Ranking the top five players left after the first round of the NFL Draft

While Day 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft is over, first-round talent is still available for teams on Day 2. Here are the five best players available.

1. Illinois DT Jer’Zhan Newton

The 6-foot-2, 304-pound interior defensive lineman was considered a mid-to-late first-round pick by many NFL scouts going into the draft. Newton projects as a pass-rushing three-technique defensive lineman who accounted for 7.5 sacks and 43 QB hurries in 2023. 

Newton is also effective in the run game with 52 total tackles last season. Whoever drafts the versatile prospect will be getting a steal.

2. Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry

The 6-foot, 199-pound defensive back fell victim to an overall lack of interest early on from NFL teams at his position, as the first cornerback taken in the draft was Quinyon Mitchell with the 22nd pick by the Eagles. 

Luckily for the talented prospect, teams will require his services in the second round. McKinstry is an athletic corner who is effective playing zone and man coverage.

3. Texas A&M LB Edgerrin Cooper 

The 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker is the No. 1 ranked remaining prospect at his position, per ESPN. It is only a matter of time before Cooper is off the draft board, as many teams will try to fill holes in their defense on Day 2 of the draft. 

The former Aggie had an extremely productive 2023 season, accounting for 39 solo tackles, eight sacks and two forced fumbles. 

Cooper is a linebacker who can cause havoc in the backfield and would pair well with a young defensive-minded head coach like DeMeco Ryans.

4. Texas WR Adonai Mitchell

The 6-foot-2, 205-pound receiver has a ton of upside in the red zone, accounting for 11 touchdowns last season. 

Mitchell could be the first player taken on the second day of the draft, as the Bills sit with the 33rd pick and have a need at receiver after trading Stefon Diggs away to the Texans this offseason. 

Regardless of where Mitchell lands, it likely won’t take long to hear his name called as many teams will be looking for a receiver.

5. Florida State DT Braden Fiske

The 6-foot-4, 292-pound interior defensive lineman has the athleticism to get any defensive coordinator's attention. 

Fiske ran a blazing 4.78 40-yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine and accounted for 17 solo tackles and six sacks in the 2023 season. 

The former Seminole could fit right in with the Bengals, who lost star DT D.J. Reader to the Lions this offseason.