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2026 NFL Mock Draft: New 2-Round Projections for Wild-Card Weekend
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- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: New 2-Round Projections for Wild-Card Weekend
It's officially draft season for the majority of the NFL now, as Week 18 brought the 2025 regular season to a close, and all eyes are on the 2026 NFL Draft for the 18 teams that missed the postseason cut.
We have a pair of quarterback-needy teams sitting at the top of the board, and the early money says both the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets would love to spend those picks accordingly. We'll see if we end up with two signal-callers worthy of those slots, as Indiana's Fernando Mendoza feels like the favorite, but Oregon's Dante Moore could still elect to return for another season with the Ducks.
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What happens after that? Could we see two wide receivers and even a running back crack the top 10? Will a third quarterback find their way into the first round? How will the depth (or lack thereof) at the other positions impact the early rounds?
Here's an updated look at how the first two rounds of this year's draft could turn out, using the latest updated order following the conclusion of the regular season:
1. Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana
After landing this year's top pick , the Raiders have the opportunity to select a new franchise quarterback. They'll have a new coaching staff after firing Pete Carroll, but Tom Brady is expected to be heavily involved in the process. While Oregon's Dante Moore can make his own strong case for this spot, it won't be surprising if Brady and general manager John Spytek prefer the Heisman Trophy winner .
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2. New York Jets
Dante Moore | QB | Oregon
This roster needs a ton of work on both sides of the ball, but nothing matters until they figure out the most important position on the field. It's still possible that Moore returns for another year in the college ranks, but he's already displayed the poise, accuracy and anticipation to succeed at the next level, as well as the athleticism to create plays outside of the pocket. If he declares, he'll be in the running for the No. 1 overall pick.
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3. Arizona Cardinals
Arvell Reese | Edge/LB | Ohio State
The Cards will have their own quarterback problems to figure out this offseason, but they won't mind the opportunity to take the best non-QB off the board if Mendoza and Moore go ahead of them. Reese exploded onto the scene this year as a do-it-all playmaker for the Buckeyes, with the size, athleticism and versatility to make a massive impact off the ball or lining up on the edge of the defensive front.
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4. Tennessee Titans
Rueben Bain Jr. | Edge | Miami (FL)
This offseason is all about building around Cam Ward in Tennessee, and that can happen on either side of the ball. If the Titans want to match pure talent and value with their biggest needs, this scenario would point them to Bain. He's been a dominant force for the Canes all season long, and would immediately be the most impactful edge player on the roster, with the complete skill set to make splash plays on all three downs.
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Carnell Tate will continue an impressive streak of first-round wide receivers for Ohio State. (The Columbus Dispatch)Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
5. New York Giants
Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio State
Finding another elite receiver to pair with Malik Nabers isn't exactly the most pressing need for the Giants, but if the board falls this way, it's a better route than reaching for lesser prospects just to fill one of those positions. Tate is the latest in a long line of blue-chip pass-catchers to come out of Columbus, and he would be even more dangerous in an offense that forces opposing teams to account for both him an Nabers on every snap.
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6. Cleveland Browns
Jordyn Tyson | WR | Arizona State
Who knows what Kevin Stefanski's replacement will want to do with the quarterback position, but regardless of that process, the Browns will need to improve the supporting cast elsewhere on offense this offseason. That should include searching for an upgrade at WR1 over Jerry Jeudy , and Tyson would be a fantastic option. He's a well-rounded target with the size and athleticism to create consistent separation and make big plays after the catch.
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7. Washington Commanders
Caleb Downs | S | Ohio State
I would expect the Commanders to pursue trade-down opportunities given their lack of early-round picks in this draft, but if they stay at this spot, they need to find a dynamic playmaker for their defense. That could be an edge rusher, but Downs is arguably the best overall prospect in the entire draft. If any franchise knows the value of a generational safety prospect, it's this one. If Downs is still on the board, he would a grand-slam pick.
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8. New Orleans Saints
Keldric Faulk | Edge | Auburn
Cameron Jordan will turn 37 years old this summer, so the Saints could be on the lookout for a young edge rusher to replace one the franchise legend. Faulk brings a rare blend of size, athleticism and versatility to the table, with a massive frame and impressive length that allows him to line up all over the defensive front and create constant havoc for opposing offensive lines and quarterbacks alike.
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Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love is the top running back prospect in this year's draft. (Michael Caterina-Imagn Images)
9. Kansas City Chiefs
Jeremiyah Love | RB | Notre Dame
There's a part of me that would be surprised to see the Chiefs spend a top-10 pick on a running back, but it might just be the best way to balance the offense and help out Patrick Mahomes . Love is a top-five talent in this class, regardless of position, and has the explosiveness and athleticism to be a big-play threat as both a runner and a receiver on all three downs.
10. Cincinnati Bengals
Peter Woods | DL | Clemson
This defense needs help at every level, and that kind of rebuild should always start in the trenches. The biggest need is along the interior, where the Bengals need an every-down presence who can dominate at the point of attack against the run, as well as push the pocket from the inside as a pass rusher. Woods checks every box, with rare athleticism for his size, and all the power you'd expect from the best interior defender in the class.
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11. Miami Dolphins
Mansoor Delane | CB | LSU
This defense continues to suffer from the lack of a true shutdown corner, and this scenario would give them the opportunity to grab the best one in this year's draft. Delane has been an absolute eraser for the Bayou Bengals this season, shutting down some of the best receivers in the country with a fantastic blend of mental and physical traits that should ensure a swift and successful transition to the next level.
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12. Dallas Cowboys
David Bailey | Edge | Texas Tech
It's unlikely the Cowboys will be able to adequately replace Micah Parsons ' impact with either of their first-round picks, but they should try anyway. Bailey could make a strong case as the best pure pass rusher in this year's deep class of edge defenders, as his explosive presence off the ball was a huge reason for the Red Raiders' defensive dominance this season. He could quickly become a double-digit sack artist in the NFL.
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Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey was dominant for the Red Raiders in 2025. (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
13. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL)
Spencer Fano | OT | Utah
At some point, the Rams will want to think about the future beyond Matthew Stafford at quarterback. For now, they'll keep building around him in hopes of keeping their current Super Bowl window open as long as possible. Fano's starting experience at both tackle spots could be enticing, as he could replace either Alaric Jackson or Rob Havenstein for the long haul. His athleticism and physical traits would be a strong fit in Sean McVay 's offense, and he'd be a solid value pick here.
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14. Baltimore Ravens
Francis Mauigoa | OL | Miami (FL)
The biggest needs in Baltimore are on defense, but the Ravens won't reach for need at any position. The interior of the offensive line could also use some upgrades, and that's where Mauigoa could come into the picture. He's been a dominant force at right tackle for the Canes, but could easily slide inside at the next level and utilize his physicality and punishing style of play along the interior.
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15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sonny Styles | LB | Ohio State
Saturday's regular-season finale sure felt like a swan song for Lavonte David , but even if the future Hall of Famer returned for another season, the Bucs would still need an immediate upgrade next to him. Styles has a huge frame and a strong blend of physical and mental tools that have made him a dynamic three-down presence for the Buckeyes, and he would be a worthy running mate and/or successor for a franchise that has seen elite linebacker play for decades.
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16. New York Jets (from IND)
Makai Lemon | WR | USC
Yes, there are big needs on defense after trading away Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner . But after spending the No. 2 pick on a quarterback, they could help out their new franchise passer by adding another dynamic weapon for the passing game. Lemon's explosiveness and big-play ability would be a massive addition for an offense that needs another dynamic receiver to line up alongside Garrett Wilson .
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USC WR Makai Lemon was a big-play machine for the Trojans this season. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)
17. Detroit Lions
Cashius Howell | Edge | Texas A&M
Aidan Hutchinson returned from last year's season-ending injury with a fury, proving he's still one of the NFL's most dominant edge players. But the Lions need a worthy running mate to line up on the other side of the defensive front, and Howell would be a fantastic candidate. He's proven he can take over games and end entire drives all on his own, and he can get to the quarterback with speed, power, and a wide range of polished pass-rushing moves.
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18. Minnesota Vikings
Jermod McCoy | CB | Tennessee
This secondary needs some reinforcements this offseason, and improving the personnel will be even more vital if the Vikings lose defensive coordinator Brian Flores to a head-coaching job elsewhere. McCoy is a hard prospect to project right now after suffering a season-ending injury in 2024 that also cost him the entire 2025 season, but at full strength, he's proven he can be a shutdown corner against top competition. He could prove to be a bargain at this spot, but there's some boom/bust risk here.
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*19. Carolina Panthers
Kenyon Sadiq | TE | Oregon
Bryce Young has shown flashes of the potential that made him the No. 1 overall pick back in 2023, but the Panthers need to keep surrounding him with as much help as possible. That could mean upgrades along the offensive line, but if Sadiq is still on the board, he might be too hard for Carolina to pass up. His combination of size, athleticism and physicality makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, and would give Young another dynamic downfield target.
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*20. Dallas Cowboys (from GB)
Avieon Terrell | CB | Clemson
After getting a pass rusher earlier in the round, the Cowboys double-dip on defense here, this time addressing their needs in the secondary. Trevon Diggs ' tenure in Dallas came to an unceremonious end this week when the veteran was waived, and the team needs to find an adequate replacement for the player he was in his prime. Terrell lacks ideal size, but he makes up for it with smarts, competitiveness, and ball skills to make big plays when the ball comes his way.
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Alabama QB Ty Simpson has first-round potential, but could return to school next season. (David Leong-Imagn Images)David Leong-Imagn Images
*21. Pittsburgh Steelers
Ty Simpson | QB | Alabama
Aaron Rodgers had enough in the tank to barely get the Steelers to the top of a weak AFC North this season, but there's no long-term plan at the position beyond hoping he comes back one year at a time. Simpson would be best served by another year in college, but if he declares for this draft, he's shown some intriguing traits (accuracy, anticipation, touch/layered throws) that could eventually be developed into a successful starter with the right supporting cast.
*22. Los Angeles Chargers
T.J. Parker | Edge | Clemson
Tuli Tuipolotu is a promising presence on the edge of the Chargers' defensive front, but they could use another one to replace veteran Khalil Mack , who played the 2025 season on a one-year contract at 34 years old. Parker hasn't quite lived up to the top-10 preseason hype, but he's still a well-rounded defender who can win with both speed and power off the edge, as well as defend the run at a high level.
*23. Philadelphia Eagles
Vega Ioane | OL | Penn State
Injuries and inconsistent play have plagued the interior of Philly's offensive line this season, and without many glaring holes elsewhere on the roster, addressing that group with this pick would be a wise course of action. If he's still on the board, Ioane would be the perfect addition, as the top interior blocker in this year's class. He's a massive mauler who could make an immediate impact for a perennial playoff contender.
*24. Buffalo Bills
Denzel Boston | WR | Washington
Keon Coleman was supposed to be the answer to Buffalo's desperate need for a true No. 1 receiver, but two years in, that still hasn't materialized. The Bills need to take another swing at finding that kind of target for Josh Allen , and Boston would be a strong fit. He's a big, physical pass-catcher with the athleticism and route-running savvy to be a dangerous red-zone weapon and a reliable chain-mover, and he's underrated after the catch for a bigger receiver.
Washington's Denzel Boston will be a dangerous red-zone weapon in the NFL. (Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images)
*25. Chicago Bears
Kayden McDonald | DL | Ohio State
Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams have the Bears' talented offense humming in their first season together, but a few key additions on defense would make this team even more scary in 2026 and beyond. One of those needs to be a dominant interior force to stuff the run and disrupt opposing quarterbacks with inside pressure, and McDonald has been checking both boxes for the Buckeyes all year long.
*26. San Francisco 49ers
CJ Allen | LB | Georgia
Fred Warner remains the best off-ball linebacker in the game right now, but even if he's back to being the same player after this year's injury, the 49ers need to upgrade the other starting spot next to him. Allen was a huge reason for the Bulldogs' resurgence on defense down the stretch this season, and his combination of a three-down skill set and valuable intangibles/leadership ability would be a huge asset in San Francisco .
*27. Houston Texans
Kadyn Proctor | OT | Alabama
Houston needs to keep investing in the offensive line if they want to keep C.J. Stroud protected and the running game improving. They have needs across the entire unit, so this pick is about value and upside, making Proctor an ideal pick. With rare physical gifts for such a massive player, Proctor has the potential to develop into an All-Pro if he can refine his technique and improve his consistency, whether that's at tackle or guard.
*28. Cleveland Browns (from JAX)
Caleb Lomu | OT | Utah
The investment in the offense continues to Cleveland, this time with help for the offensive line. Lomu is an impressive athlete for his size, with the movement skills to handle explosive edge rushers. He could be an immediate and long-term upgrade for the Browns at left tackle, helping out whoever ends up throwing passes for this offense in 2026 and beyond.
South Carolina CB Brandon Cisse has been one of this year's fastest-rising prospects. (Dale Zanine-Imagn Images)Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
*29. Los Angeles Rams
Brandon Cisse | CB | South Carolina
After bolstering the offensive line with their earlier first-round pick, the Rams use this selection to address their biggest need on the other side of the ball. The Emmanuel Forbes reclamation project has been a massive success, but finding another shutdown corner would be a huge boost for this defense. Cisse has flown up the board after an impressive 2025 campaign for the Gamecocks, and is worthy of first-round consideration.
*30. New England Patriots
Matayo Uiagalelei | Edge | Oregon
Even with such a successful first season, Mike Vrabel can't be thrilled with the way his defense played for most of the year. They need help at every level, but the top priority should be finding a difference-maker off the edge who can stay on the field for all three downs. Uiagalelei has been that kind of presence for the Ducks, and he's got the polish to make an instant impact at the next level.
*31. Denver Broncos
KC Concepcion | WR | Texas A&M
This pick has to be about building around Bo Nix and ensuring his long-term success, and while it could be an eventual successor for Garett Bolles at left tackle, the value points them to pass-catching playmakers instead. Concepcion is an undersized but explosive receiver who plays with impressive physicality for a smaller target, making him a dangerous threat downfield and after the catch.
*32. Seattle Seahawks
Colton Hood | CB | Tennessee
If the Seahawks let Riq Woolen walk in free agency, they'll have a need for another outside corner who can keep this defense firing on all cylinders. Hood made a name for himself this season with Jermod McCoy out of the lineup, proving himself to a be a shutdown corner in his own right. He handled SEC competition with ease in 2025, and he should make a seamless transition to the NFL game.
SECOND ROUND
Tennessee WR Chris Brazzell's size and speed could make him a Day 2 steal. (Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)© Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
33. New York Jets
Caleb Banks | DL | Florida
Gennings Dunker | OT | Iowa
35. Tennessee Titans
Chris Bell | WR | Louisville
36. Las Vegas Raiders
Emmanuel Pregnon | OL | Oregon
37. New York Giants
Anthony Hill Jr. | LB | Texas
38. Houston Texans (from LV)
A'Mauri Washington | DL | Oregon
39. Cleveland Browns
Chris Johnson | CB | San Diego State
Christen Miller | DL | Georgia
LT Overton | Edge | Alabama
A.J. Haulcy | S | LSU
43. Miami Dolphins
Chris Brazzell | WR | Tennessee
44. New York Jets (from DAL)
Keith Abney II | CB | Arizona State
45. Baltimore Ravens
R Mason Thomas | Edge | Oklahoma
Romello Height | Edge | Texas Tech
Zion Young | Edge | Missouri
48. Atlanta Falcons
Germie Bernard | WR | Alabama
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren | S | Toledo
50. Detroit Lions
Connor Lew | OL | Auburn
* 51. Carolina Panthers
Isaiah World | OT | Oregon
*52. Green Bay Packers
Malik Muhammad | CB | Texas
*53. Pittsburgh Steelers
Elijah Sarratt | WR | Indiana
*54. Philadelphia Eagles
Julian Neal | CB | Arkansas
*55. Los Angeles Chargers
Lee Hunter | DL | Texas Tech
*56. Buffalo Bills
Joshua Josephs | Edge | Tennessee
*57. Chicago Bears
Dillon Thieneman | S | Oregon
*58. Houston Texans
Chase Bisontis | OL | Texas A&M
*59. San Francisco 49ers
Ja'Kobi Lane | WR | USC
*60. Jacksonville Jaguars
Chris Adams | OL | Memphis
*61. Los Angeles Rams
Jake Golday | LB | Cincinnati
*62. New England Patriots
Malachi Fields | WR | Notre Dame
*63. Denver Broncos
Monroe Freeling | OT | Georgia
*64. Seattle Seahawks
Domonique Orange | DL | Iowa State
*= draft slot to be determined by playoff results
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
