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NFL draft tracker: Analysis for every pick in second- and third-round in 2026
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- NFL draft tracker: Analysis for every pick in second- and third-round in 2026
"The jig is up, the news is out. They've finally found me."
There will be extra helpings of "Renegade," the Styx classic that has become the fourth-quarter anthem of the Pittsburgh Steelers , on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft , which is being staged in the Steel City. After selecting Arizona State OT Max Iheanachor during Thursday night's first round, the Steelers are scheduled to pick four times Friday , thrice in the third round. Even if the players coming off the board in Rounds 2 and 3 aren't exactly of the household variety, expect a little extra buzz amid record-setting attendance from the locals and the thousands upon thousands of fans who have descended on Western Pennsylvania.
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USA TODAY Sports is analyzing all 68 picks Friday night as they come off the board, so stick around:
2026 NFL draft tracker: Second-round picks
33. San Francisco 49ers (from Jets ) − WR De'Zhaun Stribling, Mississippi
Their inaugural pick of this draft after dealing out of Round 1, Stribling is big (6-2, 207) and fast (4.36 40 time at the scouting combine) and adds a game-breaking element to an offense that already has Ricky Pearsall but will soon be officially divorced from Brandon Aiyuk . The Niners are also apparently not re-signing Jauan Jennings .
34. Arizona Cardinals − G Chase Bisontis Texas A&M
Plug and play starter for a team that needs to fortify its front wall for whenever its next QB of the future arrives yet also needs improved blocking to unleash first-round RB Jeremiyah Love. Bisontis (6-5, 315) mostly played guard for the Aggies but can also play tackle in a pinch.
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35. Buffalo Bills (from Titans ) − OLB/DE T.J. Parker, Clemson
A 6-foot-4, 263-pounder who had 11 sacks and six forced fumbles in 2024, Parker should be a nice addition to a defense that has not brought back Joey Bosa but needs more heat than that generated by Greg Rousseau − assuming the former Tiger's numbers weren't a fluke after falling off in 2025.
36. Houston Texans (from Raiders ) − DL Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
Another star from the Buckeyes, he's a monstrous interior lineman (6-2, 326) − the classic big body who shuts down run lanes and sucks up blockers. He'll need to develop as a pass rusher, but McDonald may not need to if he can free up fastballs Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter off the edge of Houston's top-ranked defense.
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37. New York Giants − CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
Their strong draft continues with the selection of a second-team All-SEC performer. He's big enough (6-3, 193) and only surrendered one TD in three college seasons. A physical player who will take on running backs, he's probably best deployed in man coverage.
38. Las Vegas Raiders (from Commanders via Texans) − DB Treydan Stukes , Arizona
A versatile DB who generally lives in the box or slot, he should have little trouble earning ample snaps in this defense. An All-Big 12 choice in 2025 and a team captain, he picked off four passes in his sixth and final season with the Wildcats. Keep your head on a swivel, Kelce.
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39. Cleveland Browns − WR Denzel Boston, Washington
After taking KC Concepcion in Round 1, Cleveland continues to remake its wideout room with a much different target in Boston − a guy who will win 50-50 balls and should be a solid red-zone option. Boston (6-4, 212) is the kind of supersized target (20 TD catches since 2024) and boundary receiver who should also open space for Concepcion and TE Harold Fannin Jr. to work more freely in the seams.
40. Kansas City Chiefs − OLB/DE R Mason Thomas , Oklahoma
He has 15½ sacks and 22 tackles for loss over the past two seasons, and should form quite a tandem with DE George Karlaftis as K.C. continues to reimagine its defense in this draft. Thomas isn't big (6-2, 241), but he can turn a corner.
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41. Cincinnati Bengals − OLB/DE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
Despite his short arms, he's another who can bend around the edge and did so to the tune of 11½ sacks in 2025. He's not similar to departed DE Trey Hendrickson , but will be an asset to an evolving Cincy D.
42. New Orleans Saints − DL Christen Miller, Georgia
Massive at 6-4 and 321 pounds, he's purely an interior guy and not a replacement for still unsigned Cam Jordan . But new DC Brandon Staley likes a monster in the middle of his front, and Miller fits the bill − though he'll have to work to earn snaps on passing downs.
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43. Miami Dolphins − LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
Fascinating pick given new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan had mentioned LB Jordyn Brooks as a potential cornerstone. But Rodriguez is a stud, a former quarterback who is a turnover machine − his background as a passer also helping him diagnose opposing offenses. An All-America in 2025 for the Red Raiders, the Big 12's Defensive Player of the Year and winner of numerous postseason awards last year (Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Butkus Award, Lombardi Award and the Chuck Bednarik Award among them), Rodriguez's 140 solo tackles since 2024 were the most in FBS. He also forced seven fumbles in 2025, tied for the most in a single season over the past decade, and finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting (including 17 first-place votes) despite his rarely recognized position. A master of the Peanut Punch made famous by former Bears CB Charles Tillman , Rodriguez is married to his high school sweetheart, an Army Black Hawk pilot .
44. Detroit Lions (from Cowboys via Jets) − DE Derrick Moore , Michigan
A guy who had 10 sacks in 2025 now becomes the wingman for fellow former Wolverine Aidan Hutchinson. A bit undersized (6-4, 255), Moore will have to figure out how to handle run D assignments better but is a better long-term solution than departed Al-Quadin Muhammad, who took last year's 11 sacks to Tampa.
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45. Baltimore Ravens − OLB Zion Young, Missouri
A big edge (6-6, 262), the Ravens continue reloading a front that let them down in 2025. Young is stout against the run and will have to be given fellow pass rusher Trey Hendrickson's tendency to focus mostly on hunting QBs. Young has 16½ TFLs in 2025.
46. Tampa Bay Buccaneers − LB Josiah Trotter, Missouri
A first-team All-SEC choice in 2025 and son of Eagles great Jeremiah Trotter, the younger Trotter should get an opportunity to start straight away following the retirement of Lavonte David in Tampa. A bit like dad, if not as big (6-2, 237), Trotter will dole out punishment but needs to do more in coverage.
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47. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Colts ) − WR Germie Bernard , Alabama
Often working from the slot, he hauled in 64 passes last season. Likely to line up here between DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. , he could be something of a poor man's Hines Ward given Bernard's willingness to block, too.
48. Atlanta Falcons − CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
He joins his brother and fellow DB A.J. Terrell in Atlanta, though Avieon will likely man the slot, where his brother is an outside corner. A tough, productive player, Avieon Terrell (5-11, 186) forced eight fumbles over the past two years.
49. Carolina Panthers (from Vikings) − DT Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
Enormously strong, if not especially athletic he also plays with a high-revving motor − though not one that will necessarily keep him on the field after second down (he had 7½ sacks in four college seasons). But the 6-4, 318-pounder will shut down ground games.
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50. New York Jets (from Lions ) − CB D'Angelo Ponds, Indiana
Small (5-9, 182) but scrappy and with 4.3 speed, he'll bring attitude and excellent coverage − allowing zero TD passes last season for the national champs. But Ponds, who didn't play in the slot much, will need to prove he can handle bigger NFL receivers on the outside.
51. Minnesota Vikings (from Panthers) − LB Jake Golday, Cincinnati
A big (6-4, 239) rangy linebacker, he'll bring a nice measure of versatility to Brian Flores' unit. The All-Big 12 performer can also contribute on special teams ... and might have to initially with ILBs Eric Wilson and Blake Cashman ahead of him.
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52. Green Bay Packers − CB Brandon Cisse, South Carolina
Big (6-0, 189) and explosive, he fills a need for a team that cut Nate Hobbs after one season in March and could push to start straight away. Cisse only gave up 18 receptions in 2025.
53. Indianapolis Colts (from Steelers) − LB CJ Allen, Georgia
Probably can't go wrong with a Bulldogs 'backer, and Allen is a good one − and might step right into the spot vacated after the trade of Zaire Franklin to Green Bay . Not big (6-1, 230), he makes up for his lack of size with instincts and leadership.
54. Philadelphia Eagles − TE Eli Stowers , Vanderbilt
Elite athlete and a big one (6-4, 239) with a 45½-inch vert at the combine, he might be the eventual replacement for Dallas Goedert ... and/or A.J. Brown . A former quarterback, Stowers also blocks like one − hence speculation he might convert to a big slot receiver. But he is productive, snagging 111 balls (9 for TDs) in two seasons with Vandy.
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55. New England Patriots (from Chargers ) − OLB Gabe Jacas , Illinois
A 6-4, 260-pounder with a wrestling background, he's also good at wrestling QBs to the turf − collecting 19 sacks and 26½ TFLs since 2024. He could supplant departed K'Lavon Chaisson.
56. Jacksonville Jaguars − TE Nate Boerkircher, Texas A&M
And the Jags get on the board. Big (6-6, 245), if not huge, Boerkircher will do a lot more time blocking guys than snagging passes from QB Trevor Lawrence . Boerkircher caught 38 balls in five college seasons, though half occurred last year, his lone campaign with the Aggies after spending four years with Nebraska.
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57. Chicago Bears − C Logan Jones, Iowa
The 6-3, 299-pounder projects as the long-term replacement for recently retired Drew Dalman , though Jones will likely be parked behind veteran Garrett Bradbury in 2026.
58. Cleveland Browns (from 49ers) − S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
A 6-foot-4, 200-pound DB with a penchant for big hits and finding the ball? Quite a pickup for a team that adds a second enforcer to a back line that already has Grant Delpit . McNeil-Warren forced nine fumbles and picked off five passes in college.
59. Houston Texans − TE Marlin Klein, Michigan
He should be a more productive pro than he was in college (38 catches in four seasons). A native German, Klein is definitely a bit of a project, though one with upside given his 6-foot-6, 248-pound build and 4.6 speed.
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60. Tennessee Titans (from Bills via Bears) − LB Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
The Titans climb the board to get the new man in the middle of Robert Saleh's defense − and he's looking for a star after coaching the likes of Bobby Wagner and Fred Warner. Hill was certainly a playmaker in college (17 sacks, 8 FF and 31½ TFLs in three years with the Longhorns). Could be a legit Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate given his instincts and athleticism combined with Saleh's tutelage.
61. Los Angeles Rams − TE Max Klare, Ohio State
Would the Rams start 11 tight ends if they could? Klare's production took a hit after transferring from Purdue and joining the Buckeyes' star-studded lineup. The 6-5, 246-pounder could take a while to stand out from LA's loaded TE room, but he shouldn't need long to get snaps in the rotation.
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62. Buffalo Bills (from Broncos ) − CB Davison Igbinosun , Ohio State
The Bills continue turning over their secondary with Igbinosun, who picked off four passes the past two seasons and didn't surrender a TD in 2025.
63. Los Angeles Chargers (from Patriots) − OL Jake Slaughter, Florida
He played 50 games the past four years for the Gators, the center will likely compete for a guard post for the Bolts after they signed C Tyler Biadasz earlier this year. The interior gets stronger for a team that had looked vulnerable between OTs Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater.
64. Seattle Seahawks − S Bud Clark , TCU, Texas Christian
Ball hawk − 15 interceptions over the past four seasons. And he could play in short order after Coby Bryant left for Chicago. A 6-foot-1, 188-pounder with 4.4 speed who will also take on RBs.
2026 NFL draft tracker: Third-round picks
65. Arizona Cardinals − QB Carson Beck , Miami (Fla.)
He had a 37-6 record during a college career split between Georgia and the 'Canes and came back from a UCL tear suffered with the Bulldogs in the 2024 SEC championship game. Beck also had to rehab his character a bit after moving to South Florida last season, where he and his team reaped positive results. Beck led the ACC with a 72.4% completion rate in 2025, throwing for a career-best 30 TDs while nearly leading the 'Canes to a national title. He lands with a team where he could compete to start at some point in 2026, career backups Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew II the competition.
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66. Denver Broncos (from Titans via Bills) − DL Tyler Onyedim, Texas A&M
Versatile lineman who could help replace departed John Franklin-Myers . Better against the run than pass.
67. Las Vegas Raiders − OLB/DE Keyron Crawford, Auburn
He didn't start playing football until high school but could develop into a decent pass rusher with seasoning.
68. Philadelphia Eagles (from Jets) − OT Markel Bell, Miami (Fla.)
A 6-9, 346-pound giant, he could be the long-term successor for RT Lane Johnson, who turns 36 next month. Moves very well in space despite his size.
69. Chicago Bears (from Giants via Texans, Bills and Titans) − TE Sam Roush, Stanford
A 6-foot-6, 267-pounder, he should hold down the blocking element in Chicago, which already boasts two good pass-catching tight ends ( Cole Kmet , Colston Loveland ).
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70. San Francisco 49ers (from Browns) − DE/OLB Romello Height, Texas Tech
He had 10 sacks operating opposite David Bailey last season and joins a defense that likes to deploy pass rushers in waves. At 6-foot-3 and 239 pounds, he's going to be a detriment in the run game until he gets stronger.
71. Washington Commanders − WR Antonio Williams , Clemson
A team that needed depth at the position behind aging Terry McLaurin , Williams caught the bulk of his 208 college receptions out of the slot.
72. Cincinnati Bengals − CB Tacario Davis , Washington
An uber-sized corner (6-4, 194), he could be a nice option against the likes of DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman in this position ... once Davis gets more refinement.
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73. New Orleans Saints − TE Oscar Delp , Georgia
Averaged about 20 grabs the past three seasons, but a sub 4.5 40 at his pro day portends bigger things in the NFL.
74. New York Giants (from Chiefs via Browns) − WR Malachi Fields Sr., Notre Dame
A 4.61 40 at the scouting combine clearly hurt his stock. But a 6-5, 218-pound frame should serve QB Jaxson Dart well given how well Fields played in 2025 and at the Senior Bowl. His big catch radius helps explain 15 TD grabs since 2023.
75. Miami Dolphins − WR Caleb Douglas, Texas Tech
A sizable target (6-4, 206) for new QB Malik Willis following the departures of Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill.
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76. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Cowboys) − QB Drew Allar , Penn State
The Penn State product stays in state and could get a shot at the QB1 role (along with Will Howard?) when and if Aaron Rodgers retires … if he ever does. Or already has. Allar has ideal size (6-5, 228) and arm strength but didn't get a whole lot of help in Happy Valley, where he was also torpedoed by an ankle injury in 2025. A fairly high-reward, low-risk pick at this point for an organization that needs to cultivate options.
77. Green Bay Packers (from Buccaneers) − DL Chris McClellan, Missouri
A 6-foot-5, 313-pounder who projects as a rotational end.
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78. Indianapolis Colts − S AJ Haulcy, LSU
A first-team All-American, he projects as a nice combo safety for Indy.
79. Atlanta Falcons − WR Zachariah Branch, Georgia
Diminutive (5-9, 177) but fast (4.35 speed), he can stretch the field in the ATL now that similarly built Darnell Mooney has moved on.
80. Baltimore Ravens − WR Ja'Kobi Lane, USC
Big kid (6-4, 200) with sub-4.5 speed, he's not a tight end but maybe helps offset the loss of TE Isaiah Likely situationally as a rookie.
81. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Lions) − DT Albert Regis, Texas A&M
The Jags continue building out the less sexy aspects of their roster with Regis, who's likely ticketed for rotational interior duties.
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82. Minnesota Vikings − DT Domonique Orange, Iowa State
A fun personality, Orange and first-rounder Caleb Banks give the Vikes' interior line an injection of youth.
83. Carolina Panthers − WR Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee
At 6-foot-4, 198 pounds, he's got a nice height/weight/speed combo after posting a 4.37 40 at the combine. He also had a 1,000-yard campaign and SEC-high nine TD grabs in 2025. But he has to prove he's not a one-trick, deep threat pony who can adapt to a pro route tree after thriving in Tennessee's vertical stretch offense.
84. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Packers) − WR Ted Hurst, Georgia State
At 6-4, 206 pounds with 4.4 speed, he'll obviously draw Mike Evans comps here and should get a chance to replace the departed red-zone rebounder in this offense. Despite the small-school background, Hurst could have the goods to break out as a pro.
85. Pittsburgh Steelers − CB Daylen Everette , Georgia
A big corner (6-1, 196), he's got a shot to lock down one of the jobs given how the Steelers have cycled through the position in recent years.
86. Cleveland Browns (from Chargers) − OT Austin Barber, Florida
Yet another option for an almost completely overhauled O-line, he could be a swing tackle or potentially fill in at guard in the near term.
87. Miami Dolphins (from Eagles) − TE Will Kacmarek, Ohio State
Primarily a blocker, he'll likely be doing a lot more of it given how reliant this offense could be on RB De'Von Achane.
88. Jacksonville Jaguars − G Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon
A first-team All-American should threaten to start straight away and could be the Jags' most productive rookie in 2026.
89. Chicago Bears − WR Zavion Thomas, LSU
With elite 4.28 speed, he could be the home-turn threat here with DJ Moore now in Buffalo.
90. San Francisco 49ers (from Texans via Dolphins) − RB Kaelon Black, Indiana
A 1,000-yard runner for the national champs last season has the goods to take some snaps off Christian McCaffrey's overloaded meter.
91. Las Vegas Raiders (from Bills via Texans) − OL Trey Zuhn III, Texas A&M
A big (6-7, 312) versatile blocker, he could get a shot to be fellow rookie Fernando Mendoza's right tackle at some point.
92. Dallas Cowboys (from 49ers) − OLB Jaishawn Barham, Michigan
Could be fastball pass rusher in Dallas' new 3-4 front – and could get a look early in sub packages pending the recovery of OLB Donovan Ezeiruaku from a hip injury.
93. Los Angeles Rams − OT Keagen Trost, Missouri
He might not start right away for a Super Bowl-ready team, but LA needs a long-term answer at right tackle following Rob Havenstein's retirement. Current starter Warren McClendon Jr. is unsigned beyond 2026.
94. Miami Dolphins (from Broncos) − WR Chris Bell, Louisville
A torn ACL ruined his final collegiate season. But the 6-foot-2, 222-pounder has drawn comparisons to A.J. Brown given his size and playing style. A good investment given the rebuild Miami is undertaking.
95. New England Patriots − TE Eli Raridon, Notre Dame
He caught 32 balls in 2025, doubling the total from his first three college seasons combined. There's an opportunity in New England to be TE2 behind Hunter Henry.
96. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Seahawks) − OL Gennings Dunker, Iowa
The coffee-guzzling, mullet-sporting, charismatic blocker should become an instant fan favorite in Pittsburgh … and maybe an immediate replacement for departed G Isaac Seumalo.
x - 97. Minnesota Vikings − OT Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern
A solid swing tackle option right away, maybe more given the injury issues the Vikes have had at tackle. A big boy at 6-8, 323 pounds, yet another with fairly short arms.
x - 98. Minnesota Vikings (from Eagles) − S Jakobe Thomas, Miami (Fla.)
A tackling machine who swiped five passes last year, could be an opportunity to play in Minny with Harrison Smith's future in limbo.
x - 99. Seattle Seahawks (from Steelers) − CB Julian Neal, Arkansas
Big (6-2, 203) in the often-cited Seattle mold, GM John Schneider continues reloading his secondary with Neal, who has four picks since 2024.
y - 100. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Lions) − S Jalen Huskey, Maryland
He picked off 11 passes over the past three seasons and can play deep or near the line.
x - compensatory selection
y - special compensatory selection
Winners and losers from Round 1
It's never too early to give a microwaved assessment of something that probably can't be fairly judged until at least 2029 – but we (prematurely) labeled the winners and losers of the 2026 draft's first round .
First-round draft grades
With little consensus as to how things might shake out when the selections started rolling in on Thursday , the evening provoked strong reactions and some red ink along the way from Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz's digital pen. Here are USA TODAY Sports' instant grades for every pick from the first round .
Best available players
Check to see who still remains from our big board that now extends to 200 players and will be updated as picks come off the board (listed with their original rankings).
How to watch the NFL draft:
The 2026 draft will be broadcast on NFL Network, ESPN and ABC and streamed on NFL+ and ESPN+ over the next three days:
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Friday, April 24 (Rounds 2-3 start 7 p.m. ET)
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Saturday, April 25 (Rounds 4-7 start 12 p.m. ET)
50* biggest NFL draft busts of last 50 years
The asterisk because I couldn't limit this list of names, which will take you down memory lane, to just 50. One reason? Rewind four years to the 2021 draft, supposedly chock full of quarterback talent ... that mostly has yet to materialize. Yet one of the league's prominent QBs also escaped the list this year.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL draft tracker 2026: Every pick in Rounds 2, 3 on Friday - LIVE
