The 2026 NFL Draft is upon us, and with it, the anticipation of uncovering hidden gems and potential busts. Day 2 of the draft is where the real team-specific boards shine, and this year was no exception. Let's dive into the steals and reaches, measured against PFF's Big Board, and explore the intriguing narratives that unfold.
Steals of the Day
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Safety (Toledo Rockets)
McNeil-Warren is a force to be reckoned with, a big, explosive safety with a knack for creating turnovers. His 2025 PFF grade of 91.9 is a testament to his impact, and at pick 58, he was a steal. With a box role in mind, his potential as an impact starter is undeniable. Personally, I think his ability to create turnovers and his physicality make him a valuable asset, and I'm intrigued to see how he develops in the NFL.
CJ Allen, Linebacker (Georgia Bulldogs)
Allen is a reliable middle linebacker with strong run-defense ability. Despite some length limitations, his physicality and coverage skills make him a starter in the making. At pick 53, he was a reach for some, but his potential as a reliable defender is hard to ignore. From my perspective, his ability to fill a gap in the middle of the defense is a steal, and I'm curious to see how he handles the challenges of the NFL.
Avieon Terrell, Cornerback (Clemson Tigers)
Terrell's lack of length may limit him to zone-heavy schemes, but his elite football IQ and playmaking instincts are undeniable. At pick 48, he was a steal, and his potential as a starting cornerback is exciting. What makes this particularly fascinating is his ability to adapt to different schemes, and I'm eager to see how he translates to the NFL.
Cashius Howell, Edge Defender (Texas A&M Aggies)
Howell's measurables may not be ideal, but his hand usage, burst, and pass-rush arsenal make him disruptive in one-on-one situations. At pick 41, he was a steal, and his potential as a situational edge defender is intriguing. In my opinion, his ability to create pressure in specific situations is a valuable asset, and I'm curious to see how he handles the challenges of the NFL.
Brandon Cisse, Cornerback (South Carolina Gamecocks)
Cisse's explosiveness and twitch give him the tools to develop into a starting NFL cornerback. At pick 52, he was a steal, and his potential as a physical cornerback is exciting. What many people don't realize is that his physicality and explosiveness can make up for any lack of length, and I'm eager to see how he develops in the NFL.
Reaches of the Day
Nate Boerkircher, Tight End (Texas A&M Aggies)
Boerkircher is an intriguing prospect, but at pick 56, he was a reach. His age and limited receiving impact project him as a TE3 or TE4 option. However, his tenacious run blocking and competitive toughness are valuable assets. Personally, I think his potential as a versatile blocker makes him a reach worth considering, and I'm curious to see how he develops in the NFL.
De'Zhaun Stribling, Wide Receiver (Mississippi Rebels)
Stribling is a strong, competitive receiver with natural hands and a physical playstyle. At pick 33, he was a reach, but his ability to block, after the catch, and at the catch point is impressive. What this really suggests is that his physicality and competitive nature make him a valuable asset, and I'm intrigued to see how he develops in the NFL.
Marlin Klein, Tight End (Michigan Wolverines)
Klein is a young prospect with a high-effort play style, but at pick 59, he was a reach. His potential as a difference-making in-line tight end is exciting, but his lack of experience and development may be a challenge. From my perspective, his effort and mentality make him a reach worth considering, and I'm curious to see how he develops in the NFL.
Bud Clark, Safety (TCU Horned Frogs)
Clark is a long, explosive playmaker with strong ball skills, but at pick 64, he was a reach. His lack of strength in run defense may be a challenge, but his potential as a starter is intriguing. Personally, I think his ability to create turnovers and his physicality make him a reach worth considering, and I'm eager to see how he develops in the NFL.
Logan Jones, Center (Iowa Hawkeyes)
Jones is a high-IQ, feisty center with strong athleticism for zone schemes. At pick 57, he was a reach, but his ability to move laterally and show good hand usage is impressive. What many people don't realize is that his arm length may be a challenge, but his technique and football IQ make him a reach worth considering, and I'm curious to see how he develops in the NFL.
Steals of Round 3
Emmanuel Pregnon, Guard (Oregon Ducks)
Pregnon took a major leap in 2025, earning an 86.7 PFF grade across a career-high 910 snaps. At pick 88, he was a steal, and his potential as a high-end guard is exciting. What makes this particularly fascinating is his ability to adapt to different schemes, and I'm eager to see how he develops in the NFL.
Chris Bell, Wide Receiver (Louisville Cardinals)
Bell offers an impressive blend of size and explosiveness as a WR2 in a vertical offense. At pick 94, he was a steal, and his potential as a difference-making wide receiver is intriguing. Personally, I think his ability to create separation and generate yards after the catch makes him a steal, and I'm curious to see how he develops in the NFL.
Gennings Dunker, Tackle (Iowa Hawkeyes)
Dunker has tackle experience but projects best to guard due to his build and skill set. At pick 96, he was a steal, and his potential as a devastating guard is exciting. What many people don't realize is that his power and technique can make up for any inconsistencies, and I'm eager to see how he develops in the NFL.
Caleb Tiernan, Tackle (Northwestern Wildcats)
Tiernan is a smart, balanced, and experienced tackle whose limitations stem from a naturally high pad level and shorter arm length. At pick 97, he was a steal, and his potential as a starting tackle is intriguing. In my opinion, his technique and football IQ make him a steal, and I'm curious to see how he develops in the NFL.
A.J. Haulcy, Safety (LSU Tigers)
Haulcy is a true deep safety with strong range, ball skills, and an aggressive playmaking mentality. At pick 78, he was a steal, and his potential as a starter is exciting. What this really suggests is that his ability to adapt to different schemes and his playmaking instincts make him a valuable asset, and I'm eager to see how he develops in the NFL.
Reaches of Round 3
Tyler Onyedim, Defensive Interior (Texas A&M Aggies)
Onyedim delivered steady production in 2025, earning a 71.9 PFF grade driven by his work against the run. At pick 66, he was a reach, but his potential as a rotational interior defender is intriguing. What many people don't realize is that his first-step quickness and active hands can make up for any pass-rush limitations, and I'm curious to see how he develops in the NFL.
Jalen Huskey, Safety (Maryland Terrapins)
Huskey delivered a highly productive 2025 season, earning an 83.6 PFF grade across 678 snaps. At pick 100, he was a reach, but his potential as a movable defensive back is exciting. Personally, I think his versatility and ball production make him a reach worth considering, and I'm eager to see how he develops in the NFL.
Oscar Delp, Tight End (Georgia Bulldogs)
Delp is an intriguing athlete with a high-effort play style, but at pick 73, he was a reach. His limited receiving impact projects him as a TE3 or TE4 option, but his potential as a versatile blocker is exciting. From my perspective, his effort and athleticism make him a reach worth considering, and I'm curious to see how he develops in the NFL.
Zavion Thomas, Wide Receiver (LSU Tigers)
Thomas plays with energy and determination, giving him a strong chance to stick on an NFL roster. At pick 89, he was a reach, and his potential as a special-teams returner is intriguing. What makes this particularly fascinating is his ability to create opportunities on special teams, and I'm eager to see how he develops in the NFL.
Kaelon Black, Running Back (Indiana Hoosiers)
Black brings strong legs, good burst, and the kind of effort coaches appreciate in a hard-nosed running style. At pick 90, he was a reach, but his potential as a hard-nosed runner is exciting. Personally, I think his effort and athleticism make him a reach worth considering, and I'm curious to see how he develops in the NFL.
In conclusion, the 2026 NFL Draft is full of intriguing narratives and potential steals and reaches. From big, explosive safeties to versatile tight ends, the draft is a treasure trove of talent. As we continue to analyze and interpret the draft, one thing is clear: the future of the NFL is full of exciting possibilities.
