2024 NFL Draft: Top Remaining Day 2 Players

All 32 first-round picks of the 2024 NFL Draft are in the books.

Reflecting on last night, I knew we were seeing an unprecedented scene in NFL history, but I don’t think it quite sunk in just how crazy it actually was until this morning. Offensive players took up the first 14 picks, doubling the previously longest streak to start a Draft.

Overall I felt good with how my board aligned with NFL teams. Obviously, coming into the night, I knew I was higher on Michigan QB JJ McCarthy than just about everyone, so seeing him be the QB5 (WTF Falcons?!) off the board wasn’t terribly surprising. However, his still landing in the top-10 via a trade-up gave me a sense of vindication. Remember, when I claimed him to be my QB1 (February 6th), I was told he was a 2nd round pick or late 1st at best.

Overall, only three players I had first-round grades on didn’t get drafted last night. They were Johnny Newton, Kool-Aid McKinstry, and Cooper DeJean. Coincidentally, all three are coming off significant foot injuries that forced them to miss most of — if not all — the pre-draft process.

Heading into Day 2 there are still a lot of really good players on the board. Make sure you are using my 2024 Prospect Guide to catch up on my thoughts regarding who your favorite team selected and also who is left on the board today.

TOP-10 PLAYERS AVAILABLE

Johnny Newton, IDL, Illinois - Big Board Rank = 10

Newton is a menacing pass-rush threat who hits the NFL with a ready-to-play skill set. He is an impact player. Unfortunately, it seems his medical checks have not gone well, causing him to slide a bit.

Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama - Big Board Rank = 20

McKinstry is a battle-tested, sticky man corner with the best snap-for-snap ball production in the class. Among my top-12 CBs in the class, McKinstry ranked first in yards allowed per coverage snap over his career.

Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa - Big Board Rank = 22

DeJean is a defensive playmaker whom teams might not be sure where he fits in their defense. He has elite ball skills and is generally an excellent athlete.

Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia - Big Board Rank = 26

Seven WRs were drafted in the 1st round last night. McConkey was not one of them, which is a bit surprising. McConkey brings instant separation skills to the table and an underrated vertical element. He will make his quarterback better.

Jackson Powers-Johnson, IOL, Oregon - Big Board Rank = 29

With the insane run on offensive tackles last night (eight drafted), JPJ starts Day 2 as the top offensive lineman on the board. Ideally, he lands with a team needing a do-it-all center, but he could also man either guard spot in a zone-heavy scheme.

Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan - Big Board Rank = 32

Wilson was a late breakout wideout coming from a ridiculously run-heavy offense in Michigan. His opportunities were relatively sparse heading into his senior year, but the tape he put out was excellent. He is one of the most ridiculous athletes in the draft who plays much bigger than his size. He has a perfect skill set to be a starting slot wide receiver in the NFL.

Kris Abrams-Draine, CB, Missouri - Big Board Rank = 34

I am much higher than consensus on KAD and fully expect him not to come off the board quickly on Day 2. But this kid is fluid. His 2022 tape is some of the best I have seen at corner in the class. He also dominated during Senior Bowl week, which is hard to do given the nature of the drills.

Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan - Big Board Rank = 35

Sainristil has one of the highest floors in the draft class. I have a hard time envisioning a world where Sainristil isn’t at least a plus starter in the NFL. From an intelligence and versatility standpoint, he reminds me a ton of Brian Branch from last year's class, but Sainristil tested as a much better athlete.

Payton Wilson, LB, NC State - Big Board Rank = 36

I was relieved to see no off-ball LBs come off the board last night. With that said, Wilson’s ability to have an impact on passing downs in coverage and as a blitzer should lead to him coming off the board early tonight.

Braden Fiske, IDL, Florida State - Big Board Rank = 37

Any team looking to add some juice to their pass rush would love Fiske. He has a lightning-quick first step and is a nightmare for guards to get their hands on. I particularly love his development as a player (six-year guy), as he just got better and better in the last couple of seasons. He wrecked the top IOL prospects during Senior Bowl week.

TOP-75 AVAILABLE