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2026 NFL Draft Best Available Players for Day 2: Rounds 2 & 3

Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy reels in an interception vs. Alabama.
AP Photo/Wade Payne, File

The first 32 picks of the 2026 NFL Draft are behind us, meaning Day 2 with the second and third rounds is next up on Friday, April 24. The San Francisco 49ers are on the clock with the 33rd overall selection in the second round, as Day 2 of the draft begins at 7:00 p.m. ET.

Utilizing our 2026 NFL Draft Big Board, who are the best prospects available for the second and third rounds? As usual, several players surprisingly fell out of the first round on draft night, meaning Day 2 could provide some bargains.

Below, we’ll highlight the top 25 available players for the 2026 NFL Draft, including projections found on PrizePicks Team Picks.

Make your 2026 NFL Draft predictions on PrizePicks Team Picks, including where prospects will be drafted, what team they'll land on, and more draft picks.

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Best Available Prospects for Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft

The top 10 best available players is loaded with defensive backs. Plus, a strong crop of linebackers and defensive linemen round out the top 25.

Let’s dig into who could hear their name called on Friday night, featuring some 2026 NFL Draft projections from PrizePicks Team Picks.

Note: All PrizePicks Team Picks payout multipliers are live as of writing and are subject to change.


The numbers below — like 4x — represent payout multipliers if your NFL Draft predictions are right on PrizePicks Team Picks (available in 35 states); a 4x multiplier on $100 pays out $400 if you’re correct. Additionally, lower payout multipliers means a lower implied probability based on user picks.


1. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

A part of a strong safety class, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is our top available player for Day 2. He brings a lengthy 6’3 1/2” frame that provides excellent range, and McNeil-Warren can be a true thumper in the run game.


2. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

Only a few weeks ago, Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy was in debate to be the first cornerback off the board. LSU CB Mansoor Delane went higher than expected at No. 6 overall on Thursday night, while McCoy’s stock plummeted, likely due to knee injury concerns. McCoy’s potential is still sky-high, but will someone take a risk on his injury history?


3. T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

Clemson EDGE T.J. Parker brings strong versatility, as he can fill an edge rusher spot or slide into the interior of a line. However, his fall in production in the 2025 season likely led to Parker falling out of the first round.


4. Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the first round was Tennessee CB Colton Hood falling to Day 2. He was earning a lot of hype leading up to draft night, backed by strong athleticism. Hood has high upside, but his lack of experience could be causing hesitance. 


5. Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M

Texas A&M EDGE Cashius Howell was a monster with 11.5 sacks in the 2025 season, but some of his technique inconsistencies have likely led to his potential Day 2 slot.


6. Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

The defensive tackle position provided a big surprise with Florida DT Caleb Banks crashing the first round with the Vikings’ 18th pick. This likely forced Ohio State DT Kayden McDonald into Day 2. A franchise will get a true space-eating nose tackle in McDonald. 


7. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

Clemson CB Avieon Terrell has coverage upside thanks to his athletic traits, but his 186-pound frame is a concern in run support and in contested-catch situations.


8. Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

Washington WR Denzel Boston elected to skip the 40-yard dash, and that may have hurt his draft stock. However, his ball skills and collegiate production still catch the eye.


9. C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia

Following an All-American campaign with 88 tackles in the 2025 season, Georgia LB C.J. Allen could hear his name called early in the second round.

Second Linebacker Drafted in 2026 NFL Draft: Yes 3.12x | No 1.14x

Make C.J. Allen predictions for real money on PrizePicks.


10. Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech

Another high-level nose tackle is available in Texas Tech DT Lee Hunter, who brought high production with 10.5 tackles for loss last season. 

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11. Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas 

A run of linebackers could fly off the board in the second round, as Texas LB Anthony Hill Jr. recorded 113 and 69 tackles in his final two collegiate seasons.

Third Linebacker Drafted in 2026 NFL Draft: Yes 2.04x | No 1.51x

Make Anthony Hill Jr. predictions for real money on PrizePicks.


12. Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri

Missouri EDGE Zion Young was very productive with 16.5 tackles for loss in 2025, but his speed and lack of pass rush moves are concerns.


13. Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina

Similar to the linebacker position, we’ve got plenty of talented cornerbacks left on the board. South Carolina CB Brandon Cisse posted a 4.40 40-yard dash, 41-inch vertical jump, and 10’11” broad jump.


14. D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana

Indiana CB D’Angelo Ponds may not carry the best traits, as his 5’8 5/8” frame will likely lead to a slot role in the NFL. However, he was one of college football’s best cover corners in 2025.


15. Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech

There was some first-round smoke for Texas Tech LB Jacob Rodriguez. While that didn’t come to fruition, don’t be surprised if he’s selected early in the second round.

Second Linebacker Drafted in 2026 NFL Draft: Yes 1.47x | No 1.92x

Make Jacob Rodriguez predictions for real money on PrizePicks.


16. Chase Bisontis, IOL, Texas A&M

Texas A&M Chase Bisontis’ pass protection can be limited at times due to a lack of length, but he brings sound technique and strong run blocking.


17. Keionte Scott, CB, Miami (FL)

Miami (FL) CB Keionte Scott may be one of the most unique prospects to be called on Friday night. He isn’t your traditional cover corner, but Scott is an elite blitzer, proven by 5.0 sacks and 13.0 tackles for loss in 2025.


18. Christian Miller, DT, Georgia

Standing at 6’4” and 321 pounds, Georgia DT Christian Miller is the space-eater you want in the interior, and his impressive quickness drives solid playmaking.

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19. Chris Bell, WR, Louisville

After tearing his ACL in the 2025 season, Louisville WR Chris Bell’s potential first-round stock certainly took a hit. Someone will likely swing on his strong possession ability on Friday.


20. R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma

Oklahoma EDGE R Mason Thomas could excel as an edge rusher in a 3-4 scheme, backed by good burst and power.


21. Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt TE Eli Stowers flexed his muscles at the 2026 NFL Combine, recording a 4.51 40-yard dash, a jaw-dropping 45.5-inch vertical leap, and an 11’3” broad jump.

Second Tight End Drafted in 2026 NFL Draft: Yes 1.19x | No 4x

Make Eli Stowers predictions for real money on PrizePicks.


22. Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee

Do you want speed? Tennessee Chris Brazzell II has you covered with a 4.37-second 40-yard dash in a lengthy 6’4” frame.


23. Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia

Georgia WR Zachariah Branch’s pure speed, quickness, and ability in the open field have always been impressive. However, he didn’t feel properly utilized at Georgia. Plus, an arrest on April 19 may be harming his stock. 


24. Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois

Illinois EDGE Gabe Jacas is led by a strong frame that can maintain edge and win pass rushes with power.


25. Emmanuel Pregnon, IOL, Oregon

Rounding out the top 25 available prospects for Day 2, Oregon IOL Emmanuel Pregnon has good length in his 6'4 1/4" frame, and he provides reliable run blocking. However, his speed could be a concern at the next level.

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Make 2026 NFL Draft Picks on PrizePicks

Defense could dominate Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, led by a strong crop of defensive linemen, linebackers, and cornerbacks.

Don’t wait until the clock starts ticking — make your 2026 NFL Draft picks on PrizePicks and earn real money if you’re right.

You can make predictions on specific 2026 NFL Draft picks, team selections, position groups, and more. Additionally, the NFL tab is already open with Super Bowl LXI winner picks available. 

Keep it right here with the Playbook for continued NFL predictions, picks, news, and analysis all year long.

Get in the game! Sign up for PrizePicks and cash in on your sports predictions. Play $5 and get $50 instantly in Lineups with promo code PLAYBOOK.

Team Picks and Culture Picks are event contracts offered by Performance Predictions II, LLC d/b/a PrizePicks Predict, a CFTC-registered FCM and NFA Member. All event contract customers must be U.S. residents and 18+. Some event contracts may not be available in every state. Event contract trading carries significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. No guarantee against loss is offered. Past results are not necessarily indicative of future results. Void where prohibited by law. Restrictions apply. For full terms of service see prizepicks.com/predict-regulatory. Team and Culture Pick Early Payouts subject to market liquidity. The content provided is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, or a recommendation to trade any commodity interest.

about the author

Riley Thomas is a 2021 graduate of Ohio University who has worked for FanDuel Sportsbook and BetUS Sportsbook. He specializes in covering the NFL, NBA, college football, and college basketball. In Riley's free time, you can find him cheering on Ohio State and Kentucky or playing video games and reading the latest comics.

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