The second round of the 2023 NFL Draft saw teams across the league bolster their rosters with impactful selections, aiming to fill crucial voids and add depth to their squads. As the dust settled on the first round's surprises and strategic moves, Round 2 provided its own share of excitement and intrigue.
Steelers Kick Off Round 2 with Legacy Pick
The Pittsburgh Steelers, known for their storied franchise history, kicked off Round 2 with a pick that held special significance. Selecting Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr. with the first pick of the second round, the Steelers not only added a talented defender to their secondary but also continued a family legacy. Porter Jr.'s father, Joey Porter Sr., was a standout linebacker for the Steelers in the early 2000s, and the selection of his son marked a full-circle moment for the franchise.
Porter Jr., who excelled in college as a shutdown cornerback, is expected to bring his physicality and ball-hawking abilities to the Steelers' defense. His selection was met with widespread approval from fans and analysts, who see him as a potential cornerstone of the team's secondary for years to come.
Titans Make a Splash with Quarterback Pick
The Tennessee Titans made a splash in Round 2, addressing their quarterback needs by selecting Kentucky's Will Levis. Levis, who was projected as a potential top-10 pick in some preseason mocks, fell to the Titans at No. 33 overall, providing them with a potential franchise quarterback at a value position.
Levis' strong arm and leadership abilities were on full display during his college career, and he is expected to compete for the Titans' starting quarterback job immediately. The selection of Levis signals a potential shift in the Titans' offensive philosophy, as they look to build around a young and talented signal-caller.
Falcons Bolster Offensive Line with Syracuse Standout
The Atlanta Falcons, fresh off their surprise selection of Bijan Robinson in Round 1, continued to strengthen their roster in Round 2. With the 38th overall pick, the Falcons selected Syracuse offensive lineman Matthew Bergeron, adding a versatile and athletic blocker to their offensive line.
Bergeron, who excelled at both tackle positions in college, is expected to provide much-needed depth and competition to the Falcons' offensive line. His selection was praised by analysts for his combination of size, strength, and athleticism, which should translate well to the NFL level.
Round 2 Sleepers and Potential Steals
As always, Round 2 provided several sleepers and potential steals for teams looking to unearth hidden gems. One such player is Tulane running back Tyjae Spears, who was selected by the Tennessee Titans late in the round. Spears, a powerful and elusive runner, impressed scouts with his ability to make big plays in college and is expected to provide depth and competition at the running back position for the Titans.
Another intriguing prospect is Cam Smith, a cornerback from South Carolina selected by the Miami Dolphins. Smith's combination of speed, instincts, and ball skills makes him a dangerous defender in the passing game, and he could quickly emerge as a key contributor in the Dolphins' secondary.
Looking Ahead to the Rest of the Draft
With Round 2 in the books, teams shifted their focus to the remaining rounds, where they continued to scour the talent pool for hidden gems and potential contributors. The draft, which concluded with Round 7, provided an opportunity for teams to fill out their rosters and add depth at various positions.
As the dust settles on the 2023 NFL Draft, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these new additions will fare on the field. Will Porter Jr. follow in his father's footsteps and become a Steelers legend? Can Levis seize the Titans' starting quarterback job and lead the franchise to new heights? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the 2023 NFL Draft has infused the league with a fresh wave of talent that is sure to shape the future of football.
