2026 NFL Mock Draft: Round 2

The Jets finally get their potential franchise quarterback atop Round 2. What a steal this would be because the Jets could have easily drafted this player at No. 16!

Ty Simpson has won some big games and has thrived with his superb ball placement. He’s an intelligent quarterback who throws with great timing and anticipation.

Follow @walterfootball for updates. Also, you can Support Us on Patreon here!

Also, if you’d like to support the site, check out my book! It’s available on Amazon, and it’s called A Safety and a Field Goal.

Take a look:

You can buy it here. It has some NFL Draft-related topics, so like I said, if you want to support the site, this is a great way to do it!

The Cardinals need to continue to add to their defensive line so they can rattle Matthew Stafford and Sam Darnold.

Lee Hunter has surprising speed and athleticism for a big nose tackle.

The Titans could stand to upgrade the middle of their defense with a prospect who could easily be chosen in Round 1.

C.J. Allen is a smart, tough, and instinctive linebacker.

The Raiders don’t have a true No. 1 receiver, so they’ll have to focus on acquiring one. Perhaps they’ll be able to do so with this pick.

Omar Cooper is a mid-sized receiver who had huge production with Fernando Mendoza.

The Giants have had issues in their secondary for a while. Here’s a cornerback who can help.

Colton Hood stepped up for the injured Jermod McCoy and became a great cover corner.

The Texans could strengthen a strength by addressing the defensive line with one of their initial draft picks.

DeMonte Capehart is a massive defensive tackle with upside.

The Browns are another team that needs a No. 1 receiver, given that Jerry Jeudy has been a disappointment.

Germie Bernard looks to be the next great Alabama receiver in the pros with his nice size and upside.

The Chiefs have no edge rush outside of George Karlaftis.

Akheem Mesidor is a physical edge setter and a consistent pass rusher.

Pick change; previously Jadarian Price, RB

The Bengals need to find some better play at linebacker, which was particularly anemic following the Logan Wilson trade.

Jacob Rodriguez is an instinctive linebacker. He thrived at the combine.

The Saints won’t have Cameron Jordan moving forward, so they could use an early draft pick to acquire a pass rusher.

Dani Dennis-Sutton has a lot of untapped potential.

Pick change; previously Akheem Mesidor, DE

The Dolphins cut Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle may be traded. They’re desperate for a play-making receiver outside of Jaylen Waddle.

Deion Burks is small, but has terrific play-making ability.

The Jets have nothing at receiver outside of Garrett Wilson, so they’ll need to address the position in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Zachariah Branch has explosive speed, but not much size.

Derrick Henry will turn 32 just prior to the 2026 NFL Draft, so Baltimore will have to find a potential successor.

Jadarian Price is an explosive, big-play back who doubles as a return specialist.

Pick change; previously Mike Washington, RB

Lavonte David may retire this offseason, but the Buccaneers will need a new linebacker regardless.

Jaishawn Barham was productive, but has some pass coverage issues.

The Colts could stand to bolster the middle of the field.

Anthony Hill Jr. covered the field very well to begin his collegiate career.

Jake Matthews is an older player, while Kaleb McGary is entering his contract year.

Max Iheanschor was a nasty, power run blocker who needs to improve his pass protection.

The Vikings don’t have the best running game, given how injury prone Aaron Jones is.

Mike Washington is a strong and physical runner with plus catching ability.

Pick change; previously Dani Dennis-Sutton, DE

The Bears have elite blocking, so the Lions will need as many potent pass rushers as possible to crack through the Chicago offensive line.

Gabe Jacas is a strong and quick defensive end, capable in run support and as a pass rusher.

Pick change; previously Kage Casey, OT

The Panthers could use another body on their defensive line to pair with Derrick Brown.

L.T. Overton projects as a five-technique. He’s a tough defender with good quickness and athleticism.

The Packers could stand to add another interior blocker to help them against some of the great defensive lines.

Keylon Rutledge is a strong lineman who run blocks at a high level.

The Steelers need to find their quarterback of the future.

Carson Beck quarterbacked Miami to the national championship, but it felt like the Hurricanes won in spite of him sometimes.

Pick change; previously Garrett Nussmeier, QB

There’s nothing beyond A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and Brown may not be on the team for much longer.

Ja’Kobi Lane is a big receiver and an end zone threat.

Khalil Mack doesn’t have much time remaining on the team, so here’s an eventual replacement.

R Mason Thomas is a speedy and dynamic edge rusher.

The Jaguars need all the help they can get in their secondary.

Will Lee has great length and size.

Secondary help is never a bad idea when trying to take down Jared Goff or “No Cookie” Jordan Love.

Daylen Everette has a ton of upside with a strong skill set.

The 49ers have issues at cornerback that must be addressed in the near future.

Jaylon Guilbeau displayed terrific coverage ability.

The Texans have terrific edge rushers, but it never hurts to have more. Strengthening a strength is a good idea in the event of an injury.

Derrick Moore was a productive pass rusher in college, but is a bit undersized.

Pick change; previously Gabe Jacas, DE

The Bears lost their great center to retirement. Luckily for them, this draft class features some very talented second-day center prospects.

Jake Slaughter has quality size, strength, and athleticism.

The Rams have a strong, young defense, but they’ve had issues at linebacker.

Lander Barton was a favorite of advance scouts, though he missed a chunk of the ’23 season because of a foot injury.

Evan Engram is on the roster, but he’s just a temporary solution at tight end.

Sam Roush was a productive player and has good size for the pros.

The Patriots had one of the weakest starting centers in the NFL last year, so they’ll need to give Drake Maye someone new under center.

Connor Lew is a strong and agile blocker.

Seattle obviously had a great defense last year, but they could stand to find some linebacker help.

Deonte Lawson is stout in run support and can make some plays in pass coverage.