NFL Draft 2026: Grades on every Round 2 and Round 3 pick

We are on to the second night of the 2026 NFL Draft.

32 selections have already been made, starting with Fernando Mendoza to the Las Vegas Raiders and building to Jadarian Price at No. 32 to the Seattle Seahawks. But while we have grades on each of those selections already, the teams are still working towards a final report card.

With a lot of picks left to be made, and some roster spots to fill out.

Round 2 begins with the San Francisco 49ers on the clock, and if you are interested we have a mock draft for the second round that you can peruse here. But if you are just curious to see how we feel about each pick on Day 2, you can check back after the picks start rolling in shortly after 7:oo p.m. Eastern.

Unlike the first round, where process plays a bigger role, here we are looking more at the players themselves, scheme fits, and more.

I don’t really know what to say here, because this selection is absolutely mystifying with the board that was in in place. Stribling didn’t make our Top 100 list, was 85th on the consensus big board. Even if the 49ers really loved Stribling there is no way they needed to take him at No. 33. There’s been some talk he was a late riser, but goodness this is a choice with Denzel Boston on the board. — JD

Grade: C-

Absolutely love this pick for the Cardinals, and somehow like it even more after the Jeremiyah Love pick a day ago. Predominantly a pass-blocking left guard, he’s likely not going to be a road grader at right — but he has a lot of athleticism with the ability to get into the second level and block downfield. This team needs some more hogs on the line, but for value and need, this was a great pick. Small knock just because his run blocking is a little suspect. — JD

Grade: B+

The Bills traded down to get into this spot, and they get a really intriguing player. The speed is there, the athleticism is there, the strength is there — but this was a horrible season for Parker, along with all the Clemson players in 2025. It was simply a case of Parker not performing up to his ability, and showing lapses in effort on film. In very early mocks last year he was getting Top 10 buzz, and unquestionably has that potential. It’s simply about unlocking it all, and I think there’s a chance Parker could become a force in a disciplined, tutorial setting. — JD

Grade: B+

The best pure run-stopping defensive tackle in this class, I think McDonald has unfairly gotten lost in the shuffle and overanalyzed. In many ways he’s a bit of a throwback tackle, eating space and containing the line without a lot of upfield penetration — but that is totally fine in Houston with the pass rushers they have to dominate in the backfield. Really like this fit, and think the Texans got value on this pick with a guy who could have gone 10 picks earlier. — JD

Grade: A

Known in the process as the “other” Vols corner, injury concerns for Jermod McCoy switched their order. Hood is a little on the smaller side at 5’11 — but he had really good ball skills, solid discipline, and he was No. 29 on our Top 100 big board. The transformation to the Giants defense is here, and Hood is a guy who can do work in a John Harbaugh system. — JD

Grade: B+

A serious late-riser in the draft, Stukes being taken in the second isn’t shocking, but it’s a little surprising considering this board. Denzel Boston would have been a much-needed upgrade, we had Emmanuel McNeil-Warren as a higher-rated safety. Stukes has talent, but he’s one of the older prospects in this class. High football IQ, but lower-end athleticism which is why he’s moving from corner to safety in the NFL. Not sure I love this one the way the board was set up. — JD

Grade: C-

Absolute home run. This pick would have been good in isolation, but this is so incredible when imagining what the Browns can do by pairing Boston with KC Concepcion, who they took in the first round. Boston is the tallest of the top receivers, and a guy who can high-point the ball and make secure, chain-moving catches. Having him work digs and outs, while Concepcion is the burner is going to be so much fun. The No. 20 player on our big board, 25th on the consensus. — JD

Grade: A+

Amazing first step and quick athleticism off the snap, but operates best in quick bursts before fading through blocks. Thomas has a lot of sudden speed that could make him a high-end third-down pass rusher, but he’s just not good enough once engaged to see him thrive as a three-down pass rusher. — JD

Grade: B

There’s some work to be done when it comes to Howell. Like Thomas, who went one pick before, he’s a first-step athleticism guy who is very mediocre against the run. Will struggle against long-armed tackles and those who can redirect his rush, but there is a ton of upside here. Again he could be a guy who settles more into a third-down pass rushing role, but I like the pick here. — JD

Grade: B+

Miller is a productive interior defensive tackle with a few nagging questions. He doesn’t finish tackles the way you’d like to see from an interior lineman, and his body type is a little top-heavy without as much mass in his base, which showed up some times on film when he lost his base on contact. Still, this was a need pick for the Saints and got a solid player. — JD

Grade: B

Really love this pick. An incredibly smart, high IQ football player with a fantastic feel for the game. Technically sound, solid tackler, and a guy with the character who can be a leader of the Dolphins’ defense. Not to project a comparison too far, but think of Rodriguez as a poor man’s Luke Kuechly. Similar skillet, and he can be a real difference maker. — JD

Grade: A

The Lions finally find their pass rusher to play across from Aiden Hutchinson, and they’re double-dipping on the Michigan guys. Biggest knock here is that I’m not sure what the Lions saw on the board that made them felt the need to trade up. Moore was much lower on the consensus board than a lot of guys still out there, and I don’t know that they needed to jump up to get him. I think there were better players out there, but I cant deny the vision. — JD

Grade: B-

You KNOW the Ravens were sweating when the Lions traded up ahead of them, but in the end they got the much better pass rusher. When it comes to athleticism, he’s a little below the archetype, but I think in a better strength and conditioning program he can improve, and certainly has the frame to allow for it. This pick was a steal, and I like him so much on the Ravens. — JD

Grade: A-

Back-to-back Mizzou players off the board as the Bucs get Trotter and … yeah. We had three linebackers on the board who were better, as did the consensus board. This was very definitely a choice based on smarts and lineage, being the son of former Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter. The younger Trotter is so quick, but he’s very small trying to play a position that demands some more size. I don’t know if he has the frame to add much more weight, so this is a choice. — JD

Grade: C-

They missed out on Makai Lemon yesterday, so landing that receiver today was very important. I like the pairing of Bernard with D.K. Metcalf who can take the top off the defense, with the rookie working the underneath routes. Think this is a really good scheme fit and solid value where they got him. Would like to see a little more top-end speed, but he was a 2nd round pick for a reason — JD

Grade: B+

Terrell was a late faller in this class who had legitimate first-round buzz for a long time. This splits the middle of taking a need, getting some value, without trying to hit a boom/bust risk with Jermod McCoy. Really like this scheme fit and it’s just so neat to see him be teammates in Atlanta with A.J. Terrell. This is so cool. — JD

Grade: A

Hunter was a piece on a dominant Texas Tech defense that allowed other players to shine by eating space, but this pick feels much more like a need, rather than best player. Hunter is a guy who isn’t very athletic, but has high effort and a great motor, it’s just that his body tends to let him down at time when he’s trying to will it to do more. The Panthers clearly love his willingness in the middle, but this is a small reach with better players on the board. — JD

Grade: C

Were it not for his size — he measures in at 5’8 — Ponds is in the mix for one of the top cornerbacks in the class. He is a scheme diverse cornerback who plays bigger than his height and is not afraid to mix it up in the run game. He is also an extremely athletic CB, with speed and explosiveness to minimize the size disadvantage he might face going up against some NFL wide receivers. But for a team that did not have an interception last year, he gives the Jets a chance to change that fate immediately. Love this selection. — MS

Grade: A

Jake Golday made plays all over the field for Cincinnati last year, particularly in the run game. He is at his best working downhill and attacking the football, but the Vikings might need to figure out a plan for him on third downs. In Brian Flores’ pressure-based defense you might see a lot of him rushing the passer on third downs or in passing situations if he is on the field, but that is the question mark. — MS

Grade: B

The potential is there with Cisse, and that potential had him in the mix for a first-round pick. But the foundation is there for Cisse to be a stout press corner in the NFL, with his physicality and length. Zone coverage and moments when he is dropping off the line is where he can get into trouble, but if he cleans that up, he’ll be a great NFL cornerback. — MS

Grade: A-

A three-year starter at Georgia, and one of the top linebackers in the class, Allen was arguably a first-round pick, particularly when the Broncos still had a selection at the end of the first round. He was a leader in Kirby Smart’s defense for seasons, and he can step into a similar role for the Colts as a rookie. — MS

Grade: A-

Stowers was a high school quarterback, but grew into the John Mackey Award winner as the top tight end in college football a season ago. Handling the blocking part of the position in the NFL is the big question mark, but looking at the Philadelphia offense for 2026, you can imagine a 12 personnel package with DeVonta Smith, Makai Lemon, Stowers, and Dallas Goedert as the in-line TE option. It could work. — MS

Grade: B

The New England Patriots swung a trade with the Los Angeles Chargers to come up to this spot and draft Gabe Jacas out of Illinois. Jacas has powerful hands, and he puts that power to work both as a pass rusher and against the run. He does not have a complete tool kit as a pass rusher, but that power will work in the NFL. — MS

Grade: B+

Traditional in-line, “Y,” tight ends are tough to find in the NFL Draft but Nate Boerkircher might fit that mold to a T. The Aggies lined him up all over the field, whether in-line, in the wing, or in the backfield, and he is a force as a blocker. Liam Coen will do some fun things with him and Brenton Strange on the field in 12 personnel sets. Still, this does feel like a bit early for a tight end with this profile, and for a team making their first pick of the draft. — MS

Grade: C

This fills an immediate need for the Bears, with the unexpected retirement of Drew Dalman. Yes, the Bears added Garrett Bradbury, but Jones gives the Bears an athletic center who fits well with the zone blocking designs you often see from Ben Johnson’s offense. — MS

Grade: B-

Ok the Browns are crushing this draft. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren was getting first-round buzz but drops to the Browns here at the end of the second. Yes, he is more of a box safety, but he is a presence in the box, can eliminate tight ends and running backs in the passing game, and has great feel and awareness in zone coverage.

Grade: A-

The Texans add some depth to their tight end with Michigan’s Marlin Klein. he is perhaps best described as a “work in progress,” as he needs to add some strength and mass to handle life in line, and perhaps refine his routes. But considering he was born in Germany and had just 12 college starts to his belt, there is a lot of room for growth. Stil, this does feel a round or two early for him even with the potential. — MS

Grade: C (Yes, I dropped this down a bit after thinking on it a for a few minutes more)

Getting Anthony Hill Jr. at the end of the second round feels like a steal for the Titans, as the Texas linebacker was also in the first-round mix as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches. He is a true three-down linebacker in the NFL, with the traits of a downhill thumper on first and second downs, but the athleticism to match receivers in coverage on third down. You can feel Robert Saleh’s influence here with this pick. — MS

Grade: A

For a team that ran a ton of 13 personnel last season, adding a tight end makes some sense. And Klare is a very good receiving tight end, but the big question is this: Colby Parkinson, Terrance Ferguson, and Tyler Higbee are already on the roster. How much of an opportunity is he going to get? — MS

Grade: B

If the Bills are looking for a press-ready corner, who can stand out in zone coverage, then they got that player with Davison Igbinosun. The Ohio State corner played a ton of game for the Buckeyes, making 53 career starts, but the question will be how well he handles man coverage against NFL athletes. — MS

Grade: B-

Jake Slaughter was a three-year starter and a two-time captain at Florida, and while he played center in college he was announced as a guard, so the Chargers might be looking at him as a guard with Tyler Biadasz in place in the middle. He might not have the power and athleticism of elite offensive linemen, but the experience and football IQ are both off the charts. — MS

Grade: B

The Seattle Seahawks get another intriguing piece for their defense. Bud Clark is an experienced safety with the coverage skills of a cornerback, but is more than willing to crash downhill in the run game. He might slide right into the starting lineup as the Seahawks look to replace Coby Bryant, and that is great value at the end of the second round. — MS

Grade: A-

Look man, I don’t know. This area is totally fine for someone like Beck to go, but his arm strength is pretty shot at this point, it would take a small miracle for him to ever become a reliable starter, and this seems more like salary insurance if Jacoby Brissett keeps play hardball. I don’t mind it, but the Cardinals have so many needs that I’m not sure it’s smart to burn a high third when they’re just going to be taking a QB in the first next year. — JD

Grade: B-

Interesting upside pick that will need time to develop. Onyedim has length that can’t be taught, and knows how to use his wingspan to make plays. However, the arm tackling he got away with in college won’t work in the NFL, and right now he’s sub-300 pounds and would get bullied at the time of scrimmage. The Broncos have the time to develop him as a player, and I think they could even up with something special at a fairly low risk. — JD

Grade: B+

Versatile edge rusher with some scheme variability, but will really only work as a third down specialist in the NFL. Small frame, can’t get off blocks, and needs his speed to win. Can play with his hand in the dirt, but much better standing up where he can use his speed. Don’t hate or love this pick — JD

Grade: B-

Bell is the absolute monster of this draft. A 6’9, 346-pound offensive tackle that makes his opponents look like children. The story here is that Bell plays much, much smaller than his size shows, and he’s almost so tall that it’s a detriment to his pad level and leverage. Don’t mind this pick because I think there’s something that can be unlocked, and history has shown us that the Eagles are the team that can do it. — JD

Grade: B

Look, I’m willing to go out on a limb here and make Ben Johnson make me look like an idiot. This pick sucks. There has been a bizarre run at tight end at this point in the class to where everyone was reaching like mad, and Rousch is a major reach for a team with Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet. Rousch did not make any Top 100 board because he plays small, has below average athleticism, and is a mediocre blocker. — JD

Grade: D

This feels like a very 49ers pick where the team can mold him into a solid NFL player. There’s a lot of raw ability here to be unlocked. High effort, high character, lots of potential to be a boom or bust pick. Totally fine with the Niners rolling the dice on that level of talent here, because the upside is real. — JD

Grade: B+

This makes a lot of sense. Williams’ draft comparison is Terry McLaurin, and he has a lot of the same skills and traits. I think there were some higher-upside receivers on the board, but I don’t hate this at all in terms of a need and fit. — JD

Grade: B-

Not too sure about this one. Great size, but doesn’t always show it on film. A lot of work needs to be done on technique to make him into a solid corner. Tends to rely on his height too much and gets beat too often by route running. — JD

Grade: C+

Another overdrafted, lowly rated TE. This is becoming a trend. Good athleticism which doesn’t really translate to production, meaning there’s some upside — but the learning curve is profound enough that it might be a few years before he puts it together. The Saints need guys who can go right now, not projects. — JD

Grade: C-

Could be a decent level X receiver without a lot of potential to develop further than that. If you’re okay with a pass catcher with a ceiling then Fields is a solid choice with great size and an ability to high point the ball. — JD

Grade: B-

Trait-based receiver with great size and ability to contest the ball in the air. Issue is reliability, with major concerns about his focus and propensity for drops. The shared DNA in these last two picks is size over ability, and I think there were some more talented receivers on the board. — JD

Grade: B-

lol

I could probably end the grade there. Look, there was a time when Allar was a potential first-round pick, but that feels like an eternity ago. The decision-making isn’t there, the accuracy isn’t there, and it’s going to get exploited at an NFL level. The Steelers feel like they burned this pick for no real reason, because if Aaron Rodgers returns, he’ll be on the bench, if Rodgers doesn’t then Allar isn’t ready to play and the Steelers will be picking a QB in a much better class next year. — JD

Grade: D

Decent penetrating ability to get downfield and disrupt opposing quarterbacks. Issue is that his technique gets a little lazy the longer games go, and he’s not a great run defender in the middle who oftentimes allowed opposing players to get pad level on him. I think there’s potential here with some work, and if the Packers can unlock that then they could have something solid. — JD

Grade: B-

Love the value and fit here. Haulcy was one of the best remaining players on the board with legitimate starting potential at safety for the Colts. I think there could be real potential for this to be one of the steals of the draft, but I’m also close to giving this an F grade just for being subjected to Pat McAfee announcing another pick.— JD

Grade: A

Incredibly fast gadget receiver who can be an electric playmaker. You just need the creativity to know how to use him, and watch him go. It might not pay immediate dividends while the Falcons work out their offense, but give this a year, and if there are ways to open things up, he can be a difference maker. Really like this pick a lot for Atlanta. — JD

Grade: A

Ja’Kobi Lane has a massive catch radius and will immediately become a weapon for the Ravens down in the red zone. He could benefit from adding some strength, as he can get re-routed by press coverage defenders, and needs to complete the route tree. But he’ll find a way to contribute early due to his ball-winning skills. — MS

Grade: B

Regis probably projects best as a run-stuffing nose tackle in the NFL, thanks to his leverage and strength. Against the run, he is able to swallow double-teams and still be productive, and if left alone he can be a disruptive force. He might not be a contributor in the pass rush early, so that part is a question. — MS

Grade: B-

Orange is a massive human, and with this pick the Vikings have completely rebuilt their interior defensive line when you pair Orange with Caleb Banks, who the Vikings picked last night. Orange is likely a two-down player in the NFL, but he will swallow blocks on the inside and create space — and opportunities — for those around him. — MS

Grade: B

Brazzell had an outside shot at being a first-round pick, thanks to his speed, size, and vertical play-making skills. He will stress defenses vertically, and create chances for the rest of the Carolina receiving corps underneath. Drafting him at No. 83 is great value for the Panthers. — MS

Grade: A-

The slide ends.

Ted Hurst became a darling of the scouting community during the pre-draft process, after putting up massive numbers at Georgia State. He put on a show at the Senior Bowl, outlining how he could compete against higher level competition. With Mike Evans off to San Francisco, the Buccaneers needed a potential replacement. Hurst can be that player. A great pick at this spot in the draft. — MS

Grade: A

Everette was a first-team, All-SEC selection a year ago, and brings very good athleticism to the position. He is perhaps at his best in press alignment, and his zone technique could be improved. But the footwork, athleticism, and press technique are solid building blocks.

Grade: B

Austin Barber brings a ton of size to the position, and was a three-sport athlete in high school as he starred on the hardwood in the winter, and the diamond in the spring. That background gives him the athleticism for the position, but he has struggled against stronger, more powerful defenders in the past. That will be something to watch in the NFL.

Grade: B-

Another blocking tight end comes off the board. Kacmarek is a blocking tight end and a very good one, whether aligned next to the tackle, in the wing, or in the backfield. The Dolphins want to improve their run game, and Kacmarek will certainly help in that effort. But this might have been a bit early for him to come off the board.

Grade: C+

I’ll admit I’m surprised Pregnon is still available, as I put together some mock drafts this year where I had him come off the board in the first round. He might play a bit high with his pad level in pass protection, but he is a pure mauler in the run game, and Jacksonville getting him at pick No. 88 is tremendous value. — MS

Grade: A

Thomas will bring some explosiveness to Chicago, both on offense and in the kick return game. His speed will help create explosive plays after the catch as well. Drops are an issue and his route-running needs some improvement, but Ben Johnson will certainly find ways to use him. — MS

Grade: B

This is a bit of a surprise. The consensus held that following Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, there was a gap to RB3, who many assumed would be Mike Washington out of Arkansas. But Black can be a complementary back in San Francisco thanks to his downhill style. It does feel like a reach, but if there is a good landing spot for a player of his skillset, it is San Francisco. — MS

Grade: B-

Zuhn was a tackle before moving inside to play center during his final year at Texas A&M, and when Matt Millen announced the pick he introduced him as a guard. That speaks to his versatility, as he could probably line up anywhere in front of Fernando Mendoza next year. He anchors well, and handles stunts and twists well. A very good pick for the Raiders here at the end of the third round. — MS

Grade: A-

Barham plays with quickness and a high motor. The tools are there, but he needs to develop a complete pass-rushing plan to win consistently in the NFL. — MS

Grade: B-

Troust spent seven years in college, at four different schools, so he is on the older side as a prospect. He will probably move inside to guard, due to a lack of length, but he might fit perfectly with the Rams and their outside zone/wide zone run scheme. — MS

Grade: B

This is a fascinating pick. Bell might have come off the board were it not for a torn ACL late in the season. The talent is absolutely there, and when I was studying him, I saw shades of Deebo Samuel. Miami getting him at this point in the draft feels like great value, even if they medically redshirt him this season.

Grade: B+

Rairdon started just one year in South Bend, and brings some impressive physical skills to the field. He moves very well for a tight end, and can make some tough catches in traffic. He will need to round out his game, and become a better blocker in the run game, but there is certainly potential here.

Grade: B+

And you have an instant fan favorite in Pittsburgh.

Dunker was an All-Big Ten selection for each of the past two years for Iowa. He was a right tackle in college, but might face a move inside due to some issues in pass protection. But his zone blocking skills are fantastic, and if he does kick inside they will translate well in the pro game.

Grade: B

Tiernan started the last 38 games in college at LT, with over 40 starts overall. He might have fallen due to a lack of length, but has power and experience. Ultimately he might kick inside to guard to take advantage of his power, but we will see how Minnesota uses him. Good value, however, at this spot.

Grade: A-

A nasty, hard-hitting safety who was another disruptive force for Miami’s defense. Plays best in the box but can also handle two-high looks well. He has a good feel for coming downhill against the run as well. Brian Flores is going to love him.

Grade: B+

Tremendous length and athleticism. Could mix it up more with receivers when in man coverage or aligned in press, but he’s landing in a great spot.

Grade: B

Huskey, like Neal before him, needs to refine the technique. But the production was there at Maryland, and he brings some athleticism to the table.

Grade: B-