No. 16: New York Jets (via IND) – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
An absolute steal on paper for the Jets, it's hard to argue against Jermod McCoy as being anything other than one of the highest upside players in the class, period. Going from Sauce Gardner to McCoy would allow for a much easier defensive transition than most teams could ever hope for, and their lack of turnover production could also see an essential increase.
No. 17: Detroit Lions – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Speaking of upside, Monroe Freeling's ceiling is downright scary to think about, especially if he was placed as the complementary piece to All-Pro Penei Sewell. Putting together a 9.99 Relative Athletic Score, he's an outstanding athlete with room to grow into a mauler at the tackle position. Detroit needs offensive line help, and he might end up as the best tackle prospect in the class when it's all said and done.
No. 18: Minnesota Vikings – Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Minnesota is facing a position that they haven't had to deal with in over a decade: navigating the building of a secondary without Harrison Smith. Dillon Thieneman plays with movement skills that "Harry the Hitman" could only dream of, and he's up there with Caleb Downs in the upper echelon of safety prospects in this year's draft cycle. He would enter as a true centerfielder and give Brian Flores' defense a skilled defender on the back end.
No. 19: Carolina Panthers – Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
2025 first-round pick Tetairoa McMillan proved to be a worthy selection, but Carolina could still use more firepower to take their passing attack up a notch. The top target on the National Champions' offense might be just that. Omar Cooper Jr is a receiver who can flesh out the Panthers' offense, and hopefully give Bryce Young the tools to elevate his development at a time when both him and the team need it.
No. 20: Dallas Cowboys (via GB) – Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Back at it with a pick that might scratch some heads, Jacob Rodriguez has been projected mainly as a second round pick, with some slating him as late as a third rounder. This would healthily surpass those expectations, but it's not without reason. Dallas could use a legitimate defensive captain and force over the middle, and the Red Raiders' captain is a player who simply knows the game and can see the field at a level that makes him a valuable commodity.