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It might be April Fool's Day, but we'd never trick you when it comes to a new mock draft. The 2026 NFL Draft is a week away, and we've added a second round to our most recent mock draft update.
There’s no surprise to this pick as the Raiders have done nothing to address the quarterback position in free agency. Mendoza checks all the boxes for intangibles and leadership but comes into the NFL without the type of production you expect from the top pick.
The Jets' secondary was among the worst in the NFL last year, so we seriously considered Ohio State safety Caleb Downs but instead we opted for Bailey, whose ability to explode off the edge should help make life easier on the New York defensive backs.
Bain is exactly what you want from an all-around edge defender but as a pass rusher, his short arms are unprecedented as far as pass rushers and sack totals. No pass rusher in NFL history has gotten double-digit sacks in a season with arms as short as Bain’s.
After back-to-back edge defenders, the Titans turn their attention to the offense and a weapon for quarterback Cam Ward. In a draft class with three big names at wide receiver, Tate not only represents the most complete package, but he also comes into the league with no real red flags and an elite pedigree as a former Buckeye receiver.
The Giants have needs on both sides of the football but we love the pieces they have put together at the skill positions so we give them an elite chess piece for the defense in Arvell Reese. Reese has the athletic potential to play any linebacker spot or line up with his hand in the ground and rush the passer.
It would have been easy to give the Browns ASU wide receiver Jordyn Tyson here for whoever they have throwing the football next season. And this could still be the case. But until we see Tyson work out, let’s leave Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu here as a replacement for Dawand Jones, who has gotten worse every season since his rookie year.
Our prediction for Jordyn Tyson is that he blows teams away at his private pro day and shows his hamstring injury is behind him. This is enough for him to return to his spot as a Top 10 pick, where the Commanders scoop him up to line up with Terry McClaurin.
There are plenty of pundits who consider Sonny Styles a better prospect than Arvell Reese after his remarkable combine performance. We don’t see Styles as versatile or explosive as Styles on film but in the right scheme, he’s going to be a player you have to scheme for.
After what felt like a lifetime, the Chiefs finally cut ties with offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor, which immediately makes their team better. Even with Josh Simmons on one side, the Chiefs need more help at offensive tackle and Francis Mauigoa is starter-ready from day one.
I’m sure the Bengals would love it if one of the Ohio State linebackers fell to their pick and they are a prime candidate to trade up for Styles if he slides a little. But with both off the board and no trades in this mock, the Bengals get who might be the most impactful defensive player in the entire draft in Caleb Downs.
Despite the Dolphins need at guard and Vega Ioane being available, we couldn’t pass up the uber-athletic Mansoor Delane who immediately becomes the best defensive back on the Dolphins roster. Delane’s elite pro day workout just cemented his status as the top cornerback in the class.
Dallas is another team with multiple needs but they have prided themselves on their offensive line so it makes sense to go for the offensive tackle with the most upside, knowing they might be able to get through 2026 without him being pressed into the starting lineup.
The Rams have one of the best all-around wide receivers in the league in Puka Nucua but aside from him there isn’t anything to write home about. We have some concerns about Makai Lemon’s attitude but there’s no better spot for him than LA with Nucua and quarterback Matthew Stafford to mentor him.
Count me among those who don’t see John Simpson as the answer at guard for Baltimore. He was awful last season and while I’m OK with him for depth, you don’t pass up a talent like Vega Ioane who can come in and make the whole offensive line better.
No NFL draft prospect did more for his draft stock at the combine than Dillon Thieneman. His film was already tremendous but his athletiicsm is off the charts and paired up with Antoine Winfield Jr. would give Tampa the best safety tandem in the NFC.
Coming back around to the Jets, they get their lockdown cornerback at No. 16. How bad was the Jets defense? Not a single player registered an interception, which has to change. Jermod McCoy missed all of the 2025 season but he’s back and healthy and is using that 2024 film where he had four interceptions to make his case to be the second cornerback off the board.
Fortunately for Detroit, they don’t have any glaring roster needs and the ones they do have don’t have a great option with this pick. With that, we go for defensive tackle Peter Woods, who can back up both inside defensive lineman spots and provide real punch up the middle.
When the time comes, we don’t expect Jeremiyah Love to last this long. He’s the only running back good enough to go in the first two rounds and some team is going to trade up to get him. It could be the Minnesota Vikings. If the round plays out like this, there’s no way the Vikings pass up on Love, who fills their biggest roster need on offense.
We love that the Panthers added wide receiver Tet McMillian last year to help out quarterback Bryce Young and so we keep that going this time around. Carolina has a load of tight ends but none of them scare opposing defenses in the passing game and Kenyon Sadiq is a walking mismatch inside and outside.
Dallas added Rashan Gary but he isn’t the type of player Keldric Faulk is. Dallas is still searching for a player to somewhat replace the production of Micah Parsons and while Faulk is not that caliber of player, he can provide a consistent pass rush.
It isn’t clear if starting left tackle Broderick Jones will be ready to start the season or if he will get a new contract so Pittsburgh covers all their bases with Spencer Fano, who can come in and start right away.
The Chargers secondary is solid but not spectacular at any cornerback spot and there is always room to upgrade. Terrell was the star of the Clemson secondary last season and fits perfectly in a modern NFL defense.
Lane Johnson cannot play forever, so in a little future planning, the Eagles go for Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor. Proctor didn’t have quite the season many expected but he’s a future starting right tackle with all that power but could be an All-Pro at guard if he has the opportunity to transition.
The Browns are back on the clock and this time they get their wide receiver. I’m not quite as high on Kevin Concepcion as some but there’s no doubt he has the potential to be highly productive and an explosive weapon for whoever is throwing him the football.
Kayden McDonald is one of the most underrated prospects in the draft for me and a guy who I think can really be an impact player in the right system. The Bears are solid but not spectacular on the interior defensive line and could seriously benefit from a player who can just eat up blockers the way McDonald can.
It seems that every offseason, the Bills search for receivers to help out quarterback Josh Allen. I almost passed on a receiver here after the Bills added DJ Moore but Omar Cooper Jr. is just too good to pass up. He’s a complete player who can run every route and is elite after the catch.
Similar to the Eagles' pick, the 49ers use their first-round pick to do a little future planning at offensive line. Trent Williams is 37 years old and Blake Miller is a great player to bring in for that eventual transition.
Allen’s draft stock took a bit of a hit after a still pro day workout, but when you put on the tape and see just how productive he can be despite not being the most fluid athlete.
We’ve been on record saying we would not take Mesidor in the first round due to his age and injury issues. However, we concede that some team is going to take a chance on his production and the Chiefs need another pass rusher.
Miami tried to use Jonah Savaiinaea at guard last season and he failed miserably. Because of this the Dolphins have to reach a bit to land the best guard on the board with Chase Bisontis.
Zion Young isn’t a household name yet but I’m willing to be Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel knows this dynamic young pass rusher and sees how he can add value to his aggressive front seven
I went back and forth between Brandon Cisse and Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood here. Cornerback is the move for the Seahawks and I finally gave Cisse the nod based on experience and temperament matching the Seahawks slightly better.
33 - New York Jets - WR Denzel Boston - Washington
34 - Arizona Cardinals - QB Ty Simpson - Alabama
35 - Tennessee Titans - EDGE T.J. Parker - Clemson
36 - Las Vegas Raiders - OT Max Iheanachor - Arizona State
37 - New York Giants - CB Colton Hood - Tennessee
38 - Houston Texans - DT Christen Miller - Georgia
39 - Cleveland Browns - S Emmauel McNeil-Warren - Toledo
40 - Kansas City Chiefs - CB D'Angelo Ponds - Indiana
41 - Cincinnati Bengals - LB Jacob Rodriquez - Texas Tech
42 - New Orleans Saints - EDGE Malachi Lawrence - UCF
43 - Miami Dolphins - WR Chris Bell - Louisville
44 - New York Jets - G Emmanuel Pregnon- Oregon
45 - Baltimore Ravens - CB Chris Johnson - San Diego State
46 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers - LB Anthony Hill Jr. - Texas
47 - Indianapolis Colts - EDGE Cashius Howell - Texas A&M
48 - Atlanta Falcons - CB Keith Abney II - Arizona State
49 - Minnesota Vikings - S A.J. Haulcy - LSU
50 - Detroit Lions - EDGE R. Mason Thomas - Oklahoma
51 - Carolina Panthers - DT Lee Hunter - Texas Tech
52 - Green Bay Packers - CB Treydan Stukes - Arizona
53 - Pittsburgh Steelers - WR Germie Bernard - Alabama
54 - Philadelphia Eagles - WR Chris Brazzell II - Tennessee
55 - Los Angeles Chargers - G Gennings Dunker - Iowa
56 - Jacksonville Jaguars - DT Caleb Banks - Florida
57 - Chicago Bears - S Genesis Smith- Arizona
58 - San Francisco 49ers - WR Antonio Williams - Clemson
59 - Houston Texans - C Sam Hecht - Kansas State
60 - Chicago Bears - C Parker Brailsford - Alabama
61 - Los Angeles Rams - LB Jake Golday - Cincinnati
62 - Denver Broncos - RB Mike Washington Jr. - Arkansas
63 - New England Patriots - WR Skyler Bell - UConn
64 - Seattle Seahawks - EDGE Gabe Lucas - Illinois
This article originally appeared on Draft Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Full 2-round mock draft update
Continue reading...
1 - Las Vegas Raiders - QB Fernando Mendoza - Indiana
There’s no surprise to this pick as the Raiders have done nothing to address the quarterback position in free agency. Mendoza checks all the boxes for intangibles and leadership but comes into the NFL without the type of production you expect from the top pick.
2 - New York Jets - EDGE David Bailey - Texas Tech
The Jets' secondary was among the worst in the NFL last year, so we seriously considered Ohio State safety Caleb Downs but instead we opted for Bailey, whose ability to explode off the edge should help make life easier on the New York defensive backs.
3 - Arizona Cardinals - EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. - Miami
Bain is exactly what you want from an all-around edge defender but as a pass rusher, his short arms are unprecedented as far as pass rushers and sack totals. No pass rusher in NFL history has gotten double-digit sacks in a season with arms as short as Bain’s.
4 - Tennessee Titans - WR Carnell Tate - Ohio State
After back-to-back edge defenders, the Titans turn their attention to the offense and a weapon for quarterback Cam Ward. In a draft class with three big names at wide receiver, Tate not only represents the most complete package, but he also comes into the league with no real red flags and an elite pedigree as a former Buckeye receiver.
5 - New York Giants - LB Arvell Reese - Ohio State
The Giants have needs on both sides of the football but we love the pieces they have put together at the skill positions so we give them an elite chess piece for the defense in Arvell Reese. Reese has the athletic potential to play any linebacker spot or line up with his hand in the ground and rush the passer.
6 - Cleveland Browns - OT Caleb Lomu - Utah
It would have been easy to give the Browns ASU wide receiver Jordyn Tyson here for whoever they have throwing the football next season. And this could still be the case. But until we see Tyson work out, let’s leave Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu here as a replacement for Dawand Jones, who has gotten worse every season since his rookie year.
7 - Washington Commanders - WR Jordyn Tyson - ASU
Our prediction for Jordyn Tyson is that he blows teams away at his private pro day and shows his hamstring injury is behind him. This is enough for him to return to his spot as a Top 10 pick, where the Commanders scoop him up to line up with Terry McClaurin.
8 - New Orleans Saints - LB Sonny Styles - Ohio State
There are plenty of pundits who consider Sonny Styles a better prospect than Arvell Reese after his remarkable combine performance. We don’t see Styles as versatile or explosive as Styles on film but in the right scheme, he’s going to be a player you have to scheme for.
9 - Kansas City Chiefs - OT Francis Mauigoa Miami
After what felt like a lifetime, the Chiefs finally cut ties with offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor, which immediately makes their team better. Even with Josh Simmons on one side, the Chiefs need more help at offensive tackle and Francis Mauigoa is starter-ready from day one.
10 - Cincinnati Bengals - S Caleb Downs - Ohio State
I’m sure the Bengals would love it if one of the Ohio State linebackers fell to their pick and they are a prime candidate to trade up for Styles if he slides a little. But with both off the board and no trades in this mock, the Bengals get who might be the most impactful defensive player in the entire draft in Caleb Downs.
11 - Miami Dolphins - CB Mansoor Delane - LSU
Despite the Dolphins need at guard and Vega Ioane being available, we couldn’t pass up the uber-athletic Mansoor Delane who immediately becomes the best defensive back on the Dolphins roster. Delane’s elite pro day workout just cemented his status as the top cornerback in the class.
12 - Dallas Cowboys - OT Monroe Freeling - Georgia
Dallas is another team with multiple needs but they have prided themselves on their offensive line so it makes sense to go for the offensive tackle with the most upside, knowing they might be able to get through 2026 without him being pressed into the starting lineup.
13 - Los Angeles Rams - WR Makai Lemon - USC
The Rams have one of the best all-around wide receivers in the league in Puka Nucua but aside from him there isn’t anything to write home about. We have some concerns about Makai Lemon’s attitude but there’s no better spot for him than LA with Nucua and quarterback Matthew Stafford to mentor him.
14 - Baltimore Ravens - G Vega Ioane - Penn State
Count me among those who don’t see John Simpson as the answer at guard for Baltimore. He was awful last season and while I’m OK with him for depth, you don’t pass up a talent like Vega Ioane who can come in and make the whole offensive line better.
15 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers - S Dillon Thieneman
No NFL draft prospect did more for his draft stock at the combine than Dillon Thieneman. His film was already tremendous but his athletiicsm is off the charts and paired up with Antoine Winfield Jr. would give Tampa the best safety tandem in the NFC.
16 - New York Jets - CB Jermod McCoy - Tennessee
Coming back around to the Jets, they get their lockdown cornerback at No. 16. How bad was the Jets defense? Not a single player registered an interception, which has to change. Jermod McCoy missed all of the 2025 season but he’s back and healthy and is using that 2024 film where he had four interceptions to make his case to be the second cornerback off the board.
17 - Detroit Lions - DT Peter Woods - Clemson
Fortunately for Detroit, they don’t have any glaring roster needs and the ones they do have don’t have a great option with this pick. With that, we go for defensive tackle Peter Woods, who can back up both inside defensive lineman spots and provide real punch up the middle.
18 - Minnesota Vikings - RB Jeremiyah Love - Notre Dame
When the time comes, we don’t expect Jeremiyah Love to last this long. He’s the only running back good enough to go in the first two rounds and some team is going to trade up to get him. It could be the Minnesota Vikings. If the round plays out like this, there’s no way the Vikings pass up on Love, who fills their biggest roster need on offense.
19 - Carolina Panthers - TE Kenyon Sadiq - Oregon
We love that the Panthers added wide receiver Tet McMillian last year to help out quarterback Bryce Young and so we keep that going this time around. Carolina has a load of tight ends but none of them scare opposing defenses in the passing game and Kenyon Sadiq is a walking mismatch inside and outside.
20 - Dallas Cowboys - EDGE Keldric Faulk - Auburn
Dallas added Rashan Gary but he isn’t the type of player Keldric Faulk is. Dallas is still searching for a player to somewhat replace the production of Micah Parsons and while Faulk is not that caliber of player, he can provide a consistent pass rush.
21 - Pittsburgh Steelers - OT Spencer Fano - Utah
It isn’t clear if starting left tackle Broderick Jones will be ready to start the season or if he will get a new contract so Pittsburgh covers all their bases with Spencer Fano, who can come in and start right away.
22 - Los Angeles Chargers - CB Avieon Terrell - Clemson
The Chargers secondary is solid but not spectacular at any cornerback spot and there is always room to upgrade. Terrell was the star of the Clemson secondary last season and fits perfectly in a modern NFL defense.
23 - Philadelphia Eagles - OL Kadyn Proctor - Alabama
Lane Johnson cannot play forever, so in a little future planning, the Eagles go for Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor. Proctor didn’t have quite the season many expected but he’s a future starting right tackle with all that power but could be an All-Pro at guard if he has the opportunity to transition.
24 - Cleveland Browns - WR Kevin Concepcion - Texas A&M
The Browns are back on the clock and this time they get their wide receiver. I’m not quite as high on Kevin Concepcion as some but there’s no doubt he has the potential to be highly productive and an explosive weapon for whoever is throwing him the football.
25 - Chicago Bears - DT Kayden McDonald - Ohio State
Kayden McDonald is one of the most underrated prospects in the draft for me and a guy who I think can really be an impact player in the right system. The Bears are solid but not spectacular on the interior defensive line and could seriously benefit from a player who can just eat up blockers the way McDonald can.
26 - Buffalo Bills - WR Omar Cooper Jr. - Indiana
It seems that every offseason, the Bills search for receivers to help out quarterback Josh Allen. I almost passed on a receiver here after the Bills added DJ Moore but Omar Cooper Jr. is just too good to pass up. He’s a complete player who can run every route and is elite after the catch.
27 - San Francisco 49ers - OT Blake Miller - Clemson
Similar to the Eagles' pick, the 49ers use their first-round pick to do a little future planning at offensive line. Trent Williams is 37 years old and Blake Miller is a great player to bring in for that eventual transition.
28 - Houston Texans - LB C.J. Allen - Georgia
Allen’s draft stock took a bit of a hit after a still pro day workout, but when you put on the tape and see just how productive he can be despite not being the most fluid athlete.
29 - Kansas City Chiefs - EDGE Akheem Mesidor - Miami
We’ve been on record saying we would not take Mesidor in the first round due to his age and injury issues. However, we concede that some team is going to take a chance on his production and the Chiefs need another pass rusher.
30 - Miami Dolphins - G Chase Bisontis - Texas A&M
Miami tried to use Jonah Savaiinaea at guard last season and he failed miserably. Because of this the Dolphins have to reach a bit to land the best guard on the board with Chase Bisontis.
31 - New England Patriots - EDGE Zion Young - Missouri
Zion Young isn’t a household name yet but I’m willing to be Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel knows this dynamic young pass rusher and sees how he can add value to his aggressive front seven
32 - Seattle Seahawks -CB Brandon Cisse - South Carolina
I went back and forth between Brandon Cisse and Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood here. Cornerback is the move for the Seahawks and I finally gave Cisse the nod based on experience and temperament matching the Seahawks slightly better.
Round Two
33 - New York Jets - WR Denzel Boston - Washington
34 - Arizona Cardinals - QB Ty Simpson - Alabama
35 - Tennessee Titans - EDGE T.J. Parker - Clemson
36 - Las Vegas Raiders - OT Max Iheanachor - Arizona State
37 - New York Giants - CB Colton Hood - Tennessee
38 - Houston Texans - DT Christen Miller - Georgia
39 - Cleveland Browns - S Emmauel McNeil-Warren - Toledo
40 - Kansas City Chiefs - CB D'Angelo Ponds - Indiana
41 - Cincinnati Bengals - LB Jacob Rodriquez - Texas Tech
42 - New Orleans Saints - EDGE Malachi Lawrence - UCF
43 - Miami Dolphins - WR Chris Bell - Louisville
44 - New York Jets - G Emmanuel Pregnon- Oregon
45 - Baltimore Ravens - CB Chris Johnson - San Diego State
46 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers - LB Anthony Hill Jr. - Texas
47 - Indianapolis Colts - EDGE Cashius Howell - Texas A&M
48 - Atlanta Falcons - CB Keith Abney II - Arizona State
49 - Minnesota Vikings - S A.J. Haulcy - LSU
50 - Detroit Lions - EDGE R. Mason Thomas - Oklahoma
51 - Carolina Panthers - DT Lee Hunter - Texas Tech
52 - Green Bay Packers - CB Treydan Stukes - Arizona
53 - Pittsburgh Steelers - WR Germie Bernard - Alabama
54 - Philadelphia Eagles - WR Chris Brazzell II - Tennessee
55 - Los Angeles Chargers - G Gennings Dunker - Iowa
56 - Jacksonville Jaguars - DT Caleb Banks - Florida
57 - Chicago Bears - S Genesis Smith- Arizona
58 - San Francisco 49ers - WR Antonio Williams - Clemson
59 - Houston Texans - C Sam Hecht - Kansas State
60 - Chicago Bears - C Parker Brailsford - Alabama
61 - Los Angeles Rams - LB Jake Golday - Cincinnati
62 - Denver Broncos - RB Mike Washington Jr. - Arkansas
63 - New England Patriots - WR Skyler Bell - UConn
64 - Seattle Seahawks - EDGE Gabe Lucas - Illinois
This article originally appeared on Draft Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Full 2-round mock draft update
Continue reading...
