2024 NFL Draft: Pick-by-pick analysis for Day 2
- Round 1
- Rounds 2-3
- Rounds 4-5
- Rounds 6-7
Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft is in the books. Eric Edholm provides analysis for every player selected in Rounds 2 and 3 below.
NOTE: Only trades agreed to after Day 1 began are reflected below.
ROUND 2
After trading back twice on Thursday, the Bills stick at 33 and take a big, physical and athletically gifted target. Coleman isn’t fast and isn’t a deep threat, but he can win in a variety of ways. But who will Josh Allen‘s deep threat be? Stay tuned.
Our second pick, second receiver and first trade of the night. The Patriots slide back a few spots, and the Chargers get a receiver who should be thrust right into the mix. Although McConkey had injury issues at Georgia, if he’s able to stay healthy, he could be Justin Herbert‘s favorite target in due time. With great route-running skills and impressive separation ability, McConkey could be an 80-catch player one day.
Another trade, with the Falcons swooping up. And this is their second curious pick of this draft. Nothing against Orhorhoro, who has some intriguing skills and might be a better stat stuffer in the NFL than he was at Clemson. But with Johnny Newton on the board, this pick felt like a reach when you consider Atlanta’s biggest need — pass rush.
The Commanders have unquestionably perused the previous comment. Newton, a fierce disruptor in a 3-technique, is a player they are eager to take on. He probably should have been picked earlier. Although they have seemingly overlooked the offensive tackle position at this time due to no worthy talent available, it’s notable that they are already well-equipped with defensive tackles.
I wonder if the Patriots weren’t hoping for Coleman to fall to them. Polk has some nice physical traits, possesses really nice body control to adjust to passes outside his frame and stepped up nicely when Jalen McMillan was hurt midseason last year. But I saw Polk’s upside as lower, viewing him more as a third-round talent. He’ll add size to New England’s smaller WR room, though.
Our first mini-shocker of the day. The massive Sweat was believed to be a possible top-50 pick at one point, but that was prior to his recent arrest. Credit to the Titans if they did the requisite work on Sweat’s character in the past few weeks. He’s a massive human being capable of closing down two gaps by himself, but some teams felt Sweat might be available entering Round 4 based on recent developments.
Fiske isn’t Aaron Donald — no one is — but he’s a highly active, highly disruptive, undersized interior rusher who will join his college teammate, Jared Verse, on a rebuilt Rams D-line. Fiske and Verse will provide boundless energy up front, even if neither is truly an elite pass rusher. The move up the board to snag Fiske cost the Rams a 2025 second-rounder. GM Les Snead doesn’t care, though; he loves full-tilt defenders such as these.
The Eagles somehow managed to trade up and land DeJean, who might be best in a nickel/safety hybrid role, to supplement their Day 1 pick of Quinyon Mitchell. Consider the secondary upgraded. DeJean could do for the Eagles what Brian Branch did last year for the Lions. This feels like a terrific selection for a defense that was way overtaxed by season’s end in 2023. Plus, DeJean is a quality returner.
The defensive backfield was anticipated to be a target area for the Saints, leading them to trade up for McKinstry. A reliable, intelligent, and strong corner with a good understanding of the field and satisfactory ball skills, his selection seems like a well-placed line drive into the gap for a team in need of more dependable defenders.
Should you require a receiver, defensive lineman, or corner, you may soon find yourself out of options. The Texans jumped into the fray with their initial draft pick, which could be considered their most prominent remaining requirement following an exceptional offseason. Even though Lassiter may not be a standout playmaker and only exhibits average physical attributes, his toughness, instincts, and patience could make him an excellent nickel corner.
“Mad Max” truly impressed me in Mobile at the Senior Bowl. He is a typical Rutgers DB, demonstrating intelligence, toughness, and instinct. However, Melton’s speed and press-man coverage skills elevate him significantly. His inclusion is another solid addition to what appears to be an excellent Cardinals draft so far.
Brock Bowers felt like a throwback Raiders pick to me, but JPJ really feels like an Al Davis classic. Powers-Johnson is a big, brawling interior lineman who played center last year but also can line up at guard — the position he was announced at — and bury the man opposite him, even if he’s a little stiff and an average athlete.
Green Bay slid back and drafted a top-40 talent on my board in Cooper. He’s the classic mold of what this Packers scouting staff seeks in a linebacker, possessing excellent speed, length and pursuit ability. There’s a starting spot opposite Quay Walker, and I think Cooper will grab it, but both those players can play a little too freely and loosely at times.
If Brooks hadn’t torn his ACL in November, he may have been chosen as a first-round pick. He possesses speed and agility, and has the ability to quickly find holes and advance the play, which may soon secure him a spot as Carolina’s lead player. While I initially thought they might opt for a center, Brooks seems to be a logical choice for a team needing to boost their offense.
Nubin might lack a superpower as a prospect with no special trait, but he does a lot of things very well. He can be the Giants’ post safety as an assignment-sound defender who will bring excellent intensity and commitment to the locker room.
When I spoke to Smith last week, he made sure to highlight his workout with the Jaguars — his final team visit — as clearly his best. The Jags agreed. Smith has first-round tools but has been beset by injuries and a rotating cast of defensive coaches at LSU. His production is lacking, but his potential is downright exciting. If they’re patient, the Jaguars might have something here.
While Jenkins wasn’t a prominent player at Michigan, he demonstrated a commendable productivity level per snap. This could potentially make him a superior professional player compared to his college career. He comes from an NFL lineage, sharing a name with a former Panthers DT, and is predicted to be a beneficial addition to the rotation in Cincinnati. Jenkins showcased his best football skills towards the end of the previous season, significantly contributing to Michigan’s national title win.
One day, Sainristil will be the favorite nickel back of your most admired nickel back. Despite his smaller, leaner build and the fact that he only switched from receiver a few years ago, scouts highly appreciate him. His football instincts are impeccable, and his unmeasurable attributes are exceptional. This is an excellent choice for a franchise determined to entirely restructure the football culture in Washington.
Following the first-round selection of Troy Fautanu, Frazier makes for another commendable OL addition. He’s not a top-tier athlete, but with 46 college starts, strong football intelligence and a gnarly demeanor, Frazier is a typecast Steelers center.
After a mini-slide, Mitchell lands in a Colts offense in need of more firepower. He has the length and speed to be a vertical, jump-ball target for Anthony Richardson and showed a knack for clutch performances in college. Mitchell’s lean build and his need for more refinement might cap his early-career production a bit, but he’s well worth the risk here.
The newfangled Commanders seem to get this draft thing. Their three Day 2 picks so far have all been personal favorites, including Sinnott, whom I appeared to be higher on than some other media draft folks. He’s got some Mark Andrews to his game, as Sinnott can find open spaces readily, has reliable hands and will break tackles in the passing game. He also gives good effort as a blocker.
The Browns join the draft discussion with a local and fitting pick. Hall is among the youngest prospects in the draft, a fact that the Browns definitely lean towards in their assessments. He’s an intriguing prospect in the interior with potential for pass-rushing. He only started in 12 college games, achieving six sacks, but his potential as a nimble rusher is evident if you watch the Buckeye’s game footage towards the end, provided he can maintain his high performance level.
With the offensive tackle ranks significantly thinned, the Dolphins jumped in on Paul after going defense in Round 1. He wasn’t my favorite OT prospect this year, with Paul giving me some Josh Jones vibes. His mass and reach are impressive, and he has 44 college starts at left tackle. But if Paul is Terron Armstead‘s eventual replacement, getting a year to develop his craft, this pick might work out.
Demarcus Lawrence is nearing his 32nd birthday, so it is logical to consider recruiting a pass rusher who was predicted to be within the top 50 selections by many evaluators. Kneeland’s performance at the Senior Bowl in Mobile was notable due to his natural strength, effort, and mass, positioning him as a promising strong-side rush prospect. Although he is not yet prepared for primetime, Kneeland is an interesting player and a smart choice in terms of value at this point.
A player with only two college starts rarely makes it into the top 60 picks, but Braswell proved himself to be an exception last season as he excelled in multiple roles for the Crimson Tide. At the minimum, he could be an exceptional special-teams player. However, it’s probable that the Bucs are hoping to further hone Braswell’s pass-rush skills and take advantage of his impressive athletic abilities.
While the Eagles may be at the forefront of drafting defenders from Georgia in the NFL, the Packers have recently been closely competing with them. Bullard, who meets their requirements for a safety, brings valuable traits that are highly regarded by this scouting department. Despite sometimes playing without restraint and not being an extraordinarily gifted athlete, Bullard exhibits a competitive intensity. Furthermore, he has the versatility to play various positions in the secondary and has the capability of being a four-down player.
Joe Alt was the Irish’s best blocker last year, but Fisher once was a higher-rated high school recruit — and his stock has been on the rise since the combine. Fisher has toned up his body and shed a lot of bad weight, and he also showed a little more killer instinct in his style last season after earning a reputation of being something of a finesse blocker, in spite of his mass and length. He’s young and moldable but probably best as a right tackle or guard.
Safety was a big need for the Bills, and they go back to the Utes for help after taking Dalton Kincaid in Round 1 a year ago. Bishop is a very good athlete and field general who can play the post safety spot and cover a lot of ground. He played like the QB of the Utes’ defense the past two years and could be a rookie starter for Buffalo.
I mocked Rakestraw to the Lions in Round 1 back in late January, and here he lands in Detroit a round later. Rakestraw’s injury and pre-draft process complicated his scouting report and pushed him behind a few other corners, but he has the mentality to fit in very well in Detroit. He’s a willing tackler and a talented man-cover guy — even if Rakestraw lacks elite length or athleticism.
The Ravens really needed some OL help, and here it is. Rosengarten was a standout in Ryan Grubb’s quick-strike offensive system and is an above-average athlete for the position, possessing the footwork to match talented rushers. Rosengarten played the right side, which was Michael Penix Jr.’s blind side, but previously played left tackle and could do the same in the NFL.
Another player whom I once mocked to the correct team (but a round too high), Suamataia is a former five-star high school recruit who boasts elite size and length and all the tools to be good. But Suamataia is not likely ready for the big leagues just yet and will have to have his motor revved up to earn a starting role as a rookie.
Green made a name for himself with his coverage vs. Malik Nabers in the 2023 season opener and had a strong final college season after switching back from safety to outside corner. Green does lack great size and athletic traits, but his natural coverage skills and improved playmaking skills give him a decent chance.
ROUND 3
Some have likened Corley to “Deebo Samuel Lite” for his running back-like build and tackle-breaking ability, although he’s not as dynamic a player yet as Samuel is. The Jets can use him in the Randall Cobb role and upgrade that spot, however.
Benson was a consistent producer at FSU, able to rip off big plays readily with his home run speed (including on kickoff returns). He has an excellent chance to win the Cardinals’ starting job down the line; for now, he profiles as a very good complement to James Conner. The Cardinals are making the most of their picks, folks.
Interestingly, he was announced as a guard, even though Coleman primarily played a different position last year. Tackle is definitely the area of greatest concern in Washington. However, Coleman did spend some time playing as a guard and his athleticism makes him a good fit for Kliff Kingsbury’s offense, which relies heavily on OL movement.
Wallace, a robust right tackle, evolved into an NFL prospect towards the end of his six-year tenure in college. He brings experience to the table with 40 college starts, however, it is predominantly at that position. Earlier in his career, Coleman was perceived as somewhat of an underachiever. Personally, he seems like a bit of a stretch.
If there was one player I would have bet would follow Jim Harbaugh to the Chargers, it would have been Mike Sainristil or Colson. The latter was the emotional heartbeat of a championship Michigan defense, as Colson is a full-tilt competitor who brings his all to every game and every practice. He’s a tackling machine whose coverage limitations were likely what caused him to fall out of the top 50 picks.
Phillips faced some challenging games last season, however, he has the potential to become a valuable component in the Giants’ secondary, serving as either a nickel or an outside safety. Although his size and ball production might be below average, his toughness and tackling abilities provide a strong foundation.
Last year, Adams was erroneously positioned as a tackle due to necessity, but it seems his optimal position in the professional leagues would be inside. He’s a feisty run blocker and potent finisher in close spaces, although speedy rushers can challenge him. He’s a reliable player with experience in various positions.
A late addition to my top 100 prospects list, Wallace is a top-tier athlete who finally seemed to find his groove last season — on special teams but especially on defense. He’s capable of covering tight ends and running backs and should impact all four downs, but Wallace is young and could use a redshirt year before he’s ready to be featured on defense.
I’m surprised Beebe managed to stay this long. In my opinion, he is among the least likely players to fail in this draft class, despite playing in a less prioritized position. Beebe fits perfectly into the Dallas team where he could potentially compete for a starting position and offer significant depth internally. If necessary, he could even be tested in the center position.
Over the past two years, Trice has been a steady source of pressure for the Huskies. However, his pre-draft process was challenging. He lost a significant amount of weight for the NFL Scouting Combine, but didn’t manage to improve his speed as a result. Wisely, Trice regained his size for his pro day, which I believe was a smart move. His game, in my opinion, relies on a mix of effort and an unexpected power in his hands.
Had Amegadjie not been restricted to only four games last season and limited in his workout capabilities prior to the draft, he could have potentially been a top-50 pick. His size and reach make him an immediate standout, and his performance against Ivy League competitors has been impressive. However, he is clearly still a player in the developmental stages.
Jonah Elliss, son of the huge former Lions DL Luther Elliss, is surprisingly an undersized rusher. He demonstrated his brilliance last season with his swift moves off the ball, reasonable length, and persistent solid performance. I initially viewed him as more suited for Day 3 rather than Day 2, however, he may just surprise me.
Glaze, who has great length but average athleticism, has previously played as a left or right tackle. His past injuries, including an ACL, made him a questionable choice. However, the Raiders evidently have confidence in him. While he is likely to begin as a swing tackle, he may have the opportunity to vie for a starting position in the future.
Bullock ticks a lot of the boxes – height, performance, and age (he won’t be 21 until next week) – and could potentially be a dark horse in this group. His slender build probably makes him suitable for a center fielder position, however, a number of teams have mentioned the possibility of testing him as a corner ahead of the draft.
Goncalves has demonstrated versatility by playing at both OT positions and center, and there’s potential for him to try out at guard in Indy. Despite his sizable frame and athletic constraints, his intense and disciplined approach to the game could establish him as a valuable multi-role substitute on the O-line.
Burton was a player who was in my initial top 100 list but fell out after some teams indicated that he might need time to learn how to be a pro. But the traits and skill are there to be a surprise performer for a Bengals team that might have to move on from Tee Higgins eventually. Burton’s natural hands and vertical speed give him a chance.
UConn has faced challenges in recent years, but Haynes made spectating them much more enjoyable. His straightforward approach and hard work were evident in Mobile, where he performed commendably at the Senior Bowl, probably securing his position as a Day 2 selection. Although Haynes has a slightly stocky build and does not appear as athletic as his test scores might indicate, he is an entertaining competitor.
Reiman arrived at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indy as a semi-unknown, at least among fans and the media. However, he left as one of the clear winners, with people rushing to review his tape. Despite not catching many passes in college due to his reputation as a blocker, the robustly built Reiman demonstrated athletic traits that indicate possible untapped receiving potential.
Corum and Jim Harbaugh might end up neighbors for all we know, but they’ll be rivals. The Rams are getting another smaller, compact runner to pair with Kyren Williams; both he and Corum are instinctive, tough and possess good vision. NFC West foes won’t enjoy tackling these two.
With Diontae Johnson traded to Carolina, there was a vacancy for a quick slot receiver. Consider that filled now. Wilson can win with toughness and competitiveness and has the route-running savvy to separate without ideal measurables and strength. The Steelers scout wide receivers well.
Rich Eisen may struggle to process all of this. Initially, the Michigan players paraded the trophy around, shortly followed by three consecutive Wolverines being chosen. Zinter, an intelligent, resilient, and athletic inside blocker, had his draft status obscured by his medical evaluation. However, his champion mindset and natural leadership qualities stand out.
Puni, a college tackle, has fully utilized his capabilities and is effortlessly admired for the immense power he brings to his punches. He has the potential to serve as backup for five positions and could eventually become a starting player in the interior.
Liufau narrowly missed my final top 100 list, being one of the last players to be cut. He employs his unusually long arms and a rare burst of speed to disrupt a significant number of plays. However, it might be best for Liufau to serve as a special teams powerhouse while continuing to hone his skills as a linebacker.
This could be Aaron Jones‘ replacement, even if the Packers added Josh Jacobs this offseason. Lloyd’s messy medical history likely was the biggest reason he fell behind some other backs, but his burst, three-down ability and make-you-miss agility make him sort of a poor man’s D’Andre Swift.
Smith’s projection is similar to Mike Edwards, which makes it clear why the Bucs selected him in the same range as they did Edwards in 2019. Despite Smith’s smaller size and lack of elite athleticism, his knack for locating the ball and significant special teams value could make him a valuable asset in his first year.
Jones showcased his athletic prowess at the combine, rejuvenating his draft stock following six years in college. His skills in man coverage can be an asset, and having contributed extensively to special teams at BC, he is expected to continue in that role.
Last season, Hopper’s productivity for Mizzou wasn’t on par with his performance in 2022, often seeming a tad slow. This was largely due to injuries. However, Hopper’s performance at the pro day workout probably played a significant role in his Round 3 selection, instead of being picked on Day 3. He possesses potential in pass-rushing and has the ability to drop in zone coverage.
McMillan, a slick slot or outside receiver, made a comeback from injury to assist the Huskies in reaching the national title game. He boasts large mitts, reliable hands, and more talent than he often receives credit for. He is a valuable addition to the Bucs’ wide receiver lineup.
Isaac, who ranks within the top 60 players on my board, possesses great athleticism, quickness, and a high football IQ, despite his somewhat inconsistent performance. His versatile skills and adaptability to any front are attributes I believe in. With potential for growth, he is a prospect who fits the Ravens’ style perfectly.
Hunt, a unique prospect who transitioned from being an Ivy League safety to a Southland Conference pass rusher, is certainly an oddity. However, his athletic prowess and potential make him an interesting project for pass-rushing. He can be trained in the background while contributing to special teams. His progress may be slow, but the potential payoff could be significant.
When I first watched Carter at the Senior Bowl, I wrote in my notes: “rolling ball of knives.” Carter’s game doesn’t have a lot of pretty to it, but he’s a scheme disruptor with his low center of gravity, ferocious style and nasty demeanor.
Jones’ stature, close to 6-feet, and his impressive 4.38-second 40-yard dash have significantly contributed to his performance. His experience in both inside and outside positions is notable, but he’s projected to be a nickel corner in the NFL. Despite his shorter arm reach and extensive history of injuries, which had me initially rating him as a Day 3 prospect, Jones has proven himself against skilled receivers, winning several battles.
Jackson, who is likely to be a two-down player in the NFL, has the ideal build for a nose tackle and sufficient length to obstruct quarterbacks’ passing lanes. However, he is not expected to contribute significantly as a pass rusher.
The primary reason Wilson dropped this much was his health issues. Despite his short arms, Wilson is considered a top-40 football talent with the capability to play all three downs. He might turn out to be an excellent steal in this position, or he could struggle with health issues. While his career might not be lengthy, he is among the best all-around linebackers in this class.
He’s not the biggest guy, or the fastest, but Kinchens has some similarities to former Rams third-rounder John Johnson III. There are very few big holes in Kinchens’ game but also very few high-level traits. But he can be a solid NFL safety.
GM Adam Peters hails from San Francisco, which is also home to another individual with the same surname. This McCaffrey, a former QB, has seamlessly transitioned into a receiver role, leveraging his football intelligence and athletic prowess for effective performance. With reliable hands, he’s likely to excel in the slot position and is seen as a potential future coach. He’s another pick that will positively influence Washington’s team culture.
