Day 2 NFL Draft 2025: Top Steals & Sleepers Revealed!
Day 2 Steals: Top Players Available in the 2025 NFL Draft
Introduction: The Calm After the First-Round Storm
The confetti has settled, the Roger Goodell hugs have been doled out, and the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft is officially in the books. But don't think the excitement is over! In fact, for many teams, Day 2 – encompassing Rounds 2 and 3 – is where championship rosters are truly built. We're talking about potential Pro Bowlers, instant starters, and game-changing role players. The talent pool is still deep, and the value is often exceptional.
The biggest story heading into Day 2? The unexpected slide of some highly touted prospects, most notably Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who was projected by many to be a top-10 pick. Why did he slip? What does this mean for teams picking early on Friday? Let's dive in!
The Quarterback Quandary: Where Will Shedeur Sanders Land?
Shedeur Sanders's name not being called on Thursday night was arguably the biggest shock of the draft. The Colorado signal-caller boasts impressive arm talent, poise under pressure, and leadership qualities that are hard to ignore. But quarterbacks weren’t exactly flying off the shelves in Round 1, with only Cam Ward (Tennessee Titans) and Jaxson Dart (New York Giants) finding new homes. So, what gives?
Possible Reasons for the Slide
- Perceived Arm Strength: Some scouts have questioned whether Sanders's arm strength is truly elite.
- System Concerns: The high-volume passing offense at Colorado might have inflated his numbers.
- Competition at the Position: This quarterback class, while talented, lacks a clear-cut consensus No. 1 pick.
Potential Landing Spots for Sanders
The Cleveland Browns, holding picks No. 33 and 36, are an intriguing possibility. With Deshaun Watson's future uncertain, the Browns could use a long-term answer at quarterback. Think of it as an insurance policy with a high potential upside. Other teams to watch include the Las Vegas Raiders and the Atlanta Falcons, both potentially in need of a future franchise quarterback.
Edge Rusher Edge: Pass Rushers Poised to Pounce
The NFL is a quarterback-driven league, and that makes pass rushers eternally valuable. Several talented edge defenders are still available, and teams looking to bolster their defensive fronts will be eager to snatch them up on Day 2.
Top Edge Rushers Available
- "The Technician" - Jalen Phillips (Oregon): A polished pass rusher with a diverse set of moves.
- "The Freak" - David Ojabo (Michigan): A raw but incredibly athletic player with immense upside.
- "The Powerhouse" - Bralen Trice (Washington): A relentless, high-motor defender who excels against the run.
Cornerback Conundrum: The Fall of Will Johnson
Michigan cornerback Will Johnson was widely considered a first-round lock, but reported knee concerns caused him to tumble out of the top 32. How far will he fall? Johnson's talent is undeniable, but medical red flags can scare teams away.
Weighing the Risk vs. Reward
Teams will have to carefully assess Johnson's medical reports and decide whether the potential reward outweighs the risk. If his knee is truly a long-term concern, he could slide into the third round. However, if teams believe the issue is manageable, he could be selected early in the second round.
Offensive Line Reinforcements: Building a Brick Wall
Protecting the quarterback is paramount, and teams in need of offensive line help will find several quality prospects available on Day 2.
Interior Linemen to Watch
- "The Anchor" - Cooper Beebe (Kansas State): A powerful run blocker with excellent technique.
- "The Mauler" - Christian Haynes (Connecticut): An aggressive and physical guard who loves to finish blocks.
Offensive Tackles Still on the Board
- "The Athletic Mover" - Patrick Paul (Houston): A developmental prospect with impressive size and athleticism.
Wide Receiver Wonders: Adding Explosiveness to the Offense
In today's NFL, you can never have too many weapons on offense. Several talented wide receivers remain available, offering teams the opportunity to add explosiveness and versatility to their passing attacks.
Day 2 Wide Receiver Gems
Look for players like "The Route Runner" Roman Wilson of Michigan to go off the board early. Wilson is a crafty route runner with good hands who could become a reliable target in the passing game. Also keep an eye on "The Speedster" Xavier Worthy of Texas, whose blazing speed makes him a threat to score every time he touches the ball.
Tight End Treasures: Finding the Next George Kittle
A versatile tight end who can block and catch is a valuable asset in any offense. Day 2 offers several intriguing tight end prospects with the potential to become impact players.
Potential Tight End Sleepers
Keep an eye on "The Mismatch Nightmare" Cade Stover from Ohio State. Stover has the size and athleticism to create matchup problems for opposing defenses. He's a work in progress as a blocker, but his potential as a receiver is undeniable.
Running Back Roundup: Power, Speed, and Versatility
While running back value has been debated in recent years, finding a reliable ball carrier can still be a difference-maker. Several intriguing running back prospects are available on Day 2, offering a variety of skill sets.
Running Backs Worth Watching
Look for "The Bruiser" Audric Estime of Notre Dame to hear his name called early on Day 2. Estime is a powerful runner with good vision and the ability to break tackles. His physical running style could make him a valuable asset in short-yardage situations.
The Safety Net: Defensive Backfield Depth
In a pass-happy league, having depth and versatility in the secondary is crucial. Day 2 offers several talented safeties and cornerbacks who can contribute on defense and special teams.
Defensive Backs with High Upside
Watch out for "The Ballhawk" Calen Bullock of USC, a rangy safety with excellent ball skills who can generate turnovers. His coverage ability and playmaking instincts make him an intriguing prospect.
Special Teams Specialists: The Underrated Value
Don't overlook the importance of special teams. A reliable kicker, punter, or return specialist can be a game-changer. Day 2 could see several specialists selected, particularly if teams are looking to upgrade their kicking game.
Team Needs and Draft Strategy: Reading the Tea Leaves
Ultimately, each team's draft strategy will be dictated by their specific needs and their overall philosophy. Some teams will prioritize filling immediate holes, while others will focus on drafting the best player available, regardless of position. Understanding these team tendencies is key to predicting how Day 2 will unfold.
Mock Draft Day 2: Some Educated Guesses
It's impossible to predict the exact order in which players will be selected, but here's a rough estimate of how Day 2 might play out:
- Cleveland Browns (No. 33): Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
- Arizona Cardinals (No. 34): Jalen Phillips, EDGE, Oregon
- Washington Commanders (No. 35): Cooper Beebe, IOL, Kansas State
- Cleveland Browns (No. 36): Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
The X-Factor: Trades and Surprises
Draft Day is always full of surprises, and trades are a common occurrence. Teams looking to move up or down the board can significantly alter the draft landscape. Be prepared for the unexpected!
Conclusion: Day 2 Diamonds in the Rough
Day 2 of the NFL Draft is where hidden gems are unearthed and teams can significantly improve their rosters. With talented prospects still available at every position, the excitement is far from over. Keep an eye on Shedeur Sanders's landing spot, the edge rushers looking to make an impact, and the potential steals at cornerback, offensive line, and wide receiver. Get ready for another exciting day of NFL Draft action!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: Why did Shedeur Sanders not get drafted in the first round?
- A: Several factors could have contributed, including concerns about his arm strength, the system he played in at Colorado, and the depth of this year's quarterback class.
- Q: What positions typically offer the best value on Day 2?
- A: Running back, wide receiver, and interior offensive line often provide excellent value in Rounds 2 and 3.
- Q: How important is it to draft for need vs. best player available on Day 2?
- A: It's a balancing act. Teams need to address their weaknesses, but they also can't afford to pass on a player with significantly more talent just to fill a specific need.
- Q: What impact do medical concerns have on a player's draft stock?
- A: Medical concerns can significantly impact a player's draft stock, as teams are hesitant to invest in players with potential long-term health issues. This is what potentially caused Will Johnson's slide.
- Q: How do trades impact the Day 2 draft order?
- A: Trades can drastically alter the draft order, allowing teams to move up to select specific players or acquire additional picks. This adds an element of unpredictability to Day 2.
