2026 NFL Draft: Best players available after wild Round 1

The 2026 NFL Draft provided plenty twists and turns at Pittsburgh. Ty Simpson landing No. 13 overall to the Los Angeles Rams stunned many. Even more stunning is the long list of players still available…first round talents like Denzel Boston, Colton Hood, and five others.

Those aspiring pro talents now must wait until Friday to hear their name called. General managers, head coaches and scouting departments now can nab players who once garnered first round attention.

Teams seeking cornerback help are going to love the plethora of talents still available. But we’re beginning first with the talent compared to Rams star Puka Nacua in leading the best players available after round one.

Denzel Boston, Washington

Wide receiver is annually a hot position to tackle. Even if it means landing a second or third option to a deep WR room.

Makai Lemon of USC falling past the first 15 picks was a shock. But Denzel Boston’s first round snub becomes more stunning.

Boston drew comparisons to the all-pro Nacua during his pre-draft process. The Washington Huskies star brought a similar run-after-catch grit that makes the Rams WR revered. Boston drew additional rave reviews for his 6-foot-3, 215-pound frame and strong catch radius. But four WRs landed on a team before him.

The Buffalo Bills come off as a prime fit for Boston. Perhaps they take him at 35th overall after trading down. Or another WR needy team that moved downward can grab Boston early: The San Francisco 49ers, who pick at 33rd Friday.

Jermod McCoy and Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

The Volunteers immediately rise as the potential day two winner of the draft. Because their best CB options remain on the draft board.

McCoy drew concerns over his past torn ACL. Yet still possesses immense talent proven by the 13 passes he swatted in 2024.

The New York Jets floated as an idea for Hood at No. 16 before the draft. But now either he or McCoy will become the first Tennessee Volunteer off the board Friday.

Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

The younger brother of Atlanta Falcons star AJ left many believing he’d sneak inside the first round. Especially for teams seeking to nab a press man CB.

Two CBs went before Terrell, however.

Terrell did re-injure his hamstring during a late March private workout. Still, a CB needy team will swoop him up.

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, DB, Toledo

McNeil-Warren looked ready to cash in on the growing Rockets NFL pipeline post Quinyon Mitchell.

He skyrocketed as the next high draft pick to come out of Toledo. Even the Arizona Cardinals surfaced as a strong trade up possibility for McNeil-Warren at No. 20.

But the big 6-foot-4 safety never received a phone call from a league representative. He’s likely the first safety taken on Friday.

Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

McDonald ranked No. 1 by ESPN among the interior defensive lineman class. The Buckeyes trench star even earned the label of lead dog in a thin defensive tackle class.

Caleb Banks and Peter Woods, however, went way ahead of him at No. 18 and 29th, respectively.

Someone will grab the Big Ten Conference’s Defensive Lineman of the Year. He can become the fifth OSU standout taken in the draft, after four of his teammates went in the round of 32.

Zion Young, Edge, Missouri

Edge rushers set the tone for defenses. Plus are widely popular during draft weekend just like receivers.

Young entered carrying top 10 talent out of Missouri. He built a resume featuring All-Southeastern Conference honors in attacking quarterbacks and delivered a career-best 2025.

But the 6-foot-6 defender never received a call. Defenses needing pass rush help will love the fact he’s still on the board.

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