2026 NFL Draft Day 2: Best players available and their potential landing spots

With Day 1 in the books, all eyes are now on Day 2 (Rounds 2-3) of the 2026 NFL Draft, which kicks off on Friday. Teams will be hunting for potential impact starters, value and high-upside talent after a first round heavy on premium positions. Round 1 saw several top prospects come off the board quickly, reshaping the best-player-available board. 

Here are the best players available heading into Day 2: 

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, safety, Toledo

McNeil-Warren is among the top remaining defensive backs entering Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft. He offers immediate starter potential in run defense or in versatile defensive schemes. Teams that prioritize a strong safety and can play inside the box will be looking for him. 

Potential landing spot: Los Angeles Chargers

Why: The Chargers need an upgrade at safety. His physicality fits well with a defense that needs run support and versatility. A match made in heaven for new defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary. 

Denzel Boston, wide receiver, Washington

Boston was frequently mocked in the first round until late, when he fell out and now heads into Day 2 as a strong option early. He's strong in jump-ball situations, contested catches and fade routes, providing a vertical/red-zone threat.

Potential landing spot: Miami Dolphins

Why: Miami entered the draft with a bottom-five receiving crop, and drafting Boston would be an immediate-impact starter at the position. He would give Malik Willis a full-field threat out wide and a reliable target. 

Kayden McDonald, defensive tackle, Ohio State

McDonald is another prospect who was heavily mocked in the first round but fell out on night one. He has high upside potential and is a stout interior presence who can create havoc at the point of attack. He's one of the top defensive tackles available heading into Day 2.

Potential landing spot: Las Vegas Raiders

Why: He's a strong fit for the new 3-4 scheme under defensive coordinator Rob Leonard. He can play between the 0 and 3 techniques, allowing him to anchor the middle and support Maxx Crosby. 

Jermod McCoy, defensive back, Tennessee

McCoy is going to be a potential impact starter on Day 1. He's a lengthy, instinctive cover corner with good ball skills and recovery speed. He has the ability to be a physical, press-man corner at the next level. 

Potential landing spot: Cincinnati Bengals

Why: The Bengals have prioritized defense in recent drafts but still lack that franchise corner. They need consistent help at cornerback as his profile aligns with what the Bengals seek in a boundary corner. 

Chase Bisontis, interior offensive linemen, Texas A&M

Bisontis has the athletic ability to work up to the second and third levels, as well as the ability to anchor in pass protection. He projects as an immediate starter at guard in a zone or gap scheme, making him an ideal fit for teams needing interior help after Round 1. 

Potential landing spot: New York Giants

Why: The Giants enter Day 2 with clear needs along the interior to protect franchise quarterback Jaxson Dart. Bisontis addresses right guard or left guard depth due to his versatility and could immediately compete for a starting role in camp.