Following last year’s dramatic slide of Shedeur Sanders from first-round prospect to late selection, Thursday’s NFL Draft opening night featured another quarterback surprise that has everyone talking.
Los Angeles made waves by choosing Alabama’s Ty Simpson with the 13th pick overall, selecting the compact and relatively unproven signal-caller to learn behind MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Simpson’s unexpected selection topped the list of surprises during Thursday’s first round in Pittsburgh, creating additional value for teams entering Friday’s second round, where San Francisco holds the opening selection.
Les Snead, the Rams’ general manager, exercised just his second first-round choice in ten years by taking Simpson, a player most analysts didn’t project as first-round material.
The Alabama quarterback started for just one campaign with the Crimson Tide, throwing for 3,567 yards and guiding the team to a Rose Bowl appearance after spending three years in a backup role.
Additional players chosen earlier than projected included Blake Miller, an offensive lineman from Clemson taken by Detroit at pick 17, Houston’s selection of Georgia Tech guard Keylan Rutledge at 26, and Kansas City’s choice of Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods at 29.
Tennessee has two cornerbacks positioned as top second-round candidates: Colton Hood, who also spent time at Auburn and Colorado, and Jermod McCoy, who sat out the 2025 season due to an ACL injury.
Additional prospects likely to be selected early in Friday’s second round include:
McNeil-Warren brings tremendous energy as a defensive back, standing nearly 6-foot-4 and weighing 201 pounds. This lengthy safety specializes in delivering punishing hits, showing equal aggression against ball carriers and receivers. During his four-year Toledo career, he stripped the ball eight times.
Hill combines exceptional speed with his 6-foot-3, 238-pound frame, running the 40-yard dash in the low 4.4-second range. His quickness helps him navigate around blockers, while his elite directional changes and closing speed make him dangerous. Over three seasons in Austin, he recorded 17 sacks and forced eight fumbles.
Last season’s SEC Defensive Player of the Year registered 11.5 sacks and 14 tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Despite being smaller than typical pass rushers, he consistently reaches quarterbacks and completes tackles. His explosive burst allows him to penetrate offensive lines and create backfield chaos.
Terrell offers athleticism at cornerback despite his 5-foot-11, 180-pound build, showcasing excellent quickness and field awareness. He tackles willingly and excels as a blitzer, with his NFL future likely at nickel back where he thrives in short zone coverage.
Boston possesses strength, speed, and outstanding hands for catching passes. At 6-foot-4 and 212 pounds, he creates a large target whether lined up wide or in the slot. His physical strength and long stride help him shield defenders at every level downfield. He found the end zone 20 times across his final two collegiate seasons.
McDonald was anticipated to join teammates Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles as first-round Buckeyes defenders. He excels at stopping the run and plugging gaps in the middle of defensive lines. His 6-foot-3, 326-pound frame provides ideal size and power for his position.
