Monday Morning Draft - Week 2 2026

Race for the No. 1 Pick of the 2027 NFL Draft:

Miami Dolphins:

Miami lost at San Francisco, and they are a prime candidate to land the No. 1 overall pick. The Dolphins started their rebuild last offseason by moving on from veterans Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Bradley Chubb, and Minkah Fitzpatrick. Miami has some young talent, and the new front office had an outstanding 2026 draft class. The young players need time to develop, and the Dolphins look likely to be picking in the top 10 next April.

Tennessee Titans:

The Titans looked bad in the season-opening loss to the Jets. Cam Ward threw for only 140 passing yards, and they had only 68 rushing yards against the Jets. Tennessee played better, but lost to the Eagles in Week 2. The Titans could be among the worst teams in the league again, and if they land the No. 1 pick it will be interesting to see if they decide to draft a quarterback and move on from Ward or trade down and build around the former No.1 overall pick.

Cleveland Browns:

Cleveland pulled off a road upset at Tampa Bay as Deshaun Watson somewhat resembled his form in Houston. The Browns should get Shedeur Sanders on the field sooner rather than later to see if he can be the long-term starter. If Sanders is not the long-term starter, the Browns will be picking high and could be in the running for the No.1 overall pick.

Arizona Cardinals:

Arizona pulled off a shocking Week 1 upset of the Chargers, but they came back down to Earth in their home loss to the defending champs. Arizona does play in the toughest division in football, and the Cardinals are in a rebuild, so it would not be a surprise if they come back down to earth. At some point, Arizona should start Carson Beck so they can see if he has the potential to be their long-term starter. If Beck doesn’t play well, the Cardinals could target a franchise quarterback if they land the No. 1 pick.

Top General Manager Candidates:

Notre Dame general manager Mike Martin
Miami Dolphins assistant general manager Kyle Smith
Tampa Bay Buccaneers senior personnel executive Byron Kiefer
Detroit Lions senior personnel executive John Dorsey
Detroit Lions director of college scouting Brian Hudspeth
Wisconsin general manager Morocco Brown
New England Patriots senior personnel executive Alonzo Highsmith
Baltimore Ravens director of college scouting Joey Cleary

Top Head Coach Candidates:

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman
Super Bowl-winning head coach Jon Gruden
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores
Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase

Head Coach Hot-Seat Tracker:

Indianapolis Colts: Shane Steichen
New York Jets: Aaron Glenn
Washington Commanders: Dan Quinn
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Todd Bowles
Cincinnati Bengals: Zac Taylor
Cleveland Browns: Todd Monken

General Manager Hot-Seat Tracker:

Indianapolis Colts: Chris Ballard
Tennessee Titans: Mike Borgonzi
Cleveland Browns: Andrew Berry
Washington Commanders: Adam Peters
Detroit Lions: Brad Holmes

Let's Play Matchmaker:

Green Bay Packers: Ahmad Hardy, RB, Missouri

The Packers won in overtime in New York as their defense stepped up and held the Jets to 17. While Green Bay is without Josh Jacobs, the Packers really struggled to do anything on the ground with only 63 yards on 18 carries. This offseason, Green Bay could grab a back to pair with Jacobs and eventually replace him.

In 2025, Hardy (5-9, 212) was a hard-nosed runner for the Tigers and had some amazing games, including his performances against Louisiana and Mississippi State. Hardy averaged 6.4 yards per carry for 1,649 yards with 16 touchdowns. He is a physical runner with quickness and shiftiness. With Louisiana-Monroe in 2024, Hardy ran for 1,351 yards, averaging 5.7 per carry with 13 touchdowns. Hardy could be a nice pick for the Packers in the second round.

Cleveland Browns: Bear Alexander, DT, Oregon

The Browns got their first win of the season with a road win in Tampa Bay. Quarterback Deshaun Watson resembled the player he was with the Texans, and the Cleveland defense held the Bucs to only one touchdown. However, Bucky Irving (17-89) ran well, and Tampa Bay totaled 137 yards on 25 carries. Cleveland could use a tackle to pair with Mason Graham.

To open 2026, Alexander has 15 tackles and a sack. In 2025, Alexander had 50 tackles with one sack and one pass batted. Early in the season, Alexander did not play a lot before getting more snaps. Oregon staff told Alexander that he had to show more effort in practice to get playing time. With USC in 2024, Alexander had five tackles and zero sacks. He went out for the season in late September. Alexander totaled 47 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two passes batted for USC in 2023. In 2022, he played with Georgia as a backup and recorded nine tackles, two sacks, and two passes batted. Alexander (6-2, 311) has a lot of talent with the upside to be a force, and he received a good grade from the advance scouts. Alexander is quick, athletic, and strong. He could be a nice tackle in the second round to pair with Graham.

Minnesota Vikings: Darian Mensah, QB, Miami

The Vikings defense was phenomenal in keeping the Bears out of the end zone in a 9-3 win in Chicago. Dallas Turner was superb, and Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores outcoached Ben Johnson and the Bears' scoring attack. Carson Wentz struggled filling in for Kyler Murray, and the quarterback odyssey looks poised to continue for the Vikings. Wentz and J.J. McCarthy struggle with accuracy while Murray is inconsistent and injury-prone. This offseason, they need to land an efficient quarterback with accuracy to get the ball to their playmakers.

In 2026, Mensah has completed 91 percent of his passes for 653 yards with eight touchdowns and zero interceptions. Mensah (6-3, 205) played well in his season with Duke. He completed 67 percent of his passes for 3,973 yards with 34 touchdowns, six interceptions, and one rushing touchdown. After the season, he transferred to Miami to replace Carson Beck. He has a quality skill set with some arm talent and mobility. In 2024, Mensah had a good season as Tulane's starting quarterback, which led to him getting big-money offers in the transfer portal. Mensah has good accuracy and feel as a passer. He does not have elite athleticism or size, but Mensah is a dangerous passer and a point producer. He could make sense for the Vikings’ first-round pick.

Carolina Panthers: Will Echoles, DT, Ole Miss

The Panthers blew out the Falcons in Atlanta with a game of pure domination. Cooper Rush and the Atlanta offense were completely shut down by the Carolina defense. For the second straight week, the Panthers offense was impressive, putting up over 30 points. This offseason, Carolina could use more draft pick resources to help their defense.

To open 2026, Echoles has nine tackles and a sack. Echoles was a disruptive force for the Rebels in 2025 and made a lot of big plays for them at the point of attack. The 6-foot-3, 310-pounder showed run defense and pass rush ability as he totaled 68 tackles with five sacks and five passes batted. Echoles has quickness, athleticism, and strength. Sources say that Echoles has great character. They say he loves football, is a team leader, a hard worker, and is not motivated by money. He could be a nice tackle to pair with Derrick Brown.

Dallas Cowboys: Ellis Robinson IV, CB, Georgia

The Cowboys rebounded with a home win over Washington as Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb had their way with Dan Quinn’s defense. While Dallas was improved over Week 1, Washington had success through the air with Stefon Diggs catching two touchdowns. The team formerly known as the Redskins, also also missed on multiple long touchdowns with overthrows. The Cowboys' secondary struggled, and they could use more cornerback talent.

In 2026, Robinson has six tackles and two passes defended. In 2025, Robinson had a breakout season for the Bulldogs, playing as an effective cover corner. Robinson totaled four interceptions, seven passes broken up, and 20 tackles. Robinson (6-0, 180) could stand to fill out his frame to help him battle pro receivers, but he is a nice cover corner to run the route and prevent separation. Robinson could make sense for the Cowboys in the first round of the 2027 NFL Draft.

New Orleans Saints: Ashton Hampton, CB, Clemson

The Saints pulled off a surprising upset in Week 2 with a road win at Baltimore. New Orleans defense was impressive, limiting Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson. They did have some issues defending Rashod Bateman (7-88-1), and a week ago they couldn’t cover Amon-Ra St. Brown. Adding a true No. 1 corner could be a top priority for the Saints in the 2027 NFL Draft.

To open 2026, on the second play of the blowout loss to LSU, Hampton had a nice interception of Sam Leavitt. He has seven tackles, one interception, and four passes broken up thus far. Hampton (6-3, 204) is a big cover corner who is long and physical. In 2025, he totaled 45 tackles with eight passes broken up and an interception. He had 27 tackles with two interceptions and five breakups as a freshman. Hampton would be a nice upgrade would make a lot of sense for the Saints in the first round next April.

Buffalo Bills: Tae Johnson, S, Notre Dame

The Bills cruised on Thursday Night Football as their scoring attack shredded the Lions defense relentlessly from start to finish. While Buffalo built a 21-point lead, Jared Goff and the Detroit offense had a big night of their own, scoring 31 and cutting the lead to 10 with plenty of time remaining in the fourth quarter. Goff lit up the Buffalo secondary, with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta having big nights. C.J. Gardner-Johnson is a locker-room cancer and is not a long-term starter.

Johnson (6-1, 197) had a breakout season in 2025 for the Fighting Irish. Johnson was a playmaker showing dynamic ball skills and instincts. He totaled 48 tackles with four interceptions and three passes defended. Johnson was just scratching the surface, and he could become a dynamic safety prospect. Sources say Johnson has worked really hard and is a good character presence for his team. Johnson would be an upgrade and an excellent addition in the first round of the 2027 NFL Draft.

Team Draft Report:

In this section, we take a deeper look at specific teams and where they stand regarding the 2025 NFL Draft.

Washington Commanders:

Two years ago, Washington caught lightning in a bottle and had a tremendous season with Jayden Daniels playing at an elite level in his rookie campaign. While everything fell into place that season until the NFC Championship Game, the Commanders were a veteran team, and they were not built for the long-term. It was the first season of Daniels, head coach Dan Quinn, and general manager Adam Peters. The unexpected success masked that Washington had a veteran roster, and a younger roster was still needed to be built around Daniels.

The biggest position for the Commanders to address for the long-term is wide receiver. Terry McLaurin is aging, and Stefon Diggs is not a long-term contributor. Rookie Antonio Williams has been impressive in his debut, but they could use more playmakers for Daniels. In the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, Washington should have some good receiver options available. They probably won’t be picking high enough to land Ohio State phenom Jeremiah Smith, but there should be other good options to consider like Texas’ Cam Coleman, Rutgers ’ K.J. Duff, Indiana’s Charlie Becker, Alabama’s Ryan Coleman-Williams, Indiana’s Nick Marsh, and more. Taking

Defensively, the Commanders could consider adding an edge rusher. They gave a big contract to Odafe Oweh, but could use a long-term edge rusher across from him. In the first round, they probably won’t be picking high enough for South Carolina edge rusher Dylan Stewart. They may have a shot at some other pass rushers like Texas’ Colin Simmons, Alabama’s Yhonzae Pierre, and Ohio State’s Kenyatta Jackson. Washington could have a really talented defensive front seven with one of those edge rushers being paired with linebacker Sonny Styles, Oweh, and defensive tackle Daron Payne.

The other position they could consider on defense is a cornerback. Marshon Lattimore did not provide them with a true No. 1, and they moved on from Lattimore. Washington most likely won’t be picking high enough to land Notre Dame’s Leonard Moore, but they could have a shot at players like Clemson’s Ashton Hampton, Georgia’s Ellis Robinson, South Carolina’s Vicari Swain, and Michigan’s Zeke Berry.

Washington has a lot of good options to consider in the first round of the 2027 NFL Draft. However, helping Daniels has to be the priority. Adding a receiver in the first round and then hitting on the defense on day two could be a good plan. If Washington has a good 2027 draft, they could be right back as a true contender in the NFC.

Detroit Lions:

The Lions have been one of the best drafting teams in the NFL since they hired general manager Brad Holmes. While fans have been critical of Holmes not trading for a star edge rusher like Maxx Crosby to go across from Aidan Hutchinson, it was wise of Holmes not to make that move, as it would have cost them a huge amount of money and picks that would have led to them losing other elite young talents. It would not have been possible to add Crosby and still extend all of Jahmyr Gibbs, Jack Campbell, Alim McNeil, Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Kerby Joseph, Aidan Hutchinson, and Jared Goff. It could be a challenge for the Lions to add Brian Branch and Sam LaPorta to that list, but the critical need for Detroit to address in the 2027 NFL Draft is the secondary. The coverage on the back end of their defense is abysmal, and their horrific defense could easily lead to them having a top-15 pick next April.

In my latest mock 2027 NFL Draft, I have Detroit addressing their biggest roster weakness at cornerback with Georgia’s Ellis Robinson. However, with the Lions defense being as awful as it’s been, they might end up picking high enough to land the elite cornerback prospect that is Notre Dame’s Leonard Moore. Moore is likely to be a top-10 pick, and he could go in the top-five. My nephew Maddon Martin, a top high school cornerback recruit for the 2028 class already offered by Auburn, suggested to me the Lions should package picks to move up for Moore, and I think that would be a brilliant move for Detroit. That would give them a true No. 1 corner and one of the best young corners in the NFL on a cheap rookie contract. Moving up for Moore could be the move that puts Detroit over the top in the NFC.

If they do end up picking too low to land Moore. There could be other quality corners like Robinson, Clemson’s Ashton Hampton, South Carolina’s Vicari Swain, and Michigan’s Zeke Berry as potential first-round picks.

Aside from Moore, the Lions could use help at safety. Detroit would love to extend Brian Branch, but having the cap space to pay him is in question. Unfortunately, the prolific interception machine that is Kerby Joseph could have suffered a career-ending injury. Thus, even if Branch is re-signed, adding more safety talent is necessary. The 2027 NFL Draft could have some good first- and second-round options like Texas’ Jelani McDonald, Notre Dame’s Tae Johnson, Georgia’s K.J. Bolden, and LSU’s Ty Benefield. There could be other quality day-two options like Alabama’s Bray Hubbard, Ohio State’s Jaylen McClain, and Ohio State’s Earl Little. Taking a safety in the second round after landing a cornerback in the first could be an ideal combination for Detroit.

Offensively, the Lions could be in the market for a tight end if Sam LaPorta is not signed to an extension. Detroit has more critical needs to address in the first round, so it seems unlikely they would target first-round prospects like LSU’s Trey’Dez Green or Oregon’s Jamari Johnson. However, Detroit could consider day two and mid-round options like Penn State’s Benjamin Brahmer, Texas Tech’s Terrance Carter, Louisville’s Brody Foley, and Oklahoma’s Rocky Beers.

Detroit could continue to add talent to the interior offensive line as well. They have not had stability with a starting left guard, so in the second round they could consider options like Minnesota’s Greg Johnson or Ohio State’s Luke Montgomery.

Right now, the 2026 season looks in serious danger of being a lost season because of how bad the secondary and defense are. Thus, the 2027 NFL Draft is a critical year for the Lions to get some important contributors who can help them quickly. Detroit has a lot of elite talent on their roster ready to get them back to competing for a Lombardi Trophy. They just need a few more pieces in the secondary, and that could put them over the top. If the Lions can fix their secondary, they definitely could be a Super Bowl contender in 2028.