The first round of the NFL Draft is officially over and done with, but some of the best players on still on the board. While only time will tell which players succeed at the game’s highest level, there are still a good number of players capable of making a long-term impact available for the right team. After one of the wildest first rounds in recent memory, these players should hear their names called before too long.
2024 NFL Draft: Best Players Remaining Entering Day 2
Cooper DeJean, DB
Cooper DeJean has the talent to be a top-15 pick, so he’s easily one of the best players available on Day 2 of the NFL Draft. The Iowa product has the positional versatility teams crave, with plenty of high-level reps at both cornerback and safety. While he suffered an injury late in the 2023 college football season, his impressive Pro Day proved that he’s fully recovered and should be ready to contribute from Day 1. With the Buffalo Bills holding the 33rd-overall pick and needing a safety, don’t be surprised if DeJean is the first player off the board on Friday.
Cooper DeJean NFL Draft Profile
Jer’Zhan Newton, DT
Some draft analysts believed that Jer’Zhan Newton would be the first defensive tackle off the board. While Bryon Murphy claimed that honor, nobody thought the Illinois product would be one of the best players available on Day 2 of the NFL Draft. Elite defensive tackles are hard to come by, and Newton has the potential to be a genuine threat against both the run and the pass. The Washington Commanders need an interior pass rushing threat, and Newton could be the perfect choice for the job.
Jer’Zhan Newton NFL Draft Profile
Adonai Mitchell, WR
Adonai Mitchell is one of the best high-risk, high-reward players in the 2024 NFL Draft. There are some genuine concerns here, as the wide receiver’s production profile is somewhat concerning and he has some reported character concerns. However, his upside is through the roof and easily justifies a second-round selection. Mitchell is a historically gifted athlete and his tape is littered with remarkable plays. He has top-10 potential and is an easy choice for a receiver-needy team like the Bills, Chargers, or Patriots
Adonai Mitchell NFL Draft Profile
Jackson Powers-Johnson, C
Centers are not the most important position in the game, which is the only way to explain how Jackson Powers-Johnson fell out of the first round. The Oregon product is easily one of the best 32 players in the NFL Draft class, and one team will get a steal in the second round. While other organizations reach for premium positions, a team like the Carolina Panthers could land a 10-year starter on Day 2.
Jackson Powers-Johnson NFL Draft Profile
Ladd McConkey, WR
Ladd McConkey doesn’t have the same ceiling as Mitchell, but he has a much safer floor. The Georgia product is one of the most polished route runners in the class who can get open against just about any coverage. After posting an impressive 40-yard dash time, McConkey has firmly established himself as one of the best players in the 2024 NFL Draft and should be a welcome addition to any wide receiver room.
Ladd McConkey NFL Draft Profile
Ennis Rakestraw, CB
Ennis Rakestraw isn’t the fastest cornerback in the world, but his hard-nosed style of play and physicality near the line of scrimmage easily offset that weakness. In today’s pass-heavy NFL, you can never have too many players capable of disrupting the offense and taking receivers out of the play. As a bonus, the Missouri product also provides strong support in the run game.
Ennis Rakestraw NFL Draft Profile
Main Photo: Jay Janner – USA Today Sports
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