No. 16: New York Jets via Indianapolis Colts – Makai Lemon, WR, USC
In a shocking turn of events at the top of the draft, the New York Jets got their quarterback. The board continues to flow their way with USC’s Makai Lemon falling into their laps at No. 16. One of the more dynamic playmakers in college football in 2025, Lemon brings versatility and strong route running to the Jets’ offense and gives Mendoza a duo in Lemon and Garrett Wilson. Lemon, who is the 2025 Biletnikoff Award winner, hauled in 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns in his final year at USC. The reliable hands and shiftiness as a route runner will help Mendoza in Year 1.
- Second round pick (No. 33): Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
- Second round pick (No. 44): Emmanuel McNiel-Warren, S, Toledo
No. 17: Detroit Lions – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
The Detroit Lions flow with the draft board here and select Jermod McCoy to strengthen the secondary. The irony here is that the Lions add a player who is recovering from a season-ending injury just like Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. The Lions will also have key defensive backs hitting free agency so cornerback could emerge as a top need come draft time. Although he missed the entire 2025 college football season, McCoy is one of the best cornerbacks in the nation when healthy. Is it a risk taking him at No. 17 since he hasn’t played since 2024? As the reason why he slipped down this far, the Lions are in a high-reward situation here if they get the McCoy who dominated as a corner in 2024.
- Second round pick (No. 50): Blake Miller, T, Clemson
- Third round pick (No. 81): Traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars
No. 18: Minnesota Vikings– Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State
The Minnesota Vikings need a young, elite run-stuffer to lead them into the future and they get that with the selection of Kayden McDonald at 18. The big defensive tackle is an anchor in the middle who moves along the defensive line with great agility and power. In drawing comparisons to former NFL defensive tackle Vince Wilfork, the Ohio State product is a force against the run with the athleticism to get pressure up the middle on the QB.Â
- Second round pick (No. 49): Jadarian Price, HB, Notre Dame
- Third round pick (No. 82): Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia
- Third round pick (No. 97 – compensatory): Genesis Smith, S, Arizona
No. 19: Carolina Panthers– T.J. Parker, ED, Clemson
The Panthers get their edge rusher with the selection of Clemson’s T.J. Parker. The 6-foot-3, 265-pound defensive end has seen his draft stock fall a bit due to an underwhelming season for the Tigers, but don’t underestimate the talent this man possesses. Following a strong 2026 Senior Bowl, Parker has put himself back on the radar as one of the top pass rush prospects in the draft due to his power, use of hands when shedding blockers and his run defense. He should pair nicely with Panthers 2025 NFL Draft pick Nic Scourton.
- Second round pick (No. 51): Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
- Third round pick (No. 83): Skyler Bell, WR, Connecticut
No. 20: Dallas Cowboys via Green Bay – Akheem Mesidor, ED, Miami (FL)
The Dallas Cowboys double dip on defense in the first round with the selection of Akheem Mesidor with the No. 20 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. In selecting Sonny Styles with their first pick and now Mesidor later in the round, the Cowboys add two players who dominated at their position during the 2025 college football season. In Mesidor, they get a NFL-ready edge rusher who is eruptive off the edge and disruptive along the line, which will help the defense rebound from the potential departures of veterans Jadeveon Clowney, Sam Williams, and Dante Fowler Jr.
- Second round pick (No. 44): Traded to the New York Jets
- Third round pick (No. 76): Traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers