2-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: The battle to be QB1 continues, surprise defender goes first off the board, and Kadyn Proctor falls
Latest 2-round 2026 NFL mock draft features heavy quarterback debate, a surprise run at the top, and a massive Kadyn Proctor fall.
Don’t blink, but the 2025 NFL and college football seasons are both flying by quickly. Before you know it, it will be the offseason, and we will continue through the endless cycle of roster building and reconstruction. On the NFL side, we gain a deeper understanding about these rosters each and every week, the breakout players, replaceable talents, and biggest holes to fill. More and more fanbases are already talking about the future with their favorite teams out of the race for a Lombardi Trophy.
For the draftniks out there, we have already been discussing the 2026 NFL Draft class for months. It is a group with a lot of appeal, value to be found everywhere, but some clear parts that are lacking. In order to continue gaining an appreciation for the group, it is never too early for a 2-round 2026 NFL mock draft. Let’s treat these exercises exactly what they are supposed to be: Extremely fluid, fun, and meant to be informative.
In order to deliver those two-rounder, my colleague at A to Z Sports, Joe DeLeone, joined me for a collaborative effort. We each selected eight picks in a row and alternated. For the first round, we provided analysis for how the players fit, as well as the second round selections that featured a team that did not select in that opening round. No, we don’t hate your favorite team. Yes, we did our best to make each organization better.
Sit back, relax, and let’s have some fun.
First Round
1. New Orleans Saints: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
The Saints have several quarterback options to choose from at the top, and each are very different, which makes the debate fun. Moore, who was a former five-star recruit coming out of high school, is one of the more gifted throwers in the class. Everything Moore does is very smooth, making everything look very easy, even hard things. – Roberts
2. New York Jets: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
With Moore off of the board, the Jets opt for the former Cal signal caller. Mendoza possesses the prototype size at 6-5 and 225 pounds, while also boasting a strong arm. The Indiana star also has enough movement skills to make some plays in and outside of the pocket when need be. – Roberts
3. Tennessee Titans: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
Possessing a tremendous combination of explosiveness, bend, and length, the former Stanford pass rusher has been a revelation for Texas Tech so far. While his run defense is very average, there isn’t anyone better in this class getting after the quarterback. That ability will be quite valuable in the modern NFL. – Roberts
4. Cleveland Browns: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
The Cleveland quarterback position is a mess right now, so they will need to be calculated with the next move they make behind center. Simpson isn’t as flashy as a couple of the other quarterbacks in the 2026 class, but he brings a very appealing floor to the table. He has operated extremely well from the pocket so far this season. – Roberts
5. Miami Dolphins: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
While some might think this is too early for McCoy, those same people have probably forgotten just how good the Tennessee cover man really is. The 6-0, 196-pound cornerback hasn’t been available this season while dealing with a preseason knee injury, but when healthy, he’s tremendous. If you love physical press man corners, then McCoy is going to be for you. – Roberts
6. New York Giants: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
The Giants have a big need at right tackle, and Fano feels like a pretty easy fit into the starting lineup. With quarterback Jaxson Dart in place, this staff will need to do everything they can to keep him supported. Along with Andrew Thomas, Fano should help to create a pretty good bookend. – Roberts
7. Baltimore Ravens: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
Bain has played very good football for Miami this season, and his style feels like a great fit with the Ravens. His power profile is tremendous, as is his effort as a rusher. There are going to be some questions surrounding Bain’s ability to finish plays due to his lack of length, but he’s a player who will cause some chaos in the backfield regardless. – Roberts
8. Las Vegas Raiders: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
After the Christian Wilkins situation, defensive tackle has become a major need once again for the Raiders. While Clemson has struggled in 2025, Woods has continued to play quality football. He is a ball of chaos at around 6-2 and 315 pounds, possessing rare movement skills for his size. – Roberts
9. Arizona Cardinals: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
Reese has been one of the fastest-rising prospects in the 2026 class since his dominant debut in Week 1 against Texas. He’s a true chess-piece-type weapon, with the range to cover space and the burst to be disruptive as a blitzter. The Cardinals could use that kind of athleticism. – DeLeone
10. Cincinnati Bengals: Keldrick Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
It has been known that the Bengals need more pass-rush help to improve their defense. Faulk is a long, physical EDGE prospect who would pair nicely with Shemar Stewart. If the Bengals were to draft Faulk, they’d have a formidable duo for years to come. – DeLeone
11. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta): LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
The premise of drafting a quarterback for the Rams may be far-fetched, but if they’re picking in the top 15 thanks to the Falcons’ picks, they should strongly consider it. If a prospect as physically gifted as Sellers is available, they cannot hesitate. While Sellers has struggled a bit this year, he’d be able to sit briefly behind Stafford before taking over and then dominating in McVay’s offense. – DeLeone
12. Washington Commanders: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Downs has remained one of the highest-floor prospects in this class. While his role in the NFL will require creativity, Dan Quinn feels like the right coach to unlock it. Downs has the instincts and range to play in multiple roles on a defense that desperately needs youth. – DeLeone
13. Minnesota Vikings: Connor Lew, C, Auburn
It doesn’t seem there’s a long-term future with 32-year-old Ryan Kelly as the Vikings center. For that reason, they should consider drafting a youngster to take over. Lew is one of the few center prospects you’ll see every couple of years who is worthy of being drafted this early in the first round. His mobility makes him a high-impact starter from day one. – DeLeone
14. Houston Texans: Francis Mauigoa, IOL, Miami
Fixing Houston’s offensive line needs to be the top priority this offseason. Mauigoa has been an incredibly sturdy presence at Miami, with many starts on his resume. His build also allows him to play at guard or tackle, depending on where he is needed most. – DeLeone
15. Dallas Cowboys: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
The Cowboys have always had a superstar running back, and now they have a shot to get their next one. Love would flourish alongside Dak Prescott and behind that solid offensive line. He has the potential to be a 1,500-yard rusher in the NFL. – DeLeone
16. Carolina Panthers: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
Carolina has had a solid season thus far, improving gradually since last season. While they invested in their pass rush heavily in the last draft, adding another gifted rusher would take the unit over the top. Howell is a nuanced rusher with great burst and hand usage to become a disruptive defender for the Panthers. – DeLeone
17. Chicago: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
After being a good player at Virginia Tech previously, Delane has been stellar for LSU so far in 2025. Possessing requisite size and athleticism, the competitiveness that Delane plays with is something to behold. That attribute could allow him to play some both on the outside or at nickel. – Roberts
18. Kansas City: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Travis Kelce is playing good football right now, but he can retire at any time. Sadiq looks like the next great NFL tight end, possessing a sturdy frame, explosiveness, and body control to make plays in the air. He’s also a tremendous blocker, which has been his biggest improvement in 2025. – Roberts
19. Pittsburgh: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The talent for Tate has always been there, but he has really taken a huge step this season. Tate’s catch radius is outstanding, and he also has premier body control. You won’t find many wide receivers who are better along the sideline with the football in the air. – Roberts
20. Cleveland (via Jacksonville): Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
With their quarterback now in place, Cleveland will need to do their best to put support around them. If not for some medical question marks, Tyson could potentially go a bit higher. Tyson is a silky smooth outside receiver who has tremendous downfield acceleration and hip fluidity to become a multi-level threat. – Roberts
21. San Francisco: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Although Lomu has just played the left side for Utah, he has the movement skills, power profile, and length to project to either offensive tackle spot on the next level. All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams is nearing the end, and Colton McKivitz is very inconsistent at right tackle. Adding a talented younger player who could potentially play both positions could be massive. – Roberts
22. Los Angeles Chargers: TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson
It has been a season to forget for Parker, and you can say the same for a majority of Clemson players so far. While he hasn’t taken the step most hoped for, Parker is still a powerful rusher who has upside to tap into. Landing with a good defensive line coach who really hammers home technique will be important. – Roberts
23. Los Angeles Rams: Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
Starting right tackle Rob Havenstein is hanging on by his last leg, so this Rams team is going to need to figure out a potential future replacement soon. From a pure talent perspective, World brings a lot to the table. The former Nevada standout is long, athletic, and still has a lot of room for improvement. – Roberts
24. Detroit Lions: Aveion Terrell, CB, Clemson
Terrell is a unique cover man who can play both on the outside and inside at nickel for a defense. The younger brother of Atlanta Falcons standout AJ Terrell, he is a smaller cover man but has good movement skills and is tenacious. He would offer some nice versatility for the Lions and could strengthen the secondary at a couple of different spots. – Roberts
25. Buffalo Bills: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Buffalo was criticized for not drafting a receiver during the last draft, and they can’t miss out again. Lemon is an incredibly shifty, explosive, and high-IQ receiver that would work well in the current unit. His production this year at USC has been the result of him actualizing his talent of being an elite receiver. – DeLeone
26. Seattle Seahawks: Chase Bisontis, IOL, Texas A&M
After drafting Grey Zabel last year, the Seahawks have an opportunity to take their offensive line to a whole other level. Bisontis has many of the same qualities as Zabel: physicality, power, and underrated athleticism. – DeLeone
27. Denver Broncos: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
Klare feels like such a perfect fit for the Broncos, who could use a playmaker at tight end. Sean Payton has always valued the production of tight ends in his offense, and now he can get a go-to target for Box Nix. – DeLeone
28. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
Tampa Bay could use help with its pass rush, and Overton can provide it. Overton’s flexibility and explosiveness make him a highly coveted pass rush prospect for this upcoming class. – DeLeone
29. New England: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Drake Maye has already reached his potential as an MVP-caliber player, and the Patriots need to find more ways to support him. Adding additional juice at the receiver is a must in this draft, and Concepcion can be the man to provide it. Adding him to the mix will take the Patriots’ passing attack to a whole new level. – DeLeone
30. Philadelphia Eagles: AJ Harris, CB, Penn State
The Eagles are one of those rosters that’s incredibly well-rounded, but they visibly need help at cornerback. Harris is a taller corner prospect with the mobility to fit nicely into an already talented defensive backfield. – DeLeone
31. Dallas (via Green Bay): R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
After trading away Micah Parsons, Jerry Jones has to come away with a pass rusher early in this draft. While Thomas isn’t as dominant a prospect as Parsons, he’s still a very explosive pass rusher with tremendous burst. He could fit well among the current defensive line group and wreak havoc in the NFC East. – DeLeone
32. Indianapolis Colts: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
The Colts’ linebacker room could use an athletic freak like Styles. The range and burst that Styles plays with gives him the potential to become a consistent Pro Bowl-caliber player alongside an already solid unit. – DeLeone
Second Round
33. New York Jets: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville – Roberts
34. Tennessee Titans: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee – Roberts
35. New Orleans Saints: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama – Roberts
36. Miami Dolphins: John Mateer, QB, Oklahoma – Roberts
37. New York Giants: Chris Brazzell, WR, Tennessee – Roberts
38. Cleveland Browns: Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State – Roberts
39. Las Vegas Raiders: Brendan Sorsby, QB, Cincinnati – Roberts
40. Arizona Cardinals: Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon – Roberts
41. Baltimore Ravens: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida – DeLeone
42. Houston Texans: Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington – DeLeone
43. Cincinnati Bengals: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia – DeLeone
44. Minnesota Vikings: Justice Haynes, RB, Michigan – DeLeone
45. Houston Texans: Xavier Chaplin, OT, Auburn – DeLeone
46. Atlanta Falcons: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
The Falcons’ defense lacks the talent to stop the run consistently; they need a dynamic defensive tackle to add to the mix. McDonald has emerged as a key piece for the Ohio State defense this year and could become a reliable starter as he continues to progress. – DeLeone
47. Dallas Cowboys: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia – DeLeone
48. Carolina Panthers: Whitt Weeks, LB, LSU – DeLeone
49. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas – Roberts
50. Chicago Bears: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State – Roberts
51. Pittsburgh Steelers: Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M – Roberts
52. Los Angeles Chargers: Olaivavega Ioane, IOL, Penn State – Roberts
53. Kansas City Chiefs: A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon – Roberts
54. San Francisco 49ers: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson – Roberts
55. Detroit Lions: Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee – Roberts
56. Los Angeles Rams: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State – Roberts
57. Seattle Seahawks: Elijah Surratt, WR, Indiana – DeLeone
58. Buffalo Bills: Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois – DeLeone
59. Denver Broncos: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas – DeLeone
60. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt – DeLeone
61. Philadelphia Eagles: Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC – DeLeone
62. New England Patriots: Austin Barber, OT, Florida – DeLeone
63. Green Bay Packers: Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia
The Packers’ cornerback room is extremely weak since they parted ways with Jaire Alexander. While they don’t have a first-round pick, they need to address a corner early in this draft. Everette has great length and is disruptive at the catch point, providing a boost to their thin position group. – DeLeone
64. Indianapolis Colts: Kamari Ramsey, S, USC – DeLeone