2024 NFL Draft: 5 Impact Players To Watch During Day 2, Mostly Falling DBs
Of course, the first round of the NFL Draft draws all the attention. But often, drafts are won and lost in rounds two and three. That said, there are a lot of talented players still on the board.
The NFL Draft continues Friday night with the second and third rounds. Many analysts expected cornerbacks to fly off the board in the first round, but they didn't. Perhaps teams felt like the position was so deep that they could wait. Well, the time is now.
Plus, offense dominated the first round. Just nine of the first 32 picks were used on defensive players, so expect a heavy run on day two. Here are five players to watch, headlined by several talented defensive backs:
Kamren Kinchens, DB, Miami
Last year, I was high on Brian Branch. He fell in the NFL Draft because his measurables at the combine didn't "wow" anyone. But, the Detroit Lions got themselves a steal in the second round, which immediately helped turn around their defense.
Defensive back Kamren Kinchens works out during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
(Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports)
Kinchens gives me "Brian Branch vibes" and could have a similar impact for a team that makes a move to get him in the second round, just like the Lions did with Branch. They both deserved to be first-round picks, honestly.
Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa
I'm shocked that DeJean made it out of the first round, but maybe it's because NFL teams were more concerned about his basketball skills, asking him if he could beat Caitlin Clark one-on-one.
Either way, DeJean is a player who could play cornerback or safety in the NFL and that versatility makes him a valuable asset to any defense, particularly those with a lot of young players. He can move around the secondary depending on whether other players emerge.
Kool-Aid McKinstry, DB, Alabama
McKinstry is another player that seemed destined for a first-round selection but probably fell due to the depth of the cornerback position in this draft. Plus, he has the best name of any prospect and that should be worth a pick on its own.
Kool-Aid McKinstry is one of the best players available in the second round of the NFL Draft, plus he has the best name.
(Getty Images)
McKinstry is a solid corner who improved each season at Alabama. He's good in coverage, and he's not afraid to tackle and help in run defense. There aren't many teams in the NFL who can't use a player like that.
Jer'Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
Newton is another player that I had pegged to go in the first round, but didn't. NFL teams tend to focus more on EDGE players these days, but there's nothing like having a big, tough dude in the middle of the defensive line to clog up running lanes and wreak havoc on the interior offensive line.
Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
Teams jumped all over wide receivers on Day 1, with seven taken in the first 32 picks. The depth at the position is the only reason Mitchell fell out of the first round, as he has the talent to be a first-round pick in a less-deep wide receiver draft.
Mitchell is a big body who can make contested catches. There are still teams out there that need playmakers on offense (looking at you Bills and Chargers), so don't expect Mitchell to stay on the board for long.