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 signed Wan’Dale Robinson, but they can’t be done adding to Cam Ward’s weaponry if they want their young quarterback to succeed.

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

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.

Myles Garrett is into his 30s, so the Browns need to start thinking about finding their primary edge rusher of the future.

T.J. Parker had a breakout sophomore campaign. He has impressive instincts and was very productive.

The Chiefs missed Joe Thuney’s versatility last year when they suffered numerous offensive line injuries.

Chase Bisontis lacks length so he may have to play inside at the next level, but he could end up being a power right tackle in the pros.

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.

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

The Dolphins cut Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle was traded. They’re desperate for a play-making receiver, so they could select two with their first three picks.

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.

The Buccaneers haven’t been able to generate a consistent pass rush since their Super Bowl victory. That can change with a pick made in the first two rounds.

Dani Dennis-Sutton has a lot of untapped potential.

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.

Gennings Dunker had a great Senior Bowl. He’s a nasty run blocker.

Pick change; previously Max Iheanachor, OT

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.

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.

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.

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.

Brandon Cisse has been an impressive cover cornerback. He has nice size and plus speed and athleticism.

Pick change; previously Will Lee, CB

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

Will Lee has great length and size.

Pick change; previously Daylan Everette, CB

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.

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.

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

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.