No. 16: New York Jets via Indianapolis Colts – Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Jets fans just want some hope at the quarterback position. Alabama’s Ty Simpson gives them something to embrace for the future. With just one full year as a starter under his belt, it is unrealistic to below Simpson will lead the Jets to a Super Bowl anytime soon, but once they gain that status, he does have the fabric of a big-game performer. Can the Jets develop him and have the patience with him for him to grow into a franchise quarterback is the question.
- Second round pick (No. 33): Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
- Second round pick (No. 44): Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
No. 17: Detroit Lions – Spencer Fano, T, Utah
With the No. 17 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions get a reinforcement along the offensive line in Utah’s Spencer Fano. Projected as one of the top (if not the top) tackles in the draft, Fano being available here for the Lions is an absolute steal for a team that took a step back in 2025 but still have the talent to be a Super Bowl contender. Upgrading the offensive line will be key to regaining that status in 2026. Fano is a great start!
- Second round pick (No. 81): Traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars
No. 18: Minnesota Vikings– Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The Vikings need an elite cornerback and Mansoor Delane might just be the answer at No. 18. A boundary cornerback with great size and coverage technique, Delane has success playing in scheme coverages and will be a delight for Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Given his draft projection and the Vikings need at cornerback, this seems like a match made in playoff heaven.
- Second round pick (No. 49): Jadarian Price, HB, Notre Dame
No. 19: Carolina Panthers– Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State
The Panthers beef up their defensive line with the selection of Kayden McDonald. With the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in Tetairoa McMillan on the other side of the ball, along with a rejuvenated Bryce Young, the offense looks to be positioned well headed into the future. On the defensive side of the ball, the Panthers will look for more identity and players who can create havoc up front. They get that with McDonald who is a disruptor in the middle of the line.
- Second round pick (No. 51): Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
No. 20: Dallas Cowboys via Green Bay – Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
The Cowboys use the second of their first-round picks on Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren with the No. 20 overall pick in the draft. With this selection, the Cowboys address a big need at the position with Donovan Wilson a pending free agent and Malik Hooker looking like a player the team will part ways with at some point in the offseason. With comparisons to Harrison Smith, McNeil-Warren is a safety with good size, great coverage instincts and a turnover machine who could help get the Cowboys’ defense back to a championship level combined with their top pick in this mock draft.
- Second round pick (No. 44): Traded to the New York Jets