No. 26: Buffalo Bills – T.J. Parker, ED, Clemson
Under new head coach Joe Brady, expect the Buffalo Bills to build offensively around Josh Allen either through free agency or later in the draft. With their top selection, they will focus on defense with the selection of edge rusher T.J. Parker. Don’t like the 2025 season fool you, Parker is a top-level talent off the edge who can help the Bills in that area, especially if they move on from Joey Bosa and aren’t able to bring back A.J. Epenesa.
- Second round pick (No. 60): Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee
No. 27: San Francisco 49ers– Christen Miller, DL, Georgia
Despite injuries, the San Francisco 49ers made it to the divisional round of playoffs. With key players like Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams returning in 2026, the 49ers will get help defensively, but they still need to add depth at edge rusher and take care of the interior of the defensive line as well. They do that with the selection of Christen Miller, who is a mammoth, run-stuffing defensive lineman with the quickness and versatility to play along the defensive line and get pressure on the quarterback. He has the ability to help make the 49ers’ front-seven a Super Bowl caliber unit.
- Second round pick (No. 58): Kamari Ramsey, S, USC
No. 28: Houston Texans – Monroe Freeling, T, Georgia
With an elite defense, the main priority for the Houston Texans in the offseason is building the offense and confidence around quarterback C.J. Stroud. It will start with the offensive line with the selection of Georgia’s Monroe Freeling, a 6-foot-6, 315-pound tackle with ideal size, athleticism at the position and high-level pass protecting that will add an instant upgrade to the Texans’ offensive line no matter where he is utilized, most likely right tackle in 2026.
- Second round pick (No. 59): Domonique Orange, DL, Iowa State
No. 29: Los Angeles Rams – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Rams address the secondary with their second first round pick with the selection of Clemson’s Avieon Terrell. In making it to the NFC Championship Game and falling just short, this is a selection that will help put them over the top in Terrell’s high-level coverage skills and versatility. The Rams need a player who can defend a player like Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Terrell has the talent to do so for years to come.
- Second round pick (No. 61): Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
No. 30: Denver Broncos – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
It wasn’t just the injury to Bo Nix that limited the Bronco’s offensive ability in the AFC Championship Game, it was also their lack of playmakers. With the No. 30 overall pick, the Broncos get their pass-catching tight end in Kenyon Sadiq who will give Nix a big target with unique yards after the catch ability. Under Sean Payton, a player like Sadiq could be the key in getting to the big game in 2026.
- Second round pick (No. 62): Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri
No. 31: New England Patriots – Akheem Mesidor, ED, Miami
The Patriots hit on their top selections over the last three drafts with the additions of Christian Gonzalez, Drake Maye and Will Campbell. Now they get their edge rusher in Akheem Mesidor who gives Mike Vrabel and the Patriots’ defense that consistent pass rusher they are looking for. If the Patriots can form a defensive front that can get home on the quarterback without blitzing packages, the defense will be that much better in 2026 and Mesidor can morph into the type of player who helps them get back to the big game.
- Second round pick (No. 63): Max Iheanachor, T, Arizona State
No. 32: Seattle Seahawks – Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
The Seahawks had the most complete defense in 2025 and add a player in Keith Abney II who addresses potential needs at the cornerback position. At 6-foot-2, 190 pounds, Abney is a former wide receiver turned cornerback who uses his athleticism and great footwork as a corner to make an impact in any scheme he plays in. Add him in the backfield with Devon Witherspoon and the Seahawks will be set up nicely at the position for years to come, especially if they are able to sign Riq Woolen or Coby Bryant to new deals.
- Second round pick (No. 64): Connor Lew, C, Auburn