2021 NFL Draft: Best available players heading into Day Two

The first round of the 2021 NFL Draft brought chalk, along with surprises, as the first round often does. Things were pretty chalk through the first seven picks, all of which were offensive players. The top two corners came off the board next, and after the Eagles selected Devonta Smith, the Chicago Bears moved heaven and earth to move up and select Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields, who might just save the jobs of Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy.

The Giants and Raiders shocked us all, with New York going Kadarius Toney and Las Vegas selecting Alex Leatherwood, making it three straight years of reaches in the first round. Running backs came off back to back to Pittsburgh and Jacksonville, and the fall of Gregory Rousseau ended with the Bills.

Now, the focus shifts to day two of the 2021 NFL Draft, a day that will have plenty of value. Most analysts agree that this is the sweet spot of the draft this year, with major depth along the offensive line, at receiver, and at defensive back. Teams with those needs should have a field day.

Not to mention, there are projected first-round players still on the board to start the day, meaning some teams will get great value.

Let’s look at the top prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft available on day two.

Plenty of analysts were a little surprised that Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah fell out of the first round. Ultimately, Owusu-Koramoah wasn’t going to fit every team. The two favorites for him, Vegas and the Washington Football Team, went in different directions. The 218-pound linebacker fits well in more versatile defenses that can maximize him at WILL linebacker, nickel, and safety.

He has great vision defending the run and does a great job slipping through gaps and weaving around would-be blockers. Owusu-Koramoah has great closing speed and is a high effort player that’s going to make a team very happy on Friday.

Creed Humphrey sits near the top of the best available prospects. Humphrey will be a dominant center at the next level, especially in an offense that features a lot of power and inside zone concepts. Humphrey has the power to be a people mover and shows off great awareness in pass protection. The Miami Dolphins have to be the favorite to land him.

The best wide receiver left on the board right now, Elijah Moore out of Ole Miss, possesses game-changing speed that can ignite an offense. He maintains his elite play speed before the catch, at the catch point, and after the catch. Moore also provides the ability to participate in manufactured touches in an offense. He plays bigger than his size and has a full route tree to work to all three levels of the field.

The defensive tackle class isn’t the best in the 2021 NFL Draft, but Christian Barmore should start the run at some point on day two. He brings production and three-down ability to the table. He can be stout at the point of attack, eat up space, and take on double teams. Barmore brings some pass-rushing elements to the table and can develop into a star at the position.

Injuries may push him down the board and turn teams away, but Landon Dickerson has the talent and leadership qualities to be a starting center for a long time. His Alabama teammates love him and he’s been a character this offseason, especially at the Crimson Tide pro day. His toughness, power, and latch-and-drive abilities will make him an impact player on day one.

Like the defensive tackle class, the safety class in the 2021 NFL Draft lacks the top-end player. However, there are some very good players still on the board. Richie Grant leads the way as the best free safety in the class. He’s physical in coverage, comes downhill to take part in the run game, and flashes the range and ball skills on the back end.

Trevon Moehrig, like Grant, will bring great value to some team on the second day of the draft. His versatility is the calling card. He can play in the slot, in the box, and in a single high or two-deep look. Moehrig is a sound tackler, has great instincts, and always seems to be in position to make a play.

Azeez Ojulari took a tumble last night, falling out of the first round. The report that’s been out says that it’s a medical issue with his knee and ankle, but Ojulari was available and effective in his career at Georgia. He shows off great hand usage and bend to win around the edge. This class is looking for the breakout star, and Ojulari can be that guy.

Teven Jenkins was another offensive lineman who many thought would be selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, but should hear his name early today. Jenkins is a mauler in the run game who’s out to bury you on every rep. His pass sets aren’t the most refined, but he hangs in there well and picks up stunts well in pass protection. The Dolphins and Bengals would be great fits for Jenkins.

Five corners came off the board on Thursday night, and possibly a dozen more could be selected on Friday. Asante Samuel Jr. will be one of them. His instincts and eye discipline in zone coverage are excellent, and he can hold his own in man coverage. Samuel stays patient in phase at the line of scrimmage and is a nuisance at the catch point.

The second day of the 2021 NFL Draft will undoubtedly be a fun watch, as it always is.