Plenty of high-end talent available for NFL teams on Day 2 of draft after some early surprises

Simpson's selection was the biggest shocker on the draft's opening night in Pittsburgh, but there were a few others that also pushed value into the top of the second round Friday night, when the San Francisco 49ers own the first pick.

Rams general manager Les Snead made a first-round pick for only the second time in the past decade — and he turned in a surprise by taking Simpson, who wasn’t considered a first-round talent on most draft boards.

Simpson was a starter for only one season with the Crimson Tide, passing for 3,567 yards and leading them to the Rose Bowl after three seasons as a backup.

Other players who went higher than many anticipated included Clemson offensive lineman Blake Miller to Detroit at No. 17, Georgia Tech guard Keylan Rutledge to Houston at 26 and Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods to the Chiefs at 29.

Two University of Tennessee cornerbacks are among the prime prospects expected to go early in the second round: Colton Hood, who also played at Auburn and Colorado; and Jermod McCoy, who missed the 2025 season with a torn ACL.

Others who could hear their names called early in Round 2 include:

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

A high-energy defensive back, McNeil-Warren is a tall (almost 6-foot-4, 201 pounds), long safety who makes big hits his hallmark. He’s just as aggressive tackling ballcarriers as he is in hitting wide receivers. He forced eight fumbles in four seasons at Toledo.

Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas

Hill has exceptional speed (low 4.4 in the 40) for his size (6-foot-3, 238 pounds). He works around blockers with quickness and an elite change of direction and he sports impressive closing speed. He collected 17 sacks and forced eight fumbles in three years in Austin.

Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M

The SEC Defensive Player of the Year had 11 1/2 sacks and 14 tackles for loss last season. He's undersized for a pass rusher but has proven he gets to the quarterback and finishes. He has the burst to knife through the line and disrupt things behind the line of scrimmage.

Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

Terrell is an athletic, if undersized (5-foot-11, 180 pounds), cornerback with great quickness and instincts. An active and willing tackler and an outstanding blitzer, his NFL future is almost certainly at nickel as he’s most effective in underneath zone coverage.

Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

Boston is strong, fast and has elite ball skills. At 6-foot-4 and 212 pounds, he’s a big target lining up both outside and in the slot. He boasts strength and a long stride and can wall off defenders at any level downfield. He scored 20 TDs over the last two seasons.

Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

McDonald was expected to join Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles as Buckeyes defenders going in the first round. He’s a natural run defender who’ll clog the middle of the line. At 6-foot-3 and 326 pounds, he has excellent size and strength for the position.

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