2-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: The quarterback well dries up fast and impact defenders go early

The Rams, Bengals, Cowboys, Commanders, Dolphins, and Saints all land difference makers on defense early.

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We’re entering Week 16 of the 2025 NFL regular season, which means the race for leverage in the playoff fields is intensifying. So, too, is the other side of the coin — as teams jostle up and down the order in the 2026 NFL Draft with each win and loss. The losses sting a little less for teams this time of year, while the wins could be viewed as bittersweet. What does the landscape currently look like? We’ve assembled a two-round 2026 NFL mock draft to find out.

For the flow of the mock, A to Z Sports’ Destin Adams & I alternated picks in blocks of four throughout the mock draft, giving us each a chance to serve as general managers in small blocks throughout the first 64 scheduled picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. Enjoy!

Round One

  1. New York Giants: Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State

“New York’s current franchise outlook should be centered around finding elite prospects and players to build around. Given the early flashes of Jaxson Dart, one would expect the Giants to sell this pick hard, if they can. But sticking here at No. 1? Reese has the makings of a defensive weapon that any defensive coordinator worth his weight would unleash weekly.” – Crabbs

  1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

“There’s no need to make this harder than it needs to be. The Raiders feel aimless as an organization. They need to tie themselves to something to build around for the future. Congratulations, Mr. Heisman. You’re the guy who gets to be the Raiders’ centerpiece.” – Crabbs

Aug 30, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (0) celebrates his touchdown in the first quarter between Arizona State Sun Devils and Northern Arizona Lumberjacks at Mountain America Stadium.© Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
  1. Tennessee Titans: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

“Tennessee’s in an awkward spot here for the value of this draft. If the right quarterbacks declare, this could be another sell opportunity. As is, the priority should be finding the right pieces to surround young QB Cam Ward with. I like what someone as silky smooth as Jordyn Tyson could do.” – Crabbs

  1. Cleveland Browns: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

“The Browns could maybe have something with Shedeur Sanders. Would it stop me from taking one of the two top quarterbacks in this year’s class if I were the Browns? No. No it would not.” – Crabbs

  1. New York JetsRueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami

“The concern is that Rueben Bain, Jr.’s arm length could lead some teams to move him inside, which could lower his value come draft time. Short arms or not, he has shown at Miami how dominant a player he can be on the line, and I think the Jets just need as much talent as they can get as they head into this rebuild. In New York, Bain can line up off the edge or in the interior and be a dominant force for the Jets’ defense.” – Adams

  1. Arizona Cardinals: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

“The Cardinals should seriously consider QBs in the first round, but with the top two in the class already off the board here, they have to go a different route. Utah’s Spencer Fano is projected as a day-one starter with Pro Bowl potential. This would give the Carrdinals a nice young duo at tackle with Fano and Paris Johnson Jr.” – Adams

  1. New Orleans Saints: Peter Woods, DL, Clemson

“The Saints’ offense is starting to build success with Tyler Shough in the lineup. Adding another pass catcher to the mix should be in consideration, but I also think landing blue-chip talent should be their top priority. Clemson’s Peter Woods is going to be a blue-chip prospect for multiple teams and can be a true difference-maker as a rookie for the Saints’ defense.” – Adams

  1. Washington Commanders: Caleb Downs, SAF, Ohio State

“Commanders fans have been taken on a roller coaster ride over the last three seasons. In 2023, they finished with the second pick, and in 2024, they advanced all the way to the NFC Championship, only to see injuries and defensive struggles knock them back into the top 10 in 2025. Their defense needs a makeover, and Ohio State safety Caleb Downs may not play a premium position, but he is a premium talent.” – Adams

Tennessee Vols
Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
  1. Cincinnati Bengals: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

“Cincinnati’s defense is, well, porous. This team is getting a firm kick in the pants from their quarterback to get things together and start leveling up the talent around him. Accordingly, the juice may be worth the squeeze for Cincinnati to target McCoy, who is more talented than this spot in the draft but did not play at all in 2025 while recovering from injury.” – Crabbs

  1. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

“The Rams’ position here can be maximized by drafting an elite player. Don’t worry about positional value — this is house money and getting a difference maker should be the priority. Styles is the best pure off-ball linebacker in the class. Putting him in the heart of the Rams’ explosive front seven? Sheesh.” – Crabbs

  1. Miami Dolphins: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

“Who is running this football operation? We don’t know. Who is the coach? We’re not sure. One thing that is for certain is Miami’s secondary doesn’t have a lot of long-term answers under contract for 2026. Delane is a ball hawk with great instincts and good physicality — Miami will need good play in the secondary to combat Josh Allen and Drake Maye annually.” – Crabbs

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

“The Chiefs get a Travis Kelce replacement with this year’s most unique and well-rounded tight end prospect, which they otherwise would not sniff if not for a down year. Talk about a silver lining for the black cloud that is 2025.” – Crabbs

Nov 22, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love (4) runs the ball against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium.© Michael Caterina-Imagn Images
  1. Minnesota Vikings: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

“Whether you call him “nine” or J.J. McCarthy, it’s clear he has struggled more this season than the Vikings expected. Is there a world where they already moved on this offseason? Sure. Personally, I think NFL teams need to be more patient with young QBs, so I would have them support him by elevating their run game tremendously by selecting Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love.” – Adams

  1. Dallas Cowboys: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

“The Cowboys need to find a consistent pass rusher to make that unit respectable in the future. The Cowboys’ offense was great this year, but their defense was so bad that it didn’t matter in many games. Texas Tech’s David Bailey can start right away and add some needed juice to that room.” – Adams

  1. Baltimore Ravens: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

“The Ravens’ season never really got on track due to early injuries, and they’ve never found a rhythm. They will need to improve at multiple spots in 2026, one of which is wide receiver. Ohio State’s Carnell Tate and Zay Flowers would drive opposing defenses up the wall as both can take the top off the defense in the blink of an eye.” – Adams

  1. Carolina Panthers: Vega Ioane, IOL, Penn State

“This may seem early for a guard, but I think the Panthers would be a better team if they made this pick. Penn State’s Vega Ioane looks like a plug-and-play starter and has looked downright dominant at multiple points, even with his team struggling.” – Adams

  1. Detroit Lions: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

“Detroit needs more pass rush options opposite Aidan Hutchinson. In Faulk, they get a young player who has all the physical traits that feel like “a Detroit Lion” with plenty of room to grow. He’ll get plenty of single assignments opposite Hutch.” – Crabbs

Nov 22, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) runs with the ball during the first half against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium.
Nov 22, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) runs with the ball during the first half against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
  1. New York Jets (via Indianapolis Colts): Makai Lemon, WR, USC

“The Jets needs are plentiful. At this juncture of the first round, a player like Lemon to pair with Garrett Wilson actually gives the Jets a strong offensive nucleus of pass catchers and offensive linemen, though. He’s a crisp, tough route runner and the Jets would create plenty of pressure with a duo of route runners like these.” – Crabbs

  1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M

“The Bucs need more juice on the edge. Their pass rush has been an issue this season and getting someone like Howell, with an explosive first step and bend off the edge, gives them perimeter presence to pair with all those heavy-handed, athletic interior players.” – Crabbs

  1. Pittsburgh Steelers: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

“The Steelers’ secondary has undergone quite the journey in 2025. Jalen Ramsey is now a safety. Darius Slay is off the roster. James Pierre has been good — what’s the end game there? Asante Samuel Jr. is starting games and he just signed last month. Terrell is quick-footed and sticky in coverage to play behind a mature pass rush.” – Crabbs

  1. Philadelphia Eagles: TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson 

“The Eagles found a solid, instant fix to their pass-rush issue by trading for Jaelan Phillips. He is set to be a free agent this offseason, though, so drafting a more long-term option would make sense. Clemson’s T.J. Parker was once considered a top 10 pick, but he and the team’s struggles in 2025 have caused his stock to tumble. The Eagles love to take advantage of three situations and have had a lot of success doing so.” – Adams

  1. Houston Texans: Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami (FL)

“The Texans have seen their offensive line exceed expectations. They still need to upgrade, though, for the long term. Miami’s Francis Mauigoa is in consideration to be the top OT drafted, so if he falls into the Texans’ lap, I’m sure they’d run the selection card up as fast as possible.” – Adams

  1. Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay Packers): CJ Allen, LB, Georgia 

“The Cowboys double up on defense by selecting Georgia’s CJ Allen to pair with their selection of edge rusher David Bailey. Allen can be the long-term solution at LB that they tried to fix with a short-term trade for Logan Wilson at the deadline.” – Adams

Oct 25, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver KC Concepcion (7) celebrates after a first down during the first half against the Louisiana State Tigers at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Oct 25, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver KC Concepcion (7) celebrates after a first down during the first half against the Louisiana State Tigers at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
  1. Buffalo Bills: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

“The Bills owe it to Josh Allen to improve his weapons in the pass game. They’ve taken a few shots over the last couple of years, but have had too many misses. Texas A&M’s KC Conception’s proven ability as a route runner should help him make an immediate impact at the NFL level. His ability to generate separation, paired with a QB like Allen, could be a match made in heaven.” – Adams

  1. Chicago Bears: Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon

“The Bears are a team that should be thinking more and more about their ability to close games as they get better in Ben Johnson’s system. They can run the ball. On defense? Hunt the opposing quarterback relentlessly. Uiagalelei offers more pass rush to a team that seems like they’re going to need plenty of it in the years to come.” – Crabbs

  1. Los Angeles Chargers: Caleb Banks, IDL, Florida

“The Chargers’ defensive front needs some more teeth. We knew it before the season and it’s true now, too. Banks has ample potential and could be a major steal thanks to missing most of this season due to injury.” – Crabbs

  1. San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

“Don’t shoot the messenger, but it’s time to start thinking about life after Trent Williams. For the 49ers, this is golden opportunity to get ahead of a need by securing Lomu and allowing him to be groomed into the left tackle of the future.” – Crabbs

  1. Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville Jaguars): Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama

“The Browns’ offensive strength was once the offensive line. But the interior group has aged and the left tackle spot is a question long-term. Proctor could eventually be an answer in either spot but his availability here helps give the Browns the pieces they need to protect their new quarterback and stay physical up front.” – Crabbs

  1. New England Patriots: Dillon Thieneman, SAF, Oregon

“WR should also be considered for the Patriots. However, I don’t think Mike Vrabel would be able to resist adding a player like Dillon Thieneman to his defense. Thieneman’s IQ is off the charts, and he’s able to handle so many different roles on his plate. I think Vrabel would help maximize his talent and elevate the Patriots’ defense.” – Adams

Sep 27, 2025; College Station, Texas, USA; Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Connor Lew (75) sets the ball against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn ImagesMaria Lysaker-Imagn Images
  1. Seattle Seahawks: Connor Lew, IOL, Auburn

“The Seahawks hit on adding Grey Zabel in the first round of last year’s draft class. They have a chance to add to their offensive line again and really start to finalize what the future of that group will look like. If it weren’t for an injury, Connor Lew would be considered a lock to go top 20, and I think he’s talented enough to still go round one if a team has a clear need at center.” – Adams

  1. Los Angeles Rams: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina

“Some may be shocked to see Brandon Cisse selected in the first round, as most mock drafts have him going in the second round. Teams are higher on Cisse than many realize, though, and after his testing, he will jump in the first round of the majority of mocks anyway. So let’s just skip that middle ground and have him join a Rams secondary that needs difference makers.” – Adams

  1. Denver Broncos: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas

“The Broncos’ defense is already one of the best in the league, so adding to it here may seem redundant. They have a need at LB, though, and I think Anthony Hill Jr. is a dynamic talent who could make an immediate impact on an already Super Bowl-caliber defense.” – Adams

Round Two

  1. Las Vegas Raiders: Gennings Dunker, OT, Iowa – Adams
  2. Tennessee Titans: Romello Height: EDGE, Texas Tech – Adams
  3. New York Giants: Chris Brazzell, WR, Tennessee – Adams
  4. New York Jets: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama – Adams
  5. Arizona Cardinals: Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC – Crabbs
  6. Cleveland Browns: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State – Crabbs
  7. Houston Texans (via Washington): Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State – Crabbs
  8. Cincinnati Bengals: A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon – Crabbs
  9. New Orleans Saints: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville – Adams
  10. Atlanta Falcons: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee – Adams
    “The Falcons have already seen their defense improve dramatically this year, with their pass rush receiving a major makeover last offseason. Here, they land a new partner in crime opposite A.J. Terrell by selecting Tennessee’s Colton Hood.” – Adams
  11. Kansas City Chiefs: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma – Adams
  12. Minnesota Vikings: Jake Slaughter, IOL, Florida – Adams
  13. Miami Dolphins: Kamari Ramsey, SAF, USC – Crabbs
  14. New York Jets (via Dallas): Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State – Crabbs
  15. Carolina Panthers: Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee – Crabbs
  16. Baltimore Ravens: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia – Crabbs
  17. Indianapolis Colts: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati – Adams
    “The Colts need this pick to have a solid shot at producing right away, with them not having a first-rounder to rely on. Cincinnati’s Jake Golday possesses a real skill in coverage at the LB position, which is a spot the Colts need to see improvement. He is expected to test exceptionally well athletically this offseason, which should raise his draft stock into this range, if not higher. I think he’s a dynamic talent who could help Indy’s defense take that next step.” – Adams
  18. Detroit Lions: Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson – Adams
  19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A.J. Harris, CB, Penn State – Adams
  20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson – Adams
  21. Houston Texans: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, SAF, Toledo – Crabbs
  22. Philadelphia Eagles: AJ Haulcy, SAF, LSU – Crabbs
  23. Green Bay Packers: Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois – Crabbs
    “Green Bay’s tendencies as a team are pretty well established and this is a team that loves to draft trenches and defense early. Jacas could be a disruptive long-term running mate to pair with Parsons as Green Bay looks to have the pieces to disrupt opposing quarterbacks and be equipped to play with a lead.” – Crabbs
  24. Buffalo Bills: Austin Siereveld, OL, Ohio State – Crabbs
  25. Los Angeles Chargers: Emmanuel Pregnon, OG, Oregon – Adams
  26. San Francisco 49ers: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama – Adams
  27. Jacksonville Jaguars: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State – Adams
    “The Jaguars’ defense has shown significant improvement under their new staff. One spot they could still look to add is defensive tackle. Iowa State’s Domonique Orange is an intriguing option they should consider. He projects as an immediate game changer in the run game thanks to his brute strength.” – Adams
  28. Chicago Bears: Zakee Wheatley, SAF, Penn State – Adams
  29. Seattle Seahawks: LT Overton, DL, Alabama – Crabbs
  30. New England Patriots: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri – Crabbs
  31. Los Angeles Rams: Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati – Crabbs
  32. Denver Broncos: Whit Weeks, LB, LSU – Crabbs