2026 NFL Draft: Best Players Still Available for Rounds 2 and 3
The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft has come and gone, and as expected, it was a whirlwind of trades, surprises, and franchise-altering selections. Quarterbacks flew off the board, pass rushers were snatched up in bulk, and the offensive line class lived up to its billing. But for the 32 teams now resetting their draft boards, the real work is just beginning. With the dust settling on Day 1, the spotlight shifts to the incredible depth still waiting in the wings for Rounds 2 and 3.
While names like Fernando Mendoza are now officially off the board—along with 31 other top-tier prospects—the 2026 class remains remarkably deep. According to the combined big boards of Yahoo Sports NFL Draft experts Nate Tice and Charles McDonald, several elite talents slipped out of the first round, creating massive value opportunities for savvy general managers. Let’s dive into the best players still available, starting with a cornerback who might just be the steal of the draft.
1. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee: A Top-20 Talent Falling into Day 2
Ranked as the No. 16 overall prospect on the Tice-McDonald composite big board, Jermod McCoy is the headliner of the Day 2 class. The Tennessee Volunteers cornerback was widely projected as a mid-first-round pick, but a surprising slide has left him as the highest-ranked player still on the board. McCoy is a press-coverage specialist with rare fluidity for his size (listed at 6’1″, 195 pounds).
What makes McCoy so intriguing? His tape against elite SEC wide receivers is littered with pass breakups and sticky coverage. He has the physicality to reroute receivers at the line and the recovery speed to erase mistakes downfield. In a league desperate for shutdown corners, McCoy offers immediate starter potential. Teams like the Las Vegas Raiders, who need a CB1, or the Kansas City Chiefs, always hunting for defensive backfield depth, should be sprinting to the podium.
Why Did He Fall?
The most likely reason for McCoy’s slide is a minor medical flag or a run on offensive tackles and pass rushers in the late first round. Regardless of the cause, a team in the top of Round 2 is getting a player who graded out as a top-15 prospect in this class. Expect McCoy to be selected within the first five picks of Round 2.
- Strengths: Press coverage, ball skills, long speed, tackling in run support.
- Weakness: Can be overly handsy in deep coverage, leading to penalty risks.
- Prediction: First pick of Round 2 to the Carolina Panthers or a trade-up by the New Orleans Saints.
2. The Pass Rusher & Interior Power: Hidden Gems of Day 2
Beyond McCoy, the second and third rounds are packed with players who could start as rookies. The 2026 class is particularly deep at edge rusher and interior defensive line, positions that often see runs in the middle rounds. Here are the top names to watch, according to the Tice-McDonald board:
Edge Rusher: Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M) – Composite Rank: 18
Stewart is a physical freak—6’5″, 280 pounds with 34-inch arms—who dominated at the Senior Bowl. He didn’t post huge sack numbers in college, but his pressure rate was elite. He’s a scheme-versatile defender who can play 4-3 end or 3-4 outside linebacker. Teams like the Atlanta Falcons and Chicago Bears, who missed on top edge prospects in Round 1, will be circling his name.
Interior Defender: Mason Graham (Michigan) – Composite Rank: 22
Don’t let the ranking fool you; Graham is a disruptive force in the middle. He’s a throwback, gap-shooting defensive tackle who lives in the backfield. He’s not the biggest (6’3″, 318 pounds), but his first-step quickness and hand usage are elite. He’s the perfect 3-technique for a zone-blocking scheme. Look for the Miami Dolphins or Seattle Seahawks to target him early on Day 2.
- Other notable Day 2 edges: Princely Umanmielen (Ole Miss) and Bralen Trice (Washington) offer high-floor production.
- Sleeper interior pick: T’Vondre Sweat (Texas) is a massive nose tackle who controls double teams but needs to improve conditioning.
3. Offensive Playmakers: Receivers and Running Backs to Target
The first round saw a run on wide receivers, but the 2026 class is so deep that several potential No. 1 options are still available. Running backs also offer incredible value, with a group that features both power and speed. Here are the offensive skill players who could become instant contributors.
Wide Receiver: Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State) – Composite Rank: 25
Egbuka is the ultimate “pro ready” receiver. He runs crisp routes, has reliable hands, and is a willing blocker in the run game. He’s not a burner, but he’s a possession receiver who moves the chains. In an offense like the Green Bay Packers’ or the Buffalo Bills’, he would be a perfect complement to a speed threat. He’s a lock for Round 2.
Running Back: Braelon Allen (Wisconsin) – Composite Rank: 30
Allen is a human battering ram. At 6’2″, 235 pounds, he runs with violent intent and surprising agility for his size. He’s a three-down back who can also catch passes out of the backfield. In a league trending toward running back committees, Allen is a goal-line and short-yardage weapon who can also handle 20 carries a game. The Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens are ideal landing spots.
- Slot specialist: Xavier Worthy (Texas) is still on the board—his 4.2 speed is a game-changer, but his slight frame (165 lbs) scares teams.
- Versatile RB: Blake Corum (Michigan) is a compact, powerful runner with elite vision. He’s a top-50 lock.
4. Quarterback & Offensive Line Depth: The Late-Round Lottery Tickets
While Mendoza is gone, the quarterback class still has intriguing developmental options. On the offensive line, the depth is staggering. Teams that need a future franchise tackle or a versatile interior lineman will find plenty of value in Rounds 2 and 3.
Quarterback: Michael Penix Jr. (Washington) – Composite Rank: 35
Penix has the arm talent of a top-10 pick, but his injury history and inconsistent mechanics pushed him down boards. He’s a left-handed cannon who throws a beautiful deep ball. If he lands with a patient coaching staff (like the Minnesota Vikings or Tampa Bay Buccaneers), he could develop into a starter within a year. He’s the ultimate high-risk, high-reward pick.
Offensive Tackle: Kingsley Suamataia (BYU) – Composite Rank: 28
Suamataia is a raw but athletic tackle with a massive frame (6’5″, 325 lbs). He moves like a tight end in space and has the power to anchor against bull rushes. He needs to refine his hand placement, but his upside is Pro Bowl-caliber. The New York Giants or Pittsburgh Steelers, both needing tackle help, could pounce.
Interior OL: Jackson Powers-Johnson (Oregon) – Composite Rank: 33
“JPJ” is a mauler at center or guard. He’s a tone-setter in the run game with a nasty demeanor. He’s the safest interior lineman in this class. The Philadelphia Eagles love drafting offensive linemen early, and JPJ would fit their culture perfectly.
Final Predictions for Day 2
Expect a flurry of trades as teams try to jump ahead for McCoy and the top edge rushers. The Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals both have multiple picks in the top 50 and are in prime positions to land game-changers. Don’t be surprised if a team like the Denver Broncos trades up for Penix if they believe he’s their quarterback of the future.
Conclusion: The Draft’s True Value Lies Ahead
The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft delivered fireworks, but the championship foundations are built on Day 2. With players like Jermod McCoy, Shemar Stewart, and Emeka Egbuka still on the board, general managers have a golden opportunity to steal top-tier talent. The teams that do their homework tonight will be the ones hoisting trophies in the years to come.
As the clock ticks toward Round 2, one thing is clear: the 2026 draft class is not just about the stars of Day 1. It’s about the depth, the steals, and the players who will become household names by October. Keep your eyes on the board—the best value of the draft is just getting started.
Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.
