Best Players Remaining for Day 2 of the NFL Draft
Round 1 is done, there are still plenty of great players still available. Here are a few to keep an eye on. (These are just guys I expect to be drafted tonight. I have more that I don’t expect until tomorrow.)
Quarterback
Drew Lock- The Missouri QB was a popular Round 1 projection but is still on the board. He’s the best QB remaining.
Tyree Jackson- Watch for Jackson late in round 2 or in round 3. He’s a huge human being with a cannon for an arm and a unique ability to run.
Running Back
David Montgomery- Only one running back went in round one, so there are plenty to choose from. Montgomery has Kareem Hunt play comparisons with no off-field issues.
Damien Harris- Josh Jacob’s teammate at Alabama can do many of the things Jacobs can, but he’s a little smaller.
Miles Sanders- Sanders had to spend time as the backup to Saquon Barkley at Penn State, but has the tools to be an NFL back. He is a pretty complete back that just doesn’t get the hype.
Justice Hill- Speedster out of Oklahoma State. Has great ability in the passing game and underrated between the tackles.
Wide Receivers
Hakeem Butler- I thought he might go in the first round. He’s 6’6″ with decent speed and has been getting mentored by Calvin Johnson.
Deebo Samuel- The South Carolina product has many similarities to Golden Tate. He’s fast with good hands and has an uncanny ability to make people miss. He also has return ability.
Andy Isabella- Not often UMass is mentioned in the NFL Draft. Isabella needs to work on catching with his hands instead of his body, but he’s a speedster.
Parris Campbell- A bigger version of Isabella with more polished route running and catching and more experience against top competition.
DK Metcalf & AJ Brown- Surprised these guys are still on the board. Both had 1000 yards receiving at Ole Miss last year and have big play potential.
Tight Ends
Dax Raymond- Utah State product and potential 3rd round pick. Very balanced tight end who can block and contribute in the passing game.
Jace Sternberger- Prototypical passing game stretch tight end from Texas A&M.
Josh Oliver- 3rd round guy. Big redzone target with good hands. Blocking is a work in progress.
Kahale Warring- San Diego State doesn’t throw the ball a lot, so Warring’s receiving game will need polishing. He’s athletic and his ceiling is similar to Todd Heap, but his floor is low.
Offensive Line
Jawaan Taylor- Most thought he was a top 15 pick and possibly the top offensive tackle. I’m a little shocked he’s still available, but he won’t be for long.
Cody Ford- Similar to Taylor. Shouldn’t still be on the board but will go early in Round 2.
Dalton Risner- The Kansas State lineman had a chance to sneak into the first round. He’s a starter quality player who should come off the board quick.
Erik McCoy- out of Texas A&M can play guard or center. Also won;t last long, and whoever grabs him may be getting a steal.
Dru Samia & Ben Powers- Both these Oklahoma guards will make good values in the 3rd round, but someone might take them earlier.
Defensive Tackle
Dre’Mont Jones- Impact player on the defensive interior. Quick get off and hands. Will be an impact player.
Trysten Hill- Played at UCF. Underappreciated because the new coaching staff didn’t use him as much, but very good player. He’s one of my sleepers in this draft.
Khalen Saunders- Small school defensive tackle out of Western Illinois. His athleticism and power scream potential. Very interested to see where he goes and how his career develops.
Defensive End
Jaylon Ferguson- Ferguson hasn’t had the ideal off-season from a workout standpoint, but he lands on my list for college production. He’s 6-5 271 and is the NCAA career sacks leader. Someone’s going to take a chance on that.
Charles Omenihu- Omenihu can play all over the defensive line. He’s 6-5 280, led the Big 12 in sacks, and was the conference defensive lineman of the year.
Zach Allen- The Boston College DE was once a projected first rounder. Has similar size to Omenihu with a different playing style. More of a edge setter/ run stuffer than pass rusher but has the potential to develop.
Chase Winovich- Winovich’s only flaw is that he went to Michigan. Other than that, he’s exactly the kind of player you want. He has the ability to get to quarterback and set the edge. He has a motor that never stops, a great personality, and a strong work ethic.
Joe Jackson- Jackson doesn’t get as much love as he should. He’s another long athletic edge rusher. He’s almost strictly a pass rusher at this point and needs to become better at stopping the run.
Linebacker
Bobby Okereke- When I first heard people talking about Okereke, I couldn’t understand why they were so negative. Now, they seem to have come around. He might not develop into a star, but he can be a good backup at worst.
Germaine Pratt- I really like Pratt. He seems to be a very fluid player, and it helps that he is a former safety. He may go in the 3rd round or tomorrow.
Blake Cashman- Some people have Cashman as a 2nd or 3rd round guy, so I included him for tonight. I like what I see from him, but with the players on the board, I’m not sure he’s taken until tomorrow. He has good speed and play recognition. Possibly could improve in pass coverage.
Safeties
Nasir Addreley- I hear that teams love this guy and, after watching his videos, I concur. Very good player
Taylor Rapp- The Washington safety is a hard hitting box safety who should have a good career.
Chauncey Gardner-Johnson- Thought he might sneak into the 1st round, but defensive backs were scarce in yesterday’s picks. Can cover the slot or play back on the deep end. Great ball skills.
Deionte Thompson- Thompson was once considered the top safety in this draft. He can play center field and go get the ball as good as anyone available. He’s an instant impact player.
Corners
Justin Layne- Layne is a former receiver with good ball skills and speed. He’s 6-2 and rarely gets beat in coverage. He’ll be playing for a long time.
Rock Ya-Sin- Climbing up draft boards. Only gripe is that he sometime doesn’t turn to find the ball.
Amani Oruwriye- A physical corner from Penn St who also fits the prototypical NFL corner profile.
Greedy Williams- Was supposed to be a first round pick. He’s a ball-hawk and a playmaker, but teams have issues with his tackling.
Byron Murphy- Another guy I love. Doesn’t have the size you may want but has the skills you need. My top corner, and I can’t believe he’s still available.
We’ll see what happens. Some of these guys will come off the board tonight, but some may not. There may also be surprises and will be guys not on this list. Should make for another good night.