2-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Quarterbacks suffer unexpected fall, pass rushers rise, and the New York Giants makes history

Latest 2-round 2026 NFL mock draft includes quarterback falls, defensive risers, and some new milestones.

Adam Holt, Joe DeLeone, Ryan Roberts
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Nov 8, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

Don’t look now, but we are already halfway through the NFL and college football seasons. As we get further into November, conversations around the 2026 NFL Draft will increase with Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine invites continuing to go out, and NFL teams jockeying for positioning at the top of the class. Unfortunately for some fan bases, they are already getting familiar with the group as their favorite team trends more and more towards mediocrity. 

In hopes of getting to know this 2026 group as much as possible, we have put together a brand new 2-round 2026 NFL mock draft. I was joined by fellow A to Z Sports NFL Draft analysts Joe DeLeone and Adam Holt. Between the three of us, we did our best to highlight the best players in this year’s class with full analysis on each first-round selection, as well as the teams making their first pick overall. Exploring team fits, needs, and some early names to know is the entire point of mock drafts. 

To keep it as smooth as possible, Holt, DeLeone, and I alternated selections in increments of eight, which are clearly labeled. No, we don’t hate your favorite team. Blame their 2025 efforts if you don’t like the current draft order. Yes, we did our best to improve each franchise. Here is how we could envision the first 64 selections playing out; please try to have some fun with it. 

Round One

  1. Tennessee Titans: Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State

“I don’t see the Titans moving on from QB Cam Ward this quickly. Instead, they grab the prospect with the most intriguing upside in the entire class. Reese has jumped up the board at heat-seeking missile speed because of his explosiveness off the edge and stout run defense.” – Holt 

  1. New Orleans Saints: Reuben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami

“New Orleans’ pass rush remains the biggest downfall of the defense. They desperately need to get Chase Young some assistance off the edge, and Bain checks that box. His start to the season was phenomenal, and his versatility could be the perfect addition up front for the Saints.” – Holt 

  1. New York Giants: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

“A safety at three? Absolutely. Downs is a top-five prospect in this class, and the Giants’ secondary is an absolute mess right now. Downs immediately steps in to have an impactful role on the back end and can be a chess piece for whoever is calling the defense in New York going forward.” – Holt 

(Note: This would make Caleb Downs the highest drafted safety in NFL Draft history.)

  1. Cleveland Browns: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

“With how this board fell, it would be tough not to go quarterback here. Mendoza is a Heisman favorite, and Dillon Gabriel does not project as the future for Cleveland. The passing game this season has been lackluster, lacking downfield success. Mendoza can step in and show comfort at completing passes to the boundary and in the intermediate game.” – Holt 

  1. New York Jets: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

“For my money, Simpson may be the top QB prospect in this class right now. With the struggles of Justin Fields, it feels like the Jets will have a new starter next season, and the pressure will only increase on head coach Aaron Glenn – even if it shouldn’t after an aggressive selling trade deadline. Regardless, Simpson is a young QB who has a clear fastball, changeup, and curveball. He’s comfortable, consistent, and confident in his game.” – Holt 

  1. Las Vegas Raiders: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

“The Raiders were bold last offseason during the draft when they took Ashton Jeanty in the top 10. This year, they go and get him some notable help upfront. I think Mauigoa has elevated his game so far this season for the Canes and passed up some of his counterparts around the country.” – Holt 

  1. Miami Dolphins: Peter Woods, DL, Clemson

“This was going to be a defensive selection, no matter the prospect, for Miami. Woods was a projected top-10 pick ahead of the CFB season, and that has not changed much as of yet, even if the Tigers have disappointed from a win standpoint. Woods is extremely powerful and can have an immediate impact for the Dolphins as a rookie.” – Holt 

  1. Washington Commanders: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

“This choice was tough because Washington’s defense is such a far cry from what it was at times a season ago. Cornerback and pass rusher were both needs that jumped off the page, and Faulk is a phenomenal run defender who can become a legit pass rusher. His blend of power and speed at his stature is fun to watch.” – Holt 

  1. Cincinnati Bengals: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

“The Bengals’ defense could not be more desperate for an injection of talent into their pass rush. They’re 29th in the NFL in sacks, with no signs of improvement. Bailey is the ideal prospect to add to their pass-rush rotation, bringing explosiveness off the edge opposite Shemar Stewart.” – DeLeone 

  1. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

“Because the Falcons are a mess this season, the Rams get to reap the reward. Matthew Stafford is 37 years old and playing at an elite level. They’ll be in a rare position to draft his successor with a top-10 pick. Moore has shown tremendous accuracy and poise this season, with the upside to be a top quarterback in the NFL.” – DeLeone 

  1. Arizona Cardinals: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

“Arizona needs to find a second receiver to play opposite Marvin Harrison Jr. for its offense to improve. Tyson is a very smooth athlete with the well-roundedness to be a reliable target in the Cardinals’ offense.” – DeLeone 

  1. Dallas Cowboys: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

“Projecting Love to end up with the Cowboys isn’t exactly an original pick, but it just makes too much sense to ignore. Love is the home run threat that the Cowboys’ offense needs at running back to reach an elite level. He would be the perfect next star running back in Dallas.” – DeLeone 

  1. Baltimore Ravens: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

“Banks was injured most of this season, but his tools will still entice many NFL teams. He possesses the frame and mobility to be a dominant pass-rusher and a sturdy run defender. Imagine incorporating his traits into this defensive line to play alongside Nnamdi Madubuike.” – DeLeone 

  1. Minnesota Vikings: Mansoore Delane, CB, LSU

“Delane took a massive step forward in the LSU secondary, shining as a playmaking presence roaming on the backend. The Vikings have several roles in their defense that need addressing, and Delane has the versatility to play multiple positions.” – DeLeone 

  1. Houston Texans: Spencer Fano, DT, Utah

“The Texans have found their left tackle with Aireontae Ersery stepping in nicely as a rookie. They still need to round out their offensive line with more early investments in prospects like Fano. His movement skills and technique could provide an immediate impact for Houston.” – DeLeone 

  1. Carolina Panthers: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

“Carolina’s defense has been inconsistent this year and has left a lot to be desired. The history of its elite defenses began with dominant linebacker play, which can be found in this draft. Styles is a rangy athlete with rare tools to become an All-Pro caliber player.” – DeLeone 

  1. Kansas City Chiefs: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon 

“With the future for Travis Kelce in question, the Chiefs would be wise to begin exploring long-term options to replace a legend. Sadiq is a tremendous athlete, earning comps to former San Francisco 49ers star Vernon Davis from scouts this offseason. The Oregon standout is also a tremendous blocker, his biggest improvement as a player this season.” – Roberts 

  1. San Francisco 49ers: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State 

“Blessed with an outstanding catch radius, great ball skills, and smooth athleticism, Tate has taken his game to a whole other level this season. The 49ers have a couple of solid pieces in the wide receiver room, but they don’t have a true difference maker on the outside. That’s what Tate could become.” – Roberts 

  1. Cleveland Browns (via JAC): Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah 

“With the quarterback now in place, the Browns need to invest in the offensive line to protect him. The left tackle position is a mess right now, and they will need to find an answer. Lomu has been steadily improving throughout the season and has some of the highest upside in the entire class.” – Roberts 

  1. Pittsburgh Steelers: Makai Lemon, WR, USC 

“DK Metcalf is obviously a great piece, but the rest of the Steelers’ wide receiver room leaves a lot to be desired. Despite being a smaller wide receiver at around 5-11 and 195 pounds, Lemon plays with a lot more physicality than you would expect. His game, however, is built on his talents as a route runner and winning after the catch, something that Pittsburgh needs desperately.” – Roberts 

  1. Buffalo Bills: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville 

“Keon Coleman hasn’t developed into what the staff hoped for, and without him, this wide receiver room seriously lacks impact size. At over 6-1 and 227 pounds, Bell’s game is eerily similar to Philadelphia Eagles star AJ Brown. Having that type of physical presence after the catch would be a huge help for Josh Allen.” – Roberts 

  1. Chicago Bears: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee 

“Too often forgotten because of the preseason injury, McCoy is one of the best players in this class when healthy. He is a physical, press-man cornerback who can run, which is an easy sell. This could end up being one of the biggest steals in the draft if McCoy hits his upside.” – Roberts 

  1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia 

“The Buccaneers’ linebacker unit has been a huge issue in 2025 so far. There is a need for new blood in that room, and Allen brings a physical presence and is a great communicator. He plays like an old school linebacker, but brings modern range to his profile.” – Roberts 

  1. Detroit Lions: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee 

“While it’s been a bummer that McCoy has been out injured, Hood has used the increased spotlight as a breakout star. Despite being only a redshirt sophomore, Hood is an intelligent cornerback. He’s also smooth and is one of the more consistent tacklers you will find in the run and screen game.” – Roberts 

  1. Dallas Cowboys (via GB): T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

“Dallas traded away a cornerstone edge rusher in Micah Parsons, and replacing him here is not realistic. That being said, Parker provides upside and plays with a violence that translates immediately into the pros. He uses his hands effectively and has a knack for making a massive play in crunch time.” – Holt 

  1. Los Angeles Chargers: Olaivavega Ioane, IOL, Penn State

“Ioane is an interior blocker who can start day one in the NFL. The Bolts need that in front of Justin Herbert, who has once again taken a beating in the pocket due to injuries and a struggling interior OL.” – Holt 

  1. Los Angeles Rams: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

“The Rams have gotten surprisingly good play out of role players this season, like Emmanuel Forbes Jr., but a clear-cut CB1 is not on the current roster. Terrell has that sort of potential, and plenty of scouts see him as the top cornerback in this class.” – Holt  

  1. New England Patriots: Chris Brazzell, WR, Tennessee

“Drake Maye is playing at an MVP level. Now, add in a big-bodied, smooth mover at wide receiver for next season and beyond. Brazzell is precisely that. The Vols wideout would immediately give one of the top deep ball throwers in the league the perfect complement for that part of the passing game. He’s an elite separator at his size.” – Holt 

  1. Philadelphia Eagles: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M

“Howell continues to rise up mock drafts, for good reason. He is an awesome athlete off the edge, and Philly is seemingly always looking for another talent at getting to the QB. Howell’s effort is off the charts, and he will never give up on a play. With a young secondary with plenty of potential, he can wreak havoc for the Eagles.” – Holt 

  1. Denver Broncos: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

“Thieneman may be the most underrated defensive prospect in the class. He’s got elite speed and uses it to his advantage at every turn. The Ducks’ DB has a fantastic football IQ and processes what an offense is trying to do before some of its own players can. His aggressive nature can lead a defensive unit, and the idea of him alongside Patrick Surtain II is riveting.” – Holt 

  1. Seattle Seahawks: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas

“Seattle’s defense under Mike Macdonald plays with so much energy. Adding Hill’s athleticism in the middle would only elevate that concept. The Longhorns’ defender does not lack confidence and brings the boom as a tackler. I think his coverage abilities will only improve further with this sort of coaching staff with the Seahawks.” – Holt 

  1. New York Jets (via IND): A’Mauri Washington, IDL, Oregon

“It’s tough to move as well as Washington does at 330 pounds. New York just moved Quinnen Williams at the trade deadline, so the interior will be a concern going forward. Enter the Ducks lineman, and I believe he can hold a consistent role as a rookie. Washington needs more polish rushing the passer, but those reps will come. Aaron Glenn should have an interest in the Oregon product.” – Holt 

Round Two

  1. Tennessee Titans: Kevin “KC” Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M – DeLeone
  1. New York Giants: Chase Bisontis, IOL, Texas A&M – DeLeone 
  1. New Orleans Saints: Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma – DeLeone 
  1. New York Jets: A.J. Harris, CB, Penn State – DeLeone 
  1. Las Vegas Raiders: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia – DeLeone 
  1. Cleveland Browns: Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama – DeLeone 
  1. Houston Texans (via WSH): Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington – DeLeone 
  1. Miami Dolphins: Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M – DeLeone 
  1. Atlanta Falcons: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State 

“There hasn’t been a defensive tackle who has risen up boards this season as much as McDonald. At 6-3, 327 pounds, the junior is a massive interior presence who is a dominant force in the run game. He has been stellar for the Buckeyes so far in 2025.” – Roberts 

  1. Arizona Cardinals: LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina – Roberts 
  1. Cincinnati Bengals: Kamari Ramsey, S, USC – Roberts 
  1. New York Jets: Eric Singleton Jr., WR, Auburn – Roberts 
  1. Minnesota Vikings: Connor Lew, OC, Auburn – Roberts 
  1. Houston Texans: Isaiah World, OT, Oregon – Roberts 
  1. Baltimore Ravens: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma – Roberts 
  1. Carolina Panthers: Quincy Rhodes Jr., EDGE, Arkansas – Roberts 
  1. Kansas City Chiefs: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State – Holt 
  1. San Francisco 49ers: Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas – Holt 
  1. Pittsburgh Steelers: Gennings Dunker, OL, Iowa – Holt 
  1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas 

“Goosby has shown some incredible moments this season, and his ceiling is one of the more intriguing ones along the OL class for 2026. He’s a unique athlete at his size, and his flexibility allows him to overcome small mistakes early in reps. The Jaguars have to find better ways to protect Trevor Lawrence and create more consistent running lanes. If Goosby lives up to his potential, he can be a cornerstone OL piece for whoever picks him.” – Holt 

  1. Chicago Bears: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri – Holt 
  1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State – Holt 
  1. Detroit Lions: Emmanuel Pregnon, IOL, Oregon – Holt 
  1. Buffalo Bills: Xavier Scott, CB, Illinois – Holt 
  1. Green Bay Packers: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State – DeLeone 
  1. Los Angeles Chargers: Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee – DeLeone 
  1. Los Angeles Rams: Caleb Tiernan, OL, Northwestern – DeLeone 
  1. New England Patriots: Blake Miller, OL, Clemson – DeLeone 
  1. Philadelphia Eagles: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington – DeLeone 
  1. Denver Broncos: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State – DeLeone 
  1. Seattle Seahawks: Jaeden Roberts, IOL, Alabama – DeLeone 
  1. Indianapolis Colts: Whit Weeks, LB, LSU – DeLeone 

This Colts season has gone way better than anyone anticipated, and they’ve capitalized on their momentum by adding an elite corner in Sauce Gardner at the trade deadline. Even with a stellar defense, they still have a hole at linebacker. Weeks has displayed quality instincts and an underrated range for an inside linebacker. He could be a high-impact Day 1 starter in this defense.

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