The drama of the NFL Draft’s opening night may have settled, but the intrigue only intensifies as we roll into the second day. With the spectacle of six quarterbacks going in the top dozen picks, the first round was a record-setter, but now it’s time to shift focus to the real value picks in rounds two and three. Among those surprisingly still on the board is Iowa’s versatile defensive back, Cooper DeJean, and Alabama’s corner, Kool-Aid McKinstry.
The Best Available: Who’s Still on the Board?
1. Cooper DeJean, Defensive Back, Iowa
Dubbed as potentially the next big NFL star in the secondary, Cooper DeJean‘s ability to adapt and cover any position across the backfield makes his Day 1 pass-over a genuine shocker. In today’s pass-heavy NFL, a player like DeJean is a golden asset, poised to disrupt the prevalent quarterback dominance.
2. Kool-Aid McKinstry, Cornerback, Alabama
Following the footsteps of his teammate Terrion Arnold (now with the Detroit Lions), Kool-Aid McKinstry doesn’t seem destined to wait much longer. Alabama’s consistency in producing top-tier defensive talent keeps McKinstry in the spotlight as a top prospect.
3. Jer’Zhan Newton, Defensive Tackle, Illinois
Jer’Zhan Newton stands out not just for his prowess but for the importance of his role—disrupting the quarterback. The surprise isn’t just that he remains unselected after one round, but that teams are passing up a chance to secure such a crucial defensive component.
4. AD Mitchell, Wide Receiver, Texas
Despite his colleague Xavier Worthy being picked by the Kansas City Chiefs late in the first round, AD Mitchell remains undrafted. Known for his ability to make big plays, Mitchell’s situation reflects the depth of talent in this year’s wide receiver class—rich enough that first-round talent like him can slip into the second day.
5. Ladd McConkey, Wide Receiver, Georgia
Ladd McConkey is tipped to be the next significant slot receiver. With a style reminiscent of Garrett Wilson, McConkey’s potential to become a high-volume target makes him a valuable asset, especially for teams looking to bolster their short-passing game.
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6. Troy Franklin, Wide Receiver, Oregon
With a smooth style and commendable size, Troy Franklin may not project as the primary receiver but has all the makings of a key contributor in an NFL offense. His skill set suggests a mid-second-round pick, perfectly suited for teams seeking depth and reliability.
7. Ja’Tavion Sanders, Tight End, Texas
Ja’Tavion Sanders excels in the receiving aspects of his position, making him one of the top tight ends available. As he develops the blocking side of his game, his potential to rise to stardom in the NFL seems inevitable.
What Lies Ahead in Rounds Two and Three of the 2024 NFL Draft?
As the draft progresses, the focus on finding value deepens. Teams look to capitalize on the oversights of the first round, making selections that could fill crucial gaps or provide the missing piece to their puzzles. The talent pool, rich with potential starters and key role players, offers a promising outlook for the teams ready to make their moves tonight.
The excitement of the NFL Draft continues to unfold, proving once again that stars aren’t only born in the first round—they’re also discovered in the depths of the draft’s second day.
Source: NFL Spinzone
