2020 NFL Draft: Potential steals at every position on Day 2

The 2020 NFL Draft is loaded with talent, and the players available on day two are a reflection of that. Here are potential steals at every position.

The 2020 NFL Draft certainly has no shortage of depth.

As a matter of fact, ESPN’s Adam Schefter was told by an NFL personnel director that this is as rare of a crop of prospects as will come into the NFL at one time.

There are steals to be had at every position group. If your team didn’t have a first-round pick, don’t worry about that apparently.

This class is strong, and the depth is not only extending into the second round, but it’s also going into the third round as well.

Let’s take a look at each position group and what kinds of steals are on the board heading into the second day of the 2020 draft.

Quarterback

Jacob Eason, Washington

Although it’s tough to classify Eason as a ‘steal’ on day two, there’s no question he’s got the talent to be a starting quarterback in the NFL.

He showed flashes this past year at Washington of a fearless gunslinger in the pocket with the ability to fit the ball into tight windows deep downfield.

Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma

There were points when people in the draft community thought Hurts would potentially be a first-round pick.

He definitely didn’t have the consistency as a passer to be taken in the top 32 picks, but he has a strong arm, athleticism, experience, moxie, leadership, and toughness.

Running backs

D’Andre Swift, Georgia

The top running back on many boards, Swift is a strong runner with balance, quickness, power, and pass-catching ability.

Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin

One of the smartest players in the draft, Jonathan Taylor put together maybe the best career of any running back in Wisconsin history with over 6,000 rushing yards in just three seasons including two straight 2,000-yard campaigns.

JK Dobbins, Ohio State

Dobbins was one of the most improved players in the country in 2019. He has power and acceleration unlike most backs in this draft. He makes great decisions in choosing his running lanes and has great patience.

He had over 2,000 yards in 2019.

Darrynton Evans, Appalachian State

This is the best back you haven’t heard of.

Evans is a tremendous runner and receiver with outstanding athletic ability and kickoff return abilities.

Wide Receiver

Denzel Mims, Baylor

Mims was a big riser in the offseason with a tremendous week of Senior Bowl practices, a huge workout at the Combine, and a lot of attention drawn to his contested catch ability and athleticism.

Tee Higgins, Clemson

Higgins got dinged for his lack of athleticism shown at the Combine, but he is a big-play receiver who set a Clemson record for touchdowns.

Laviska Shenault, Colorado

Some felt Shenault had Julio Jones type of abilities, but he has struggled badly with injuries in his playing career. It would be a surprise if he was picked in the top 64, but he’s a worthwhile risk anytime after that.

Michael Pittman Jr., USC
A high-character player with special teams ability and a massive catch radius, Pittman is the son of former NFL running back Michael Pittman.

He had 17 touchdown catches over his last 23 games at USC.

Tight End

Cole Kmet, Notre Dame

There aren’t a ton of dynamic tight ends in this class, but Cole Kmet is a good value on day two. If he had more than one year as the full-time tight end at Notre Dame, he might have gone in the first round.

Chase Claypool, Notre Dame

Although Claypool was a wide receiver in college, he has Evan Engram type flex potential at the next level. Pound for pound, this guy is one of the most outrageous athletes in the class, which has not been uncommon for Notre Dame players in recent years.

Offensive Line

Josh Jones, Houston (OT)

Josh Jones really came on in his senior season for the Cougars and was outstanding at the week of Senior Bowl practices. He is scheme versatile and as a team captain is certainly someone coaches are going to want to get their hands on.

Lloyd Cushenberry, LSU (C)

The man in charge of snapping the ball to Joe Burrow got a lot of attention for his technical prowess, athletic ability, strength, and NFL-ready intelligence at the position. He’s a day one starter for whatever team picks him.

Ezra Cleveland, Boise State (OT)

As much buzz as Cleveland got for the first round in recent weeks, it’s kind of a shock to even be talking about him here. He’s the perfect fit for a zone-blocking scheme and has NFL-ready pass-blocking abilities.

If he gets into an NFL weight program and puts in the work, he’s a longtime starter at left tackle.

Matt Hennessy, Temple (C)

Another player who is an ideal fit for a zone-blocking team, Hennessy combines experience with strength, athleticism, and toughness. He’s one of the best centers in this draft and like Cushenberry, a day one starter.

Defensive Line

Ross Blacklock, TCU (IDL)

Blacklock is a penetrating interior defensive lineman whose injuries in college likely prevented him from going in the top 32 picks. He shouldn’t have to wait long on day two. Not many 290-pounders are running 4.9 flat.

His overall athleticism is a bit limited but Blacklock is explosive off the ball and can play the run and pass.

AJ Epenesa, Iowa (DE)

Epenesa is going to be a really good 5T defensive end in the NFL for a long time with the ability to kick inside and rush or play out wider on the edge.

There seems to be a misconception that he’s some kind of stand-up edge player, but Epenesa is going to play with his hand in the dirt and he’ll be good at his job for a decade or more.

Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma (IDL)

Smaller than ideal, Gallimore is quick as heck off the ball and is an absolute load for interior linemen to have to deal with.

He is going to make a living terrorizing the passer from the inside.

Justin Madubuike, Texas A&M (IDL)

Built with a wide body, long arms, and excellent athleticism, Madubuike has a chance to be one of the top steals of this class as an interior defensive lineman.

Edge players

Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State

Gross-Matos might be best served as a 4-3 defensive end at the next level, but he has a balanced all-around game and a tenacious mentality. He is a typical high-effort pass rush prospect who needs refinement in his all-around repertoire.

Darrell Taylor, Tennessee

One of the best kept secrets in this draft. Taylor has ideal measurables and physical traits with a body off the edge that looks like it was carved by the football gods.

He had 10 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks this past season for the Vols.

Linebacker

Logan Wilson, Wyoming

A converted defensive back who can dip his toes in to the safety position from time to time, Wilson is a tremendous all-around linebacker with outstanding four-year production.

He was a three-time captain at Wyoming who tested well at the Combine. This guy’s as close to a sure thing on day two as you’re going to find.

Zack Baun, Wisconsin

Zack Baun was an edge guy at Wisconsin but he projects as a Kyle Van Noy type at the next level as someone who can play on the edge but also off the ball.

Cornerback

There are too many to count here.

Like wide receivers in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the cornerback position could be the deepest spot to look at on day two.

Kristian Fulton, LSU
Amik Roberton, Louisiana Tech
Jaylon Johnson, Utah
Trevon Diggs, Alabama
Cameron Dantzler, Mississippi State
Bryce Hall, Virginia

Safety

Xavier McKinney, Alabama

There’s no doubt that McKinney is one of the best overall players available on day two. He can play in the box, he can play the nickel, and he can follow guys around in man coverage. I like his overall game and the toughness he plays with.

Grant Delpit, LSU

Delpit was considered one of the better players in the country heading into the 2019 season but his tackling issues were amplified.

This guy can still attack the ball from the deep part of the field and is an outstanding center field prospect.

Antoine Winfield Jr., Minnesota

Another guy who can play all over the defensive formation, Winfield was injured a little too much for everyone’s liking in college but he was insanely productive when he was on the field.

Jeremy Chinn, Southern Illinois

Chinn should be one of the top ‘small school’ prospects off the board on day two of the draft, and rightly so. He’s a freak of an athlete who is something of a consolation prize for teams that coveted Isaiah Simmons.

He has man cover abilities and as the nephew of Steve Atwater, you know he can bring the wood.