{"id":625868,"date":"2026-04-24T16:17:11","date_gmt":"2026-04-24T16:17:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/625868\/"},"modified":"2026-04-24T16:17:11","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T16:17:11","slug":"rounds-2-3-predictions-best-available","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/625868\/","title":{"rendered":"Rounds 2-3 predictions, best available"},"content":{"rendered":"

The San Francisco 49ers<\/a> are officially on the clock for the No. 33 pick after trading out of the first round, so it\u2019s time for a first look at which prospects could go where on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL draft Friday.<\/p>\n

There are several top prospects available, including safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, receiver Denzel Boston, cornerback Avieon Terrell and quarterback Carson Beck.<\/p>\n

Where could these prospects land Friday night?<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how I think Rounds 2 and 3 will shake out based on fit, need and how every team could fill roster holes. I will not predict trades, though it is likely a few might happen.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s start with the 49ers.<\/p>\n

(*compensatory picks)<\/p>\n

Round 2 mock draft33. San Francisco 49ers (from NYJ)<\/p>\n

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo<\/p>\n

The 49ers moved out of Round 1, but the chance to take the player I originally predicted for them is still here as McNeil-Warren slips to Round 2. After watching rival Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori<\/a> neutralize offenses, former safety and 49ers general manager John Lynch drafts his own version.<\/p>\n

34. Arizona Cardinals<\/p>\n

Carson Beck, QB, Miami<\/p>\n

Is this a reach for Beck? It is, based on predraft rankings of him, but the Cardinals are in quarterback purgatory and need to take swings to find a capable starter. Beck\u2019s excellent play in the College Football Playoff changed the narrative on him and there are believers around the NFL in his ability as a future starter.<\/p>\n

35. Buffalo Bills (from TEN)<\/p>\n

Denzel Boston, WR, Washington<\/p>\n

Boston was considered a potential target for Buffalo in Round 1 if the team stayed at No. 26. The big-bodied wide receiver is exactly what Josh Allen<\/a> needs in the red zone as a complement for DJ Moore<\/a> and Khalil Shakir<\/a>.<\/p>\n

36. Las Vegas Raiders<\/p>\n

Treydan Stukes, S, Arizona<\/p>\n

Stukes is one of the most versatile defensive backs in the draft, and teams fell in love with his 4.33 speed in the predraft process and the fact that he was a three-time team captain. The Raiders\u2019 need at safety was almost as big as the need at quarterback.<\/p>\n

37. New York Giants<\/p>\n

Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee<\/p>\n

McCoy ranked as my No. 10 overall prospect in the class based off film study, but questions surrounding the long-term health of his knee following an ACL injury in January 2025 caused him to slip. The Giants will jump on the opportunity to select a top-10 player at a core position of need.<\/p>\n

38. Houston Texans (from WSH)<\/p>\n

Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State<\/p>\n

McDonald was a possibility for Houston in the first round. Giving coach DeMeco Ryans a space-eating nose tackle who was active enough to make 65 tackles last season almost seems unfair. With the starter-caliber offensive tackles off the board, this is an easy pick for Houston.<\/p>\n

39. Cleveland Browns<\/p>\n

Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&M<\/p>\n

The offensive line rebuild in Cleveland continues with a powerful, aggressive run blocker in Bisontis. He has to work on cutting down penalties after having 19 flags thrown his way in his career, but his bully-like mentality will make him a fixture at guard for the Browns.<\/p>\n

40. Kansas City Chiefs<\/p>\n

T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson<\/p>\n

After addressing cornerback and defensive tackle in Round 1, the Chiefs stick with defense and add the long-armed, powerful strongside defensive end in Parker. Wide receiver also would be a consideration here, but the depth at receiver is good enough to wait until Round 3.<\/p>\n

41. Cincinnati Bengals<\/p>\n

Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee<\/p>\n

The Bengals watched Dexter Lawrence II<\/a> highlights Thursday night after trading the No. 10 pick, but are now on the clock with a good group of cornerbacks still available. Hood is the draft\u2019s most aggressive corner and gives Cincinnati size on the outside of the defense.<\/p>\n

42. New Orleans Saints<\/p>\n

Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M<\/p>\n

There was buzz Thursday that the Saints might trade up for linebacker Arvell Reese and multiple teams asked about the truth of it. After staying put, New Orleans needs pass rush help. Howell had 11.5 sacks in 2025 and has the quickness off the snap to be a problem in space.<\/p>\n

43. Miami Dolphins<\/p>\n

Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama<\/p>\n

The Dolphins made it out of Round 1 without adding a wide receiver, despite it being the team\u2019s biggest need. Bernard is a bit of a gadget-guy thanks to his ability to create yards from the backfield or wide receiver, but his big-play ability is sorely needed in Miami.<\/p>\n

44. New York Jets (from DAL)<\/p>\n

Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina<\/p>\n

With no third-round pick, the Jets will cross off the need at cornerback that was created when Sauce Gardner<\/a> was traded to the Colts. Cisse has excellent length and explosive closing speed.<\/p>\n

45. Baltimore Ravens<\/p>\n

Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson<\/p>\n

It happens every year: The Ravens play the board and a great player falls into their laps. Terrell is a fighter at cornerback with excellent press technique and short-area quickness that would allow him to thrive in the slot.<\/p>\n

46. Tampa Bay Buccaneers<\/p>\n

Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech<\/p>\n

Replacing Lavonte David<\/a> won\u2019t be easy, but Rodriguez is a playmaker. The middle linebacker had seven forced fumbles and four interceptions last season. Oh, and he also can take snaps in the Wildcat formation.<\/p>\n

47. Indianapolis Colts<\/p>\n

CJ Allen, LB, Georgia<\/p>\n

Losing Zaire Franklin<\/a> in free agency left a hole in the middle of the defense. Allen is a solid run defender who is raved about by coaches and scouts. He would be the green dot Mike linebacker here in no time.<\/p>\n

48. Atlanta Falcons<\/p>\n

Christen Miller, DT, Georgia<\/p>\n

The Falcons focus again on the defensive line after selecting two edge rushers in the first round last year, this time grabbing an anchor in nose tackle Miller. The 6-foot-4, 321-pounder easily projects as a one-technique or nose tackle starter who has shown the strength to be a presence in a two-gapping situation.<\/p>\n

49. Minnesota Vikings<\/p>\n

A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU<\/p>\n

We were all stunned when the Vikings didn\u2019t select a safety in Round 1 after virtually every mock draft since February predicting one of them. In Haulcy, Minnesota gets a strong safety with 215 pounds of power, but also playmaking ability that saw him pick off 10 passes in college.<\/p>\n

50. Detroit Lions<\/p>\n

Zion Young, Edge, Missouri<\/p>\n

Finding a running mate opposite Aidan Hutchinson<\/a> has been a priority for Detroit since he was drafted. The Lions will have one in Young, a player who projects as a strong three-down defensive end with the strength to be as good against the run as he is in pass-rush settings.<\/p>\n

51. Carolina Panthers<\/p>\n

Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt<\/p>\n

The Panthers have drafted highly athletic projects at tight end in the past but haven\u2019t hit on one yet. Stowers is in a similar mold with 4.51 speed and record-setting jumps of 45.5 inches (vertical) and 11 feet, 3 inches (broad) at the combine, but his production (nine TDs the past two seasons) stands out.<\/p>\n

52. Green Bay Packers<\/p>\n

Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas<\/p>\n

Finding fast, rangy linebackers who can also affect the game as a pass rusher is rare, but Hill is available in Round 2 after teams were uncertain about his run-game instincts. All he did in the past three seasons was fill up the box score with 17 sacks, eight forced fumbles and three interceptions.<\/p>\n

53. Pittsburgh Steelers<\/p>\n

Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU<\/p>\n

The Steelers are betting that Aaron Rodgers<\/a> returns in 2026, but what\u2019s the long-term plan? Nussmeier\u2019s 2024 tape, when he threw for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns, looked like a first-round-caliber player. If he can get back to that, the Steelers have a franchise quarterback.<\/p>\n

54. Philadelphia Eagles<\/p>\n

Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon<\/p>\n

Talk of a potential retirement from Landon Dickerson<\/a> should have the Eagles thinking long term at guard. Pregnon had fans in NFL scouting departments thinking he might go late in Round 1.<\/p>\n

55. Los Angeles Chargers<\/p>\n

D\u2019Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana<\/p>\n

Ponds is one of my favorite players in the class, but concerns about a lack of size (5-foot-8) pushes him down the board. Coach Jim Harbaugh would love the feisty slot cornerback who is also an elite blitzer.<\/p>\n

56. Jacksonville Jaguars<\/p>\n

R Mason Thomas, Edge, Oklahoma<\/p>\n

The speedy Thomas is a blur around the edge and has the versatility to drop into coverage when needed. He\u2019s undersized at 6-foot-2 and 241 pounds, but he\u2019s an ideal situational pass rusher who can develop into more as he adds strength.<\/p>\n

57. Chicago Bears<\/p>\n

Gabe Jacas, Edge, Illinois<\/p>\n

The Bears went defense in Round 1 and they\u2019ll stay there in Round 2 with Jacas. At 6-foot-4 and 261 pounds he plays with big-time power and wracked up 26.5 tackles for loss the past two seasons.<\/p>\n

58. San Francisco 49ers<\/p>\n

Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson<\/p>\n

San Francisco added Mike Evans<\/a> in free agency, and they like Ricky Pearsall<\/a> as a deep threat, but an intermediate option from the slot is needed. Williams is a precise route runner with consistent hands and a yards-after-catch ability.<\/p>\n

59. Houston Texans<\/p>\n

Keionte Scott, CB, Miami<\/p>\n

There is no better blitzing cornerback in this draft than Scott, and he might be one of the NFL\u2019s best as soon as he puts on a Texans\u2019 helmet. He also has 4.33 speed at 5-foot-11 and 191 pounds, making him an option to play inside or outside in the NFL.<\/p>\n

60. Chicago Bears (from BUF)<\/p>\n

Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State<\/p>\n

Waiting until Round 3 to grab a center might be possible given the depth of this class, but the Bears jump on Hecht. He\u2019s my top center and is an elite run blocker.<\/p>\n

61. Los Angeles Rams<\/p>\n

Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame<\/p>\n

The Rams first-round pick Ty Simpson is in place as the quarterback of the future, but Fields can be an immediate asset on offense with his 6-foot-4, 218-pound frame and ability to beat defenders at the catch point.<\/p>\n

62. Denver Broncos<\/p>\n

Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri<\/p>\n

Denver\u2019s first pick of the draft aims to solve the lack of depth at linebacker. Trotter is a force in the run game with an attacking, downhill style.<\/p>\n

63. New England Patriots<\/p>\n

Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a trenches draft for the Patriots so far with Caleb Lomu in Round 1 and now Hunter. He\u2019s an active defensive tackle with nose guard experience but has the tools to move around the line.<\/p>\n

64. Seattle Seahawks<\/p>\n

Derrick Moore, Edge, Michigan<\/p>\n

The rich get richer as Seattle\u2019s defense adds an edge rusher who created 10 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss last season.<\/p>\n

Round 3<\/p>\n

65. Arizona Cardinals<\/a>: Travis Burke, OT, Memphis<\/p>\n

66. Buffalo Bills<\/a> (from TEN): Dani Dennis-Sutton, Edge, Penn State<\/p>\n

67. Las Vegas Raiders<\/a>: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville<\/p>\n

68. Philadelphia Eagles<\/a> (from NYJ): Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern<\/p>\n

69. Tennessee Titans<\/a> (from NYG\/HOU\/BUF): Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati<\/p>\n

70. Cleveland Browns<\/a>: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State<\/p>\n

71. Washington Commanders<\/a>: Skyler Bell, WR, UConn<\/p>\n

72. Cincinnati Bengals<\/a>: De\u2019Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss<\/p>\n

73. New Orleans Saints<\/a>: Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh<\/p>\n

74. Cleveland Browns<\/a> (from KC): Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas<\/p>\n

75. Miami Dolphins<\/a>: Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia<\/p>\n

76. Pittsburgh Steelers<\/a> (from DAL): Gennings Dunker, G, Iowa<\/p>\n

77. Tampa Bay Buccaneers<\/a>: Daylen Everette, CB, Alabama<\/p>\n

78. Indianapolis Colts<\/a>: Jaishawn Barham, Edge, Michigan<\/p>\n

79. Atlanta Falcons<\/a>: Tacario Davis, CB, Washington<\/p>\n

80. Baltimore Ravens<\/a>: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State<\/p>\n

81. Jacksonville Jaguars<\/a> (from DET): Tyler Onyedim, DT, Texas A&M<\/p>\n

82. Minnesota Vikings<\/a>: Logan Jones, C, Iowa<\/p>\n

83. Carolina Panthers<\/a>: Bud Clark, S, TCU<\/p>\n

84. Green Bay Packers<\/a>: Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas<\/p>\n

85. Pittsburgh Steelers<\/a>: Jalon Kilgore, S, South Carolina<\/p>\n

86. Los Angeles Chargers<\/a>: Jalen Farmer, G, Kentucky<\/p>\n

87. Miami Dolphins<\/a> (from PHI): Keyron Crawford, Edge, Auburn<\/p>\n

88. Jacksonville Jaguars<\/a>: Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas<\/p>\n

89. Chicago Bears<\/a>: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State<\/p>\n

90. San Francisco 49ers<\/a> (from HOU\/MIA): Markel Bell, OT, Miami<\/p>\n

91. Houston Texans<\/a> (from BUF): Connor Lew, C, Auburn<\/p>\n

92. Dallas Cowboys<\/a> (from SF): Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana<\/p>\n

93. Los Angeles Rams<\/a>: Devin Moore, CB, Florida<\/p>\n

94. Miami Dolphins<\/a> (from DEN): Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma<\/p>\n

95. New England Patriots<\/a>: Sam Roush, TE, Stanford<\/p>\n

96. Seattle Seahawks<\/a>: Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State<\/p>\n

97. Minnesota Vikings<\/a>*: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee<\/p>\n

98. Philadelphia Eagles<\/a>*: Austin Barber, OT, Florida<\/p>\n

99. Pittsburgh Steelers<\/a>*: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia<\/p>\n

100. Jacksonville Jaguars<\/a>* (from DET): Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The San Francisco 49ers are officially on the clock for the No. 33 pick after trading out of…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":625869,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[4583,49,48,209809,514,17052,61777,82],"class_list":["post-625868","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-sports","tag-2025-nfl-draft","tag-ca","tag-canada","tag-mock","tag-nfl","tag-picks","tag-round-2","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/625868","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=625868"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/625868\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/625869"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=625868"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=625868"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=625868"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}