Bevy of defensive playmakers are available in Round 2 of the NFL draft after historic offensive run

The unprecedented run on quarterbacks, wide receivers and pass protectors in the NFL draft ‘s opening round pushed plenty of studly defenders down the board and allowed some of the top teams to select players who normally wouldn’t fall to them.

It also shoved plenty of first-round worthy defenders into the second round Friday, led by Cooper DeJean, the Iowa cornerback who broke his lower leg in November but has been cleared to return to football activities.

DeJean is one of the best ballhawks in this class and also one of the best punt returners available, having averaged 13.1 yards per return over the last two seasons.

Other defenders who will almost certainly hear their names called early Friday night when teams have had a chance to gather their thoughts and dive into the second round include Texas A&M inside linebacker Edgerrin Cooper and Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry.

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