5 best picks of the second round in the 2020 NFL draft

2020 NFL draft second round grades
Nov 9, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Antoine Winfield Jr. (11) reacts after making a tackle on third down against the Penn State Nittany Lions at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

The 2020 NFL draft is rolling along. All 32 second-round picks have been filed, and now it’s time to rank the best of the bunch.

Here are the five best picks of Round 2.

Detroit Lions: D’Andre Swift (RB, Georgia)

The Lions landed the top running back in the draft at No. 35 overall. He’ll combine with Kerryon Johnson to give Detroit an impressive backfield tandem. Swift is a more talented player than Johnson and should ascend to the primary ball carrier by midseason, and once he does, he’ll be off to the races.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Antoine Winfield Jr. (Safety, Minnesota)

The Buccaneers have done a masterful job building their defense up the middle: Vita Vea, Devin White and Winfield. The former Golden Gopher will assume a leadership role in the secondary as a versatile player against the run and the pass.

Denver Broncos: K.J. Hamler (WR, Penn State)

After selecting Jerry Jeudy in the first round, the Broncos added a top-tier speed weapon in Hamler. He’s nearly uncoverable out of the slot. Hamler, Jeudy and Courtland Sutton have the potential to become one of the most potent young wide receiver trios in the league.

Buffalo Bills: A.J. Epenesa (DL, Iowa)

Epenesa is one of the best pure, yet unspectacular, football players in the entire class. He began the 2019 season as one of the top five prospects in the country but failed to maintain that status after a sub-par showing at the NFL Combine. His fall will benefit the Bills, who landed a 10-year starter in the former Hawkeye.

New England Patriots: Josh Uche (Edge, Michigan)

Bill Belichick knows pass-rushers, and Uche is one of the more exciting pure speed rushers in the class. He’s lightning quick off the line of scrimmage and has remarkable bend around the edge. Even as a rotational rusher, he’ll make a big impact as a rookie in 2020.

Bryan Perez

Bryan is the founder of Pro Football Draft. His work has been featured on The Draft Network, NBC Sports and USA Today. Former CFL scout.

Follow him on Twitter: @BryanPerezNFL