2026 NFL Draft Day 2: Bears and Buccaneers Score 'Elite' Grades for Steals
The Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers received 'Elite' grades from Pro Football Focus for their Day 2 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Bucs grabbed edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. while the Bears made their own steal in rounds 2-3.
Two NFL teams struck gold on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, earning top marks from analysts for finding exceptional value.
Pro Football Focus awarded 'Elite' grades to both the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers for their second and third round selections. The Buccaneers landed edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr., described as a 'disruptive' pass rusher who fell further than expected.
While quarterback Fernando Mendoza went first overall to the Las Vegas Raiders as predicted, the real drama happened in the middle rounds. Teams found players who were ranked much higher on draft boards but slipped due to various factors.
Day 2 of the draft covers rounds 2-3, where teams often find their best value. These picks frequently become Pro Bowl players at a fraction of the cost of first-round selections. The Bears and Bucs both capitalized on other teams' mistakes to grab impact players.
Day 2 of the NFL Draft often produces the best value picks that become star players. Teams that find steals in rounds 2-3 can build championship rosters without spending top draft capital or big free agent money.
Round 4-7 picks continue Saturday. Watch for more steals as teams fill remaining roster needs.
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