2-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Quarterback breakouts dominate the top of Round One and a deep run on front seven difference makers

2-Round 2026 NFL mock draft showcases a lot of interesting team-player fits. That includes an early run on some toolsy quarterback prospects.

Joe DeLeone, Ryan Roberts
Add as preferred source on Google
Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) warms up before a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Auburn Tigers at Gaylord Family Ð Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.

Don’t look now, but we are already a quarter of the way through the 2025 NFL season, and the rest of the year is sure to fly by. With a strong sample size for each team, we are beginning to gain a deeper understanding of the best teams in the league, the underwhelming ones, and overall team needs across the entire NFL landscape. It feels like a perfect time to evaluate the 2025 NFL Draft class for where it is today, and there is no better way to do that than with a two-round mock draft. 

For the most part, the draft order is based on where it would be if the season ended today. There is, however, a little bit of projection based on teams that will more than likely make a predictable run (or plummet) the rest of the season. The best practice for mock drafts is to not get too caught up too much in draft orders and just appreciate potential fits for your favorite team, and the players that could be a part of that solution. A lot is going to change between now and April. 

Along with fellow A to Z Sports analyst Joe DeLeone, we bring you two rounds of projections and interesting fits. To make the mock as clean as possible and save a little bit of time, DeLeone and I made our selections eight at a time and labeled who made each pick accordingly. The rumors are true; we hate your favorite football team, but we still did our best to effectively improve each and every NFL franchise. That was ultimately the end goal. 

Here’s our best attempt at being the best hypothetical general managers for each team. 

First Round

  1. New York Jets: LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina

Justin Fields did not fit the vision of head coach Aaron Glenn, but his philosophy for rebuilding this franchise is clear. Glenn’s desire to make this a physically dominant football team can be ignited with the most physically dominant quarterback prospect we’ve seen in some time. Sellers’ elite pocket presence, athleticism, and arm strength make him the perfect mold for a franchise quarterback. – DeLeone 

  1. Cleveland Browns: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

Moore has been a rapid riser this college football season in his first year starting for the Ducks. He’s flashed tremendous playmaking ability, poise, and accuracy. The Browns need a steady option to lead their franchise into the future, and his skill set would fit nicely with Kevin Stefanski’s offense. – DeLeone 

  1. Baltimore Ravens: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State

It’s unlikely that the Ravens will be picking this high once their roster gets healthy. However, if they are in the top five, Reese would be the perfect pick. His athletic tools are rare for a linebacker, as he’s been a multi-use weapon for Buckeye’s defensive coordinator Matt Patricia. Baltimore could use a roving freak athlete to improve their struggling defense. – DeLeone 

  1. Miami Dolphins: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

The Dolphins’ roster is a disaster, but improving their offensive line must be a top priority. They’ve swung and missed on addressing this unit multiple times, but adding Fano can be what bolsters their o-line. He’d plug in right away at right tackle, as he’s been reliable for the Utes so far this season. – DeLeone 

  1. New Orleans Saints: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Spencer Rattler has outperformed expectations, but if they’re drafting this high, it should be assumed that Kellen Moore will want a quarterback to mold his team around. Mendoza is a big-armed, tall quarterback prospect with the tools to become the Saints’ savior. – DeLeone 

  1. Las Vegas Raiders: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

Like Moore, Simpson has dominated in his first year as Alabama’s starter. Over the last two games, he’s excelled at ripping the ball down the field and being extremely decisive. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly needs a fresh option to lead his offense. – DeLeone 

  1. Tennessee Titans: Reuben Bain, EDGE, Miami

A run on quarterbacks sets up the Titans perfectly to land arguably the most dominant prospect in college football this season. Bain has been an unblockable force for the Hurricanes as a power-based rusher. He would take the Titans’ pass rush to a new level. – DeLeone 

  1. New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami

Protection for Jaxson Dart must be the top priority for the Giants if they want him to reach his potential. Mauigoa is one of the few pure right tackles in the class, with the flexibility to play guard if needed. His sturdy base and consistent technique are something New York desperately needs. – DeLeone 

  1. Cincinnati Bengals: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson 

The defensive overhaul in Cincinnati will need to continue under defensive coordinator Al Golden. While Clemson has struggled mightily this season, Woods is still playing good football. He is a ball of chaos along the interior of the defensive line. – Roberts 

  1. Carolina Panthers: Keldrick Faulk, EDGE, Auburn 

Ever since the Carolina Panthers shipped away star defensive end Brian Burns to the New York Giants two offseasons ago, the team has been searching for pass rushing options. Faulk is a massive edge presence at 6-6 and 288 pounds, possessing the power profile to become an immediate contributor. It is his movement skills, however, that set Faulk apart. – Roberts 

  1. Houston Texans: Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State 

Putting this offensive line in front of quarterback CJ Stroud is borderline cruel. The Texans will need to continue adding quality players up front, and that includes at left tackle. Shelton hasn’t quite taken the jump in 2025 that most expected, but he is still a very smooth athlete who projects well to the blindside. – Roberts 

  1. Arizona Cardinals: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State 

If you love massive nose tackles who can’t get moved off their spot, then you will love McDonald. The 6-3, 326-pound behemoth is also a much better mover than you might anticipate. The Cardinals have needed to add more quality players on the defensive interior in recent years, and that’s what McDonald potentially adds. – Roberts 

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

Javonte Williams has been playing really good football for the Cowboys so far this season, but you just can’t pass up a talent like Love if he is staring you in the face. Not only is he a tremendous natural runner, but Love also has massive upside as a receiver out of the backfield. His talent makes the whole offense a lot better. – Roberts 

  1. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee 

If not for the injury, way more people would be talking about McCoy right now. He is expected back for Tennessee at some point this season while rehabbing from a torn ACL, and if he’s healthy, McCoy is the finest cornerback in all of college football. If you love press man corners who can run and have legitimate ball skills, then you are going to love McCoy. – Roberts 

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

“Sadiq, the Freak” – print up those t-shirts right now! It feels like only a matter of time until star tight end Travis Kelce moves on to different ventures, and Sadiq would be the perfect replacement. When you look at the 6-3, 245-pound pass catcher, you probably see a dominant pass game weapon. Sadiq is also a really impressive run blocker and has taken his game to a whole other level so far in 2025. – Roberts 

  1. Chicago Bears: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State 

The Chicago Bears are rolling with a couple of veterans at safety, but they definitely would be best served to get younger at the position. While Downs isn’t the most dynamic cover man of all time, he is extremely smart and an outstanding tackler. The floor that he brings to the table is immense. – Roberts 

  1. Washington Commanders: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State

Zach Ertz is 34 years old; it’s time to find a replacement for Jayden Daniels to throw to. By drafting Klare, they’ll get a near-identical replacement that has a similar play style. Klare is a smooth mover with the hands to be a reliable target for Daniels. – DeLeone 

  1. Los Angeles Rams: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

While the Rams rarely invest early draft picks at linebacker, they can’t pass up on adding an athletic freak like Styles. His range and explosiveness are what this defense is currently missing. – DeLeone 

  1. New England Patriots: Makai Lemon, WR, USC

Stefon Diggs is on a tear, but the Patriots need to find younger secondary receiving options for the future. Enter Lemon, who has been one of the most productive receivers in college football. Lemon’s electric speed would make him the perfect deep threat for Drake Maye. – DeLeone 

  1. Denver Broncos: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

The Broncos’ offense has been up and down so far this season, and Bo Nix could use some more weapons. Tyson is the most well-rounded receiver prospect in this class, with efficient route running and consistent catching ability. – DeLeone 

  1. Los Angeles Chargers: A’mauri Washington, DT, Oregon

Washington just feels like a Jim Harbaugh-type player. Harbaugh loves to build through the trenches, and with Washington, he can add an explosive space eater with this pick. – DeLeone 

  1. Minnesota Vikings: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

The Vikings are off to a tremendous defensive start this year, but they could use some reinforcements in their secondary. Delane is a rare defensive back prospect with the flexibility and experience of playing safety and corner. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores surely would love to have a toy like that to deploy. – DeLeone 

  1. Seattle Seahawks: Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M

Mike Macdonald is transforming this Seahawks team, but he still needs the right talent at cornerback. The tall and long Lee III would be ideal as a physical outside presence on Seattle’s defense. – DeLeone 

  1. Dallas Cowboys (via GB): R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma

Alright, Jerry can finally prove everyone wrong with this pick. With the Micah Parsons trade, they desperately need some explosiveness coming off the edge. Thomas is a unique pass rusher who wins with speed and leverage. If the Cowboys landed him, they could make up for trading away Parsons. – DeLeone 

  1. Pittsburgh Steelers: John Mateer, QB, Oklahoma 

It feels like the Steelers have taken the safe route over the last couple of years with Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers. It might be time for them to take a bit of a gamble. Mateer is an exciting talent, possessing a very talented arm and athleticism. There are, however, several parts of his game that need to get a lot better, including not being so quick to play outside of structure. – Roberts 

  1. Cleveland Browns (via JAC): Isaiah World, OT, Oregon 

The former Nevada transfer has shown great flashes so far with the Ducks, but still needs to take a step forward. From a pure athleticism, length, and upside perspective, all the tools are there. The Browns need to add talent to the left tackle position, and World certainly does that. – Roberts 

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

With Lavonte David nearing the end of his legendary career, the Buccaneers may need to start figuring out the future of their linebacker position. Allen is a much different style, fitting that mold of your modern MIKE linebacker. He’s dense, incredibly physical, and smart, and has underrated range to the perimeter. – Roberts

  1. Detroit Lions: TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson

Before the season, many thought that Parker could potentially threaten to be drafted inside of the top ten overall selected. The 2025 season for Parker, unfortunately, has not been great for the powerful pass rusher so far. The flashes are still there, but Parker will have to be a ton more consistent to realize his potential. – Roberts 

  1. Buffalo Bills: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville 

The Bills have some solid pass game options, but quarterback Josh Allen really needs to find himself a true No. 1 wide receiver. While not enough people are talking about Bell yet, the NFL is very high on the 6-1.5, 227-pound wideout. Bell has hauled in 35 receptions for 502 yards and four touchdowns so far in 2025. – Roberts 

  1. San Francisco 49ers: Kamari Ramsey, S, USC 

For whatever reason, not enough people talk about Ramsey as an outstanding overall player. The former UCLA transfer is an incredible communicator on the back end and also plays a tenacious style at safety. Ramsey is also a very underrated athlete, and has made plays both playing on the roof, in short zone, and out of the slot in his career. – Roberts 

  1. Indianapolis Colts: Aveion Terrell, CB, Clemson 

It feels like the Colts have needed to upgrade outside cornerback for a couple of years now, and Terrell offers a ton of talent and upside to work with. The younger brother of Atlanta Falcons cornerback AJ Terrell, the younger version is twitchy and tenacious. He makes up for a lack of size with impressive ball skills. – Roberts 

  1. Philadelphia Eagles: AJ Harris, CB, Penn State 

The Eagles are another talented cornerback opposite Quinyon Mitchell away from having the best secondary in the NFL. While Harris isn’t the most dynamic athlete of all time, he’s extremely physical, instinctive, and possesses good change of direction skills. Harris also has the versatility to play inside at times. – Roberts 

Second Round 

  1. New York Jets: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
  2. Baltimore Ravens: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
  3. Miami Dolphins: Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama
  4. New Orleans Saints: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
  5. Las Vegas Raiders: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State
  6. Tennessee Titans: Chris Brazell, WR, Tennessee
  7. New York Giants: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
  8. Cleveland Browns: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
  9. Kansas City Chiefs: Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington
  10. Carolina Panthers: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
  11. Houston Texans: Kadyn Proctor, IOL, Alabama
  12. Arizona Cardinals: Connor Lew, C, Auburn
  13. Cincinnati Bengals: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
  14. Atlanta Falcons: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia 
  15. Chicago Bears: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
  16. Dallas Cowboys: David Oke, DT, Arkansas
  17. Los Angeles Rams: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
  18. Houston Texans: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
  19. Denver Broncos: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt 
  20. Los Angeles Chargers: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
  21. Minnesota Vikings: Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State
  22. Seattle Seahawks: Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon
  23. New England Patriots: Quincy Rhodes Jr., EDGE, Arkansas
  24. Green Bay Packers: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
  25. Pittsburgh Steelers: Justice Haynes, RB, Michigan
  26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee
  27. Detroit Lions: Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
  28. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas
  29. San Francisco 49ers: Zane Durant, DT, Penn State
  30. Buffalo Bills: Xavier Scott, S, Illinois 
  31. Indianapolis Colts: Boubacar Traore, EDGE, Notre Dame
  32. Philadelphia Eagles: Eric Singleton Jr., WR, Auburn 

Related Articles