5 Day 2 picks that could already be heavy contributors

The 2026 NFL draft still had some talented prospects available in Day 2. Some teams got major steals in that part of the draft. However, some prospects could see a lot of snaps and/or targets from their team already, whether that’s due to positional need or talent.

Cashius Howell, Cincinnati Bengals, pick 41

Howell was a stat-sheet stuffer with the Texas A&M Aggies this past season. The 6-foot-2, 248-pound edge rusher had 31 tackles, 14.0 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks, earning an All-American bid in 2025.

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He might need to be that for the Cincinnati Bengals. Their front seven is pretty barren, and even with signing Boye Mafe and trading for Dexter Lawrence, they still needed more.

Howell has the potential to be that missing piece. He’s a bendy edge rusher with great bend and elusiveness, but he’s probably too undersized to contribute to the run much. He also needs to improve his hand placement, but he already has a great set of moves to work with.

Avieon Terrell, Atlanta Falcons, pick 48

The Terrell selection was a feel-good moment for Atlanta. Avieon gets to reunite with his brother, A.J. Terrell, in the corner room. However, it could be even more than a serendipitous moment.

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Avieon Terrell has incredible bend and athleticism. Press-man coverage is his bread and butter, as he’s athletic and fluid enough to stay in phase with anyone. His size makes him prone to giving up catches against bigger-body receivers, though. A poor showing at his Pro Day cost him a first-round selection, but his tape is great to watch.

The Falcons are major beneficiaries from this pick. They need a second corner alongside A.J. Terrell, with Mike Hughes flopping in that role last season. Avieon Terrell could be that guy, and if the Falcons want to see if Hughes can bounce back, they could flip Terrell inside to play nickel.

C.J. Allen, Indianapolis Colts, Pick 51

C.J. Allen, Georgia

CJ Allen was also a victim of a poor Pro Day at Georgia, but his talent on the field was undeniable. He was the heart and soul of that Georgia defense, even while he was playing through a leg injury at the end of the season.

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The Colts have a big hole at linebacker after trading Zaire Franklin to the Green Bay Packers. Allen fits into that immediately. He’s a consistent presence that’s great in leverage and coverage, although he’s more average in terms of anticipation and blitzing. Still, he should fill in immediately at linebacker for a really underrated defense.

Jake Slaughter, Los Angeles Chargers, pick 63

Slaughter is a fantastic addition for a team that desperately needs an offensive line. The two-year captain and three-year starter has a ton of in-game experience and should already be the centerpiece in fixing the Chargers’ o-line.

He doesn’t have the most ideal build as a center, but he has great technique and solid play strength. He’s good at sustaining his outside zone blocks and has great feet for gap control as well. He also has incredible awareness and football IQ.

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The Chargers went through a massive facelift in their offensive line, signing reclamation projects Cole Strange (Miami Dolphins) and Tyler Biadasz (Washington Commanders). However, Slaughter will get a major amount of snaps. If he pans out and the Chargers get health from Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, they could be one of the best offensive lines in the league.

A.J. Haulcy, Indianapolis Colts, pick 78

Yep, that’s right. The Colts drafted two impact talents on Day 2. Chris Ballard somehow filled two starting spots up without his first round pick, who he traded for Sauce Gardner.

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Haulcy is a consummate ball-hawk. HIs ability to hunt for the ball and the big hit is incredible, and he already has the frame to back up that play-style, at 5-foot-11, 215-pounds.

The Colts signed Juanyeh Thomas from the Dallas Cowboys to fill that strong safety role, but Haulcy should win that spot in training camp. He and safety Cam Bynum will be a great duo to watch in the safety room, and with Charvarius Ward, Sauce Gardner, and Kenny Moore in the corner slots, the Colts could have one of the best secondaries in the league.