2026 NFL mock draft, Rounds 2 and 3: Garrett Nussmeier to Jets; Chiefs add big-play WR

   

The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft certainly featured its share of surprises, including Caleb Banks going to the Vikings at No. 18 and the Texans trading up for Keylan Rutledge at No. 26. 

 But it also featured several expected moves, including seven offensive tackles hearing their names called and a slew of defensive backs being pushed down the board — potentially making them prime pickings on Day 2.   

With that in mind, here’s a mock draft for Rounds 2 and 3:

 

 33. San Francisco 49ers (from NYJ): Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo 

 McNeil-Warren was a top-30 player on my final board and would check off a need for the 49ers, who moved out of the first round after missing out on “a couple of players” they had targeted, according to GM John Lynch.

 The best tackles in this draft are now gone, so it might make sense for San Francisco to check off another need here first. 

 

Beast Breakdown: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren   Dave Helman

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34. Arizona Cardinals: Zion Young, edge, Missouri 

 

The Cardinals were bold at the top of the first round, taking Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love at No. 3. Now, they can fill a bigger area of need with a long, rangy pass rusher in the 6-5, 267-pound Young. 

 35. Buffalo Bills (from TEN): Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State   The Bills traded down three times in Round 1, perhaps wisely, so this is set to be their first pick of the 2026 draft. Buffalo might be in position to snag a quality receiver here (Denzel Boston?), the next-best linebacker on their list or a player such as McDonald, who would fill a need up front defensively. 

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 38. Houston Texans (from WAS): Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson   The corners took a tumble again in this year’s draft, which is sort of becoming a theme. Terrell is another top-30 player on my board and could push for starting time immediately

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 39. Cleveland Browns: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee   Don’t be shocked if the Browns dip into the quarterback well at some point in this draft. However, I also think a run on corners might happen Friday night.   Dane Brugler’s top  

  40. Kansas City Chiefs: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington   This would be an absolute steal. Boston was good enough to go in the first round — he’s a big receiver who moves like a small one.  

 41. Cincinnati Bengals: D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana   Ponds, a 5-foot-9 pit bull, was the heartbeat of the Hoosiers’ national title-winning defense and is one of the toughest pound-for-pound athletes in this draft.