Names to know ahead of day 2 of the NFL Draft

With day 2 of the NFL Draft set to get underway, there are still plenty of notable names that are available. Here is a breakdown of some of the top players still waiting to hear their name get called.

CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

McCoy is a star-studded corner who missed last season with an ACL injury. However, in 2024, he was one of the best corners in the country. He had four interceptions, seven pass deflections, and 44 tackles. McCoy is expected to go very early in the second round, and a team like the Arizona Cardinals has had an eye on him. He would pair well with Will Johnson, a second-round pick from 2025, and would add some nice depth to their secondary.

Edge, T.J. Parker, Clemson

Parker is a lethal threat along the edge that would be a perfect fit for the San Francisco 49ers. 49ers edge rushers Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams both suffered ACL injuries last season.

Parker put up a total of 21 sacks across three seasons, including 11 in 2024. Despite the fall off in 2025, he is still capable of putting up the numbers. He is also capable of being a three-down rusher, something the 49ers desperately need.

WR, Denzel Boston, Washington

Boston is one of the top WR prospects of this draft. He has great physicality, can catch contested balls, and easily could have been a first-round pick. Boston would work great with the Las Vegas Raiders, who just drafted Fernando Mendoza as their future quarterback. Boston would provide much-needed size to a bleak Raiders receiver core and could become Mendoza’s favorite target.

WR, Germie Bernard, Alabama

Bernard became the favorite target for Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, and quickly became the most reliable receiver for Alabama. His route running and IQ make him a solid No. 2 receiver. He is another receiver that fits the Raiders system, but could also land with the Miami Dolphins. After trading Jaylen Waddle and releasing Tyreek Hill, Miami needs a vertical threat that Bernard brings.

CB D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana

Ponds brings the explosiveness at CB despite his small size. At 5’9 182 lbs, Ponds doesn’t exactly stand out to most. He also thrived under Curt Cignetti for three seasons. He recorded 169 tackles, seven interceptions, and 33 pass deflections. Ponds is most known for his opening play pick-six against Oregon in the Peach Bowl. Expect Ponds to go in the middle of the second round.

LB, Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech

Rodriguez did it all for the Red Raiders. In 2025 alone, he racked up 128 tackles (11 them were for a loss), four interceptions, six pass deflections and seven forced fumbles. He was so good that he even placed fifth in the Heisman voting. He may not have the size of a typical linebacker, but he can certainly perform at an elite level.

About the Author Published Apr 24, 2026

CAMERON JOYCE

Cameron Joyce is an NCAAF, NFL, NHL, and MLB beat writer for Ball Exclusives. Cameron also previously worked at The University of Alabama's newspaper, "The Crimson White," covering volleyball and baseball.