2019 NFL Draft: Live Fantasy Recap (Rounds 2-3)

The second round of the 2017 NFL Draft begins at 7:00 p.m. ET, while the remainder of the draft will finish up on Saturday (12 p.m. ET).

Throughout the second and third rounds, I'll be updating this page with player evaluation from Brandon Niles and my own live analysis of the fantasy implications of each skill position pick. Brandon will be taking over tomorrow to summarize the mid- to late-round picks. Since opportunity is crucial for a rookie, I'll provide a grade for each early pick given the player's opportunity for playing time and overall situation.

To see our fantasy recap of the first round, click here.

2.04 - 49ers - WR Deebo Samuel, South Carolina

Samuel lined up in multiple spots for the Gamecocks, but he’s best suited for a slot role at the next level. Samuel has a stocky build and he runs hard after the catch. With the ball in his hands, Samuel has excellent vision and plays with a mean streak, helping him to four kickoff return touchdowns. He has adequate speed and explosiveness, with an uncanny ability to find space in the red zone. He had 11 touchdowns last year, and was on his way to a breakout season through three games in 2017 before breaking his leg. Samuel seems disinterested when not directly involved in the play, but working out of the slot full-time should change that. He has the ability to contribute immediately as a playmaker and chain-mover if he can stay healthy.

Athletic Comparable: James Jones

Opportunity: B+

Pierre Garcon has moved on, so the 49er WR depth chart currently features Dante Pettis and Marquise Goodwin. George Kittle will likely lead this team in targets, but neither Pettis nor Goodwin are high-usage receivers, so Samuel could carve out a significant role if he plays starter's snaps (70%+) in the slot.

2.10 - Broncos - QB Drew Lock, Missouri

Lock has a rocket arm and a short, compact release. He flings it with ease to all levels of the field and is accurate when he gets his feet planted, showing the ability to hit streaking receivers in stride, as well as lead players on crossing routes to set up big yards after the catch. Lock will need to work on his decision-making and will need to learn to trust his receivers to make plays. He doesn’t throw players open and sometimes tucks the ball and runs if his first read isn’t there. Lock is athletic enough to make an immediate impact however, and he might have the best pure arm talent in the draft.

Athletic Comparable: Brett Hundley

Opportunity: A

The Broncos seemingly have their quarterback of the future, but he'll have to beat out Joe Flacco to start in his first season. The Broncos have a nice group of receivers including Emmanuel Sanders, Courtland Sutton and Noah Fant, so Lock could work his way into the streaming conversation if he wins the starting job.

2.18 - Vikings - TE Irv Smith Jr., Alabama

Smith caught 44 balls for Alabama last year and scored seven touchdowns. He was a nice safety valve for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and his 4.63-second 40-yard-dash at the combine was the third-fastest at his position this year. Smith is an above-average blocker who will only improve as he gets stronger in an NFL weight training program. His route-running is advanced, and he demonstrates excellent body control against defenders, allowing him to win matchups against defensive backs. Smith is a versatile weapon who can line up anywhere on offense and his ability to make plays in the passing game while contributing as a blocker should earn him extended playing time as a rookie.

Athletic Comparable: Mark Andrews

Opportunity: D

Long-term this is not a bad spot for Smith, but it's tough to see him making a splash as a rookie since he'll have to beat out Kyle Rudolph and compete with Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs for targets in what will likely be a run-heavy offense.

2.19 - Titans - WR A.J. Brown, Ole Miss

Brown was very productive over the past two seasons for the Rebels, amassing 160 catches for 2,572 yards and 17 touchdowns in that span. Brown has excellent hands when he’s dialed in and is one of the best route-runners in this draft class. Brown projects to play anywhere, but he operated mostly out of the slot at Ole Miss, where he used his crisp cuts and exceptional burst to gain separation and make plays after the catch. Questions about Brown’s ability to beat outside corners deep were partially answered with a 4.49-second 40-yard-dash at the combine. While not blazing fast, that time puts him square in the “fast enough” territory for a player who already impresses on tape. He’s ready to compete for a starting role immediately.

Athletic Comparable: Dez Bryant

Opportunity: B

This pick certainly helps Marcus Mariota, though Brown's spot in the receiving pecking order is to be determined. Corey Davis, Delanie Walker and the recently-signed slot receiver Adam Humphries should all soak up targets, so Brown will have to be in on virtually all three-WR sets to make a fantasy impact this season.

2.21 - Eagles - RB Miles Sanders, Penn State

Sanders was highly recruited, but had to wait two years behind Saquon Barkley to get his shot last season as the primary ball-carrier. He delivered with 1,274 rushing yards and 24 receptions, including 162 yards and a touchdown against Michigan State’s top-ranked run defense. Sanders is one of the best pass-blocking backs in this class due to his excellent balance, which shows up when he cuts and shimmies through the line as well. He needs to learn patience when the hole doesn’t open up right away, but his 4.49-second 40-yard-dash time at the combine backed up the explosiveness he shows on tape. Sanders demonstrated soft hands in college, though he didn’t run much of a route tree. In the right situation, he could be an every-down starter.

Athletic Comparable: Felix Jones

Opportunity: B-

The Eagles traded for Jordan Howard, so Howard and Sanders could conceivably form a 1-2 punch with Corey Clement and Wendell Smallwood providing depth. Despite the crowded depth chart, the opportunity is decent since the situation is unsettled and Howard hasn't proven to be a bellcow-type back. It wouldn't be shocking if Sanders is leading this backfield in touches by midseason.

2.24 - Chiefs - WR Mecole Hardman, Georgia

Hardman complemented Riley Ridley well in Georgia’s run-based offense last year, catching seven touchdowns and stretching the field. His combine speed was impressive, clocking 4.33 seconds in the 40-yard-dash. Hardman has a chance to be a solid outside threat if he can be more consistent with his hands and learn to use his body positioning to wall off defenders and make contested catches. More likely, he’ll make a roster as a dynamic return specialist. He took back a punt for a 70-yard touchdown last season against Middle Tennessee and averaged 24.3 yards per kick return over his career for the Bulldogs.

Athletic Comparable: Eddie Royal

Opportunity: A

This grade assumes that the Chiefs are drafting a receiver in the second round because they plan to cut Tyreek Hill. The Chiefs own one of the most prolific offenses in the league and while Hardman would likely find himself behind Travis Kelce and Sammy Watkins in terms of targets, he could also carve out a Hill-like role in the offense and turn in fantasy starter numbers in the short-term.

2.25 - Eagles - WR J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, Stanford

Arcega-Whiteside is a big, physical hands-catcher with a large catch-radius and was a consistent red zone threat for the Cardinals, catching 23 touchdowns over the last two seasons. He lacks the speed to gain separation or to outrun defensive backs after the catch, but he has tremendous body control and elite ball skills. Arcega-Whiteside walls off defenders when vying for jump balls, and consistently attacks the ball at its highest point. His ability to be an outside receiver in a league full of slot guys separates him from the pack and might be what allows him to win a job early in the NFL.

Athletic Comparable: Mack Hollins

Opportunity: D

Arcega-Whiteside is going to have a tough time getting snaps in Philadelphia's loaded receiving corps. He'll be competing with Alshon Jeffery, DeSean Jackson, Nelson Agholor (unless the team moves him), Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert for targets. I don't forsee a big role unless he has an outstanding offseason and is able to work his way up the depth chart.

2.27 - Colts - WR Parris Campbell, Ohio State

Campbell had a breakout senior year for the Buckeyes, catching 90 balls for 1,063 yards and 12 touchdowns, including 11 catches in a Rose Bowl victory over Washington. Campbell has blazing speed – 4.31 seconds in the 40-yard-dash at the combine – to go with excellent short-area quickness, which help him gain separation. After the catch, he runs with vision and elusiveness. He’s unpolished as a route-runner and will shy away from contact, but he has the skillset to move around the formation and could excel as a dynamic downfield threat outside the hash marks. He returned kicks earlier in his college career and may do that again, or shift to the slot with a little more refinement in his game. Campbell projects as a playmaker with high upside.

Athletic Comparable: Santana Moss

Opportunity: B

Like Arcega-Whiteside, Campell will have some work to do to get on the field as a rookie, though the targets don't look as tough to come by in Indianapolis as they do in Philadelphia. Campbell will have to carve out a role alongside Devin Funchess and the Colts' two talented tight ends, but he should be on the field in most three-WR sets from the get-go.

2.30 - Cardinals - WR Andy Isabella, UMass

Isabella was super productive last year, leading the NCAA with 1,698 receiving yards on 102 receptions. He followed that up with an excellent combine, running a 4.31-second 40-yard dash and posting a great time in the three-cone drill, proving the exceptional short-area quickness he shows on tape. Isabella is undersized at 5-foot-9 and 188 lbs, but he runs great routes and can stop-and-start on a dime. He didn’t face NFL-level competition often in college, but he shined against a top-25 Georgia pass defense to close out his college career. Isabella needs to work on catching the ball away from his body, but he has the ability to be a big-time playmaker in the right offense. He’ll make a roster, even if it’s as a sub-package receiver who helps out in the return game.

Athletic Comparable: Tyler Lockett

Opportunity: B+

The Cardinals traded Josh Rosen to the Dolphins and turned around and used the pick on a weapon for their new quarterback, Kyler Murray. Isabella will have a chance to learn from one of the best receivers of all time, Larry Fitzgerald. They both play the slot at this point, though HC Kliff Kingsbury will likely have a plan to get them both on the field at the same time.

2.32 - Seahawks - WR D.K. Metcalf, Ole Miss

Metcalf has rare size-speed traits, standing 6-foot-3 and running a 4.33-second 40-yard-dash at the combine. However, he looks slower on tape, and his 3-cone drill and 20-yard-shuttle results were near the bottom among receivers, showing a lack of suddenness in his game. Metcalf plays physically, but seems to lack the instincts to play downfield with more than simple size and physicality. He’ll lose speed when trying to locate the ball and has some focus drops. Durability concerns – neck and foot injuries in college – and his unpolished receiver skills make him a boom-bust prospect overall.

Athletic Comparable: Andre Johnson

Opportunity: B

The opportunity in Seattle depends heavily on Doug Baldwin's health. Metcalf is going to have a tough time beating out a healthy Baldwin or Tyler Lockett for snaps in the Seahawks' run-heavy offense. On the plus side, he'll be playing with one of the most efficient quarterbacks (in terms of fantasy points per pass attempt) in the history of the league in Russell Wilson.

3.02 - Steelers - WR Diontae Johnson, Toledo

Johnson was an explosive playmaker at Toledo and had an exceptional junior season in 2017, catching 74 balls for 1,278 yards and 13 touchdowns. He was less consistent last year, with only 761 yards, but he was a dynamic receiver and return specialist. Johnson is 5-foot-10 with a slight, 183 lbs frame, but he shows an explosive release off the line and uses his arms and short-area quickness to disengage quickly from press coverage. He’s an ideal fit as a slot receiver, and if he can stay healthy and improve his route-running and coverage diagnosis, he could develop into a quality NFL player. At the very least, he should immediately play a role in the return game.

Athletic Comp: Tavarres King

Opportunity: A-

With Antonio Brown in Oakland, there are a boatload of targets up for grabs in Pittsburgh. I think James Washington will make the leap, but the Steelers obviously like Johnson and they'll be looking for ways to get him on the field. He could play the slot in three-WR sets with JuJu Smith-Schuster and James Washington outside.

3.03 - 49ers - WR Jalen Hurd, Baylor

Hurd is still learning how to play the position, but he has tremendous downfield ability and you can see his innate running back skills take over after he gets the ball in his hands. He was a top running back recruit to Tennessee early in his collegiate career but transferred to Baylor for the opportunity to play receiver. Hurd had 946 receiving yards last season, including 11 catches and 135 yards against Kansas State. With his 6-foot-4 frame, you’d like to see him score more than the four touchdowns he had a year ago, but he’s ultimately still a work in progress. Hurd plucks the ball out of the air at its highest point and runs with every ounce of energy he has on every play. He’s converted to a sinewy athlete on the outside after making his name as a banger when he was running the ball. His work ethic and drive to make a successful position switch should translate well to the NFL, and he should be considered a high-upside, high-risk prospect with the raw ability to be elite.

Athletic Comparable: Vincent Jackson

Opportunity: B-

The 49ers doubled up at receiver on Day 2, and Hurd's skillset resembles Marquise Goodwin's so he may have to bide his time.