No. 16: New York Jets via Indianapolis Colts – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
The Jets pull a stunner here by not selecting Ty Simpson at No. 16. Instead, they select cornerback Jermod McCoy to continue the trend of rebuilding the defensive side of the ball. A team that didn’t record an interception in 2025 use the pick acquired in the deal that sent Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts to potentially find his replacement.
No. 17: Detroit Lions – Keldric Faulk, ED, Auburn
The Lions beef up the defensive line with the selection of Keldric Faulk with the No. 17 overall pick in the draft. Faulk, who has ideal size, length and athleticism as a defensive end, can provide some rush off the edge opposite Aidan Hutchinson. The Lions will look to address tackle later in the draft.
No. 18: Baltimore Ravens, via Minnesota – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
In trading back, the Ravens can add a pick later in the draft and select a player they would’ve taken at No. 14. With the selectin of the mammoth Olaivavega Ioane, the Ravens add a stout run blocker and pass protection from the interior of the line for Lamar Jackson.
No. 19: Carolina Panthers– Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
The Panthers get another playmaker from the tight end position with the selection of Kenyon Sadiq. This is a sweet spot for Sadiq to go off the board as a fast, athletic playmaking tight end who could serve more as a big receiver. In adding Sadiq, the Panthers will have a group of tight ends that include Tommy Tremble, Ja’Tavion Sanders and Mitchell Evans.
No. 20: Dallas Cowboys – Cashius Howell, ED, Texas A&M
The Cowboys take care of another need in the first round in adding former Texas A&M star Cashius Howell to the mix. At 6-foot-2, 248 pounds, Howell is an efficient pass rusher who brings a ton of energy and physicality to the field. Howell recorded 11.5 sacks in his final season with the Aggies.