CJ Allen, a Georgia linebacker, slipped from the first round not due to on-field issues but because he skipped combine drills while rehabbing an injury. He brings elite run instincts, reliable zone coverage, and a track record of disciplined defense, making him a potential first-round caliber contributor who could be a steal on Day 2.
Jermod McCoy, a Tennessee cornerback, entered the pre-draft process as a top talent but missed all of 2025 with an ACL tear. His athletic testing at the pro day was strong, yet medical red flags related to a cartilage repair raise questions for some teams. When healthy, McCoy has demonstrated ball stunning production and has the upside for standout perimeter defense.
Denzel Boston, a Washington wide receiver, did not fall due to performance but due to the receiver-heavy market early. Boston profiles as a physical mismatched receiver with strong contested-catch ability and red-zone effectiveness, though questions remain about separation and deep speed. He could be a valuable Day 2 addition to teams seeking a red-zone threat.
Cashius Howell, an edge defender from Texas A&M, posted prolific sack production and pressure numbers across multiple seasons, including leading the SEC in sacks in 2025. However, his shorter arm length is a measurable concern that impacted first-round discussions. For a team picking in the middle of Day 2, Howell offers proven production and a high motor as a compelling upside option.
Zion Young, another edge defender from Missouri, combines size and run-stopping prowess with a solid pass-rush toolkit. His 2025 metrics impressed, but concerns about elite burst and off-field issues (a pending DWI charge) contributed to his slide. For teams comfortable with the legal situation and prioritizing run defense, Young presents a legitimate Day 2 value with upside.
Overall, these five players represent high-upside options who could significantly impact their new teams once selected on Day 2. Their combination of proven production, athletic potential, and questions at the margins explains why they were valued as first-round talents who cost teams a mid-round pick.
