NFL mock draft 2026 Rounds 2-3: 49ers upgrade o-line, Chiefs go corner again, Steelers get a QB originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
With the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft now complete, it's time to take a look at what might happen on Day 2.
Friday night's selections will begin an hour earlier (7 p.m. ET) from Pittsburgh and see more than double the action with the second and third rounds getting into the books.
Here are the updated projections, mocking the picks from No. 33 through No. 100.
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Chase Bisontis, G/C, Texas A&M (6-5, 315 pounds)
The 49ers have a serious weakness at left guard between future Hall of Fame left tackle Trent Williams and solid center Jake Brendel. Bisontis brings an ideal blend of power and athleticism for Kyle Shanahan's run blocking scheme.
The Cardinals have liked McDonald and his disruptive potential to fill a big need in Nick Rallis' defense to support 2025 first-round Watler Nolen and rev up the inside pass rush next to Josh Sweat on the edge.MORE: Where Jeremiyah Love ranks among highest-drafted RBs in recent NFL Draft history
Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M (6-3, 253 pounds)
The Bills are eyeing high-energy natural rotational pass rusher early. Howell would be the relentless type who can thrive in their new-look defense.
The Raiders need to give Mendoza some extra receiving help beyond Brock Bowers, Ashton Jeanty and a mixed bag of wideouts. Adding Boston's big presence on the outside will be welcome through the red zone.
The Giants, after going with Reese and Mauigoa, need to turn their attention to helping replace Dexter Lawrence at defensive tackle. Miller is a natural run stopper with massive pass-rush upside.
The Texans, after going interior offensive line in the first round, can address another key need here with Allen to fit the rangy, physical mentality under former linebacker DeMeco Ryans.
The Browns can look at Terrell, a first-round talent, as their potential slot solution between Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell.MORE: Inside the history of Chiefs first-round picks
The Chiefs need to replace multiple cornerbacks and pairing Delane and Hood for the outside would complete their overhaul with newcomer Kader Kohou working the slot.
The Bengals took care of a big inside need by using their first-round pick to get Lawrence from the Giants but they need a thumper of a linebacker who can clean up plenty for Al Golden.
The Saints got their wide receiver in Round 1 so they can go to work on replacing the power and pass-rush pop of Cameron Jordan in Brandon Staley's defense, for which Parker's frame is ideal.
MORE: Ranking signings, trades for all 32 teams from best (Chiefs) to worst (Jets)
The Dolphins, after going offensive line and cornerback early, can work on restocking their wide recever corp next. Bernard is a well-rounded route-runner who can help restore some of the speed and quickness lost without Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill.
The Jets would really have a shot at a big defensive upgrade if they take Golday following selection of David Bailey to address the edge rush early. They have loved more of what Golday can do cleaning the action upfield in a big frame that he moves well.