2013 NFL Draft: Day Two Open Thread

2013 NFL Draft

Day Two (Rounds 2 and 3)

Radio City Music Hall, New York City

3:30 pm PT (TV: ESPN and NFL Network)

The 2013 NFL Draft got started last night with the first round. Like most years, there were a few surprises, some trades by teams desperate to get the player they coveted, a couple of head scratcher picks, and a player who slid further down than mock drafts anticipated. I'll let Jeff Darlington from NFL Network recap it for you:

It turned out that the Rams were just one of several teams to successfully keep their secrets safe [ed note: the St. Louis Rams traded up to snag West Virginia WR Tavon Austin, whom they coveted before the draft] -- no matter how drastic the measures needed to do so -- as a night of surprises unfolded during the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft.

The Miami Dolphins, who stunned the league by trading up for the third overall pick to snag defensive end Dion Jordan, kept their secret quiet. So did the Kansas City Chiefs, who ended up taking tackle Eric Fisher despite widely believed expectations that they'd go with Luke Joeckel. And what about EJ Manuel becoming the first -- and only -- quarterback taken during the first round, heading to the Buffalo Bills with a good chance to win the starting job?

As mock drafts became mockeries, the mysteries of this intriguing draft unspooled with a series of twists and turns that lasted all evening.

It wasn't only about what did happen -- it was also about what didn't. The Oakland Raiders, for instance, didn't select defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd at No. 3, or even at No. 12 with the pick they acquired in the trade with Miami, going with D.J. Hayden instead. The Raiders' decision sent Floyd on a long slide that didn't end until he was taken 23rd overall by the Minnesota Vikings.

As for the players who slid out of the first round, the headliners were Austin's WVU teammate, QB Geno Smith, and Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o. That was not a huge surprise for either guy, but these were the most prominent prospects who (especially Smith) had realistic first round aspirations. Relevant to Cal, WR Keenan Allen is still on the board. Earlier today, Berkelium97 gave us the lowdown on Allen's draft prospects now that the first round is done.

That he was not drafted is not a complete surprise, as only three WRs were taken in the first round. It was surprising to see [Clemson's] DeAndre Hopkins jump into the first round, however. According to many, Justin Hunter (Tennessee) was poised to be the second WR off the board. Whether he or Keenan will be the next WR taken is a mystery heading into tomorrow. Robert Woods [USC] could sneak ahead of them, but odds are good that Hunter or Allen goes next.

The second round might be the place to expect Allen to go, where he would be (most likely) the first Cal player taken. Check out the second-round mock by Bucky Brooks at NFL.com:

61) San Francisco 49ers: Tyrann Mathieu, CB, LSU. The player formerly known as "The Honey Badger" is regarded as the top nickel corner in the draft, despite his off-field baggage.

62) Baltimore Ravens: Keenan Allen, WR, Cal. The loss of Anquan Boldin could force Ozzie Newsome to turn to Allen as the Ravens' new monster over the middle.

Well lookie there. Honey Badger and Keenan Allen back to back, with KA going to the reigning Super Bowl champions. I hope KA doesn't have to wait that long, but if that's the case, Baltimore would be a good landing spot for him.

Also a possibility tonight is for Cal offensive lineman Brian Schwenke to be drafted, maybe in the third round. It is also possible, but unlikely, that one of Cal's cornerback prospects, Steve Williams or Marc Anthony, could make it into the third round.

Tonight's selections will go by a bit quicker. The second and third rounds will be completed, with teams having seven minutes to make their second round selections and five minutes to make their third round choices.

This is your NFL Draft Day Two open thread. Go do whatever it is you do.