RADIO
The first round of the 2024 NFL Draft was quite the night, but luckily for football fans, there are plenty of selections to go heading into Friday. Sure, first-round selections are always the most exciting, but stud players are found in Round 2 every year.
Stars like Sam LaPorta, Breece Hall, A.J. Brown, and DK Metcalf have come from the second round over the last handful of years, so it's time to check in on the best available prospects.
Defensive backs and wide receivers dominate our list, but there are also a few defensive linemen who could be steals after they fell out of the first round. Let's dive in!
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
- Kicker fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Superflex fantasy football rankings
- IDP fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
1. Cooper DeJean, CB/S, Iowa
DeJean might have been my top corner if he hadn't suffered a serious leg injury late last season. He's a phenomenal kick returner, consistently secures the boundary, is a reliable tackler, and has positional flexibility. DeJean's superb recognition and breaking ability means he is best suited for zone coverage, though.
How did Cooper DeJean fall to the second round🤯 pic.twitter.com/L4X3MR1Yc9
— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 26, 2024
2. Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
Mitchell seemingly climbed draft boards over the last month, but he ended up being unselected in Round 1. Still, in the right setting and scheme, Mitchell could be special. He has great size, is a polished route runner, doesn't drop passes, and tested off the charts at the Combine. His motor is the biggest question.
3. Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
McConkey's suddenness out of breaks and change of direction speed are scary. He also shows the deep speed that some pretend he doesn't have, burning Terrion Arnold for a big play this year. McConkey can be a high-end receiver in the NFL. He isn't just a slot weapon.
Ladd McConkey WHAT THE FUCK pic.twitter.com/ghX9QuemuG
— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthew_CFB) December 30, 2023
4. Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
Powers-Johnson has a thick, powerful upper body that catches defenders and holds them in a net. His excellent balance and core strength allow him to bend but not break in the face of powerful interior rushers. He also does a good job twisting defenders out of running lanes.
5. Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
There is no getting around the fact Coleman disappointed at the Combine, particularly by finishing second to last at his position with a 4.61 40-yard dash. That statistic seems to have forced me into a leadership position for Coleman's fan club.
While many are now out on Coleman due to his testing, he doesn't play as slow as his 40-time suggests. Many factors indicate he is a faster player than a sprinter, such as his Combine-leading gauntlet time. The FSU product leaps over tacklers and hauls in errant passes with grace and glue. He isn't for everyone, but Coleman can be a WR1 for someone.
— go to ➡️ collegefootballnetwork.com (@PickettsPool) October 28, 2023
6. T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State
Tampa has tremendous length and the best size of any corner at the top of this class. He’s also aggressive in all phases. He throws himself into tackles, commits in run support, lays out receivers coming across the middle, and fights for the ball…. That aggression will also lead to penalties if he isn’t careful. Tampa hits high and reaches early at times.
7. Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
McKinstry has tested better than expected, but his film still shows limitations. He's an intelligent player, good in press and man coverage, and has plenty of experience. Kool-Aid also reads receivers well and keeps them off balance after the snap.
I'll take that! @GaQMcK1
📺 ESPN+
🔗 https://t.co/Cz1YkPaAbw pic.twitter.com/2zjgGDyoqA— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) November 19, 2022
8. Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, Clemson
This is a thin defensive tackle class, but Orhorhoro seems to be overlooked. He has the best length of the top interior defenders in this class, though. He also shows good lateral movement, can play with leverage, and is instinctive in run support. The Clemson product can play 3-tech in a 4-3 scheme or 5-tech in a 3-4.
9. Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri
Rakestraw Jr. is a feisty and aggressive corner who is good in press coverage and is an active tackler. He had just one interception in 35 games with Missouri, though. His ability to stick opponents in man is great, but serious questions exist about his ball skills. That is why he will be drafted on Day 2.
Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
Wants the smoke, tone setter, no easy yards, etc. pic.twitter.com/n7cWKXGMcd
— kenny g. (@Gritz_Blitz) April 19, 2024
10. Jer’Zhan, Newton, DT, Illinois
Newton's arms are on the short side. He also loses himself too often against the run and can play a bit stiff. However, he is an effective pass-rusher who knows how to manipulate opponents and shoot free gaps.
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