2026 NFL Draft: Instant reactions from Day 2

That resulted in the Broncos moving back to the early part of the third round, picking up #182 (top pick in the sixth round) and eventually selecting Texas A&M defensive lineman Tyler Onyedim at #66 overall. A fifth-year senior, Onyedim spent four years at Iowa State with the Cyclones before finishing his collegiate career with the Aggies. With the departure of John Franklin-Myers and Eyioma Uwazurike being in a contract year, Denver opted to add another talented prospect to their defensive line.

I don’t dislike the pick. I think Onyedim is an underrated prospect who will fare much better in the pros in Vance Joseph’s one-gap attacking defense. However, I’m a bit bummed that Denver wasn’t aggressive in trying to obtain one of the players above. It would have cost a bit to move up and get them, but I don’t think waiting around and hoping for one of them to fall was the best decision—especially if they truly thought highly of them.

Teams I thought did well for themselves on Day 2

A few teams stood out for me for their efforts on Day 2 of the NFL Draft. One of them was the Cleveland Browns. They were able to nab wide receiver Denzel Boston early in the second-round to pair with KC Conception, who they picked in the first round. They also made a move up to nab versatile Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. A lot of outlets and analysts had him ranked as a Top 32 player in the draft. I think both of those guys will be immediate difference makers for them.

I’m also a fan of what the New Orleans Saints accomplished on Day 2. The Saints didn’t have any extra picks, but I thought they made the most of the two they had. They were able to get defensive tackle Christen Miller in the second round and tight end Oscar Delp in the third round. The two Bulldog prospects should be immediate contributors for the Saints who desperately needed help at both positions.

Last but not least, the Indianapolis Colts get an A+ grade from me for their efforts. Getting linebacker CJ Allen and safety A.J. Haulcy was stellar. For a team not having a first round pick, I’m not sure they could have navigated that any better. Both are Day 1 starters and immediate impact players who should really help transform their defense and help them force a lot of turnovers.

Tight ends and wide receivers fly off the board

Thirteen wide receivers and eight tight ends came off the board on Day 2. It was clear NFL teams were quite interested in bolstering their offenses. That accounted for just over 30-percent of the selections in rounds two and three. Additionally, a lot of defensive backs and edge rushers were selected as well—two areas where the Broncos didn’t need to utilize an early selection at.

The Broncos appear to be set at wide receiver but having eight tight ends go off the board puts them in a bit of a predicament. Justin Joly and Jack Endries are two of the best remaining players at the position. If the Broncos want to add to the room, they may have to utilize one of their fourth-round selections to address the long-term need. Both are good fits for the franchise, but will they be one of Denver’s top targets tomorrow for Day 3? We’ll just have to wait and see.