What. A. Night. Thursday's opening round of the 2021 NFL Draft had everything—Kings of Leon, an Alabama-palooza (six alums drafted in the first 24 picks), the Patriots and Bears landing their quarterbacks of the future (was there any doubt this tweet would age poorly?), rampant speculation about Aaron Rodgers' future in Green Bay, Dave Gettleman trading back for the first time and the jarring revelation that Dabo Swinney buys his suits off the rack at Men's Wearhouse (you'd think South Carolina's highest-paid state employee could afford a tailor, but apparently $8.3 million a year doesn't stretch as far as it used to). And that was just the warmup with Rounds 2-7 still to come.
We won't be grading each pick like we did in Round 1, but we'll be documenting steals and reaches from Rounds 2-3 as soon as they happen Friday night, so kick it here for all your Day 2 needs beginning at 7 PM ET.
34. Elijah Moore, WR, New York Jets: STEAL
Now we're talking. We're not used to the Jets getting so much right, but GM Joe Douglas has had a heck of a draft so far, landing New York's future franchise quarterback in Zach Wilson, Alijah Vera-Tucker of USC (arguably the top guard in his class) and now Moore, who inexplicably fell out of the first round despite finishing second to Heisman winner DeVonta Smith in FBS receiving yards last season. New York's once-barebones receiving corps is suddenly flush with talent, highlighted by the (presumably) starting trio of Moore, slot man Jamison Crowder and free-agent splurge Corey Davis. They also have 2020 second-rounder Denzel Mims, in case you forgot about him. Historically, putting any level of faith in the Jets has been a fool's errand, but with a revamped offense and a new coaching staff, there might finally be reason for optimism in East Rutherford.
35. Javonte Williams, RB, Denver Broncos: STEAL
Despite sharing a backfield with Michael Carter in Chapel Hill, the 220-pound Williams was still one of the most productive ball-carriers in America this past season, finishing sixth in FBS rushing yards (1,140) and third in rushing touchdowns (19), with the latter mark tying North Carolina's single-season record. A pin-balling power back in the mold of former Seahawks and Raiders bruiser Marshawn Lynch, Williams could push incumbent Melvin Gordon for early-down work in Denver this season. He's a shrewd addition for a team that just lost 1,000-yard rusher Phillip Lindsay in free agency.
38. Christian Barmore, DT, New England Patriots: STEAL
That's two thus far, Shooter. A day after nabbing Mac Jones with the 15th overall pick, Bill Belichick went right back to the Nick Saban well in Round 2, trading up to draft Jones' former 'Bama teammate Christian Barmore at 38. A sturdy 310-pounder, many considered Barmore the draft's top interior lineman with ESPN's Booger McFarland comparing him favorably to Bucs run-stopper Ndamukong Suh. While some will be disappointed New England didn't address its wide receiver need, the Patriots got great value for Barmore, who many anticipated would be a mid-to-late first-round pick.
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