NFL Bloodlines & D-II Safeties Dominate NFL Draft Day Two

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After dialing up the most-watched draft day in league history, the NFL moved forward on Friday with the second and third rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft. As a whole, the presentation has had its failures — Roger Goodell has ZERO comedic timing — yet, it’s doing its fair share of healing. I don’t want to get mushy here but back-to-back weekends with must-see sports television has moved the needle a little closer to normal.

The first round was bookended by high-profile skill position guys (#1 Joe Burrow & #32 Clyde Edwards-Helaire) and the momentum carried into Day Two. The second round kicked off with two high-profile wide receivers (#33 Tee Higgins & #34 Michael Pittman Jr.) and a stud running back (#35 D’Andre Swift), then continued with big splashes as the night wore on and Zoom stockholders continued getting richer. Two household names at tailback went in the middle of the second round (#41 Jonathan Taylor & #55 J. K. Dobbins) with the night’s most identifiable name (and lone QB) sandwiched between them (#53 Jalen Hurts). In total, seven wideouts and five running backs went in the second round.

On the heels of all that second-round sizzle, the third round (plus 10 supplemental picks) was toned down, sans quarterbacks and big names, and filled with more linebackers (11) than you could shake a stick at. Four running backs and three receivers were drafted in the 42-pick third round, none who fans called home about.

The second round stole the show on Friday. Not only was it chock-full of superstar skill players from elite programs, but talking points were everywhere. Perfect example: Did I mention that Bill Belichick took a safety from a D-II school at #37? It was the Pats first pick in the post-Brady era, and it’s so Belichick it hurts. I’m sure he can play, and I’m also sure I already hear Skip Bayless discussing it. So, yeah, that was a thing, and then there’s the conversation piece that qualifies as my personal fave from Friday night: NFL bloodlines — don’t mess with ’em.

Sons, brothers, and cousins of former and current NFL stars dominated Day Two (and Round 2, specifically). By my calculations, nine dudes from NFL families were drafted on Friday night, including two who carry their father’s name (Michael Pittman Jr. & Antoine Winfield Jr.). Both fathers (Michael Pittman & Antoine Winfield) played 10-plus years in the NFL.

Stefon Diggs and Kyler Murray headline the current players who have relatives joining them in the league. All nine are listed below alongside their NFL relative(s).

The 2020 NFL Draft continues on Saturday with the final four rounds. ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes and NFL Network will continue broadcasting the event between 12-7 p.m.