There's no shortage of top talent still waiting to be selected as the 2026 NFL Draft enters Day 2.
Round 1 featured most of the biggest names coming off the board in rapid fashion, though not necessarily in the order that many had expected. But as Rounds 2 and 3 begin on Friday, April 24, several prospects who were on the Day 1 cusp have yet to hear their names called. And with last year's Defensive Rookie of the Year in Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger having been selected on Day 2, it's clear that more instant contributors could be up for grabs.
USA TODAY Sports will have live updates on the best players still available at each selection, so check back throughout the evening for all the latest (prospects' names are preceded by their big board rankings):
A torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered last January kept McCoy out of commission for all of last season and clouded his pre-draft process. But in a stellar pro day showing, the 6-1, 188-pound corner served up a reminder that he has all the trappings of a top-tier cover man. With superlative ball skills and ample tools to stick with receivers throughout their routes, McCoy can grow into a standout in any defensive scheme.
Some will see a 6-4, 210-pound body and assume Boston relies on pulling down jump balls in close quarters. But while tilting those throws in his favor is his best feature, it's far from his only one. Boston has impressive fluidity for a player with his physical make-up, and his tracking and midair adjustments make him an even more confounding coverage assignment.
Though he might not be an all-around coverage maven, McNeil-Warren is comfortable exerting his will from several different vantage points. He rallies to the ball in a hurry in run support, working his way through traffic to deliver big hits. And though his 6-4, 201-pound build limits his comfort zone in coverage, he can give both quarterbacks and receivers pause on attempting any throws over the middle.
With McCoy sidelined, Hood did a commendable job of filling in as the Volunteers' primary asset in coverage. The Colorado transfer kept the competitive juices flowing in shutting down tight-window throws as well as making his presence felt against the run. He can't match McCoy in overall fluidity, but he still sizes up as a meaningful counter in man coverage for bigger receivers.
The brother of Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell has a preternatural feel for when to take a calculated risk to make a play, either in coverage or as a tackler. His modest physical tools mean he has to stay glued to receivers, but Terrell is typically up to the task, though there's only so much he can do to hold up against bigger-bodied targets.
The Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner was everywhere last season, and his knack for slipping opponents and finding the action should carry over to the NFL. Even if he doesn't deliver the same level of splash plays he did for the Red Raiders in 2025 (seven forced fumbles, four interceptions), he should be a mainstay for years in the middle for whatever team is drawn to his advanced instincts and nose for the ball.
Burly yet smooth and reliable, Bernard has a masterful handle on all the little things that make a receiver more effective than his traits suggest. Though he won't often pull away from anyone in the open field, the 6-0, 206-pound target gets open through refined route pacing. He's also persistent and difficult to bring down after the catch, making him a valuable figure for any young quarterback or unsettled passing attack.
While some edge rushers avoid contact at all costs, Young is happy to seek it. The 6-6, 262-pound defensive end relishes engaging with blockers before dispatching them. The next step in his development hinges on discovering more counter moves, but Young shouldn't have trouble finding a home in a league that's skewing toward rushers who can convert speed to power and set a firm edge.
A steep jump in quality of competition didn't slow the Bowling Green transfer, who became the SEC Defensive Player of the Year by consistently turning the corner on some of college football's best offensive linemen. While he's most comfortable bending around edges, Howell isn't afraid to work back inside when an offensive tackle overcommits. His short arms and lack of anchor against the run could be disqualifying for some teams, but any defensive scheme that places a premium on creating havoc should be able to find a place for him.
Seldom fooled by misdirection, Allen can be counted on to make the right calls for himself and those who stand alongside him on defense. His role might top out at finishing plays rather than making them, though, as he's merely serviceable in block deconstruction and doesn't offer much in man coverage.
Size concerns might be enough to dissuade some decision-makers from drafting a 5-9, 182-pound cornerback early on Day 2. Ponds, however, has every other tool at his disposal to follow receivers all over the field and deny them easy catches. It's easy to force a nickel role on him, but Ponds deserves a shot to show how he can hold up on the outside.
Is it possible for a former five-star recruit to be overlooked? Hill fares well firing downhill and squeezing through narrow openings to find the ball. He can also make waves as a blitzer and in coverage, though he's not as advanced in either phase as he is in making his mark against the run.
A two-time transfer from Wyoming and USC, Pregnon has continually leveled up his play. He's at least functional almost across the board and should be able to hold his own as a starter right away.
Leaving any blocker to square off against McDonald one-on-one almost assuredly will result in that player being blown back. The 6-2, 326-pounder might not regularly hold his ground against double teams, but he has a distinct aptitude for corralling any ball carriers who make their way anywhere close to his vicinity along the line.
1. Las Vegas Raiders – QB Fernando Mendoza, IndianaThe first round of the 2026 NFL Draft brings franchise‑defining moments as teams make their selections from the top of the board.See how picks 1 through 32 came off the clock as the next generation of NFL talent enters the league.
Kansas City Chiefs (from Browns) − CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
Washington Commanders − LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State