No. 26: Buffalo Bills – Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
The most talked about needs for the Bills at No. 26 has been edge rusher, linebacker and wide receiver, but getting impact players at safety is also a need. In selecting Emmanuel McNeil-Warren they can add to the safety group of Geno Stone, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Cole Bishop and Damar Hamlin as a long-term option. With Stone, Gardner-Johnson and Hamlin on one-year deals, the idea here is the Bills planning for the future while getting a player who can contribute Day 1.
No. 27: San Francisco 49ers – Cashius Howell , ED, Texas A&M
The 49ers add another edge to the mix with the selection of Cashius Howell. An Edge/outside linebacker hybrid, the SEC Defensive Player of the Year gives the 49ers another option and depth of the edge to go along with Nick Bosa and 2025 NFL Draft first round pick Mykel Williams.
No. 28: Houston Texans – Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
The Texans select Peter Woods with the No. 28 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to rebuild the interior of their defensive line after the departures of Tim Settle Jr. and Mario Edwards. Woods, who has the versatility to be impactful on the edge as well could flourish playing with Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. on opposite sides of the defensive line.
No. 29: Kansas City Chiefs via Los Angeles Rams – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Chiefs get their cornerback with the selection of Avieon Terrell with the No. 29 overall pick. Terrell won’t immediately replace Trent McDuffie, but he does play the game with elite technique and physicality that can make him the top Chiefs’ corner by the time the 2026 NFL season is said and done.
No. 30: Miami Dolphins via Denver – Keldric Faulk, ED, Auburn
The Dolphins use their second-round pick on another defender with the selection of Keldric Faulk, a prospect with prototypical size as a defensive end and a player who can be a disrupter along the defensive line. With Bradley Chubb gone, the Dolphins will add more talent at edge rusher. It starts with Faulk, but look for the Dolphins to add another player or two at the position later in the draft.
No. 31: New England Patriots – Kadyn Proctor, T, Alabama
Mike Vrabel was all over social media after he was seen working out with Max Iheanachor at Arizona State’s pro day. Does that mean Iheanachor will be the choice when the team selects at No. 31? Not if Kadyn Proctor is still on the board. With the way the board has manifested, Proctor’s slide gives the Patriots their right tackle and potential left tackle if Will Campbell shows regressive in Year 2 and has to be moved inside.
No. 32: Seattle Seahawks – Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame
Two running backs going off the board in the first round will be the surprise of the draft. Both being from Notre Dame, not much of a surprise. The Seahawks taking Jadarian Price at No. 32 will seem like a reach, but with the potential he will be off the board by the next time they select, the Super Bowl champions take the player who fills their most urgent need. The price is right here, and the Seahawks are ready to cash in.