Eight NFL Teams Initiate Draft Selections on Day 2

Why it matters locally: The Philadelphia Eagles selected University of Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean at 40th overall, bringing national attention to a prominent Iowa collegiate athlete.

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Eight NFL teams made their first selections of the 2024 NFL Draft on Day 2. These franchises, including the Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, and Arizona Cardinals, had no picks in the initial first round. Carolina made its first pick at 33rd overall. The Panthers selected wide receiver Xavier Legette from South Carolina. Legette recorded 71 receptions for 1,255 yards and seven touchdowns in his final collegiate season. Carolina addressed a key need for offensive playmakers. Cleveland's first pick came at 54th overall. The Browns drafted defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. from Ohio State. Hall finished his 2023 season with 24 total tackles, two sacks, and two pass deflections. Cleveland strengthened its interior defensive line. Arizona, after trading its 27th pick in a previous move, held two selections in the second round. The Cardinals drafted defensive end Darius Robinson from Missouri at 43rd overall. Robinson registered 8.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss in 2023. At 66th overall, Arizona selected cornerback Max Melton from Rutgers. Melton totaled three interceptions and 22 passes defended during his college career. The Cardinals added to their defensive front and secondary. The Houston Texans, without a first-round pick, made their initial selection at 42nd overall. Houston chose cornerback Kamari Lassiter from Georgia. Lassiter recorded 37 total tackles and eight pass breakups in his junior season. The Texans reinforced their defensive backfield. Denver also made its first pick at 76th overall. The Broncos selected outside linebacker Jonah Elliss from Utah. Elliss compiled 12 sacks and 16 tackles for loss in 2023. Denver aimed to boost its pass rush. The Indianapolis Colts started their draft at 46th overall. The Colts picked offensive tackle Blake Fisher from Notre Dame. Fisher started 26 games at right tackle for the Fighting Irish. Indianapolis sought to solidify its offensive line. The Los Angeles Rams made their first selection at 39th overall. Los Angeles drafted defensive end Jared Verse from Florida State. Verse recorded nine sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss in 2023. The Rams targeted defensive line depth. Philadelphia, following an earlier trade of its first-round pick, began its draft at 40th overall. The Eagles selected cornerback Cooper DeJean from Iowa. DeJean registered seven interceptions and 13 pass deflections in his collegiate career. Philadelphia added a versatile defensive back.