So, you’ve survived the excitement of Day 1 of the NFL Draft. You’ve witnessed the highs and lows, the surprises, and the inevitable head-scratching picks. But hold on to your hats, folks, because the real fun is just getting started! Day 2 of the draft may not have the same glitz and glamour as the first round, but it’s where teams truly start to uncover those hidden gems, the players who might just become the next big thing in the NFL.
The NFL Draft Recap: A Quick Rundown
Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let’s do a quick recap of what went down on Day 2 of the NFL draft. Teams were wheelin’ and dealin’, making picks left and right, while fans everywhere held their breath, hoping their team snagged the next superstar. Some picks were met with cheers and high-fives, while others left fans scratching their heads and reaching for the nearest comfort snack. But fear not, my friends, because the draft is far from over, and there are still plenty of students waiting to hear their names called.
Standouts from Day 2
let’s take a closer look at some of the standout players who were still on the board after Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft. These are the guys who may not have heard their names called on the first night, but who have the potential to make a big impact in the league[1].
Jackson Powers-Johnson (Oregon, C, 21 years old)
| DJ’s Big Board Ranking | No. 34 |
| Production Score | 79 |
| Athleticism Score | 79 |
| Overall Draft Score | 85 |
Jackson Powers-Johnson
Powers-Johnson is one of the youngest offensive linemen in this year’s draft class, even though he is only 21 years old. He is being considered in the early rounds due to his consistency and skill on tape.
He was the national center of excellence and received the coveted Rimington Trophy in his first full-time starting season at Oregon. Notably, in 2023, he gave up zero sacks and just one pressure. His dominance in run blocking (83.1), pass blocking (91.3), and overall performance (83.2) among FBS centers is highlighted by PFF measurements.
Powers-Johnson, who is currently rated by Next Gen Stats as the No. 2 interior offensive line prospect, may be picked by the end of the first round.
Troy Franklin (Oregon, WR, 20 years old
| DJ’s Big Board Ranking | No. 39 |
| Production Score | 82 |
| Athleticism Score | 81 |
| Overall Draft Score | 84 |
Troy Franklin
Franklin is incredibly fast and adept at running routes. His versatility was on display in 2023, when he recorded 1,275 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns.
His explosiveness and agility are demonstrated by his 4.38-second 40-yard sprint time and 6.75-second three-cone drill.
Franklin is a tremendous Day 2 performer with enormous potential, ranked as the No. 5 wide receiver prospect by Next Gen Stats.
Braden Fiske (Wisconsin, EDGE, 22 years old):
| DJ’s Big Board Ranking | No. 42 |
| Production Score | 80 |
| Athleticism Score | 78 |
| Overall Draft Score | 83 |
Braden Fiske
Fiske is an exceptional potential because of his relentless drive and pass-rushing abilities. In 2023, he tallied 10.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss. His quickness and rapid direction changes are demonstrated in his 6.89-second three-cone exercise.
Next Gen Stats ranks Fiske as the No. 4 edge rusher, and he is ready to contribute right away at the next level
John Michael Schmitz (Iowa, C, 23 years old)
| DJ’s Big Board Ranking | No. 48 |
| Production Score | 78 |
| Athleticism Score | 77 |
| Overall Draft Score | 82 |
John Michael Schmitz
Schmitz stands out due to his background and football IQ. At Iowa, he started 42 games and showed leadership and consistency.
His 4.5-second short shuttle and 6.95-second three-cone drill show off his lateral movement and quickness.
Schmitz is a Day 2 standout with a high floor, and Next Gen Stats ranks him as the No. 6 interior offensive line prospect.
The Sleeper Picks: Hidden Gems Worth Considering
But wait, there’s more! In every draft, there are those hidden gems, the players flying under the radar who have the potential to be the steal of the century. Here are a few sleeper picks worth keeping an eye on
Brandon Coleman TCU · OG · 23 years old
| DJ’s Big Board Ranking | No 99 |
| Production Score | 64 |
| Athleticism Score | 97 |
| OVERALL DRAFT SCORE | 79 |
Brandon Coleman
At No. 99 on Jeremiah’s list, Coleman has a good chance of hearing his name called towards the end of Day 2. Coleman, however, is our favorite sleeper on Day 3 of this exercise after leading offensive guards at the combine in NGS athleticism (97).
Coleman, a former JUCO transfer, made 34 career starts at TCU and developed experience at both guard and tackle. At 6-4 1/2, 313 pounds with 34 5/8-inch arms and an 84-inch wingspan, Coleman possesses the height and length anticipated of an NFL offensive lineman, affording crucial positional versatility at four of the five spots along the front.
Tanor Bortolini Wisconsin · IOL · 21 years old
| DJ’s Big Board Ranking | No. 139 |
| Production Score | 62 |
| Athleticism Score | 99 |
| OVERALL DRAFT SCORE | 79 |
Tanor Bortolini
Bortolini demonstrated that, in comparison to his peers, he is an anomaly when it comes to athletic tests. In a number of key activities, Bortolini recorded the interior offensive linemen’s fastest speeds, according to player monitoring data gathered at the combine.
Top speed in the 40 was 20.45 mph (including 13.74 mph in the first 5 yards), short shuttle was 12.38 mph, three-cone drill was 15.12 mph, and the pass-protection mirror drill was an incredible 15.85 mph. it pull and fold blocking drills, Bortolini placed among the top players. He also broke Jason Kelce’s IOL record for the fastest three-cone official time, clocking it at 7.16 seconds.
Jordan Magee Temple · LB · 23 years old
| DJ’s Big Board Ranking | No. 145 |
| Production Score | 73 |
| Athleticism Score | 87 |
| OVERALL DRAFT SCORE | 77 |
Jordan Magee
Magee, who ranks first in the 2024 linebacker class based on his NGS athleticism score, produced outstanding results in every practice he undertook. On his route to a fantastic combine performance, Magee, who stands 6-1 3/8 and weighs 228 pounds, recorded a 4.55-second 40-yard dash in addition to a 35 1/2-inch vertical leap and a 10-foot-4 broad jump. Magee further solidified his reputation as a blue-chip athlete on his pro day by adding a lightning-fast 4.16-second short shuttle and a 6.9-second three-cone drill.
Isaac Guerendo Louisville · RB · 23 years old
| DJ’s Big Board Ranking | No. 122 |
| Production Score | 64 |
| Athleticism Score | 99 |
| OVERALL DRAFT SCORE | 74 |
Isaac Guerendo
Day 3 of the NFL Draft is frequently the time to take calculated risks on players with tremendous potential and reap big rewards. One excellent illustration of such a chance is Guerendo. Even though Guerendo only scored 64 points in 41 career games (one of which he started) while attending Wisconsin and Louisville, his remarkable physical attributes make him one of the most fascinating later-round candidates in this year’s NBA class.
Final Thoughts: The Draft Is Far from Over
So, there you have it, folks—the top players still available after Day 2 of the NFL draft. But remember, the draft is far from over, and there are still plenty of picks left to be made. So grab your lucky jersey, stock up on snacks, and settle in for the ride because you never know when your team might find the next superstar hidden in the draft’s later rounds. Until then, happy drafting, and may the football gods smile upon your team!
