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 evidently scrutinized the above comment. With great pleasure, they will opt for Newton, a formidable strategy disrupter in the 3-technique position, who arguably should have been selected earlier. They may have overlooked the offensive tackle position for the time being, as there are no worthy candidates at this point. Interestingly enough, they appear well-equipped in the defensive tackle department.
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 Saints were expected to target the secondary, and they moved up to secure McKinstry. He’s a reliable, intelligent, and sturdy cornerback with a good understanding of the field and adequate, though not exceptional, ball skills. This pick seems like a strong, steady advancement for a team in need of dependable defenders.
If you’re in need of a receiver, defensive lineman, or corner, your options might run out soon. The Texans have made their move with their first draft pick, addressing what was arguably their most pressing need after an impressive offseason. Lassiter may not be a leading playmaker, possessing only average physical attributes, but his toughness, instincts, and patience could make him an excellent nickel corner.
“Mad Max” completely won me over at the Senior Bowl in Mobile. His intelligence, toughness, and instincts are typical of a Rutgers DB, but Melton’s speed and press-man coverage skills elevate his game. His addition is another powerful contribution to what is shaping up to be an excellent draft for the Cardinals.
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 incurred a torn ACL in November, he could have potentially been a first-round pick. With his quick and nimble style, he’s a running back who can seize an opportunity and make a quick escape. It’s likely he’ll soon be the starting player for Carolina. Initially, I assumed they would opt for a center, but Brooks is a logical choice for a team in need of more offensive power.
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.
Jenkins may not have been a high-snap player during his time at Michigan, but his productivity per snap was relatively impressive. This suggests that his professional career could potentially surpass his college one. He has a familial connection to the NFL, being related to a former Panthers DT who shares his name. His addition to the Cincinnati rotation should prove beneficial. In fact, Jenkins’ most exceptional football performances were seen towards the end of the last season, when he played a key role in leading Michigan to a national championship.
Someday, Sainristil will be the favorite nickel back of your preferred nickel back. Despite his relatively smaller, leaner physique and his recent shift from being a receiver, scouts are enthralled by him. His football instincts are remarkably solid, and his unmeasurable qualities are beyond impressive. This selection is an excellent move for a franchise determined to completely overhaul 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 enter the draft conversation with a local and fitting pick. Hall, being one of the younger prospects in the draft, is highly appealing to the Browns in their evaluations. He shows promise as an interior pass rusher. Despite starting only 12 college games with six sacks, Hall’s potential is evident if you study the Buckeye’s game footage. He could become a dynamic rusher if he maintains his intensity.
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 about to turn 32, so it’s logical to consider a pass rusher who many evaluators thought would be among the top 50 picks. Kneeland impressed me at the Senior Bowl in Mobile due to his dedication, inherent strength, and bulk as a potential strong-side rusher. He may not be ready for the big leagues yet, but Kneeland is an extremely interesting player and a wise choice in terms of value at this point.
A player with only two college starts rarely lands among the top 60 picks, but Braswell, who emerged as a versatile asset for the Crimson Tide last season, did. At the very least, he could excel as a special-teamer, but the Bucs are likely aiming to enhance Braswell’s pass-rush skills and further leverage his remarkable athletic abilities.
The Eagles may be at the forefront of selecting Georgia defenders in the NFL draft, but the Packers have been hot on their heels lately. Bullard responds to a need in the safety position, offering the kind of qualities this scouting department highly values. Although he can sometimes play erratically and isn’t particularly athletic, Bullard is a fiercely competitive player who can fill various roles in the secondary and be useful in all four downs.
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, a position Coleman didn’t primarily play last year. Tackle is undeniably Washington’s main concern. However, Coleman did spend time playing guard and his athleticism makes him a suitable fit for a Kliff Kingsbury offense that relies heavily on offensive line movement.
Wallace, a robust right tackle, evolved into an NFL prospect towards the end of his six-year tenure in college. He has amassed 40 starts in the college league, demonstrating his experience, albeit primarily in that position. Earlier in his career, Coleman was perceived as somewhat of an underperformer. I would consider this 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 experienced some challenging games last season, but he has the potential to become a valuable asset to the Giants secondary, possibly as a nickel or an outside safety. While his size and ball production aren’t stellar, his tenacity and tackling abilities provide him a reliable foundation.
Last year, out of necessity, Adams was inappropriately cast as a tackle, however, his best position seems to be on the inside in professional play. He is a grumpy run blocker and a powerful finisher in tight situations, although he can struggle against fast rushers. He is 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 am surprised that Beebe remained available for so long. In my opinion, he’s one of the safest picks in this draft class, even if he plays a less prioritized position. However, Beebe is an ideal addition to Dallas’s team, where he could potentially vie for a starting position and add considerable strength to their interior line-up. If necessary, they could even test him out at center.
Over the last two years, Trice consistently applied pressure for the Huskies but had a challenging pre-draft period. Despite losing a significant amount of weight for the NFL Scouting Combine, he was unable to exhibit increased speed. However, it was a wise decision for Trice to regain some bulk for his professional day. His game, in my opinion, relies on a mix of effort and an unexpected power in his hands.
If Amegadjie hadn’t been constrained to only four games last season and limited in his workout abilities prior to the draft, he potentially could have been a top-50 pick. His size and reach make him an immediate standout, and he frequently outperformed his Ivy League rivals. However, he is clearly still a player in the developmental stages.
Jonah, the son of former massive Lions DL Luther Elliss, is an undersized rusher in comparison. He showed impressive quickness off the ball, decent length, and consistent effort in the last season where he broke out. I initially regarded him as a Day 3 player rather than Day 2, but he might surprise me.
Glaze, a left or right tackle possessing impressive length but mediocre athleticism, was viewed as a potential risk due to his history of injuries, including an ACL. However, the Raiders evidently have confidence in him at this point. Initially, he is expected to be a swing tackle, but he may contend for a starting position in the future.
Bullock meets many criteria – height, ball production, and age (he won’t turn 21 until next week) – and could potentially be a dark horse in this class. His slender physique probably makes him suitable for a center fielder role, but several teams have speculated about potentially testing him at corner before the draft.
Goncalves has experience in both OT positions, has practiced at the center position, and may potentially try his hand at a guard position in Indy. Despite his athletic constraints, his large build and his intense, regimented style could make him an essential substitute on the offensive 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 the recent past, but Haynes made viewing their games much more enjoyable with his straightforward style and hardworking attitude. He took these attributes to Mobile and performed commendably at the Senior Bowl, probably securing himself a Day 2 pick position. Though Haynes has a slightly short and stocky build and doesn’t appear as athletic as his test scores indicate, he is an entertaining competitor.
Reiman, who was relatively unknown in fan and media circles, emerged as one of the definite standouts at the NFL Scouting Combine. His performance left people rushing to review his tape. Known primarily for his blocking in college, Reiman, a thick-framed player, didn’t have many pass catches. However, his athletic abilities indicate that he could have a yet undiscovered potential in receiving.
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 be overwhelmed by all these events. Initially, the Michigan players showcased the trophy, followed by three consecutive Wolverines being selected. Zinter, a smart, hardy, athletic inside blocker, had his draft prospects obscured due to his medical evaluation. However, he embodies a victorious mindset and is a natural leader.
Puni, a college tackle, has fully utilized his ability, making him an easy player to appreciate due to the sheer power he possesses. He has potential as a five-position backup and could eventually become a starting interior player.
Liufau narrowly missed making it onto my final top 100 list, being one of the last players to be cut. He utilizes his uniquely long arms and exceptional burst to disrupt a good number of plays. However, it might be best for Liufau to serve as a special teams powerhouse until he can further 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, making it clear why the Bucs opted for Smith in the same drafting range as they did for Edwards in 2019. While Smith might be smaller in size and not possess exceptional athletic ability, his ball instincts and valuable contribution to the special teams make him a viable asset in his first year.
Jones displayed impressive athletic skills at the combine, revitalizing his draft stock following six years in college. His skills in man coverage can be an asset, and he is expected to contribute to special teams, something he did extensively at BC.
Hopper’s performance for Mizzou wasn’t as prolific last season as it was in 2022, appearing slightly sluggish on various occasions. This was largely due to injuries. His professional day workout probably played a crucial role in his Round 3 selection, preventing him from being picked on Day 3. Hopper has the potential to excel in pass-rush and can also effectively drop in zone coverage.
McMillan, a fluid slot or outside receiver, made a comeback from injury and played a key role in the Huskies’ journey to the national title game. He possesses large mitts, reliable hands and more energy than he’s often credited for. His addition to the Bucs’ WR room is definitely a valuable asset.
Isaac, a player in my top 60, possesses commendable athleticism, quickness, and football intelligence, despite his somewhat inconsistent production. I am confident in his comprehensive skill set and his ability to adapt to any front. He is a prospect that fits the Ravens’ style, with potential for growth.
Hunt, a unique prospect who transitioned from a safety role in the Ivy League to a pass rusher in the Southland Conference, is a rare find. Despite his unusual background, his impressive athletic abilities make him an intriguing project for pass-rush training. He could be developed behind-the-scenes, contributing on special teams in the meantime. His progression might be slow, but the potential rewards could be substantial.
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’ nearly 6-foot stature and his 4.38-second 40-yard dash certainly boosted his appeal. His experience playing both inside and outside positions suggests he may best fit as a nickel corner in the NFL. Despite his short arms and extensive injury history, which led me to initially perceive him as a Day 3 prospect, Jones has proven his capabilities by successfully competing against skilled receivers.
Jackson, who is expected to be a two-down player in the NFL, has the ideal build for a nose tackle and sufficient length to obstruct passing lanes for quarterbacks. However, he is not anticipated to contribute significantly as a pass rusher.
Health concerns were the primary reason for Wilson’s significant drop, despite his top-40 football talent, even with his short arms. He possesses the ability to play all three downs and could potentially be an incredible steal at this point. However, there’s also a chance he may have difficulty maintaining his health. His career might not be extensive, but Wilson is among the most well-rounded 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.
Adam Peters, a General Manager from San Francisco, shares his last name with another individual there. This other McCaffrey, a converted quarterback, has comfortably found his footing as a receiver. He utilizes his football intelligence and athleticism to contribute significantly to the team. McCaffrey has reliable hands and is expected to excel in the slot position. He is also considered a potential future coach. This makes him an ideal pick for Washington, contributing positively to the team’s culture.
