2026 LIVE NFL DRAFT COVERAGE NIGHT 2 (ROUNDS 2 & 3)
After a wild Round 1 that saw Fernando Mendoza take over Vegas and Carnell Tate land in a dream volume spot in Tennessee, we turn our attention to the "meat" of the draft. Rounds 2 and 3 are where championships are often won in dynasty leagues and deep re-drafts.
Tonight, the focus shifts from the household names to the high-upside sleepers and the battle for immediate depth-chart relevance.
My Plan for Tonight
Tonight’s coverage will be impact-focused. Instead of a play-by-play of every offensive lineman or interior defender, I’ll be diving deep into the Fantasy Football Impact of certain skill position players taken in Rounds 2 and 3.
Expect live updates on:
- The "Value" WRs: Who becomes the next immediate contributor like we saw with the Titans’ Tate pick?
- The Backfield Shakeups: Which Day 2 RBs land in situations where they can challenge for 15+ touches by Week 4?
- The Dynasty Stashes: Identifying the best long-term QB and TE landing spots.
Top Players I’m Watching Tonight
- WR Denzel Boston (Washington): A massive target at 6'4" with elite ball skills. If he lands with a team like the Panthers or Patriots, he’s an immediate rookie draft target.
- WR Antonio Williams (Clemson): The ultimate "buy low" slot weapon. If a creative play-caller grabs him, watch out.
- RB Mike Washington Jr. (Arkansas): Power and production. There are several teams looking for a goal-line hammer tonight.
- TE Oscar Delp (Georgia): The "Move" TE profile is becoming essential in today's NFL. Who gets the next versatile weapon?
Stick around as I break down the tape, the landing spots, and the fantasy ramifications of every pick that matters to your roster.
Round 2
Round 2, Pick 1 (33): San Francisco 49ers (from New York Jets)
The Pick: De'Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss
The San Francisco 49ers just found their new "X" receiver. By selecting De'Zhaun Stribling with the first pick of the second round, the 49ers have secured a physical specimen to pair with Mike Evans and Ricky Pearsall. Stribling is a yard-after-catch (YAC) machine who averaged nearly 15 yards per reception at Ole Miss last year. What makes him perfect for San Francisco is his 'H-back' versatility; he’s one of the best blocking receivers in this class, meaning he’ll be on the field for every one of Christian McCaffrey’s big runs. For Brock Purdy, this is a dream, Stribling has the 10-inch hands to pluck balls out of the air and the strength to break tackles in the quick game. The 49ers' offense didn't just get younger; it got more explosive.
Round 2, Pick 2 (34): Arizona Cardinals
The Pick: Chase Bisontis, Guard, Texas A&M
Round 2, Pick 3 (35): Buffalo Bills (from Tennessee)
The Pick: T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson
Round 2, Pick 4 (36): Houston Texans (from Las Vegas)
The Pick: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Round 2, Pick 5 (37): New York Giants
The Pick: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
The New York Giants selecting Colton Hood at No. 37 is a strategic heist by the Giants' front office. Hood is a "technician with a mean streak" who excels at the line of scrimmage, using his length to jam receivers and disrupt timing. While he fell out of the first round, his tape against high-octane offenses suggests he is a Day 1 starter who can mirror and match at the NFL level. For the Giants, who have spent the last two years overhauling their identity, Hood provides the secondary stability needed to let their pass rush get home. He’s a high-IQ defender who doesn't panic when the ball is in the air. A+ value for Big Blue.
Round 2, Pick 6 (38): Las Vegas Raiders (from Washington)
The Pick: Treydan Stukes, Safety, Arizona
The Las Vegas Raiders just made a classic defensive-first move that might come back to haunt them. While Treydan Stukes is an All-American talent with incredible range (4 interceptions in 2025), the decision to pass on Washington’s Denzel Boston is baffling. The Raiders currently have one of the most underwhelming receiver rooms in the AFC. To ask Fernando Mendoza to develop or Kirk Cousins to compete, without a 6'4" boundary threat like Boston feels like a massive oversight. Stukes is a high-IQ playmaker who can play nickel or safety, but he doesn't help your franchise quarterback move the chains on 3rd-and-long. This felt like the moment to give the offense some juice; instead, the Raiders chose to keep grinding on defense.
Round 2, Pick 7 (39): Cleveland Browns
The Pick: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The Cleveland Browns are the undisputed kings of offensive reconstruction in this draft. By snagging Denzel Boston at No. 39, Andrew Berry has given this team a true "X" receiver with an elite catch radius. Boston is a 6'4" nightmare for smaller cornerbacks, coming off a breakout season at Washington where he hauled in 11 touchdowns and proved to be one of the most reliable deep threats in the country. Pairing him with the dynamic KC Concepcion creates a 'thunder and lightning' duo that will make life easy for whoever is under center. The Browns' offense is now faster, taller, and significantly more explosive than it was 48 hours ago. This is a front office that saw a weakness and didn't just fix it, they turned it into a primary strength.
Round 2, Pick 8 (40): Kansas City Chiefs
The Pick: R Mason Thomas, DE, Oklahoma
Round 2, Pick 9 (41): Cincinnati Bengals
The Pick: Cashius Howell, DE, Texas A&M
Round 2, Pick 10 (42): New Orleans Saints
The Pick: Christian Miller, DT, Georgia
Round 2, Pick 11 (43): Miami Dolphins
The Pick: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Round 2, Pick 12 (44): Detroit Lions (from New York Jets)
The Pick: Derrick Moore, DE, Michigan
Round 2, Pick 13 (45): Baltimore Ravens
The Pick: Zion Young, DE, Missouri
Round 2, Pick 14 (46): Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Pick: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri
Round 2, Pick 15 (47): Pittsburgh Steelers (from Indianapolis)
The Pick: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
The Pittsburgh Steelers just landed the most physical receiver in the draft. By trading up to No. 47 for Germie Bernard, the Steelers have secured a "power slot'" who perfectly fits the AFC North's smash-mouth identity. Bernard is a 206-pound blocker and YAC monster who led Alabama in receptions and tough yards last season. For a veteran like Aaron Rodgers, who demands perfection in route depth and timing, Bernard is the perfect match. An offense that needs a reliable chain-mover across the middle, Bernard is a great addition. He brings a 9.03 RAS and a "no-drop" mentality that will immediately endear him to Mike McCarthy. This isn't just a pass-catcher; it's a statement that the Steelers are returning to their physical roots.
Round 2, Pick 16 (48): Atlanta Falcons
The Pick: Aveion Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Atlanta Falcons just made the most emotional, and effective pick of the second round. By selecting Avieon Terrell at No. 48, they’ve paired him with his older brother, A.J., to form a secondary that will be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Avieon isn't just here because of his last name; he’s a First-Team All-ACC standout who set a Clemson record for defensive backs with 5 forced fumbles last season. While he is slightly undersized at 180 lbs, his "Peanut Punch" and elite 85.2 PFF run-defense grade prove he plays much bigger than his frame. For a Falcons defense that has been searching for a consistent CB2 to play opposite A.J., the answer was in the family all along. The 'Terrell Island' just got a second shore.
Round 2, Pick 17 (49): Carolina Panthers (from Minnesota)
The Pick: Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
Round 2, Pick 18 (50): New York Jets (from Detroit)
The Pick: D'Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
The New York Jets just secured the most underrated playmaker in the 2026 class. By selecting D'Angelo Ponds at No. 50, the Jets have found a worthy successor to the secondary vacancy left by the Sauce Gardner trade. Ponds is a physical anomaly at 5'9", he posted a 43.5-inch vertical at the combine (No. 1 among all CBs) and specialized in "eraser" plays for Indiana's national championship defense. While he doesn't have Sauce's length, he possesses a rare ability to stay "in-phase" and erase receivers with his 4.35 speed. For a Jets defense that prioritized athleticism and toughness tonight, Ponds is the ultimate prize. He’s a ball-hawk who recorded 39 pass deflections in college and allowed a measly 16.1 passer rating in 2025. The Jets' secondary just got a lot more explosive.
Round 2, Pick 19 (51): Minnesota Vikings (from Carolina)
The Pick: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
Round 2, Pick 20 (52): Green Bay Packers
The Pick: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
The Green Bay Packers just found their future at cornerback. By selecting Brandon Cisse at No. 52, Green Bay has secured an elite athlete who specializes in 'eraser' plays. Cisse is a physical marvel (6'0", 189 lbs) who brings a rare blend of recovery speed and verticality to Lambeau Field. Last season at South Carolina, he proved he can hang in the SEC, recording 27 tackles and 5 pass breakups while showing the versatility to play both outside and in the nickel. For a Packers team that didn't have a first-round pick tonight, Cisse is a "Round 1 talent" who fell right into their laps. He’s exactly the kind of gritty, high-motor defender that fits the Green Bay identity.
Round 2, Pick 21 (53): Indianapolis Colts (from Pittsburgh)
The Pick: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
Round 2, Pick 22 (54): Philadelphia Eagles
The Pick: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
The Philadelphia Eagles are officially embracing the era of positionless football. By selecting Eli Stowers at No. 54, Howie Roseman has secured a 6'4", 240-pound Swiss Army Knife who can destroy defenses from the slot, the boundary, or the backfield. Stowers is a former quarterback with 4.51 speed and a mind-blowing 45.5-inch vertical which was the best in the class. He dominated the SEC last season, recording over 750 receiving yards and winning the Mackey Award as college football’s best tight end. For an Eagles offense that loves to create mismatches, Stowers is the ultimate chess piece. He’s too fast for linebackers and too physical for cornerbacks. Howie just gave Kellen Moore a creative playground.
Round 2, Pick 23 (55): New England Patriots (from Los Angeles Chargers)
The Pick: Gabe Jacas, DE, Illinois
Round 2, Pick 24 (56): Jacksonville Jaguars
The Pick: Nate Boerkircher, TE, Texas A&M
The Jacksonville Jaguars finally joined the party at No. 56, and they did it by grabbing the draft's most versatile '"Y" tight end. Nate Boerkircher is a 6'5" mountain who specializes in the 'dirty work' that makes an offense hum. While he only had 19 catches at Texas A&M last year, his tape shows a player who was often the focal point of the blocking scheme, paving the way for a top-tier run game. For Trevor Lawrence, Boerkircher represents a reliable check-down option with a massive catch radius and 'sticky' hands. He’s a 90th-percentile athlete in the short-area agility drills, proving he can separate against linebackers in the red zone. This is a foundational pick for a team that wants to be more physical in 2026.
Round 2, Pick 25 (57): Chicago Bears
The Pick: Logan Jones, Center, Iowa
Round 2, Pick 26 (58): Cleveland Browns (from San Francisco)
The Pick: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Safety, Toledo
The Cleveland Browns just drafted the heartbeat of the 2026 class. By selecting Emmanuel McNeil-Warren at No. 57, they’ve landed a 6'4", 201-pound "enforcer" who defines modern safety play. McNeil-Warren is a turnover machine, recording 9 forced fumbles in his college career which is a testament to his violent, "punch-out" style of tackling. Beyond the stats, his decision to bypass NIL riches to finish what he started at Toledo speaks volumes about his maturity. For a Browns defense that already added elite size and speed in the first round, McNeil-Warren is the "robber" over the middle who will make every receiver think twice about crossing the seams. Cleveland isn't just cooking; they are building a juggernaut with high-character alphas. Cleveland is Cooking!
Round 2, Pick 27 (59): Houston Texans
The Pick: Marlin Klein, TE, Michigan
The Houston Texans just landed the draft’s most intriguing 'Y' tight end project. By selecting Marlin Klein at No. 59, Houston has added a 6'6", 250-pound athlete who runs a 4.61 forty and plays with a relentless motor. Klein, a German-born standout who won a National Championship at Michigan, was often overshadowed in a crowded Wolverines tight end room, but his efficiency was elite. He averaged over 10 yards per reception and proved to be a dominant in-line blocker in the run-heavy Big Ten. For C.J. Stroud, Klein represents a massive target who can clear out the middle of the field and provide a vertical threat that most tight ends simply can't match. This is a high-upside pick for a team that isn't afraid to bet on raw traits.
Round 2, Pick 28 (60): Tennessee Titans (from Chicago)
The Pick: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
Round 2, Pick 29 (61): Los Angeles Rams
The Pick: Max Clare, TE, Ohio State
The Los Angeles Rams just secured the most polished receiving tight end in the draft. By selecting Max Klare at No. 61, Sean McVay has found the perfect successor to the TE1 mantle in Los Angeles. Klare is a 6'4", 246-pound technician who specialized in 'finding the void' at Ohio State, recording 43 catches in a loaded offense last season. He’s not just a big body; his short-area agility and mechanical efficiency on pivot and choice routes make him a nightmare for linebackers. For Matthew Stafford, Klare is the ultimate safety valve, a high-IQ target who understands leverage and timing. This isn't just a depth move; it’s the Rams adding a primary weapon to keep this high-octane offense rolling.
Round 2, Pick 30 (62): Denver Broncos
The Pick: Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
The Denver Broncos just got a whole lot more physical on the perimeter. By selecting Davison Igbinosun at No. 62, they’ve added a 6'2", 190-pound press-man specialist who isn't afraid of anyone. Igbinosun’s draft stock was forged in the fire of Ohio State practices; covering future top-5 picks like Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate every day has given him a level of "pro-readiness" you rarely see. He’s a high-motor defender who recorded 52 tackles and 6 pass breakups in 2025, playing with the type of aggression that fits Vance Joseph’s scheme perfectly. For a Broncos defense that already ranks near the top of the league, Igbinosun provides the length and "alpha" mentality to match up with the massive receivers of the AFC West.
Round 2, Pick 31 (63): Los Angeles Chargers (from New England)
The Pick: Jake Slaughter, Center, Florida
Round 2, Pick 32 (64): Seattle Seahawks
The Pick: Bud Clark, Safety, TCU
The Seattle Seahawks just landed the ultimate schematic weapon for the Seahawks defense. By selecting Bud Clark at No. 64, they’ve added a 6'1" playmaker with elite ball production including 15 career interceptions and 20 pass breakups. Clark is a "positionless" defender who thrived at TCU by playing in the box, the slot, and at single-high safety. He brings 4.41 speed and a 38-inch vertical, but it’s his "tough and physical" approach to tackling that makes him a Seahawk. For a defense that is being rebuilt to be more multiple and aggressive, Clark is the perfect hybrid who can disguise coverages and trigger downhill like a lightning bolt. Seattle just got a high-IQ leader to anchor their back end.
Round 3
Round 3, Pick 1 (65): Arizona Cardinals
The Pick: Carson Beck, QB, Miami
The Arizona Cardinals have officially found their new field general. By selecting Carson Beck at No. 65, the Cardinals are moving on from the Kyler Murray era and betting on a 6'4", 230-pound prototypical pocket passer. Beck was the engine behind Miami's high-octane offense last season, throwing for 3,813 yards and 30 touchdowns while completing over 72% of his passes. He is a high-IQ signal-caller who excels at diagnosing pre-snap looks and distributing the ball with elite anticipation. For a Cardinals team in "quarterback purgatory," Beck is a polished, pro-ready prospect who can step in on Day 1 and provide the stability this franchise desperately needs.
Round 3, Pick 2 (66): Tennessee Titans
The Pick: Tyler Onyedim, DT, Texas A&M
Round 3, Pick 3 (67): Las Vegas Raiders
The Pick: Keyron Crawford, DE, Auburn
Round 3, Pick 4 (68): Philadelphia Eagles (from New York Jets)
The Pick: Markell Bell, OT, Miami
Round 3, Pick 5 (69): Chicago Bears (from Tennessee)
The Pick: Sam Roush, TE, Stanford
The Chicago Bears are building a matchup nightmare. By selecting Sam Roush at No. 69, they’ve added a 6'6", 267-pound 'enforcer' to a room that already features Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland. While Roush has elite athletic traits including a 38.5-inch vertical which is his true value to Ben Johnson’s offense is his "dirty work" mentality. He finished 2025 as the highest-graded run-blocking TE in the ACC and led the conference in receiving yards for the position (545 yards). This isn't about replacing Kmet; it’s about the Bears being able to run the ball out of 12 and 13 personnel while still having three legitimate vertical threats on the field. For Caleb Williams, Roush is the "glue guy" who keeps the pocket clean and punishes linebackers in the run game.
Round 3, Pick 6 (70): San Francisco 49ers (from Cleveland)
The Pick: Romello Height, DE, Texas Tech
Round 3, Pick 7 (71): Washington Commanders
The Pick: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
The Washington Commanders just secured the ultimate chain-mover. By selecting Antonio Williams at No. 71, they’ve added a 5'11", 190-pound technician with a 4.41 forty and a 39.5-inch vertical. Williams is a 'separation machine' who led Clemson in receptions as a freshman and finished his career as one of the most prolific targets in Tiger history. For Jayden Daniels, Williams represents a high-IQ safety valve who excels at finding soft spots in zone and shaking defenders in man-to-man. He brings a "RB-like" vision after the catch and a toughness over the middle that perfectly fits the new Commanders identity. This isn't just a depth move; it’s the addition of a Day 1 starter who makes this offense infinitely more efficient.
Round 3, Pick 8 (72): Cincinnati Bengals
The Pick: Tacario Davis, CB, Washington
The Cincinnati Bengals just drafted a nightmare for opposing offensive coordinators. By selecting Tacario Davis at No. 72, they’ve added a 6'4", 194-pound cornerback with a massive 80 7/8-inch wingspan. Davis is a "press-man" specialist who spent his senior year at Washington proving that he can recover and erase windows with his elite length. He recorded 25 pass deflections in his college career and showed off a 4.41 forty at the combine, confirming that he has the long speed to stay with vertical threats. For a Bengals secondary that needed to get bigger and more physical, Davis is a schematic home run. He allows the Bengals to play more aggressive "press-bail" coverage and provides a massive target for pass breakups in the red zone.
Round 3, Pick 9 (73): New Orleans Saints
The Pick: Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia
The New Orleans Saints are building a juggernaut. By selecting Oscar Delp at No. 73, they’ve added a vertical tight end who bridges the gap between a traditional blocker and a vertical threat. Delp is an elite athlete who clocked a 4.49 forty and posted a 38-inch vertical at his pro day, his numbers that put him in the top tier of TE prospects. While he sat behind Brock Bowers for a portion of his Georgia career, his tape shows a refined route-runner with "sticky" hands and a 9.82 RAS score. In Kellen Moore's offense, Delp is the ultimate chess piece; he can align in-line to crush defensive ends or split out wide to torch linebackers. The Saints just got a Day 1 starter who makes this offense impossible to predict.
Round 3, Pick 10 (74): New York Giants (from Cleveland)
The Pick: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
The New York Giants just secured the ultimate "possession" weapon. By selecting Malachi Fields at No. 74, they’ve added a 6'4", 218-pound vertical threat who specialized in "above-the-rim" catches at both Virginia and Notre Dame. Fields is a "box-out" specialist with 32-inch arms and a massive 79-inch wingspan, making his catch radius one of the largest in the 2026 class. While he isn't a burner (4.61 forty), his 38-inch vertical and elite ball-tracking allow him to win jump balls against even the most physical NFL corners. For a Giants offense that has struggled to find a reliable target in tight windows, Fields is the answer. He’s a high-floor, high-IQ receiver who brings a 'Senior Bowl standout' pedigree to Big Blue.
Round 3, Pick 11 (75): Miami Dolphins
The Pick: Caleb Douglas, WR, Texas Tech
The Miami Dolphins selected Caleb Douglas at No. 75, the Dolphins are finally adding the "length and leverage" that this roster has been missing for years. With Hill and Waddle gone, Douglas (6'4", 4.39 speed) becomes the immediate prototype for Bobby Slowik’s new offense. He’s a guy who can actually win at the catch point and provide a massive target for Malik Willis. In an offense that now prioritizes toughness and blocking at the receiver position, Douglas is the "X" factor who can stabilize a room that was recently gutted of its superstars.
Round 3, Pick 12 (76): Pittsburgh Steelers (from Dallas)
The Pick: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
The Pittsburgh Steelers drafting Drew Allar with the No. 76 pick is an absolute headscratcher. Why waste a third-round pick on Drew Allar when Will Howard is already in the building? Howard has that "killer mentality" and the grit you need to win in the AFC North. He proved at Ohio State that he’s a winner who can lead a locker room. Allar has the "prototypical" traits, the 6'5" frame and the big arm but as I point out, he's just not "that dude." He struggled in the big games at Penn State and doesn't have the same fire that Howard brings to the field. This feels like a wasted pick by Mike McCarthy and Omar Khan when the future was already sitting right there in the QB room.
Round 3, Pick 13 (77): Green Bay Packers (from Tampa Bay)
The Pick: Chris McClellan, DT, Missouri
Round 3, Pick 14 (78): Indianapolis Colts
The Pick: A.J. Haulcy, Safety, LSU
The Indianapolis Colts just got significantly tougher. By selecting A.J. Haulcy at No. 78, they’ve added a 5'11", 215-pound missile who specializes in coming downhill and punishing ball carriers. Haulcy is a "stat-sheet stuffer" who recorded 347 career tackles and 10 interceptions during his time at New Mexico, Houston, and LSU. He’s at his best when he can play in a "robber" role or as a split-safety, using his elite instincts to trigger on screens and run plays. For a Colts defense that needs to improve its physicality in the AFC South, Haulcy is a Day 1 contributor who brings an 'alpha' mentality to the secondary. He’s a high-floor player who makes everyone around him more aggressive.
Round 3, Pick 15 (79): Atlanta Falcons
The Pick: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
The Atlanta Falcons just secured the ultimate gadget weapon. By selecting Zachariah Branch at No. 79, they’ve ensured that the most explosive player in the state doesn't leave Georgia. Branch is a 5-foot-9 fireball with 4.35 speed and elite short-area twitch. Last season at Georgia, he set a program record with 81 receptions, proving he can handle a high-volume workload despite his smaller frame. Whether he’s taking a screen 60 yards or returning a punt for a touchdown, Branch is a threat to score on every snap. For Kirk Cousins (or whoever is under center), Branch is the perfect "YAC king" to complement Drake London’s size. This is a smart, localized pick that will have Mercedes-Benz Stadium rocking on Sundays.
Round 3, Pick 16 (80): Baltimore Ravens
The Pick: Ja'Kobi Lane, WR, USC
The Baltimore Ravens just secured the ultimate red-zone weapon. By selecting Ja’Kobi Lane at No. 80, they’ve added a 6'4", 200-pound "above-the-rim" specialist who finishes his USC career with 18 touchdowns. Lane is a "catch-radius king" with 10.5-inch hands and a 40-inch vertical, making him nearly impossible to stop on back-shoulder fades and end-zone corner routes. As NFL legend Dez Bryant noted, Lane is more "NFL-ready" than many of the big names in this class. For Lamar Jackson, Lane represents a safety valve who can bail out a play just by being bigger and more physical than the corner. This is the "X" receiver Baltimore has been searching for to balance out Zay Flowers' speed.
Round 3, Pick 17 (81): Jacksonville Jaguars (from Detroit)
The Pick: Albert Regis, DT, Texas A&M
Round 3, Pick 18 (82): Minnesota Vikings
The Pick: Dominique Orange, DT, Iowa State
Round 3, Pick 19 (83): Carolina Panthers
The Pick: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee
The Carolina Panthers just secured the ultimate "power-forward" duo for Bryce Young. By selecting Chris Brazzell II at No. 83, they’ve paired him with the 6'5" Tetairoa McMillan to create a perimeter that essentially functions as a vertical 'no-fly zone' for defenders. Brazzell is a 6'4", 200-pound technician with 4.37 speed and an elite 38-inch vertical. Last season at Tennessee, he proved he could dominate the SEC, racking up 1,017 yards and 9 touchdowns. For Bryce Young, this pick is a dream come true; he now has two massive targets with elite catch radiuses who can bail out off-platform throws. The Panthers aren't just getting faster; they’re getting impossible to out-muscle.
Round 3, Pick 20 (84): Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Green Bay)
The Pick: Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers just landed a massive weapon with a 4.42-speed motor. By selecting Ted Hurst at No. 84, they’ve added a 6'4", 206-pound "long-strider" who led the Sun Belt with 1,004 receiving yards last season. Hurst is a "catch-radius specialist" who recorded an elite 61% contested-catch rate in college, proving he can win at the high point against anyone. For Baker Mayfield, Hurst represents a vertical spacer who can take the top off a defense or provide a massive target on back-shoulder fades. This is a classic Jason Licht move finding a small-school prospect with "first-round traits" and sticking him in an offense where he can thrive as a secondary or tertiary option.
Round 3, Pick 21 (85): Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pick: Daylen Everett, CB, Georgia
The Pittsburgh Steelers just secured a cornerback with "first-round" athleticism. By selecting Daylen Everette at No. 85, they’ve landed a 6'1", 196-pound technician who clocked a blistering 4.38 forty and recorded a 37.5-inch vertical. Everette is a three-year starter from Georgia who was often at his best when the lights were brightest, coming down with interceptions in each of the last two SEC Championship games. For Teryl Austin’s defense, Everette is the perfect "press-man" corner who can use his 31 7/8-inch arms to disrupt timing at the line of scrimmage. He finishes his Georgia career with 150 tackles and 5 interceptions, proving he’s a willing participant in the run game and a ball-hawk when tested deep. This is a brilliant value pick for a secondary that needed an infusion of youth and speed.
Round 3, Pick 22 (86): Cleveland Browns (from Los Angeles)
The Pick: Austin Barber, OT, Florida
Round 3, Pick 23 (87): Miami Dolphins (from Philadelphia)
The Pick: Will Kacmarek, TE, Ohio State
The Miami Dolphins just got much more physical at the point of attack. By selecting Will Kacmarek at No. 87, they’ve added a 6'6", 261-pound mauler who specializes in "doing the dirty work." Kacmarek is a niche prospect with an elite 'mauler' mentality; he thrives on chip blocks and has the play strength to handle NFL-caliber defensive ends with ease. While he had limited targets in the Buckeyes' high-octane offense (15 catches in 2025), he is a "sleeper" receiving threat with a 4.74 forty and a reliable pair of hands. For a Dolphins team that just drafted Caleb Douglas to stretch the field, Kacmarek is the guy who ensures the run game stays efficient and the pocket stays clean. This is a brilliant schematic fit for Bobby Slowik's new system.
Round 3, Pick 24 (88): Jacksonville Jaguars
The Pick: Emmanuel Pregnon, Guard, Oregon
Round 3, Pick 25 (89): Chicago Bears
The Pick: Zavion Thomas, WR, LSU
The Chicago Bears are building a matchup house of horrors. By selecting Zavion Thomas at No. 89, they’ve added a 5'10", 192-pound 'separation specialist' with elite 4.28 speed. Thomas is the ultimate slot weapon; while McMillan and Brazzell occupy the safeties vertically, Thomas has the lateral agility and route-running polish to shred man coverage underneath. Last season at LSU, he proved he was more than just a deep threat, recording 41 catches for 488 yards and 4 touchdowns while leading the SEC in return yardage. For Caleb Williams, Thomas is the "X-factor" who can turn a three-yard drag into a 60-yard house call. This is a brilliant strategic move to balance out the Bears' massive perimeter size.
Round 3, Pick 26 (90): San Francisco 49ers (from Houston)
The Pick: Kaelon Black, RB, Indiana
The San Francisco 49ers just secured the most underrated "pure runner" in the draft. By selecting Kaelon Black at No. 90, they’ve added a 5'10", 211-pound hammer who finished his 2025 season with 1,034 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns for the Hoosiers. Black is a "north-south" specialist with an elite 85.5 run grade, known for his ability to sniff out interior creases and punish linebackers at the second level. For Kyle Shanahan, Black is the perfect developmental piece and a high-IQ runner who maximizes blocked space and keeps the offense on schedule. While he wasn't used heavily as a receiving back at Indiana, his tape shows the baseline competence to thrive in a versatile NFL system. The 49ers just got much tougher in the trenches.
Round 3, Pick 27 (91): Las Vegas Raiders (from Houston)
The Pick: Trey Zuhn III, Center, Texas A&M
Round 3, Pick 28 (92): Dallas Cowboys (from San Francisco)
The Pick: Jaishawn Barham, DE, Michigan
Round 3, Pick 29 (93): Los Angeles Rams
The Pick: Keagen Trost, OT, Missouri
Round 3, Pick 30 (94): Miami Dolphins (from Denver)
The Pick: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
The Miami Dolphins are officially done with the "Track Team" era. By selecting Chris Bell at No. 94, they’ve added a 222-pound enforcer who finished his senior year at Louisville with 917 yards and 6 touchdowns. Bell is a "catch-and-run" specialist who led the ACC in forced missed tackles before his late-season ACL injury. While he’s recovering from that surgery, his medicals at the combine were reportedly excellent, and he should be a full go by training camp. For Bobby Slowik’s offense, Bell is the ultimate "Power Slot"or "Z" who can shield defenders with his frame and punish safeties in the run game. This is a high-value pick for a team that needed to get tougher, not just faster.
Round 3, Pick 31 (95): New England Patriots
The Pick: Eli Rairdon, TE, Notre Dame
The New England Patriots just landed a 6'7" weapon with "unlimited" upside. By selecting Eli Raridon at No. 95, they’ve secured a tight end who essentially functions as a massive wide receiver. Raridon is an elite "seam-buster" who clocked a 4.62 forty and uses his massive frame to shield defenders on intermediate crosses. While his college production was capped by Notre Dame’s deep TE room, his "per-target" efficiency was through the roof in 2025. For Drake Maye, Raridon is the perfect security blanket, a guy who can win at the high point and provide a massive catch radius in the red zone. This is a brilliant value pick for a team that values versatile, high-IQ tight ends.
Round 3, Pick 32 (96): Pittsburgh Steelers (from Seattle)
The Pick: Gennings Dunker, OT, Iowa
Round 3, Pick 33 (97): Minnesota Vikings (Compensatory)
The Pick: Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern
Round 3, Pick 34 (98): Minnesota Vikings (Compensatory)
The Pick: Jakobe Thomas, Safety, Miami
Round 3, Pick 35 (99): Seattle Seahawks (Compensatory)
The Pick: Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas
Round 3, Pick 36 (100): Jacksonville Jaguars (Compensatory)
The Pick: Jalen Huskey, CB, Maryland
The Draft Room Wrap-Up: Night 2 in the Books!
That’s a wrap on a chaotic, franchise-altering Night 2! We saw massive cultural shifts, a complete identity overhaul in Miami, and some serious "statement" picks from the Steelers to the Bears.
The strategy tonight was clear: size, speed, and grit. From the "Twin Towers" being built in Chicago and Carolina to the "Enforcer" mentality being drafted into the Dolphins' and Colts' secondaries, the landscape of the league just got a lot more physical.
Night 2 Quick Hits & Highlights
- The Miami Reset: After clearing the deck of their superstars, the Dolphins are rebuilding with a "bully" identity. Caleb Douglas and Chris Bell are the new faces of a physical, high-upside perimeter.
- Steel City Drama: The Drew Allar pick has the fans divided, but the addition of Daylen Everette brings that classic Georgia "shutdown" speed to the secondary. The battle for the QB of the future between Howard and Allar is officially the biggest storyline in Pittsburgh.
- The "Big Man" Trend: Teams like the Bears and Panthers are no longer settling for small speedsters. Pairing Zachariah Branch with local roots and Chris Brazzell II with existing alphas shows a league-wide obsession with "matchup nightmares."
- The Sleeper Value: Keep an eye on Will Kacmarek in Miami and Eli Raridon in New England. These "Y" tight ends might not have the flashiest stats, but they are the "glue guys" who win championships in the trenches.
Looking Ahead to Day 3 (Rounds 4-7)
While the "flashy" names are off the board, tomorrow is where the real GMs earn their keep. We’re looking for those late-round gems, special teams aces, and the depth that carries teams through a 17-game season.
Note: I will not be covering Rounds 4-7 live tomorrow, but stay tuned! Soon after the final pick is in and the compensatory picks are finalized, I’ll be dropping my Full Post-Draft Reaction and Analysis.
The 2026 NFL Draft is far from over, the aftermath is where the real work begins! See you all soon for the full breakdown!