On Friday night, April 24, 2026, the 2026 NFL Draft entered its second day with the San Francisco 49ers holding the first pick of Round 2 at No. 33 overall. The draft, held in Pittsburgh, continued after a busy first round that saw eight trades executed. As teams shifted focus to Day 2, analyst Mike Renner began grading each selection in real time for CBS Sports, offering immediate feedback on how franchises addressed their needs.
The 49ers used their pick to select De’Zhaun Stribling, a wide receiver from Ole Miss. Renner assigned the choice a C+ grade, noting that even as Stribling is regarded as one of the better blockers in the receiver class and will contribute in the running game, he does not match the route-running precision of the player he is expected to replace, Jauan Jennings. Stribling is projected to add a stronger vertical threat to San Francisco’s offense.
Shortly after the 49ers’ selection, the Dallas Cowboys made a move to acquire linebacker Dee Winters from San Francisco. In exchange for Winters, who started all 17 games for the 49ers in the 2025 season, Dallas sent a 2026 fifth-round pick (No. 152 overall) to the 49ers. Winters had become expendable after San Francisco re-signed Dre Greenlaw in free agency earlier that spring. Renner noted that Winters is likely to be a solid contributor for Dallas and a good fit under latest defensive coordinator Christian Parker.
By the midpoint of Round 2, Renner observed that several players with first-round grades on his personal big board had slipped into the second round, creating value for teams picking later in the order. This trend contributed to the perception that Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft would contain significant impact talent, particularly as eight teams that did not pick in Round 1—including the 49ers—were now active in the selection process.
The second round also featured the debut of additional franchises into the draft, as teams that had sat out the first round began to make their presence felt. With trades anticipated to continue and possibly increase in frequency, Renner emphasized that the middle rounds often serve as the true measuring point of a draft class, where depth and roster construction are tested.
Throughout the evening, Renner maintained a live tracker and report card system, updating grades for each pick as they were made. His evaluations were designed to reflect not only immediate team needs but also long-term fit and potential. Fans and analysts were encouraged to refresh the page regularly for the latest updates, with access to a full draft tracker and live blog available through CBS Sports’ platform.
As Round 2 progressed, the focus remained on how teams balanced immediate help with developmental upside. The selections made during this phase were seen as critical for addressing roster gaps while building for future seasons, especially for clubs looking to add starters or special teams contributors without expending high-value draft capital.
By the conclusion of Round 2, the 2026 NFL Draft had seen a total of 64 selections completed. The event continued into Saturday with Rounds 3 through 7, where teams would look to finalize their rosters and address remaining needs. Renner’s grading system remained active throughout the weekend, providing ongoing analysis as each pick was announced.
For ongoing coverage of the 2026 NFL Draft, including real-time grades, trade updates, and expert analysis, readers can follow the live updates page on CBS Sports. The platform offers a comprehensive tracker that logs every selection and transaction as they occur.
Stay informed about the latest developments in the 2026 NFL Draft by visiting the official draft tracker. Share your thoughts on the selections and join the conversation as the draft unfolds over the weekend.