No. 21: Pittsburgh Steelers – Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
With Mike McCarthy at the helm, there is a chance Aaron Rodgers returns, or the Steelers will turn to another veteran to play under center in 2026. However, the team still needs a long-term plan, and that plan is Alabama’s Ty Simpson who enters the draft with just one year of starting experience. He showed he can be a leader in the pocket and make plays with both his arms and legs. With time to develop, Simpson could be the answer at quarterback the Steelers have been searching for.
- Second round pick (No. 53): Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
- Third round pick (No. 76): Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke
- Third round pick (No. 85): Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
- Third round pick (Compensatory): Keyron Crawford, ED, Auburn
No. 22: Los Angeles Chargers – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
The Chargers will get key pieces back along the offensive line with the returns of both Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt. However, they will still need help in the interior of the offensive line with left guard Zion Johnson as a pending free agent. To sure up the interior of the line, the Chargers select Penn State’s Olaivavega Ioane who is considered one of the top guards in the draft. Along with this size and power, Ioane brings a mean streak to the line that will make life much more pleasant for Justin Herbert in the pocket.
- Second round pick (No. 55): Dontay Corleone, DL, Cincinnati
- Third round pick (No. 86): Jake Slaughter, C, Florida
No. 23: Philadelphia Eagles – Zion Young, ED, Missouri
The Eagles will be rumored to be a landing spot for Maxx Crosby but ultimately add at the position with the selection of Missouri star Zion Young. At 6-foot-5, 262 pounds, Young has been a riser on the draft board due to his elite frame and high motor off the edge. In earning First-team All-SEC honors, Young recorded 42 total tackles, 6.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss.
- Second round pick (No. 54): LT Overton, ED, Alabama
- Third round pick (No. 68): Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
- Third round pick (No.98 – Compensatory): Justin Joly, TE, North Carolina State
No. 24: Cleveland Browns via Jacksonville – Kadyn Proctor, T, Alabama
The Browns beef up the offensive line in a big way with the selection of Kadyn Proctor with the No. 24 overall pick in the draft. In adding another skill player on offense with their first pick, the Browns will use the next few picks on building up the offensive line after key departures and adding another option to the QB room.
- Second round pick (No. 39): Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon
- Third round pick (No. 70): Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
No. 25: Chicago Bears – Lee Hunter, DL, Texas Tech
Another riser on draft boards is Texas Tech’s Lee Hunter who is selected by the Chicago Bears with the No. 25 overall pick. With nose tackle Andrew Billings entering free agency, the Bears will have a big need at the position even if they re-sign the veteran. The Bears ranked near the bottom of the league in run defense in 2025 and Hunter is elite in that area.
- Second round pick (No. 57): Kamari Ramsey, S, USC
- Third round pick (No. 89): Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State