No. 16: New York Jets - Makai Lemon, WR, USC
With their second pick in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft, the New York Jets go to the offensive side of the ball and add a weapon for new (old) quarterback... Geno Smith. Makai Lemon is an outstanding player and as productive at the highest level as any prospect could be. With his ability and toughness with the ball in his hands, he and Garrett Wilson would be a nightmare for opposing defenses.
No. 17: Detroit Lions - Vega Ioane, LG, Penn State
With the release of long-time left tackle Taylor Decker, that position has been thrust into focus as the biggest position of need for the Detroit Lions. However, the Lions still need to address the other spot on the left side of the line. Vega Ioane has the makings of a perennial All-Pro left guard and should be a perfect fit with Dan Campbell in Detroit.
No. 18: Minnesota Vikings - Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
With the end of Harrison Smith's illustrious Minnesota Vikings career potentially iminent, this pick could be a little cliche. However, I believe it is truly a perfect fit for Brian Flores' defense, filling a huge need in Minnesota. Dillon Thieneman is a Swiss-Army knife that can play deep in center field, down in the box, or in man coverage in the slot.
No. 19: Carolina Panthers - Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
The Carolina Panthers signed two big-name free agents on defense in Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd. However, after releasing A'Shawn Robinson, they could use another big body in the middle of the defensive line alongside superstar Derrick Brown. Caleb Banks is an athletic freak at his size and could be a great complement to Brown in Ejiro Evero's defense.
No. 20: Dallas Cowboys - Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
The Dallas Cowboys have proven over the years that they are not afraid to draft "their guy" in the first round, even if it is slightly unexpected or even viewed as a "reach". After addressing need number 1A with a top-tier corner, the Cowboys address need number 1B at linebacker. C.J. Allen could very well be the second true off-ball linebacker off the board come April, but Jacob Rodriguez has everything you want in a linebacker, produced at the highest level of college football, and showed he has plenty of athleticism to compete at the next level with his performance at the Combine. There are always a few surprise picks in the draft and Rodriguez going on night one could be one of them.