NFL Draft 2026 Day 2 Grades for Every Pick

Too much emphasis is placed on first-round NFL draft picks when the most important part is based on how each team stacks its entire class.

Case in point, the Seattle Seahawks made an excellent choice by choosing guard Grey Zabel in last year's first round. As good as Zabel was during his rookie season, Seattle's second-round pick, Nick Emmanwori, was the galvanizing force that helped elevate the Seahawks' defense, which led them to a Super Bowl victory.

After an unpredictable night one of the 2026 draft—beyond this year's No. 1 overall pick—eight more teams join the party after not selecting in the first rounder, though first-round talent remains available.

Follow along as Bleacher Report grades every single pick and see how each franchise continues to piece its respective class together.

Catch all the Round 2 and 3 picks on the B/R Live Draft Show.

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Scroll down for every Day 2 grade.

33. San Francisco 49ers: WR De'Zhaun Stribling, Ole Miss

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Grade: A

The San Francisco 49ers had an entire night to weigh their options after trading out of the first round altogether and opened Day 2's event with the top pick. They settled on Ole Miss wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling, who is a wonderful pick for the Niners' offense.

San Francisco has reworked their wide receiver rooming, moving off Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and presumably Jauan Jennings. Now, this year's 33rd overall pick joins the recently signed Mike Evans and Christian Kirk.

Stribling is one of those individuals who never led his team in receptions during his collegiate career–at three different stops in his case–yet more is expected of him once he's in the NFL. Usually, this setup is seen at programs like Ohio State, where the group of wide receivers is typically loaded with top recruits. In Stribling's case, he just continually improved throughout his career and played his best ball during the second half of the 2025 campaign.

During the Rebels' final five games–which included three ranked opponents–Stribling caught 25 passes for 420 yards and four touchdowns. Over half his receiving yardage last season came during that stretch. Once his top-end athleticism and willingness to do the dirty work in an offense are added to the mix, Stribling should be viewed as an ascending prospect. 

Scouting Report Highlights

Strengths: Size, strength and speed to threaten all three levels of the field, excellent locating and snatching the football, tenacious blocker to help spring big run plays

Weaknesses: Build-up speed with middling initial quickness, not the most fluid athlete to break off the top of his routes, can improve in contested situations

Complete scouting report via Dame Parson of B/R NFL Scouting Dept.

34. Arizona Cardinals: IOL Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M

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Grade: A

The Arizona Cardinals are making a statement, because they're building a legitimate identity on offense under new head coach Mike LaFleur.

This year's third overall pick, Jeremiyah Love, will now be Arizona's offensive focal point. Chase Bisontis in the second round helps to fortify the squad's front five. He can immediately step in after flipping to right guard and help set the tone for the entire unit.

Bisontis began his collegiate career at right tackle before finding a home at left guard. He developed to the point where he entered this year's draft class as an expected Day 1 starter. Bisonitis is exactly what teams want in a highly drafted guard prospect, because he has the attitude and work ethic to lead an offensive line.

The Texas A&M product may not be as powerful as Olaivavega Ioane when comparing the top pure interior options, but Bisontis moves better in space and is a little more fluid with his pass protection. 

Scouting Report Highlights

Strengths: Well-coached, good hand placement, movement skills with outstanding balance, constantly looks to get involved

Weaknesses: Not overly powerful at point of attack, tends to overextend in run game, needs to stay square in pass set

Complete scouting report via Brandon Thorn of B/R NFL Scouting Dept.

35. Buffalo Bills: EDGE T.J. Parker, Clemson

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Grade: A

The Buffalo Bills traded down twice and out of the first round entirely, yet the team still landed a first-round talent in T.J. Parker.

Buffalo is reshaping its defense under new offensive coordinator Jim Leonard. The Bills needed pieces to fit the scheme. Parker brings first-round talent, adds to a premium position and addresses a significant need for the Bills.

Something was in the water at Clemson this past season, because most within the program failed to live up to expectations. Parker was chief among them.

The defensive end went from being a Freshman All-American in 2023 and second-team All-ACC performer the following season to having arguably his worst year as a junior, then declared for the NFL draft

To be fair, Parker definitely looked more explosive and dynamic as an edge-rusher during his time at this year's Senior Bowl, which helped remind everyone of his long-term potential. He has the ability to be a consistently disruptive defender, hence why he was originally viewed as a top-10 talent entering his last collegiate campaign.

Scouting Report Highlights

Strengths: Capable power-rusher with a weaponized long-arm move, fluid athlete capable of being effective on stunts and even dropping into space on occasion

Weaknesses: Can't consistently win with quickness or flexibility, tends to get caught without a counter when initially stalemated

Complete scouting report via Matt Holder of B/R NFL Scouting Dept.

36. Houston Texans (via LV): DL Kayden McDonald, Ohio State

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Grade: A+

The Houston Texans know exactly what they wanted to do entering this year's draft, and that's to be tougher in the trenches. They've done so with their first two selections.

First, guard Keylan Rutledge is a brawler along the offensive interior. In the second round, Ohio State's Kayden McDonald provides a massive presence in the middle to make life easier on everyone else.

In a class surprisingly full of good nose tackle prospects, McDonald topped B/R's positional rankings. He served as the tip of the spear on a defense absolutely loaded with future NFL talent, including top prospects Caleb Downs, Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles.

McDonald emerged in 2025 as a junior prospect after previously serving as a rotational piece behind Tyleik Williams and Ty Hamilton–both of whom became NFL draft picks. As a full-time starter, the 6'2", 326-pound prospect led all defensive tackles last season with 30 run stops and the highest run-defense grade, according to Pro Football Focus. 

Scouting Report Highlights

Strengths: Ideal nose tackle build, strength to take on and hold up blockers, initial quickness to reset line of scrimmage, enough athleticism not to lose gap responsibility against zone runs

Weaknesses: Technique needs work because he tends to play high at times and doesn't use his hands well enough, pure nose without much pass-rush upside

Complete scouting report via Matt Holder of B/R NFL Scouting Dept.

37. New York Giants: CB Colton Hood, Tennessee

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Grade: C

The New York Giants had one of the better starts to this year's draft, with a pair of top-10 selections that turned in Arvell Reese and Francis Mauigoa. Tennessee's Colton Hood in the second round is suspect compared to the previous two, because he is raw and needs plenty of work to realize his full potential.

The Giants don't necessarily need Hood to take on a primary role at the onset of his career, which will benefit the early entrant. 

With Jermod McCoy out of the lineup due to an ACL tear, a much brighter spotlight was shown on Hood this past season. The sophomore prospect responded by earning second-team All-SEC honors.

Hood has enormous potential, but he's far from a polished prospect. The two-time transfer will be 21 for the entirety of his rookie season. At his best, he shows excellent man-coverage capabilities. Too often, he'll also show poor technique and instincts, thus surrendering easy targets. He'll enter his new situation with starter upside, but he needs time to develop and not quickly become a liability against NFL route-runners.

Scouting Report Highlights

Strengths: Sticky in man-coverage, explosive athletic traits, fluid mover, unafraid to mix it up with targets

Weaknesses: Lost at times in zone coverage, will get overaggressive leading to easy losses, marginal tackler

Complete scouting report via Daniel Harms of B/R NFL Scouting Dept.

38. Las Vegas Raiders (via HOU): CB Treydan Stukes, Arizona

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Grade: C

A year ago, the Las Vegas Raiders used a third-round pick on defensive back Darien Porter. The team jumped in a round earlier this year with the selection of Arizona's Treydan Stukes. The incoming draftee can provide defensive coordinator Rob Leonard with some flexibility along the back line. He can move seamlessly between covering the slot and safety.

Stukes went from a 0-star recruit and walk-on at Arizona to team captain and second-team All-American. 

"I was kind of a late bloomer in high school," Stukes told CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson. "I didn't really sprout up to 6 feet until my senior year [of high school]."

As a sixth-year senior, Stukes also had to deal with the pandemic during the entire recruiting process. All of it worked out in the end, though, and he became one of the nation's top defensive backs. Last season, he allowed only 10 catches while in coverage and contributed 10 combined interceptions/passes defensed. 

Scouting Report Highlights

Strengths: Hybrid defender capable of covering the slot or playing half-field safety, good ball skills, triggers quickly when play is in front of him

Weaknesses: Not the most fluid hips, which hurts man-coverage skills, requires better tackling technique

Complete scouting report via Daniel Harms of B/R NFL Scouting Dept.

39. Cleveland Browns: WR Denzel Boston, Washington

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Grade: B+

The Cleveland Browns may not know exactly who will be their starting quarterback this fall. All of the quarterbacks on the roster should be quite happy with the team's first three selections.

Tackle Spencer Fano completed the offensive line. KC Conception provided the offense with a dynamic playmaker. The second-round selection of Denzel Boston gives the team a big-bodied target to work alongside Concepcion and Jerry Jeudy.

The 2026 wide receiver class doesn't feature too many true X-receivers. Boston has the size and physicality to serve as a big-bodied option in an NFL offense. The 6'4", 212-pound target produced over 60 catches and 800 yards in each of the last two seasons.

"He's got a little bit of Mike Evans in him," an NFL scout told Go Long's Bob McGinn (via SB Nation's Kyle Posey), "but he's just not as fast down the field. He's got a lot of talent. He's big and strong, runs good routes, has great hands, separates, he's physical. … He doesn't have the extra gear, but he's a really good possession receiver."

Scouting Report Highlights

Strengths: Goes up and snags 50-50 balls, understands how to use his size and length, wins by playing physical with no wasted movement, top-notch red-zone threat

Weaknesses: Lacks a top gear, may struggle to stack professional cornerbacks, can improve release package

Complete scouting report via Dame Parson of B/R NFL Scouting Dept.

40. Kansas City Chiefs: EDGE R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma

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Grade: B

Interestingly, the Kansas City Chiefs bypassed a pass-rusher with both of their first-round picks to select the class' CB1 in Mansoor Delane, then fortified their defensive interior with Peter Woods' addition. KC couldn't wait much longer to improve a group that finished among the league's bottom 10 in sacks last season.

Oklahoma's R Mason Thomas plays like a man with his hair of fire. He can be the type of edge presence that Felix Anudike-Uzomah failed to be so far in his career.

Thomas is a pure heat-seeker working off the edge and plays with the suddenness, relentlessness and competitiveness that every team wants in a pass-rusher. He simply doesn't fit the typical standards for the position, much like another former Sooner in Nik Bonitto.

However, Thomas is even smaller than Bonitto. The first-team All-SEC performer is shorter overall, lighter, has smaller arms and wingspan, and is not as explosive. All of this must be kept in mind when relying on an outlier to support another option.

Again, Thomas can get after opposing quarterbacks and consistently make plays, but there is a rationale behind why he wasn't considered among the class's top edge prospects. 

Scouting Report Highlights

Strengths: Excellent burst and bend, outstanding lateral agility, motor runs white hot, plays physical with good leverage, difficult to block one-on-one

Weaknesses: Undersized and lacks length, inconsistent hand usage, can be driven off point of attack

Complete scouting report via Matt Holder of B/R NFL Scouting Dept.

41. Cincinnati Bengals: EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

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Grade: A

Not long ago, Texas A&M's Cashius Howell was viewed as a rock-solid first-round prospect. He slid because of a lack of length and poor run defense.

The Cincinnati Bengals simply need defensive upgrades. They already traded this year's 10th overall pick for the game's best nose tackle, Dexter Lawrence. Howell will now come screaming off the edge as well. 

In one way, Howell is the type of pass-rusher every team wants, because he's relentless as he tracks down opposing quarterbacks. His non-stop motor makes him the type of player who consistently creates plays, even when he struggles to get quick wins. The major hang-up in his evaluation concerns Howell's arm length.

Case in point, the reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year may have played at a high level against top collegiate competition, but his 30¼-inch arms are a significant concern when he's about to face longer, more technically sound professional tackles. His relentlessness can be offset to a degree with a quick passing attack, especially when blockers hit their initial punch.

Scouting Report Highlights

Strengths: Varied pass-rush plan, quickness to threaten and flexibility to flatten edge, can stack and shed tight ends in run game

Weaknesses: Historically short arms for highly regarded edge, lacks sand to hold point of attack against powerful linemen

Complete scouting report via Matt Holder of B/R NFL Scouting Dept.

42. New Orleans Saints: DL Christen Miller, Georgia

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Grade: B

Christen Miller's addition isn't sexy, but he's the type of pick that can make an entire defense up its level of play.

The New Orleans Saints finished among the bottom half of the league in run defense a season ago. Miller will take up space, eat up double-teams and allow Bryan Bresee, Chase Young and Carl Granderson go to work.

A prospect should never be scouted based on the uniform they wear. Every individual is different. At the same time, certain programs simply know how to develop specific position groups.

The Georgia Bulldogs have churned out seven defensive linemen among the last four draft classes (not including some edge-defenders designated as linebackers). Miller is the highest rated among this year's crop. The 6'4", 321-pound Miller is ready to play in the NFL trenches today. The first-team All-SEC performer understands how to control an opposing center and stack-and-shed blocks. The interior defender may not be flashy, but he'll do the dirty work to make the lives of his teammates easier. 

Scouting Report Highlights

Strengths: Powerful with good agility to reset the line of scrimmage and even make occasional tackle for loss, plays with good strength and pad level

Weaknesses: Undisciplined gap responsibilities and when taking on double-teams, provides little as a pass-rusher

Complete scouting report via Matt Holder of B/R NFL Scouting Dept.

43. Miami Dolphins: LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech

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Grade: A

The Miami Dolphins experienced ups and downs in the first round. They started poorly by trading down one spot, handing the Dallas Cowboys the class's No. 1-ranked prospect and then selecting Kayden Proctor. The organization decided to move up and give up a higher-round pick than what they got from Dallas earlier to get a defensive back for their woeful group.

Jacob Rodriguez adds a second-straight defender who is an excellent football player and will put up significant numbers alongside Jordyn Brooks. Miami's strength now lies in its second line of defense. 

Rodriguez emerged as the nation's most recognizable defender during the 2025 campaign. His play on the field spoke for itself. His mustachioed visage and outgoing personality endeared him to many. His standing as the leader of a dominant defense, while becoming the latest Butkus Award winner, certainly raised his profile. He is everything that people tend to love about college football.

As an NFL prospect, the unanimous All-American brings one quality that every team wants in today's game: a knack for creating turnovers. Rodriguez snagged four interceptions and forced seven fumbles on his way to becoming the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. 

Scouting Report Highlights

Strengths: Nose for the ball with huge production, excellent lateral movement, easily works way through traffic, ball skills in pass defense

Weaknesses: Lacks length, play-strength is suspect, can get lost in space, turns 24 as a rookie

Complete scouting report via Matt Holder of B/R NFL Scouting Dept.

44. Detroit Lions (via NYJ): EDGE Derrick Moore, Michigan

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Grade: B

The Detroit Lions have been searching for a bookend defense end since Ziggy Ansah played for the franchise. Now into the fourth year of Aidan Hutchinson's career, the Lions may have found the solution with another former Michigan Wolverine, Derrick Moore.

A prospect's performance at the Senior Bowl should define an evaluation, but it can also leave a positive impression. Case in point, Moore overpowered multiple blockers during his time in Mobile, Alabama. He showed the traits to eventually become a starting defensive end in the NFL.

Moore improved each year at Michigan, with increases in the pressure he applied and in his sack totals. A first-team All-Big Ten performer in 2025, the 6'4", 255-pound defender set a career-high with 10 sacks. Though he shouldn't be viewed as an every-down defender at this point in his development. 

Scouting Report Highlights

Strengths: Good initial burst, regularly and successfully converts speed to power as a pass-rusher, works his hands

Weaknesses: Needs to be better against the run and setting the edge, can add some weight and improve play-strength, straight-line pass-rusher

Complete scouting report via Matt Holder of B/R NFL Scouting Dept.

45. Baltimore Ravens: EDGE Zion Young, Missouri

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Grade: B+

The Baltimore Ravens understand how to draft at a high level, and they continue to show that their approach leads to landing excellent talent for their culture, even with a new coaching staff this season.

First-round selection Vega Ioane should be an instant starter and tone-setter for Baltimore's offensive line. Meanwhile, Zion Young will provide added power and explosiveness as an edge-rusher who can play opposite this year's big free-agent signing, Trey Hendrickson. 

Typically, nine sacks over an edge-rusher's final two seasons doesn't generate much excitement. With that said, pressures are far more indicative of a consistent presence. In Young's case, he generated the second-most pressures in the SEC last season, according to Pro Football Focus.

To take that one step further, Young produced a higher pressure rate than four of the B/R Scouting Department's top five edge prospects, including Miami's Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor. The 6'6", 262-pound defensive end has an ideal frame and the ability to disrupt opposing offenses. He just needs to finish more often. 

Scouting Report Highlights

Strengths: Length and power to play through offensive tackles on his way to quarterbacks and reset the line of scrimmage against the run, motor runs hot

Weaknesses: Lacks explosive first step, straight-line athlete which limits ability to turn edge

Complete scouting report via Matt Holder of B/R NFL Scouting Dept.

46. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LB Josiah Trotter, Missouri

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Grade: B

Lavonte David couldn't play forever. After 14 seasons, David finally announced his retirement. Missouri's Josh Trotter has big shoes to fill, though he understands that concept on a DNA level. 

Trotter was born to play linebacker. His bloodline runs deep at the position. His father, Jeremiah, played 11 NFL seasons and made four Pro Bowls. His older brother currently plays for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Unsurprisingly, the incoming Trotter has a feel for the position, unlike others in the class. In his two full collegiate seasons–not including his true freshman year, where he hurt his knee–Trotter became the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year at West Virginia and a first-team All-SEC selection during his one season with the Tigers. His run fits and downhill tackling are easily among the class's best. 

Scouting Report Highlights

Strengths: Ferocious run defender, good instincts, quick trigger, plays through ball-carriers

Weaknesses: Not fluid in coverage, tends to get a little lost in space, can be overaggressive taking him out of position at times

Complete scouting report via Matt Holder of B/R NFL Scouting Dept.

46. Pittsburgh Steelers (via IND): WR Germie Bernard, Alabama

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Grade: C+

The Pittsburgh Steelers are making smart, unsexy moves to address specific needs found within their roster.

A first-round offensive lineman helped offset the concern of Broderick Jones' neck injury. Meanwhile, Bernard is the alternative to missing out on Makai Lemon in the first round, who the team was set to draft.

Bernard won't wow anyone in any particular move. At the same time, he slides in nicely alongside DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr.

On a Crimson Tide roster that also featured the heralded Ryan Coleman-Williams, who looked like a future top-10 draft pick as a true freshman, Bernard was clearly the best wide receiver. It was noticeable early in the 2025 campaign, too. He posted career-highs with eight receptions for 146 yards in Alabama's season-opener against the Florida State Seminoles.

Bernard is the perfect complementary target, because he's a consistent route-runner and does his best work running the dirty routes between the hashes. 

Scouting Report Highlights

Strengths: Meticulous route-runner with understanding of coverages, physical to play through contact, alignment versatile, strong hands

Weaknesses: Not the biggest, longest or most explosive target, can do a better job in contested-catch opportunities

Complete scouting report via Dame Parson of B/R NFL Scouting Dept.

48. Atlanta Falcons: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson

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Grade: A

The brothers Terrell will now make life miserable for opposing quarterbacks.

Don't little brother Avieon Terrell as a prospect, even though A.J. is already an outstanding NFL cornerback. While the bloodline is strong at the position, they present two different play-styles.

"They both have great ball skills," Clemson cornerbacks coach Mike Reed once said, per Clemson Sports Talk's Tyreese Ingram. "But Avieon is more like a pit bull—he's in your face."

The younger Terrell is a little smaller and isn't quite as explosive. However, his on-field competitiveness is impossible to overlook. Last year's first-team All-ACC performer makes receivers work hard for everything on every snap.

For the Falcons, they now have the best of both worlds. If not for a lingering hamstring issue, the team's latest addition likely wouldn't be available at this juncture, because he was graded as a first-round talent by the B/R Scouting Department. 

Scouting Report Highlights

Strengths: Relentless approach, fluid mover in his drops, outstanding zone-coverage awareness, plays through the catch-point

Weaknesses: Smaller frame and lacks length, can be more consistent and physical against the run

Complete scouting report via Daniel Harms of B/R NFL Scouting Dept.

49. Carolina Panthers (via MIN): DL Lee Hunter, Texas Tech

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Grade: B

The Carolina Panthers added significant beef with their first two draft picks. Monroe Freeling in the first round gives the team a long-term answer at one of the offensive tackle spots. Lee Hunter in round two adds a disruptive force along the defensive interior.

Hunter is more than capable of drawing significant attention from opposing offenses, which will make Derrick Brown even more effective.

Even as part of a front seven that featured a top-10 talent in David Bailey, the reigning Butkus Award winner in Jacob Rodriguez and another draftable edge capable of 10 sacks in Romello Height, Hunter was the best defender on the field during the Red Raiders' biggest games. He simply overwhelmed opposing offensive linemen during the Big 12 Championship Game and Texas Tech's playoff appearance.

Hunter is a wrecking ball working along the line of scrimmage. He's certainly more than a space-eater in the middle. He can be a legitimate difference-maker. 

Scouting Report Highlights

Strengths: Upper-body strength to control blockers and absorb double-teams, consistent hand usage, excellent motor for a nose tackle

Weaknesses: Tends to bend at the waste instead of firing straight off the ball, stiff in the hips, subpart initial quickness and lateral movement

Complete scouting report via Matt Holder of B/R NFL Scouting Dept.

50. New York Jets: CB D'Angelo Ponds, Indiana

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Grade: A+

The New York Jets are now filled with the type of players who can actually reflect head coach Aaron Glenn's personality. The selection of D'Angelo Ponds in the second round after adding David Bailey with the second overall pick only adds to the improving unit.

An argument can be made that Ponds was well worth a first-round selection despite his shortcomings. He's a Glenn corner all day long and twice on Sunday.

Don't judge Ponds purely by his size. Yes, he's 5'9" and 182 pounds, with sub 30-inch arms. At the same time, he's arguably the most competitive prospect in this year's class. The junior prospect doesn't back down from any assignment. He simply goes out there, competes on every snap and makes life difficult even for bigger and more naturally gifted wide receivers.

His size limitations are mitigated to a degree by an outstanding athletic profile. Ponds posted a 43.5-inch vertical jump at the NFL combine and followed that effort with a 4.36-second 40-yard dash at Indiana's pro day. Don't be surprised if Ponds isn't relegated to slot coverage at all times. 

Scouting Report Highlights

Strengths: Elite competitor, legitimate top-gear, fluid and quick in and out of his backpedal, plays through the catch-point, punt return experience

Weaknesses: Lacks size and length, bigger targets can still win due to limitations, can get caught up on blocks

Complete scouting report via Daniel Harms of B/R NFL Scouting Dept.

51. Minnesota Vikings (via CAR): LB Jake Golday, Cincinnati

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Grade: B

The Minnesota Vikings' selection of defensive tackle Caleb Banks was perplexing to say the least. Jake Golday's addition in the second isn't. The Cincinnati product can play any of the linebacker positions, even though he's still learning and growing at the position. That flexibility and upside make him an ideal addition to play alongside Blake Cashman and Eric Wilson, particularly if the rookie finds himself working on the edge as well.

Golday's profile is somewhat unique thanks to his blend of size, athleticism and versatility. Even in a class that features Ohio State's Arvell Reese, Golday presents unparalleled scheme diversity.

Reese and Texas's Anthony Hill Jr. saw their value increase because they can play off the edge. Whereas Golday actually played on the edge at Central Michigan before transferring to Cincinnati and converting to off-ball linebacker. Furthermore, the 6'4", 239-pound defender could be seen regularly kicking over the slot in zone coverage. In fact, Golday played more slot-coverage snaps over the last two seasons than both of Ohio State's top-ranked linebackers did combined.

All the while, the Cincinnati product is still learning the position and getting better every year. 

Scouting Report Highlights

Strengths: Excellent athlete with large frame and good length, scheme flexible, fluid with good hand usage in coverage, accelerates into and through tackles

Weaknesses: Natural instincts are still developing, can improve play-strength

Complete scouting report via Matt Holder of B/R NFL Scouting Dept.

52. Green Bay Packers: CB Brandon Cisse, South Carolina

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Grade: C

The Green Bay Packers are finally on the board and address a premium position with the selection of South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse.

The Pack will now transition to Brandon Staley's scheme after Jeff Hafley became the Miami Dolphins' head coach. Interestingly, Cisse could have developmental problems in Green Bay, because Staley's approach is built upon coverage disguises and dropping more into coverage to confuse opposing quarterbacks. Meanwhile, the incoming rookie isn't as polished in his recognition. 

The best is still ahead for Cisse, who doesn't turn 21 until July. He started two seasons at the collegiate level. But he clearly has significant room for development.

Cisse is an explosive athlete who shows up on the field in both man coverage and when he's flying up to make plays. He's a smooth mover, too, with little wasted movement in his backpedal and hip turn. The North Carolina State transfer will need to improve his feel for multiple different coverages, but that's expected as he matures and gets more reps.

Scouting Report Highlights

Strengths: Fluid and explosive, can turn and burn with wide receivers or blow up plays in front of him, consistently works through the catch-point

Weaknesses: Zone coverage remains a work in progress, physical but needs to do a better job with technique at point of attack

Complete scouting report via Daniel Harms of B/R NFL Scouting Dept.

53. Indianapolis Colts (via PIT): LB CJ Allen, Georgia

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Grade: A+

The Indianapolis Colts didn't have a first-round pick because they traded it as part of the Sauce Gardner deal. General manager Chris Ballard even chose to trade down and wait a little longer before selecting a player. Yet, somehow, the Colts still ended up with a first-round talent at the team's biggest area of need.

CJ Allen will immediately slide into the Colts starting Mike 'backer spot and wear the great dot for the team's defense. 

Allen became a starter at Georgia as a true freshman and never looked back. The 4-star recruit showed incremental improvement each season, which culminated in a first-team All-SEC nod after posting a career-high 88 total tackles this past season.

More importantly, Allen grew into an on-field general. He can lead a defense from the middle of the field and wear the green dot as the on-field communicator. Furthermore, his skill set shows he's a three-down linebacker at the next level, someone who won't be consistently targeted or exploited in either phase of the game.

Scouting Report Highlights

Strengths: Fluid athlete capable of carrying tight ends and even some wide receivers then making plays in coverage, consistent tackler, slices through to make tackles for loss

Weaknesses: Not the biggest, longest or most physical linebacker, can get caught up in traffic and stuck on blocks at times, could be a little quicker diagnosing plays

Complete scouting report via Matt Holder of B/R NFL Scouting Dept.

54. Philadelphia Eagles: TE Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt

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Grade: C

Dallas Goedert is entering the final year of his current contract. He's been the subject of trade rumors for the last two seasons. Eli Stowers will now be the team's future at tight end.

Interestingly, he also gives a bigger target that can help fill the void that will eventually be left when the inevitable AJ Brown trade occurs.

The reigning John Mackey Award winner would have been rated higher throughout this process if he had contributed anything as an inline option. To be clear, Stowers has experience working in-line, but he's not much of a blocker and lacks the strength and technique to excel in that area at the next level.

However, the 6'4", 239-pound Stowers is a weapon working out of the slot as a hybrid tight end/oversized wide receiver. His raw athleticism can make him a dynamic target if deployed correctly.

Scouting Report Highlights

Strengths: Outstanding receiver with high-end athleticism, speed to threaten the seam, elite yards after catch ability

Weaknesses: Provides little to nothing as a blocker, functional strength is limiting, can improve route-running

Complete scouting report via Daniel Harms of B/R NFL Scouting Dept.

55. New England Patriots (via LAC): EDGE Gabe Jacas, Illinois

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Grade: B

K'Lavon Chaisson's departure in free agency left a void in the New England Patriots' front seven opposite Harold Landry III.

Illinois' Gabe Jacas is an ideal complementary bookend opposite Landry. 

Put a little respect on Jacas' name, especially if you know how to pronounce it properly (ACK-us). He was never considered among the elite edge prospects in this year's class despite being a Freshman All-American in 2022, a third-team All-American in '24 and a first-team All-Big Ten selection this past year. He produced the second-most pressures among Big Ten defenders since 2022, according to Pro Football Focus. His sack total increased in each of the last three years, culminating with a career-high 11 last season.

The 21-year-old prospect may not be the smoothest or most explosive option. But he knows how to get into the backfield and disrupt opposing passing games, which showed up on a regular basis. 

Scouting Report Highlights

Strengths: Heavier end with the power to play through offensive tackles, short-area quickness to win with asked to move laterally, consistent motor

Weaknesses: Not the most flexible or quickest at top of his pass rush, suspect run defender, needs to be more physical at point of attack

Complete scouting report via Matt Holder of B/R NFL Scouting Dept.

56. Jacksonville Jaguars: TE Nate Boerkircher, Texas A&M

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Grade: F

The Jacksonville Jaguars joined the party with a misfire. After not owning a first-round pick, the Jags chose tight end Nate Boerkircher with their initial selection.

The problem here lies in perceived value. According to the Bleacher Report Scouting Department, Boerkircher wasn't even a top-15 tight end in this year's class. Jacksonville passed on names like Max Klare, Michael Trigg and Eli Raridon. If the team preferred a true Y-tight end that can block, Sam Roush or Will Kaczmarek would have been higher-rated options.

Obviously, the Jaguars expected Brenton Strange to continue to develop and they needed help at this point. But the selection itself is head-scratching to say the least.

Strengths: Good blocker, high-effort player, uses body well during few pass-catching opportunities

Weaknesses: Not a dominant point-of-attack player, marginal pass-catching production, turns 25 later this year

Complete scouting report via Daniel Harms of B/R NFL Scouting Dept.

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