Defense becomes focus of draft’s second round
Defense became the focus of the NFL draft on Friday night after a record-setting 23 offensive players were selected in the first round.
The Atlanta Falcons, who shocked everyone by taking quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8, kicked off the shift by moving up to take Clemson defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro with the third pick of the second round.
“I can’t let them down, and I’ll do everything in my will power to not let them down,” Orhorhoro said.
The Commanders then took Illinois defensive tackle Jer’zhan Newton and a total of 20 defensive players went in a round that saw seven trades as teams were wheeling and dealing to get their guy.
The Titans took a chance on Texas defensive tackle T’vondre Sweat with the 38th pick after he was arrested for driving while intoxicated. Sweat visited Tennessee after the incident and new coach Brian Callahan along with general manager Ran Carthon and defensive line coach Tracy Rocker went to his home to visit him and his family.
“We had some tough conversations while we were there,” Carthon said.
After Florida State defensive tackle Braden Fiske went to the Rams, the Philadelphia Eagles moved up to grab Iowa cornerback Cooper Dejean at No. 40. The Eagles made Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell the first cornerback taken at No. 22 and the addition of Dejean fortifies a now-crowded secondary that includes Darius Slay and James Bradberry.
“All I wanted was an opportunity to play,” said Dejean, who was projected to be a first-round pick. “Obviously, there’s a little frustration yesterday, but I’m excited with where I’m at.”
Dejean started a run on cornerbacks with three more going in a row. Alabama’s Kool-aid Mckinstry went to New Orleans, Georgia’s Kamari Lassiter was selected by Houston and Arizona chose Max Melton from Rutgers.
The third round was nearly split with 20 of the 37 picks being offensive players.
Day 2 opened with the Buffalo Bills and the Los Angeles Chargers giving their star quarterbacks new wide receivers.
After trading down twice and out of the first round, the Bills opened the second round by selecting Florida State’s Keon Coleman to give Josh Allen another playmaker who can help replace Stefon Diggs.
“He has everything pretty much you want in a quarterback,” Coleman said of Allen. “I’ll love to play with him.”
The Chargers, who chose