Who are the best available players on Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft Friday?
The first round of the 2024 NFL Draft has come to a close, and as anticipated, the majority of the picks were focused on the offensive side of the ball. As we move into the second round, there are still many talented prospects available to be drafted, and we can expect to see 32 talented players to be taken off the board.
As predicted, the top quarterbacks were swiftly picked up, with six of them making their way into the top 12. The first defensive player to be drafted was at No. 15 overall, with the Indianapolis Colts selecting edge rusher Laiatu Latu. This was followed by defensive tackle Byron Murphy II, who was picked at No. 16 overall by the Seattle Seahawks. The abundance of defensive talent yet to be picked up leaves fans optimistic about the potential that could be added to their team.
Below are the top prospects on both sides of the ball that experts believe will be picked early in Round 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft.
2024 NFL Round 2 Mock Draft Roundup: Biggest names still left on the board for Day 2
2024 NFL Draft: Best Available Players for Round 2
Steve Muench, ESPN: CB Cooper Dejean at No. 33 and WR Adonai Mitchell at No. 34 overall
Muench writes regarding Dejean: "Buffalo traded back on Thursday night, and it could still acquire a pressing need here by drafting the 19th-ranked player on my board."
Muench writes regarding Mitchell: "Trading down and drafting an offensive tackle later in the second makes sense, but the value at tackle isn't there at this pick. The next best option is getting a target for rookie quarterback Drake Maye, and Mitchell is good value."
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: C Jackson Powers-Johnson at No. 35 and DT Braden Fiske at No. 37 overall
Zierlein writes regarding Power-Johnson: "The Cardinals need to fortify the middle of their offensive line. Powers-Johnson gives them a big, strong option."
Zierlein writes regarding Fiske: "Fiske is all gas and no brakes on every single snap, which is exactly what Jim Harbaugh is looking for."
Dane Brugler, The Athletic: Edge Chris Braswell at No. 43 and DT Kris Jenkins at No. 49 overall
Brugler writes regarding Braswell: "After opting for a quarterback in the top 10, the Falcons will still be searching for pass-rush help on Day 2. Braswell led Alabama in pressures last season, just ahead of Dallas Turner."
Brugler writes regarding Jenkins: "With Byron Murphy II off the board, the Bengals’ first-round decision was made for them. Jenkins could be the consolation prize, as Cincinnati builds up its interior defensive-line depth."
Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports: WR Roman Wilson at No. 50 and CB Kool-Aid McKinstry at No. 51 overall
Trapasso writes regarding Wilson: "Even after the A.J. Brown extension, the Eagles continue to keep the shelves stocked for Jalen Hurts."
Trapasso writes regarding McKinstry: "The Steelers are happy to stop McKinstry's fall here. He and Joey Porter Jr. would formulate an awesome boundary corner tandem in Pittsburgh."
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: WR Ladd McConkey at No. 36 and LB Payton Wilson at No. 37 overall
Iyer writes regarding McConkey: "The Commanders need a third receiving option between Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson, and the versatile, technical McConkey would be an upgrade over Curtis Samuel."
Iyer writes regarding Wilson: "The Chargers could use a major upgrade in terms of range and coverage ability on the second level, and Wilson should make a ton of plays in their new defense."
2024 NFL Draft schedule
Friday, April 26: Round 2 and Round 3 start at 7 p.m. ET
Saturday, April 27: Round 4 - Round 7 starts at 12 p.m. ET
NFL draft order 2024: Where every team picks over seven rounds, 257 picks
How to watch the 2024 NFL Draft
TV channels: ABC, ESPN, NFL Network
Streaming: ESPN+, NFL+, Fubo (free trial)
How to watch: Catch the NFL Draft with an ESPN+ subscription
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL Draft 2024: Best available players for Day 2 at the draft Friday
