I understand why you would consider your second rough because of HTML but I still think its a strong layout aside from that! I definitely agree that it'll be the cherry on top when you figure out some typefaces for it because I really did fall in love with the typography you chose for your first layout as well! Something that I think could help with the second design if you decide to go with that would maybe extend the black bar you have on the left side for the background and maybe change the colors of whatever letters are within that bar white (maybe D-E-G), so that could be a really popping element if you decide to not go too crazy with your typography. Hope that helps, can't wait to see your final website!
Kelsey Bautista