The second day of the 2024 NFL Draft saw teams jockeying for position to secure coveted prospects, with some emerging as clear winners while others left fans and analysts scratching their heads. The Pittsburgh Steelers stood out as one of the biggest winners, making savvy picks to address key needs, while the Arizona Cardinals made several head-scratching decisions that raised questions about their draft strategy.
Steelers Bolster Roster with Solid Selections
The Steelers entered Day 2 with a clear plan and executed it to perfection. They started by selecting West Virginia center Zach Frazier in the second round, a move that should provide immediate help to their offensive line. Frazier, a four-time high school wrestling champion, brings toughness and athleticism to the position.
Pittsburgh then added North Carolina State linebacker Payton Wilson and Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson in the third round. Payton Wilson is a tackling machine who should contribute right away, while Roman Wilson’s speed and route-running ability make him an intriguing prospect in the Steelers’ offense.
“The Steelers addressed their offensive line concerns by selecting Troy Fautanu in the first round and Zach Frazier and Roman Wilson in the second and third rounds, respectively. These additions will provide valuable support for their new quarterbacks,” noted one analyst.
Cardinals’ Confounding Choices Leave Fans Puzzled
While the Steelers earned praise for their Day 2 picks, the Cardinals left many scratching their heads. Arizona traded down in the second round, passing on several highly-rated prospects, before selecting Boise State tight end Tip Reiman with the 82nd overall pick.
The Cardinals then used their third-round pick on Missouri defensive lineman Darius Robinson, a player many considered a reach at that point in the draft. These decisions came after Arizona made a surprising move in the first round, selecting Penn State quarterback Michael Penix Jr. despite having recently signed veteran Kirk Cousins.
“The Cardinals’ draft strategy has been puzzling, to say the least,” said one NFL insider. “They’ve passed on several highly-rated prospects in favor of players who many consider reaches. It’s unclear what their long-term plan is.
Other Notable Day 2 Winners and Losers
The Washington Commanders also had an impressive Day 2, landing Illinois defensive tackle Johnny Newton, Michigan defensive back Mike Sainristil, and Kansas State tight end Ben Sinnott in the second round. These picks should provide immediate help to a defense that struggled last season.
On the other hand, the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys left some questions unanswered. The Jets, in win-now mode with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, waited until the third round to select Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley, a move that raised eyebrows. The Cowboys, meanwhile, failed to address their need at running back, instead focusing on defense with their Day 2 picks.
The University of Michigan also emerged as a big winner, with seven Wolverines being selected in the first three rounds, much to the delight of former coach Jim Harbaugh. As the dust settles on Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft, it’s clear that some teams have significantly improved their rosters, while others have left fans and analysts with more questions than answers. The Steelers and Commanders appear to be among the biggest winners, while the Cardinals and Jets have some explaining to do. With Day 3 on the horizon, there’s still plenty of opportunity for teams to find hidden gems and shore up their rosters for the upcoming season.