Defense became the focus of the NFL draft on Friday night after a record-setting 23 offensive players were selected in Thursday’s first round in Detroit.
The Atlanta Falcons, who shocked everyone by taking quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 a day earlier, kicked off the shift by trading up with the Arizona Cardinals to take former 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 willpower to not let them down,” the 6-foot-4, 294-pounder said.
The Washington Commanders then took former Illinois defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton, and a total of 20 defensive players went in a round with seven trades as teams were wheeling and dealing to get their guy.
The Tennessee Titans took a chance when they used the sixth pick of the round and the 38th overall on former Texas defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat, who was arrested for driving while intoxicated on April 7 in Austin.