2026 NFL Mock Draft: Updated 2-Round Projections After Sauce Gardner Trade

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2026 NFL Mock Draft: Updated 2-Round Projections After Sauce Gardner Trade

Luke Easterling · Athlon Sports

Tue, Nov 4, 2025 ·

17 min read

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The New York Jets have thrown a curveball at the NFL trade deadline, sending star cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts in return for multiple first-round picks, per multiple reports .

Gardner's arrival in Indy gives the Colts an elite shutdown corner in his prime, while the rebuilding Jets get out from under his massive contract as they continue their rebuild under first-year head coach Aaron Glenn.

How could this deal impact the early going of the 2026 NFL Draft for both of these teams, as well as the rest of the league?

Here's an updated look at how the first two rounds of next year's draft could turn out, using the latest updated pick order following Week 9 results:

1. New Orleans Saints

Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana

The Saints have the rest of this season to see if Tyler Shough is good enough to be their long-term starter, but if they end up picking this high, that should be a clear answer. Burning a top-40 pick on a 26-year-old rookie QB was a bad idea from the start, but sunk cost shouldn't keep New Orleans from taking another swing with Mendoza, who has looked like the best draft-eligible quarterback in the country so far this year.

2. Tennessee Titans

Rueben Bain Jr. | Edge | Miami (FL)

After taking their franchise quarterback at the top of last year's draft, the Titans can keep building around Cam Ward with this pick by adding a game-wrecking pass rusher. Bain has been arguably the most dominant defender in all of college football this season, showing the ability to take over games and make big plays in clutch moments. He can win off the edge with speed or power, as well as polished hand usage and technique.

3. New York Jets

Dante Moore | QB | Oregon

It's been a rough start to the Aaron Glenn era in Florham Park, but the Jets still have some solid pieces on the roster (assuming they don't sell them off at the trade deadline). None of that matters if they can't figure out the quarterback spot, though, and what they have right now obviously isn't cutting it. Moore is a polished, precise passer who can win from the pocket, but has the athleticism to create big plays on the run, as well.

4. Miami Dolphins

LaNorris Sellers | QB | South Carolina

There's no easy fix for Miami's massive problems right now, and that includes potentially moving on from Tua Tagovailoa , thanks to his huge contract. That said, if Mike McDaniel ends up following now-former GM Chris Grier out the door at the end of the season, the new regime could look for a new franchise quarterback of the future here. Sellers is still chasing consistency, but his physical traits and playmaking ability give him the most upside of any signal-caller in this class.

South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers has rare physical traits that give him limitless potential. (Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)© Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

5. New York Giants

Peter Woods | DL | Clemson

I could see the Giants targeting a right tackle to pair with Andrew Thomas here, but they might not be able to resist the value of Woods here. Big Blue's defensive front is already their strongest unit, but lining up Woods next to Dexter Lawrence inside with the edge-rushing trio of Abdul Carter , Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux would be absolutely unfair for opposing offenses.

6. Cleveland Browns

Jordyn Tyson | WR | Arizona State

Unless there's an organizational overhaul this offseason, I can't envision the current decision-makers in Berea taking the fourth quarterback off the board here instead of trying to build around Dillon Gabriel . Tyson is a smooth route-runner who creates consistent separation with impressive quickness, and his ability to create big-plays after the catch could instantly make him a superstar at the next level.

7. Las Vegas Raiders

Caleb Downs | S | Ohio State

We've already seen this Raiders regime willing to throw positional value out the window and simply draft elite prospects, like they did with Ashton Jeanty this year. Safeties don't go in the top 10 unless they're truly special, and Downs might be the best overall player in the entire class, regardless of position. His athleticism, versatility and football IQ/instincts make him a three-level nuisance for opposing offenses, and he's an explosive playmaker in the return game.

8. Cincinnati Bengals

Keldric Faulk | Edge | Auburn

Joe Flacco 's stellar production is proving that even when Joe Burrow returns to full strength, the Bengals won't be going anywhere if they can't fix their dismal defense. They need help at all three levels, but investment should always start in the trenches, where Cincy simply has zero pass rush outside of Trey Hendrickson . Faulk has the massive frame and rare physical traits the Bengals have always coveted at the position, along with the versatility to line up just about anywhere along the defensive front.

Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk has a rare combination of size, athleticism and versatility. (Syndication: The Montgomery Advertiser)Jake Crandall/ Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

9. Washington Commanders

Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio State

This defense needs a ton of help, but injuries have exposed a severe lack of depth among Washington's pass-catchers, and they can't leave a talented young quarterback like Jayden Daniels with a bare cupboard of weapons. Tate is the latest in a long line of top-flight receiver prospects to come out of Columbus, with a pro-ready combination of size, route-running skills, hands and body control that would make him a stellar complement to Terry McLaurin.

10. Baltimore Ravens

Arvell Reese | LB | Ohio State

I'm not sure there's been a more shocking disappointment so far this season than the Ravens defense, which has been wet toilet paper on a weekly basis. They need more difference-makers in the front seven, and Reese would be such a fantastic fit. He's got the versatility to be a three-down playmaker off the ball, as well as the explosiveness, size and technique to be effective lining up on the edge.

11. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL)

Ty Simpson | QB | Alabama

Matthew Stafford is playing at an MVP level right now, but with his age and injury history, it might be time for the Rams to plan for the future at the game's most important position. Simpson may not have Stafford's elite arm strength, but he's an accurate passer who makes sound decisions with the football, and knows how to much big throws in clutch moments. His poise and anticipation could be attractive to Sean McVay as Stafford's eventual successor.

12. Arizona Cardinals

Spencer Fano | OT | Utah

Protecting Kyler Murray for the long-term should be a top priority for the Cards, and while Paris Johnson Jr. has the left tackle spot locked down, there needs to be a better solution at right tackle beyond Jonah Williams . Fano has proven he can play on either side at a high level, and while there are some attractive options at other positions, he represents the best blend of need and value for Arizona here.

Miami's Francis Mauigoa is a mauling blocker who dominates the right side of the Canes' offensive line. (Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images)© Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

13. Houston Texans

Francis Mauigoa | OT | Miami (FL)

Houston's offensive line was already in bad shape before they traded away star left tackle Laremy Tunsil , and predictably, things haven't been any better so far this season. Rookie second-rounder Aireontae Ersery has promise as Tunsil's replacement, but Mauigoa would be an immediate and long-term upgrade at the right tackle spot. He's a punishing blocker who could also slide inside and be an All-Pro guard if the Texans end up finding another starting-caliber tackle down the line.

14. Dallas Cowboys

T.J. Parker | Edge | Clemson

After trading away Micah Parsons , the Cowboys are in desperate need of a game-changing edge rusher. While they're not likely to find someone of Parsons' caliber with this pick, that shouldn't stop them from trying. Parker is a complete player who can win with both speed and power off the edge, with the toughness and strength to anchor effectively against the run on early downs.

15. Minnesota Vikings

Mansoor Delane | CB | LSU

The Vikings have one of the NFL's best defensive coordinators in Brian Flores, but they'll need to bring in some reinforcements in the offseason if they want his unit to play to its full potential. Finding a true shutdown corner who can lock down and entire side of the field should be a top priority, and nobody in college football this season has done that better than Delane, who has all the physical and mental tools to be a Pro Bowler.

16. Carolina Panthers

Kadyn Proctor | OT | Alabama

The Panthers have been a pleasant surprise so far this season, but if they want Bryce Young to keep developing to the point where he lives up to his No. 1 overall draft slot, they need to improve the trenches in front of him. Proctor has off-the-charts potential thanks to his rare talent and physical gifts, and if he can refine his technique, he could eventually become a dominant player at either tackle or guard.

Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq is easily the best tight end prospect in the 2026 class. (Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

17. Kansas City Chiefs

Kenyon Sadiq | TE | Oregon

Travis Kelce is still a reliable target for Patrick Mahomes , but he's clearly lost a couple of steps, and it's time for the Chiefs to find another dynamic tight end to keep the passing game firing on all cylinders. Sadiq is easily the top prospect at the position in this year's class, with the size and athleticism to be a consistent matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.

18. Chicago Bears

Jeremiyah Love | RB | Notre Dame

There are bigger needs on defense, but Love would easily be the best player available on the board in this scenario. Ben Johnson has shown what he can do with two stellar running backs, and while Love might not be quite as explosive as Jahmyr Gibbs , he could team up with Kyle Monangai to give the Bears a similar 1-2 punch in the offensive backfield to help keep things balanced for Caleb Williams .

19. Cleveland Browns (from JAX)

Caleb Lomu | OT | Utah

The Browns could use an immediate upgrade at left tackle, and they should also be thinking about an eventual replacement on the left side for veteran Jack Conklin . Lomu has the size, athleticism and versatility to fill either role, with the power and movement skills to be a dominant force as both a run blocker and a pass protector in Cleveland.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers

Makai Lemon | WR | USC

I can't see the Steelers reaching for a quarterback here, especially with Aaron Rodgers playing so well this year, which will likely lead to his return for another season. Instead, they should help him out by upgrading the WR2 spot opposite DK Metcalf , who has been a massive addition to the passing game. Lemon's skill set would be the ideal pairing, and his combination of explosiveness and after-the-catch ability would keep Rodgers playing his best football.

USC's Makai Lemon has been a big-play machine for the Trojans. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)

21. Detroit Lions

LT Overton | Edge | Alabama

It's no secret the Lions are still searching for a worthy bookend to line up across from Aidan Hutchinson on the edge of the defensive front, and this year's loaded class should give them plenty of worthy candidates. Overton is the best fit, thanks to his three-down skill set, alignment versatility, and the kind of toughness and competitiveness that Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell prioritize across the board.

22. Los Angeles Chargers

David Bailey | Edge | Texas Tech

After moving on from Joey Bosa , the Chargers will have to replace another veteran edge rusher sooner or later, as Khalil Mack isn't getting any younger. Tuli Tuipolotu has shown flashes of potential, but this defense needs another young talent to take the torch from Mack. Bailey has been a consistent force off the edge for the Red Raiders this season, with an explosive first step that allows him to teleport into opposing backfields.

23. San Francisco 49ers

Anthony Hill Jr. | LB | Texas

There are glaring needs on both sides of the ball for the 49ers, so this pick is about maximizing value and trying to find immediate impact for a playoff-contending roster. Hill checks both of those boxes as a three-down defender with sideline-to-sideline range who can even rush the passer effectively in blitz packages. Lining him up next to Fred Warner next season and beyond would be a scary scenario for all of San Francisco 's opponents.

24. Dallas Cowboys (from GB)

A'Mauri Washington | DL | Oregon

The addition of Kenny Clark hasn't bolstered the Cowboys' rush defense as much as Jerry Jones was hoping, and Mazi Smith has failed to live up to his first-round expectations from a few years ago. If Dallas wants to shut down the ground game, Washington should be high on their board after the way he's played for the Ducks this season. He's a massive mauler inside, with tons of power and impressive explosiveness for his size, with the ability to push the pocket from the interior as a pass rusher.

Oregon's A'Mauri Washington has been a dominant interior force this season. (Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard)

25. Buffalo Bills

Jermod McCoy | CB | Tennessee

The Bills still expect big things from 2025 first-rounder Maxwell Hairston now that he's back from injury, but that shouldn't keep them from targeting another top-shelf corner with their first pick in 2026. McCoy is a bit of a wild-card as he works his way back from last year's season-ending injury, but at full strength, his physical tools and overall skill set give him All-Pro potential.

26. Seattle Seahawks

Denzel Boston | WR | Washington

Jaxon Smith-Njigba has taken his game to the next level this season, but this passing game still misses the size and physicality that DK Metcalf brought to the table before he was traded to the Steelers. Boston would be the perfect fit to replace that skill set and impact, with a fantastic blend of size and athleticism that has made him a dominant red-zone target and contested-catch machine for the crosstown Huskies.

27. Los Angeles Rams

Avieon Terrell | CB | Clemson

After securing their quarterback of the future earlier in the round, the Rams are freed up to use this pick on another premium position, this time on the other side of the ball. This defense has missed Jalen Ramsey 's shutdown presence at corner, and while Terrell lacks that kind of size, he makes up for it with polished technique, nonstop competitiveness, and the ball skills to be a big-play magnet.

28. Denver Broncos

Isaiah World | OT | Oregon

The Broncos could target a pass-catcher here, but with Garett Bolles turning 34 years old in the offseason, they should strongly consider looking for his new understudy at left tackle. World has been everything the Ducks expected when he transferred from Nevada, showing off a rare combination of size, strength and athleticism while dominating his opponents on a regular basis. Ensuring long-term protection for Bo Nix 's blind side would be a smart move.

Ohio State's Sonny Styles is a three-down playmaker for the Buckeyes at linebacker. (Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)

29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Sonny Styles | LB | Ohio State

It sure looks like Lavonte David could play forever, but even if the future Hall of Famer returns for a 15th season, the Bucs would need an immediate upgrade next to him. Styles has a massive frame for an off-ball linebacker, with the range and athleticism to be a three-down force against both the run and pass. Putting him in Todd Bowles' creative defense would maximize his skill set, and hopefully give them another cornerstone player to build the future around.

30. New England Patriots

CJ Allen | LB | Georgia

If anyone knows the value of a dynamic, versatile linebacker, it's Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. This defense has a couple of solid veterans playing off the ball right now, but they need to invest in a talented prospect who can help establish the identity for the entire unit. Allen checks all of the boxes to be that player, with the physical and mental traits to make an immediate impact at the heart of Vrabel's defense.

31. Philadelphia Eagles

Cashius Howell | Edge | Texas A&M

Philly just traded a third-round pick in next year's draft for Jaelen Phillips, but even if he signs a long-term deal to stick with the Eagles, that shouldn't stop them from trying to add another explosive edge rusher with this pick. Howell has proven this season that he's capable of taking over drives and games single-handedly, and he can win with a wide range of polished moves off the edge.

32. New York Jets (from IND)

Colton Hood | CB | Tennessee

After trading away Sauce Gardner, the Jets have a glaring need for a shutdown corner. Hood has been stellar for the Vols this season, and while he's got some big shoes to fill, he's a younger and cheaper investment for a franchise that's clearly deep into rebuilding mode in Aaron Glenn's first season.

SECOND ROUND

LSU's Garrett Nussmeier could intrigue a QB-needy team on Day 2. (Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledger)© Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

33. Tennessee Titans

Chris Bell | WR | Louisville

34. New Orleans Saints

Dani Dennis-Sutton | Edge | Penn State

35. New York Jets

Caleb Banks | DL | Florida

36. New York Giants

Trevor Goosby | OT | Texas

37. Miami Dolphins

Keith Abney II | CB | Arizona State

38. Las Vegas Raiders

Gennings Dunker | OL | Iowa

39. Cleveland Browns

Chris Johnson | CB | San Diego State

40. Houston Texans (from WAS)

Connor Lew | OL | Auburn

41. Cincinnati Bengals

Kayden McDonald | DL | Ohio State

42. Atlanta Falcons

Chris Brazzell | WR | Tennessee

43. Arizona Cardinals

Germie Bernard | WR | Alabama

44. Houston Texans

Jaishawn Barham | LB | Michigan

45. Baltimore Ravens

Joshua Josephs | Edge | Tennessee

46. Dallas Cowboys

A.J. Harris | CB | Penn State

47. Minnesota Vikings

Domonique Orange | DL | Iowa State

48. Kansas City Chiefs

Quincy Rhodes Jr. | Edge | Arkansas

49. Carolina Panthers

Dillon Thieneman | S | Oregon

50. Chicago Bears

R Mason Thomas | Edge | Oklahoma

51. Pittsburgh Steelers

Garrett Nussmeier | QB | LSU

52. Detroit Lions

Olaivavega Ioane | OL | Penn State

53. Jacksonville Jaguars

Chase Bisontis | OL | Texas A&M

54. San Francisco 49ers

Davison Igbinosun | CB | Ohio State

55. Los Angeles Chargers

Christen Miller | DL | Georgia

56. Green Bay Packers

Malik Muhammad | CB | Texas

57. Seattle Seahawks

Romello Height | Edge | Texas Tech

58. Los Angeles Rams

Ja'Kobi Lane | WR | USC

59. Buffalo Bills

Kevin Concepcion | WR | Texas A&M

60. Denver Broncos

Michael Trigg | TE | Baylor

61. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Whit Weeks | LB | LSU

62. New England Patriots

Zion Young | Edge | Missouri

63. Philadelphia Eagles

Elijah Sarratt | WR | Indiana

64. Indianapolis Colts

Damon Wilson Jr. | Edge | Missouri

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Nov 4, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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