Mel Kiper Jr. Ranks Best Prospects Available for 2026 NFL Draft Day 2 After Round 1

The first round of the NFL draft is in the books, but there's still plenty of talent left on the board.

Following the conclusion of Round 1, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. offered his best prospects available heading into Day 2:

1. Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
2. Zion Young, Edge, Missouri
3. CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
4. Jerod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
5. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

The 49ers hold the first pick of the second round, and a player like Boston might be their best option since they could use some depth at the wide receiver position.

Boston had 881 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025 and is considered to be the 28th-best overall player and the 6th-best wide receiver by B/R's NFL Scouting Department.

Allen, who recorded 88 tackles and 3.5 sacks last year, and Young, who had 42 tackles and 6.5 sacks, were both considered by many to be first-round picks. Instead, two teams will end up drafting players who will look to prove that they should have been taken earlier.

McCoy missed all of the 2025 season for the Vols, so he was likely a bit difficult for teams to grade. B/R's NFL Scouting Department considered him to be the No. 11 overall player and the second-best cornerback in this year's draft class.

Teams might have passed on McCoy in the first round because he hasn't played in over a year, but one team could end up striking gold in the second round if he pans out the way many expect him to.

Playing at a non-Power 4 school meant that McNeil-Warren didn't have the same name recognition as some players, which could have contributed to him being passed on in the first round. Still, he should be off the board early on Friday.