2-round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Jets, Dolphins, Browns, and Cardinals all make quarterback decisions, WR riser cracks the top 10
Quarterback chaos and a wide receiver run highlights the latest 2-round 2026 NFL mock draft.
Just like that, we are already nearly halfway through the 2025 NFL season. As is the case every year, some teams have impressed, others have regressed, surprises have happened, and breakout stars have captured our attention. Whether your favorite team has had a great year so far or not, we have begun to develop a much deeper understanding of the full landscape of the entire league.
With that context considered, and understanding roster strengths and needs, it’s never too early to look forward to the 2026 NFL Draft for a little two-round mock draft action. As things stand today, it feels likely that there is going to be quite the run on quarterbacks early on. With so many quarterback-needy teams projected to pick early, don’t be surprised if some chaos is on the horizon.
To help manage that chaos the best we can, eight members of the A to Z Sports staff, including myself, put our heads together for this particular mock draft. These alternating selections will be properly labeled with who made the pick, and the first round will be complete with analysis. It’s important to remember that we are still over five months away from the draft officially kicking off, so things are going to change.
That includes the overall draft order, with us working through what the order would be as of today. Contrary to popular belief, neither one of us hates your favorite football team, so save the frustration for someone who cares. Just sit back, relax, and open your minds to potential fits to consider when April rolls around.
Round One
1. New York Jets: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Right now, the hottest QB in the country resides in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. With the Jets in QB turmoil yet again, passing on a signal-caller feels irresponsible. The poise, precision, anticipation, and tangibles have all been off the charts for Simpson over the last month, making him worthy of first overall consideration. – Rob Gregson
2. Miami Dolphins: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
The Dolphins are trending like a team that is going to have some sweeping changes come through their organization. As such, the top priority will be resetting their books and financial timeline — which means they’ll need to have a quarterback in place for whenever they deem the best time is to move on from Tua Tagovailoa. Mendoza has accuracy, size, an even-keeled demeanor, and a good arm. Interestingly enough, he’s also from South Florida — so he’ll ‘get it’ stepping back into this community. – Kyle Crabbs
3. New Orleans Saints: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
With two quarterbacks already off the board, the Saints get their choice of the most dynamic overall prospects in the class. Bain is electric and would immediately step into an impactful role for a defense that needs a pass rush upgrade desperately. – Adam Holt
4. Tennessee Titans: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Kadyn Proctor was quite inconsistent prior to the 2025 season, but he’s finally converting his 6’7″, 360+ pound frame and athleticism into one of the most dominant forces on any offensive line in the country. On top of that, he’s taken three carries for three first downs this year, which is way too fun. Titans need just about everything, so getting their trenches right is a great place to start. – Travis May
5. Baltimore Ravens: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
The Ravens have some needs both at linebacker and in terms of edge pressure. While Reese won’t do the latter all the time, he has a ton of versatility that he brings to the table. He’s a big physical defender at around 6-4 and 245 pounds with All-Pro upside. – Ryan Roberts
6. Cleveland Browns: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
Cleveland’s win over Miami puts them in a tougher spot to land a true franchise quarterback, but not all is lost. The last quarterback who has a first-round grade on my board is Dante Moore, so he’s the pick. A good athlete with a strong arm and rapidly improving processing ability, Moore can be everything Kevin Stefanski needs to turn the ship around. – Ian Valentino
7. Las Vegas Raiders: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
When you look at the Raiders roster, they need an infusion of youth at multiple positions. Maximizing their best player in Maxx Crosby should be a priority, and having Woods on the interior wreaking havoc would take some of the pressure off him. – Tyler Forness
8. New York Giants: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Giants are calling around to trade for a WR ahead of this year’s NFL trade deadline. Part of this is, of course, because they lost star WR Malik Nabers to a season-ending injury. Personally, I think they need another WR long term either way, and I think Ohio State’s Carnell Tate would form a great trio with Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson going forward. – Destin Adams
9. Arizona Cardinals: LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
It feels like the Kyler Murray era in Arizona is coming to an end. Whether the current regime survives or not, the franchise and its quarterback seem to be headed for a split, barring a big second half of the season. The Cardinals bring in one of the most talented prospects in the draft and reset the franchise with Sellers here. – Gregson
10. Houston Texans: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
You’ve watched the Texans play football this year, right? If so, you’ve seen a revamped offensive line that is different but not necessarily any better than the one that limited the Texans last season. The opportunity to add Mauigoa gives Houston a lot of punch power at the point of attack and the opportunity to use Tytus Howard elsewhere to upgrade two spots at once. – Crabbs
11. Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Love this value. Downs is a game-changer and ultra-talented. Cincy needs more talent at every level of their defense, and grabbing Downs absolutely accomplishes that. Couldn’t pass up on the chance here. – Holt
12. Washington Commanders: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Keldric Faulk is a do-it-all defensive end with a 6’6″, 285-pound frame, elite length, strength, and hands. He’s not converting many of his pressures into sacks this season, but he’s still posting strong rate stats where it matters. The Commanders need better edge play, and Faulk is the total package. – May
13. Dallas Cowboys: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
With the downslide and durability issues with L’Jarius Sneed, and the trade of Jarvis Brownlee Jr. this season, cornerback has become a major need for the Titans’ defense. When healthy, McCoy is a press man cornerback who can run. The injury he is coming back from has made some forget just how good McCoy is. – Roberts
14. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
An elite run blocker who can step into the lineup on Day 1, Spencer Fano can be the heir to Rob Havenstein’s throne at right tackle. Fano’s massive build will earn him fans in Los Angeles, who prefer big-bodied athletes who move well. Fano is arguably the best overall blocker in the class. – Valentino
15. Minnesota Vikings: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
The Vikings have been living off of having veteran talent in multiple spots, and they need more explosiveness in the front seven. Styles is exactly what Brian Flores wants from an off-ball linebacker: size, athleticism, and versatility. – Forness
16. Carolina Panthers: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
There’s a world where the Panthers are aggressively pursuing a QB in this class. In this mock four are already off the board. So the value isn’t there at this pick so instead I find a great partner in crime for Tetairoa McMillan going forward in Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson. Whoever the QB is in 2026, whether it’s still Bryce Young or someone else, they’d have a great duo St WR to help raise both the floor and ceiling of Carolina’s offense. – Adams
17. Kansas City Chiefs: TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson
The Chiefs’ offense has come to life over the last few weeks, but they could use another pass rusher. A closer to come in and make sure the offense can run the ball and play complementary football. T.J. Parker is a similar build to George Karlaftis, and the two of them could wreak havoc for years to come in KC. – Gregson
18. Chicago Bears: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Ben Johnson got the meat and potatoes last offseason with his spending along the offensive line. This year? It’s time to really ramp up the run game talent and ensure that this team has a whole bunch of weaponry amid the middle of Caleb Williams’ rookie contract. This is where you want to make those cheap quarterback years count — so put the best skill group around him that you can. – Crabbs
19. Cleveland Browns (via JAC): Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
Protecting Moore has to be a top priority for this woeful Cleveland offense. They can add yet another Duck to the family here and benefit from the familiarity Isaiah World has with Moore. World has been solid in his first season with the Ducks, showing off the physical profile that can be developed into a solid starter for a long time in Cleveland. – Valentino
20. Los Angeles Chargers: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Delane’s stock has skyrocketed compared to before the season, and I’d be surprised if he makes it out of round one at this point. LA has had depth issues at CB this season, and the defense as a whole hasn’t been quite what fans hoped for ahead of the season. Delane plays with aggression and physicality that the Bolts staff will appreciate. – Valentino
21. Buffalo Bills: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
There isn’t a wide receiver in the 2026 class that has risen up the boards more than Bell. At over 6-1 and 227 pounds, he is a big wideout who is outstanding after the catch. Bell has some absurd explosiveness with the football in his hands, something the Bills need more of. – Roberts
22. Seattle Seahawks: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
The Seahawks have one star wide receiver in Jaxson Smith-Njigba, but they need a second piece to build around long-term. Through seven games he has 819 yards. The next most productive receiver? 293 yards. Makai Lemon is Mr. Reliable, catching everything that comes his way, creates easy separation, and he’s checking every meaningful metric this season. Lemon is leading all power conference wide receivers in yards. He’s accounting for more than a third of USC’s yards, posting over three yards per team pass attempt, and averaging over 3.6 yards per route run. Elite prospect. – May
23. Detroit Lions: Aveion Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Lions have not gotten what they have wanted from Terrion Arnold, and DJ Reed isn’t getting any younger. Continuing to fortify a group that is asked to play man coverage a lot should be the priority for a Lions team that has starters locked up at multiple other positions. – Forness
24. Los Angeles Rams: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
As long as Matthew Stafford is continuing to play at a high level, the Rams will have their eyes on competing to win a Super Bowl. So as long as he’s locked in to play in 2026, I think addressing the offensive line earth and often is their smartest path to success. – Adams
25. Pittsburgh Steelers: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The Steelers can go a lot of directions here, but it will be 20 years since the Steelers drafted a first-round WR come April. They change that trend with Denzel Boston and create a dynamic duo of size and speed in their WR corps. – Gregson
26. Denver Broncos: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
Denver’s defense continues to be one of the best in the league — they have an impressive group. The longevity of Dre Greenlaw is a question, however — and so is the other linebacker spot in general. CJ Allen projects as someone who should be able to thrive behind Denver’s stout line play and be a physical striker with range. – Crabbs
27. San Francisco 49ers: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
McDonald continues to rise, and the 49ers continue to build on their DL. With multiple young pieces in the fold already, they grab another massive, athletic mover upfront who can have an impact immediately. It would be great to see him with Robert Saleh. – Holt
28. Philadelphia Eagles: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Kenyon Sadiq is the only tight end in the 2026 NFL Draft class that looks like a game-breaking talent as both a raw athlete and receiving threat with wild ball skills. He’s already grabbed over 20 passes for 300+ yards and five touchdowns this season, and he’s caught multiple passes in six games in a row now. Sadiq would be a fine piece to continue building around Jalen Hurts long-term. – May
29. New England Patriots: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
Thomas won’t be for everyone, but he is arguably the best natural pass rusher in the 2026 class. He has a tremendous combination of explosiveness, bend, and nuance as a rusher. Getting after the quarterback is paramount in the NFL, and Thomas does it at an extremely high level. – Roberts
30. Dallas Cowboys (via GB): Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
One of the most effective pass-rushers in the country in 2024 has blossomed in a bigger role this fall. Cashius Howell is relentless and has the speed and lower-body twitch needed to be an excellent specialist. He may not hold up against the run as well as teams would like to invest more than a late-first, but Dallas desperately needs an impact pass-rushing option. – Valentino
31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: AJ Harris, CB, Penn State
Other than the injuries they have been dealing with at multiple positions, the Buccaneers need to upgrade at corner. Zyon McCullum is a good building block, as is slot cornerback Jacob Parrish, but Jamel Dean doesn’t have it anymore. Harris can step in and be a big impact on a defense that asks their corners to play a lot of man coverage. – Forness
32. Indianapolis Colts: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
The Colts are reportedly looking to make an addition ahead of the trade deadline to their defense. That trade could be for an edge rusher, and that could change their needs for this pick. But right now, if a player like David Bailey – who has proven he can win as a pass rusher at a high level – is available, they should pounce. I think Bailey has an argument to be the top pass rusher in college football right now, and if that player is available, I’d think the Colts would love the chance to pair Laiatu Latu with Bailey. – Adams
Round Two
33. New York Jets: Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State – Gregson
34. New Orleans Saints: Connor Lew, OC, Auburn – Holt
35. Tennessee Titans: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State – May
36. Miami Dolphins: Gennings Dunker, OT, Iowa – Crabbs
37. Baltimore Ravens: Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State – Roberts
38. Las Vegas Raiders: John Mateer, QB, Oklahoma – Valentino
39. New York Giants: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas – Forness
40. Arizona Cardinals: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama – Adams
41. Cleveland Browns: Kevin Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M – Valentino
42. Houston Texans: Harold Perkins, LB, LSU – Gregson
43. Houston Texans (via WAS): Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M – Holt
44. Cincinnati Bengals: Emmanuel Pregnon, OG, Oregon – May
45. Atlanta Falcons: Chris Brazzell, WR, Tennessee
Atlanta has plenty of size in their skill group with Drake London and Kyle Pitts, but Pitts is a free agent after the season. For young quarterback Michael Penix Jr., getting two dynamic size receivers on the outside creates a whole lot of math problems when trying to decide if teams want to protect against one on one matchups outside or, alternatively, stack the box to combat Bijan Robinson. – Crabbs
46. Minnesota Vikings: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida – Forness
47. Dallas Cowboys: Kamari Ramsey, S, USC – Roberts
48. Kansas City Chiefs: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt – Adams
49. Carolina Panthers: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama – Gregson
50. Chicago Bears: Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas – Crabbs
51. Los Angeles Chargers: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia – Holt
52. Jacksonville Jaguars: Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon – May
53. Seattle Seahawks: A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon – Roberts
54. Detroit Lions: Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern – Valentino
55. Buffalo Bills: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon – Forness
56. Los Angeles Rams: Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M – Adams
57. Pittsburgh Steelers: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee – Gregson
58. San Francisco 49ers: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana – Crabbs
59. Philadelphia Eagles: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri – Holt
60. Denver Broncos: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State – Travis May
61. New England Patriots: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo – Roberts
62. Green Bay Packers: Tacario Davis, CB, Washington
Injuries have limited Tacario Davis a bit this season, and his 2024 season was a letdown. Still, 6-foot-4 corners don’t grow on trees, and his tackling ability is great. The monstrously long defender has thus far matched his 2023 breakout season in terms of receiving production allowed, and he has the athleticism to be perfect in Green Bay’s hybrid defense. With the Packers lacking so much at the position, Davis can be the face of a revamped unit. – Valentino
63. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois – Forness
64. Indianapolis Colts: Rod Moore, S, Michigan – Adams