might not ever become George Kittle or Travis Kelce in the passing game, but he will have a solid career because he excels in many areas, including exceptional play strength. Oh, and Mayer led Notre Dame with 67 receptions and 809 receiving yards last season.
No. 39
Jonathan Mingo, WR, PanthersSports Illustrated’s Albert Breer made a great comparison recently, saying the Panthers’ pairing quarterback Bryce Young with Mingo could pay off the same way it did for the Bengals when they drafted Joe Burrow No. 1 followed by wide receiver Tee Higgins in the second round of the 2020 draft. The 6'1" Mingo has a similar skill set as Higgins, and his 4.46 speed in the 40-yard dash along with a sizable catch radius will help Young throughout his rookie season. Mingo might start the season with the No. 3 wideout job in Carolina, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he ends the year as the top option.
No. 42
Luke Musgrave, TE, PackersMusgrave will likely split snaps with fellow rookie tight end Tucker Kraft, but he’ll see the field often as the better pass-catching option and could develop a role as quarterback Jordan Love’s security blanket. Musgrave missed most of last season due to injury, but he flashed at Oregon State as a smooth and athletic playmaker, especially with finding space against zone coverage. Musgrave has the potential to make an immediate impact as a seam stretcher for Love. He’s also a stout blocker, giving the Packers more reasons to keep him on the field.
No. 44
Julius Brents, CB, ColtsBrents will get an opportunity to become a Week 1 starter, with the Colts having inexperienced options at the position after trading Stephon Gilmore to the Cowboys. The 6'4" Brents has the length and athleticism—he clocked a 4.53 in the 40-yard dash during the combine—to find early success in the NFL. Brents is not as big as the 6'4" Tariq Woolen, but he has the traits to have a similar rookie season as the Seahawks’ cornerback.
No. 45
Brian Branch, DB, LionsBranch’s versatility made him a potential first-round prospect, but his lack of size as a 5'11" and 190-pound defensive back made him available on Day 2. The Lions looked past that and can now plug in Branch as their nickel cornerback with the potential to develop him into a standout safety. Branch was a Swiss Army knife for coach Nick Saban at Alabama and drew comparisons to another undersized safety, C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Branch will get an opportunity to learn under Gardner-Johnson in Detroit while the two rotate at slot cornerback and safety.
No. 66
Sydney Brown, S, EaglesWith Gardner-Johnson leaving Philadelphia for Detroit in free agency, Brown will likely have a starting safety spot entering training camp. The 5'9" Brown is also an undersized safety, but he makes up for it with his outstanding instincts and ball skills—he recorded 13 passes defended and six interceptions at Illinois last season. Brown excels as a deep safety and saw plenty of action closer to the line of scrimmage during his collegiate career. It’s Brown’s job to lose in Philadelphia, and he has the versatility to maintain it throughout his rookie season.
No. 84
Devon Achane, RB, Dolphins
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Achane, who recorded a blazing time of 4.32 seconds in the 40-yard dash, will give the Dolphins another speed element in their dynamic offense that features wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. But Achane offers more than just speed as a versatile running back who can contribute in the passing game and as a returner on special teams. He’ll have to compete for carries with Jeff Wilson and Raheem Mostert, but the Texas A&M product has a knack for standing out. Achane rushed for 1,102 yards and eight touchdowns last season.
No. 85
Daiyan Henley, LB, ChargersAfter starting his collegiate career as a wide receiver, Henley has flashed intriguing potential as a linebacker since making the position change less than three years ago. He has impressive sideline-to-sideline speed and he’s already a quality tackler, with more than 100 total tackles the past two seasons. Henley might get an opportunity to learn on the field as a rookie, because Kenneth Murray, a 2020 first-round pick, recently had his fifth-year option declined. Henley could eat into Murray’s snaps and form a solid duo with Chargers newcomer Eric Kendricks.
No. 86
Trenton Simpson, LB, RavensSome draft experts viewed Simpson as a first-round prospect, but he might have fallen because off-ball linebackers have been devalued in recent years, and maybe he’s not as polished as Jack Campbell, the lone off-ball linebacker drafted in the first two rounds. Simpson, however, offers versatility, and his high motor and nose for the ball could lead to an immediate impact playing alongside Roquan Smith. Also, the Ravens might have soured on Patrick Queen, possibly creating more snaps for Simpson.
