Welcome to our 2026 NFL Draft Rounds 2 & 3: Reactions!
Day 1 was so much fun, let’s do it again! The NFL Draft is the best time of the sports calendar to me, so it is basically Christmas! This is an incredibly difficult draft to guess, with a weird class, so we were in for and got quite a few surprises!
Here, I will go through (almost) instant reactions to the second day (rounds 2 & 3) of the 2026 NFL Draft. There will be an analysis of the pick, fit, and the board as a whole, as well as how the pick could impact the player’s new teammates. Grades are subjective (and also factor in draft-day trades), but these are my thoughts on the picks! Thank you for following along with our day one draft stream (you can rewatch here: https://www.youtube.com/live/Yh3f3VCZF5Q?si=7c3rOvoVr2cX855v) and following our content all offseason!
Note: This article comes out about a week after the draft has concluded (took a bit to write with life and such), but reactions are not related to what happened in the draft on day 3.
Round 2
2.33: San Francisco 49ers: De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss
Analysis: Stribling was a massive riser at the end of the process, which culminated with the initial day 2 pick. He is a great fit for the scheme as a big YAC threat, but he was still a bit of a reach. With Denzel Boston on the board, this is a surprise, but Kyle Shanahan does his thing!
Fantasy Analysis: Stribling complements Mike Evans and Ricky Pearsall very well, but does not threaten either immediately. This draft slot means he will be used (as long as he can maintain blocking ability) and could be a fun piece this season. He could sneak into the top-12!
Grade: C
2.34: Arizona Cardinals – Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M
Analysis: Okay, this makes yesterday’s head-scratcher a bit easier to stomach. The OL in Arizona was awful, but they added a powerful guard to provide more stability and maintain their run-heavy look. Love the pick!
Fantasy Analysis: Jeremiyah Love will not be hung out to dry! This may push him into the lead for 1.01 rookie pick.
Grade: A
2.35: Buffalo Bills – T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
Analysis: The Bills traded back 3 times, essentially recouping what they gave up for D.J. Moore and then took a player who was often mocked to them at 1.26. Parker is their type of EDGE, with powerful hands, great run defense, and some upside pass rush. He is a strong fit in the new 3-4 they will run with Jim Leonhard
Fantasy impact: He could be a top-12 IDP pick, with a high-tackle floor and rush upside. He projects similarly to Bradley Chubb and Gregory Rousseau, but will have to compete with both for snaps out of the gate.
Grade: A
2.36: Houston Texans – Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Trade: Las Vegas sends 2.36 & 4.117 to Houston for 2.36 & 3.91
Analysis: This is such BS. Houston gets the most dynamic run-stuffing nose tackle in the class to pair with their elite rushers. He has some pass-rush ability himself, but the McPounder’s bread is buttered by swallowing up the interior so the monsters on the outside can get home. Houston jumped Sexy Dexy’s former home to secure their nose of the future, which makes loads of sense.
Fantasy impact: Is it possible to stock up on Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter? Because holy hell they are. McDonald will be hard to value for IDP leagues, but taking him at DT1 over the 1st rounders is reasonable with the scheme and potential for funneled sacks.
Grade: A
2.37: New York Giants – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Analysis: The Giants go BPA again (man, McCoy’s knee must really be a concern) and take a physical press-man CB from Tennessee. Hood was a personal favorite throughout the process, finishing in my top-24 prospects. They have a fun CB room now that fits the Harbaugh/Dennard Wilson defense.
Fantasy impact: I have some concerns for my guy, Dru Phillips, now. Hood is an outside CB, but does this push FA acquisition Greg Newsome to the slot over him? Harbaugh did not draft Philips, but he seems to be a great fit, so we will see!
Grade: A+
2.38: Las Vegas Raiders – Treydan Stukes, DB, Arizona
Trade: Houston sends 2.36 & 3.91 to Las Vegas for 2.36 & 4.117
Analysis: Stukes is another late-process riser who even had some round 1 hype. Despite being older, the former walk-on is an electric prospect for a DB desperate for talent. He exploded in the slot this year for the Wildcats, though he has experience on the outside and as a deep safety. I would have loved to see them help Mendoza with a Denzel Boston, fix the spine of the defense with Christen Miller, or go younger with Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, but this pick does make sense and gets great juice and versatility into the room.
Fantasy impact: This all comes down to where Stukes plays. He should see time all around the DB field, hopefully ending up in the slot (though they do have Taron Johnson now). He is in play to be DB3 in rookie drafts.
Grade: B-
2.39: Cleveland Browns – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Analysis: The Browns are building something here for Todd Monken. There was a lot of debate on whether the Browns would take KC Concepcion or Denzel Boston at 24. Well… they get both! This is an incredible value for the team, which has now rebuilt its receiving corps. Boston will be their X-receiver and contested catch dynamo on the outside (while being more than that, too!).
Fantasy impact: The Browns got my pre-draft WR 3 & 4, but how will they affect each other? Concepcion should go higher with capital and play style, but Boston should still be a first-round pick. This does all but spell the end for my guy Cedric Tillman in Cleveland (trade him to Vegas, please!) and Jerry Jeudy. Shedeur Sanders has a chance to prove it this year now. Get ready to love whoever Cleveland’s QB is in 2027.
Grade: A+
2.40: Kansas City Chiefs – R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
Analysis: With Denzel Boston gone, the biggest need for the Chiefs was pass rush juice. They absolutely nail that here. I had 2 EDGE players higher, but both are run-defense first players more in the George Karlaftis role, so this is not a reach to me. Thomas is smaller, but he fights his tail off in the run game, giving him more than just DPR upside. This is a great fit and pick with no WRs or OTs available.
Fantasy impact: Thomas will start out as a DPR for the Chiefs, but has 3-down potential if he is able to get stronger. With a strong defensive line, he does have double-digit sack potential while diverting some attention away from the others. He is a worthwhile 1st round IDP selection!
Grade: A-
2.41: Cincinnati Bengals – Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
Analysis: Howell is a similar player to Thomas, but one I am not nearly as fond of. He has great production, but with limited length and athleticism, I worry he is just a good college rusher with little upside. Unlike Thomas, Howell is a liability against the run. This is the exact opposite pick as Shemar Stewart (all traits, no production), so the Bengals get credit there. A bit surprised they did not opt for a safety or linebacker with many good ones still available.
Fantasy impact: Howell is a pure DPR with no run defense, so how high are his floor and ceiling? He may just be a Josh Uche type, which is hard to count on for fantasy, though he has real week-to-week ceiling.
Grade: C
2.42: New Orleans Saints – Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
Analysis: What a pick! Miller, I like a bit more than Kayden McDonald, actually, and think he is a phenomenal fit for the Saints and Brandon Staley. He is a run-stuffer for a team that does not have much in that area. The pass rush skill set is not elite, but it has enough to avoid being a liability.
Fantasy impact: Miller opens up the middle for Kaden Elliss and Pete Werner to make plays, while allowing Bryan Bresee more pass rush opportunities. Miller himself probably isn’t a high-IDP pick, but in tackle-heavy DT leagues, he is a good piece to have.
Grade: A+
2.43: Miami Dolphins – Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Analysis: Fun pick! Linebacker is not their biggest need, but with the state of the roster, they can afford to go BPA. Rodriguez will step into the WILL spot alongside Jordyn Brooks (as long as he remains on the roster) and create a psychotic (complementary) LB duo. He is free to roam and make plays with Brooks in tow.
Fantasy impact: This will hurt Tyrel Dodson a great deal, unless he is dealt. J-Rod immediately becomes the LB2 so far and has legitimate legs to be a top-5 IDP pick. His tackle floor is lower with Brooks there, but he will be free to make plays behind the line as he did at Tech.
Grade: B+
2.44: Detroit Lions – Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan
Trade: New York sends 2.44 to Detroit for 2.50 & 4.128
Analysis: EDGE was a massive need for the Lions, but this is a surprising pick. Gabe Jacas and Zion Young fit what this team is about (and needs) moore (pun intended). Moore is a solid player, but does not have the upside against the run or pass like these other rushers. He is a single up the middle, but does not have much upside.
Fantasy impact: Love to see Hutch finally get at least a decent player next to him! D.J. Wonnum will rotate with Moore, making neither of them particularly productive week to week. Moore is a 2nd round IDP pick in my eyes, with hopes that he can develop into much more and feast off of Hutchinson’s talent.
Grade: C
2.45: Baltimore Ravens – Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
Analysis: The Ravens get a powerful EDGE who had some mid-1st round hype. Typical Ravens. Young is a dominant force against the run game while adding some quality pass rush. His edge-setting and block-breaking make him an ideal running mate for Trey Hendrickson. He is a top-8 remaining player on my board and a strong value for the Ravens.
Fantasy impact: He may split some pass rush reps with Mike Green to start, but his run defense will make him a near-immediate starter. He is in late-1st-round conversation for IDP rookie leagues with tackle upside.
Grade: B+
2.46: Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri
Analysis: After addressing their biggest need in round 1, the Bucs tackle (hehe) their next biggest here. The LB2 role has been a wasteland next to Lavonte David for a long time, and now David is gone. The specific player is a bit of a surprise, as Trotter was seen more as a late-2nd rounder, and CJ Allen is still available. Trotter is a great attacking run-defender, so he is a good scheme fit for Todd Bowles, but not the top LB available.
Fantasy Impact: Trotter will step into a starting role on Day 1 and expects to be a dynamic force in the run game. His limited coverage ability keeps him behind the LBs drafted before him and potentially some of the next LBs to go. Still, he has a good tackle floor.
Grade: C+
2.47: Pittsburgh Steelers – Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
Trade: Indianapolis trades 2.47 & 7.249 to Pittsburgh for 2.53, 4.135, & 7.237
Analysis: The Steelers jumped Atlanta for the best receiver remaining on the board. They complement DK Metcalf & Michael Pittman Jr. with a well-rounded, reliable skill set. Bernard is an adult in the room and will help move the chains with toughness over the middle and good YAC.
Fantasy impact: Bernard probably will not have a great statistical season, as the WR3 on a team where Aaron Rodgers is the best-case scenario at QB. His long-term outlook has a ceiling of a WR2 for NFL & fantasy purposes, and he can be a reliable piece for a long time. He is a worthy mid-2nd-round pick, though he may end up a better NFL player than a fantasy piece (much like my pro comp for him, Kendrick Bourne).
Grade: B+
2.48: Atlanta Falcons – Aveion Terrell, CB, Clemson
Analysis: This is just so freaking cool. Terrell is picked by his brother’s team, where they will play together for the first time (they have the same age-gap as my sister and I, so that adds an extra layer of cool and understanding for me)! Terrell tested poorly, but he is a tough corner who can beat up bigger receivers in press while having inside-outside versatility. Terrell was a top-30 player to me, so I love the value and the story.
Fantasy impact: Terrell may get peppered with targets, as a smaller outside receiver across from an established corner. Aside from that, Terrell may have a higher tackle ceiling than most boundary CBs with his tenacity.
Grade: A+ for “hell yeah moment” and great pick
2.49: Carolina Panthers – Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
Trade: Minnesota sends 2.49 & 6.196 to Carolina for 2.51 & 5.159
Analysis: The Panthers jump up to get some more beef on the interior. Hunter is a weird prospect, with atrocious testing but good film. He will take attention away from Derrick Brown, Jaelan Phillips, and co., as he did for David Bailey & Romello Height for the Red Raiders. This is about the range Hunter was expected to go to, and it makes sense as a fit for the Panthers.
Fantasy impact: Hunter himself does not have a huge amount of fantasy value as an interior plugger without much rush juice. However, he is a boost for the rest of the rushers and LBs.
Grade: B
2.50: New York Jets – D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
Trade: Detroit sends 2.50 & 4.128 to New York for 2.44
Analysis: The Jets slid back and grabbed the top (non-McCoy) CB available. He is a perfect Aaron Glenn player, including having many comparisons to the coach himself. Despite being smaller, Ponds can play on the outside as a strong, tough competitor with great speed. He is the definition of a “dawg” and should start immediately for the Jets.
Fantasy impact: The size may see him tested with targets and runs, which could allow him a lot of ball production.
Grade: A
2.51: Minnesota Vikings – Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
Trade: Carolina sends 2.51 & 5.159 to Minnesota for 2.49 & 6.196
Analysis: This is another interesting pick for Minny. Golday is a crazy athlete, but is still learning the ins and outs of the linebacker position. He lacks physicality but has coverage ability and great upside with his speed. If anyone can develop him, it is Brian Flores. But if the Vikings wanted an LB, this is not the top one on the board.
Fantasy impact: Golday will sit behind Blake Cashman and Eric Wilson to start, but has flexibility to play some EDGE, off-ball, and slot (much like Andrew Van Ginkel), so is a draft and stash type.
Grade: C
2.52: Green Bay Packers – Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
Analysis: This is the perfect Packers corner, as a long athlete with positional versatility. The Packers needed another outside CB badly, which Cisse profiles as (with the ability to play safety or slot if needed). He shows willingness in the run game as well. He was one of the top DBs available and a good value at a position of need.
Fantasy impact: As a probable outside CB, he will not have a huge amount of weekly fantasy value.
Grade: B
2.53: Indianapolis Colts – CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
Trade: Pittsburgh sends 2.53, 4.135, and 7.237 to Indianapolis for 2.47 & 7.249
Analysis: This makes me so happy as a Colts fan. No way did I expect Allen (my 20th overall player and LB2) to make it to the Colts, especially after a trade down. Akeem Davis-Gathier and Jaylon Carlies are the current starters, which is…. No bueno. Allen has elite Football IQ and run defense and will take the green dot on day 1. He has some coverage inefficiencies, but is still functional. In a make-it-or-break-it year for Chris Ballard, he starts the draft with a bang.
Fantasy impact: Despite not landing within the top-50 (which is silly), Allen may end up as a top-6 IDP selection. He has a clear path to being an LB1, unlike Rodriguez, even if he does not have that level of playmaking ability.
Grade: A+
2.54: Philadelphia Eagles – Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
Analysis: This match has often been mocked as the Eagles need a TE of the future. Stowers is an athletic freak who has sky-high potential as a receiver. He is an absolute zero as a blocker, making him more of a big slot than a tight end. A converted quarterback, hopefully, time behind Dallas Goedert will allow him to learn the NFL game and refine his skills. Stowers is lower on my board than most, which lowers this grade a bit, especially when considering he and 1st-rounder Makai Lemon expect to be slot-heavy players.
Fantasy impact: This is a fun landing spot for Stowers, who expects to take over Dallas Goedert’s long-time role in 2027. He should have some passing-down work this season, but will be mostly on the bench. He and Makai Lemon have role similarities, so it will be interesting to see how Philly utilizes them going forward.
Grade: B-
2.55: New England Patriots – Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois
Trade: Los Angeles sends 2.55 to New England for 2.63, 4.131, & 6.202
Analysis: Jacas was the last left in the 2nd tier of EDGE prospects, so the Patriots jumped other EDGE-needy teams like Jacksonville and Chicago. Jacas was a top-35 player on my board, with powerful hands and prowess in both the run and pass game. He is the type of rusher this staff loves and would have been a reasonable pick at 31.
Fantasy impact: He may start this season behind Dre’Mont Jones, but he expects to be a future cornerstone. Jacas does not project as a high-sack player but has EDGE2 ceiling due to functional rushing and a high-tackle-floor.
Grade: A-
2.56: Jacksonville Jaguars – Nate Boerkircher, TE, Texas A&M
Analysis: umm… what????? Boerkircher is a good player and a complement to Brenton Strange as a pure Y tight end, but this is a wild reach. Boerkircher was in the 140s on the consensus board, even if he did have some late-day 2 projections. The explosion of 12 & 13 personnel makes this archetype much more important, but it is hard to stomach a 6-year player with only 38 career receptions.
Fantasy impact: Boerkircher does not have much of a fantasy impact, as more of a blocking TE. Brenton Strange still expects to be the team’s top TE target and a good fantasy option. Perhaps this is best for the running game, where the team can use more versatile formations to create more looks for Chris Rodriguez & Bhaysul Tuten.
Grade: D
2.57: Chicago Bears – Logan Jones, C, Iowa
Analysis: The Bears lost Drew Dalman this offseason to an unexpected retirement and brought in Garrett Bradbury as a bridge. They still needed a Center of the future and took one here in Jones. While the position and fit make sense, the specific player is a bit of a surprise. Jones is the 5th-rated center on my board (which does not include 1st-rounder Keylan Rutledge), along with others who are also a scheme fit and younger.
Fantasy impact: Ben Johnson getting his guys is always a good thing. The Center position being (in theory) locked down means good things for both the run and pass games.
Grade: C+
2.58: Cleveland Browns – Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
Trade: San Francisco sends 2.58 & 5.152 to Cleveland for 3.70 & 4.107
Analysis: Great value here for the Browns, who would have gotten a strong grade if they took the Toledo safety at 1.24. He is a great complement to Grant Delpit, with great range and downhill tackling. He needs to be more consistent, but has high-level playmaking ability, even if he does not spend much time in the box.
Fantasy impact: EMW will not spend much time in the box, which does hurt his IDP value. However, his tackling from depth and playmaking ability keep him in the top-4 DB range and a borderline first-rounder.
Grade: A
2.59: Houston Texans – Marlin Klein, TE, Michigan
Analysis: Okay, yeah, this draft is getting weird, especially at TE. The German TE has 38 career receptions (like Boerkircher) but has a bit more pass-game talent. Playing behind AJ Barner and Colston Loveland minimized his usage, but this is still a massive reach in terms of talent in a class with more talented players. He has blocking prowess, too, but with Cade Stover already in Houston, this is rich.
Fantasy impact: This is a late-round fantasy pick to stash. He may have lost potential relevance to Cade Stover, but that seems to have fallen away anyway.
Grade: D+
2.60: Tennessee Titans – Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
Trade: Chicago sends 2.60 to Tennessee for 3.69 & 5.144
Analysis: Hill is a controversial prospect, with freaky athleticism but poor intangibles. This is a perfect spot for him, though, in Robert Saleh’s defense behind a mammoth DL. Cedric Gray and Cody Barton will start, giving Hill time to learn the defense and not need to be “the guy”. This is about his range on my board and fills a need.
Fantasy impact: Hill may not have a big impact this season, but in 2027 (and beyond), he meshes spectacularly with Cedric Gray, where he will have the ability to use his athleticism to run around and make splash plays.
Grade: B
2.61: Los Angeles Rams – Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
Analysis: This is one of the harder ones to grade. I love Klare as a prospect, but this is a weird fit. The Rams are stacked at TE with playoff hero Colby Parkinson, long-timer Tyler Higbee, and promising 2025 2nd rounder Terrance Ferguson. Klare is a good, willing blocker, but does need more time to develop there; that is the skillset they most need from a TE. As a receiver, he did not have great numbers this year while being with Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. While the player is very good and a strong value, it is not a great fit or use of resources for a team trying to win a Super Bowl in 2026.
Fantasy impact: this sucks. Klare was my TE2 coming in, but now his value plummets while taking Terrance Ferguson’s down with him.
Grade: C
2.62: Buffalo Bills – Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
Trade: Denver trades 2.62 to Buffalo for 3.66 & 6.182
Analysis: The Bills slide up a bit and grab a big, physical CB. If Igbinosun can clean up the penalties, this pick could turn into a good value. The grabbiness scares me, but his speed and physicality make this a high upside pick.
Fantasy impact: This pick could mean that 2025 1st-rounder Maxwell Hairston is moving into the slot, which would improve his stock. If Igbinosun starts, he will be targeted often – hunting for DPIs – which opens him up to tackle and PBU/INT opportunities, much like Tyrique Stevenson’s rookie year in Chicago.
Grade: C+
2.63: Los Angeles Chargers – Jake Slaughter, iOL, Florida
Trade: New England sends 2.63, 4.131, & 6.202 to Los Angeles for 2.55
Analysis: This is a bit of an odd pick, as Slaughter was seen by many as a Center-only prospect. He projects to start at LG for the Chargers, which is a scheme fit for Mike McDaniel, but is a surprise as a projection at the position, while other true OGs were there.
Fantasy impact: Maybe they won’t let Herbie get killed this year?
Grade: B-
2.64: Seattle Seahawks – Bud Clark, S, TCU
Analysis: In round 1, Seattle replaced Kenneth Walker with their pick. In round 2, they replace Coby Bryant. Clark is a fast, rangy, deep safety with great ball skills. He and Ty Okada will battle to start at the deep safety spot this season. Maybe a bit of a reach, but a great fit nonetheless.
Fantasy impact: Clark is a sneaky later-round IDP pick. Even as a deep safety, he plays the run willingly and will give many opportunities for interceptions.
Grade: C+
Round 3
3.65: Arizona Cardinals – Carson Beck, QB. Miami
Analysis: not to be rude, but gross. Beck is not a good QB prospect in my eyes, and this is a weird range to take him, even if he were a preferred tier-3 QB. Beck processes poorly for an experienced QB and has middling overall talent/athleticism. This pick implies he could start, but Arizona has two decent backup/bridge guards while having many roster holes that could have been filled here.
Fantasy impact: I mean, I guess he will get a shot to start at some point. If he is good, then yay! If not, then they wasted a spot to improve.
Grade: D
3.66: Denver Broncos: Tyler Onyedim, DE, Texas A&M
Trade: Buffalo sends 3.66 & 6.182 to Denver for 2.62
Analysis: Onyedim is a good replacement for John Franklin-Myers as a heavy-handed run-stuffer at 3-tech. He is a good player overall, with nothing really standing out as a calling card. He went higher than many expected, but this is a fine fit.
Fantasy impact: Not a huge amount, as he will rotate with Eyioma Uwazurike & Sai’vion Jones for DE reps behind/with Zach Allen.
Grade: C+
3.67: Las Vegas Raiders – Keyron Crawford, EDGE, Auburn
Analysis: This is a good value, as Crawford is the last of the tier-3 rushers who went in the mid-2nd round. He has a good bag of pass-rush moves and is an explosive athlete. Crawford needs to improve against the run, but can start out as a high-level DPR.
Fantasy impact: He fits well behind Kwity Paye as a DPR, which does affect both of their values, with Paye projecting to lose some upside while Crawford will not have consistent snaps. This probably means Malcolm Koonce finds a new home in 2027.
Grade: B
3.68: Philadelphia Eagles – Markel Bell, OT, Miami
Analysis: Philly does it again, taking a massive offensive lineman to develop behind their Hall-of-Fame caliber tackles. Bell is a great athlete for being 6’9” and nearly 350 lbs with good tape and awareness. High upside pick here for the Eagles.
Fantasy impact: tackle development is always a worthy shot, and any success is good for the skill-position stars.
Grade: B-
3.69: Chicago Bears – Sam Roush, TE, Stanford
Trade: Tennessee sends 3.69 & 5.144 to Chicago for 2.60
Analysis: Roush is a freaky athlete who projects as a true Y. This feels a bit high, but with other in-line TEs going in the 50s, this is sensible. The Bears can save $10mil by cutting Cole Kmet next offseason, so this is a pick for the future. They may have been better served by taking a run-stuffing DT, but let Ben cook!
Fantasy impact: Cole Kmet is gone after this year. Roush helps the run game going forward as a good, strong blocker (Charlie Kolar was my comp for him). No impact on Loveland, thankfully!
Grade: B-
3.70: San Francisco 49ers – Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech
Trade: Cleveland sends 3.70 & 4.107 to San Francisco for 2.58 & 5.152
Analysis: The 49ers make a big trade back and get a perfect scheme fit. Height will take the place of retired Bryce Huff as the 49ers’ main DPR, giving more juice off the edge. Height was not this high on the board, but the scheme fit and need negate that.
Fantasy impact: The 49ers are not relying on 2025 1st-rounder Mykle Williams to rush off the edge, which is good for him! He should slide inside with Osa Odighizuwa on pass downs, which will make this front incredibly formidable.
Grade: B
3.71: Washington Commanders – Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
Analysis: Great pick! Williams will immediately be the WR2 for the Commanders, giving an athletic slot to pair with Terry McLaurin. He is a good value here, and could have gone higher had Clemson not been an absolute dumpster fire in 2025.
Fantasy impact: Williams is immediately a top-16 fantasy pick, and could return on first-round value. He steps in as the Commanders’ second target (bad for the JAGs in the room) on day one.
Grade: B+
3.72: Cincinnati Bengals – Tacario Davis, CB, Washington
Analysis: Davis had 1st round buzz before both 2024 & 2025, but struggled in both seasons. He is a massive boundary CB, but can struggle in change of direction and overall consistency. While Davis has starting tools, the Bengals need more immediate impact on defense.
Fantasy impact: If Davis proves himself enough to start, we may see DJ Turner or Dax Hill pushed back to the slot. If that were to happen, that player’s fantasy value would increase.
Grade: C
3.73: New Orleans Saints – Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia
Analysis: Delp was never used to his full potential with Georgia, where he posted middling career totals. However, he flashed great talent as both a receiver and a blocker, giving hope that he can perform better in the NFL than in college. There is still risk with this, but a worthy one.
Fantasy impact: Delp will be in a reserve role to start the season, but Juwan Johnson’s days as TE1 may be numbered. Seeing the Saints put so much around Tyler Shough is a fantastic sign for his development.
Grade: B
3.74: New York Giants – Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
Trade: Cleveland sends 3.74 to New York for 4.105 & 5.145
Analysis: The Giants make a massive move up for a ball-winner. This is the archetype they desperately need to round out their receiving corps. He needs to expand his route tree, but the ball-winning & blocking ability make him a strong pick at this point.
Fantasy impact: The Giants have been trying to get rid of Darius Slayton for years, and they may now have the ability to do so. As a vertical X, Fields has big game potential with Jaxson Dart.
Grade: B
3.75: Miami Dolphins – Caleb Douglas, WR, Texas Tech
Analysis: Well… another shocker! Douglas was a borderline draftable player as the other Texas Tech WR. He did run a sub-4.4, but is really just a one-trick pony as a deep receiver. With the other WRs on the board, this is a massive reach.
Fantasy impact: Well, Miami clearly likes him, so he will have a shot at playing time. And how much worse than their current group can he be?
Grade: D
3.76: Pittsburgh Steelers – Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
Analysis: In the first pick from the George Pickens trade, the Steelers take a shot at getting a Franchise QB. As with Beck, this is a weird range for a QB, but Allar does have the necessary tools. He is far too robotic and conservative, but has an NFL-level arm and athleticism. There may have been better picks to make, but the swing on a QB I like makes sense.
Fantasy impact: If Allar sees real snaps this year, it is stock down for the Steelers weapons. He will compete with Will Howard for the potential QB of the future billing, compromising the stock of both.
Grade: C+
3.77: Green Bay Packers – Chris McClellan, DT, Missouri
Trade: Tampa Bay sends 3.77 to Green Bay for 3.84 & 5.160
Analysis: McClellan is one of the higher-end run-stuffers in this class while having some pass-rush ability. He makes a lot of sense for the Packers, who needed a 1-tech. McCllellan will help to open up space for the LBs and EDGE rushers to wreak havoc. He went higher than some expected, but the talent and fit are great.
Fantasy impact: If McClellan is able to live up to this selection, he will make it far easier for the Packers’ playmakers to do just that.
Grade: B
3.78: Indianapolis Colts – AJ Haulcy, S, LSU
Analysis: By golly, Chris Ballard has done it again! The ballhawking box safety was a top-50 prospect on my board, giving the Colts consecutive players 25+ slots below their value. Haulcy will replace Nick Cross with “Mr. Give Me That”.
Fantasy impact: If you want to say Haulcy is DB1, you are crazy… but not that crazy. At worst, he is a top-4 pick at the position, with the same upside that saw Cross finish in DB1 range in the past.
Grade: A
3.79: Atlanta Falcons – Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
Analysis: The Falcons stay in-state with the speedy WR from the Bulldogs. Branch was once a future-first-rounder, but finished college with a profile of a gadget receiver. He had one of the highest screen rates ever in his lone year with the Bulldogs, making the most of it with good YAC ability and speed. Atlanta needed more of a true receiver than a slot-only speedster, making this pick a bit odd, even if it is a reasonable range.
Fantasy impact: Branch will compete with Jahan Dotson for starting reps & targets, both hoping to take pressure off of Drake London & Kyle Pitts.
Grade: C+
3.80: Baltimore Ravens – Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC
Analysis: While less surprising than the Caleb Douglas pick, I feel similarly about it. Lane had first-round hype coming into 2025, but was vastly outperformed by Makai Lemon this season. Lane is a dominant, contested catcher, but that is about all he has. He had a UDFA grade to me (I will be the low man), but even those highest saw him as an exciting day-3 option. Baltimore has needed this type of receiver for Lamar Jackson since he took over the starting role, so if he hits it, it could be music!
Fantasy impact: I do not see Lane taking snaps from any of the incumbent starters, but he does offer a completely different flavor from the rest of the room.
Grade: D
3.81: Jacksonville Jaguars – Albert Regis, DT, Texas A&M
Analysis: Well, this pick is a bit more normal for the Jaguars, though still a reach. Regis is a sturdy Nose/1-tech but does not project to be much more than an early-down run stopper. Davon Hamilton & Arik Armstead are both free agents at the end of this season, so this may be preparing for life after them. Even so, there are other players of this archetype available that have a higher ceiling or more proven impact.
Fantasy impact: He will be a reserve this year, but Regis does have some potential fantasy impact after posting nearly 50 tackles in 2025 for the Aggies. Overall, he probably has a ceiling of a DT2 or 3.
Grade: C
3.82: Minnesota Vikings – Dominique Orange, DT, Iowa State
Analysis: Vikings double up on DTs with Big Citrus. Orange could have reasonably gone a round earlier if not for some off-field concerns. He is a titan (Viking?) in the middle, being immovable in the run game. Not much is offered as a rusher, but that is not what Minnesota will need from him.
Fantasy impact: Massive plus for LBs, as Citrus will clear lanes for them to make plays.
Grade: A
3.83: Carolina Panthers – Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee
Analysis: Brazzell is a fascinating prospect, with incredible size & athleticism, but lacking refinement after coming out of Tennessee’s Mickey Mouse offense. He was not asked to do much as a true wideout, but he has more fluidity than players like Jalin Hyatt of the Volunteers’ past. He adds speed to the Panther WR room and goes in a spot where it is much more palatable to wait for him to learn a real offense and how to be a true WR.
Fantasy impact: This spells big trouble for Xavier Legette. Brazzell will push for Leggette’s spot as Carolina’s Z (WR3 behind T-Mac & Coker) while having similarly freaky athleticism. He is a mid-round dynasty pick with massive upside but no floor for 2026.
Grade: C+
3.84: Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State
Trade: Green Bay sends 3.84 & 5.160 to Tampa Bay for 3.77
Analysis: A fantasy and scouts darling goes to Tampa Bay to hopefully replace future Hall-of-Famer Mike Evans. There will be a large learning and talent curve, but Hurst has the talent to hopefully bridge those gaps. He may be a year away from being a year away, but like Brazzell, Tampa can afford to let him learn and experience growing pains with a strong WR corps.
Fantasy impact: Hurst does not negatively impact top receivers Chris Godwin & Emeka Egbuka, but may cause Jalen McMillan & Tez Johnson to lose some snaps. He is a mid-round dynasty pick with massive upside but no floor for 2026.
Grade: B-
3.85: Pittsburgh Steelers – Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia
Analysis: Everette had an up-and-down career with the Bulldogs, but he has the size, strength, demeanor, and athleticism to make it as a starter. He is physical (too much at times) and uses his speed & size well (again, too well at times). Everette needs to cut down on the penalties, but if he can take time to learn as a reserve in 2026, he can pair with Joey Porter Jr. for an imposing CB pairing in 2027 and beyond.
Fantasy impact: If/when he sees the field, teams will try to light him up. That will lead to PBU, INT, and tackle attempts.
Grade: B
3.86: Cleveland Browns – Austin Barber, OL, Florida
Trade: Los Angeles sends 3.86 to Cleveland for 4.105, 5.145, & 6.206
Analysis: Cleveland made another big move up for a falling player. Barber, the long-time Gators’ starter, is a solid player with 5-position versatility. For a team that is completely resetting the line, that sort of player makes a lot of sense. Most likely an OG or RT, Barber is quick & strong, giving floor to the potential Tytus Howard replacement plan.
Fantasy impact: Boosting the OL is a boost for all!
Grade: B
3.87: Miami Dolphins – Will Kacmarek, TE, Ohio State
Analysis: With their 456th pick, the Dolphins take a blocking TE with some receiving ability. Kacmarek may be the best pure in-line blocker in the class, who will open up the run game for DeVon Achane & co. He has strong hands, as shown by his double the career reception total of the blocking TEs who went in round 2. This is the range where a blocking TE should start to go.
Fantasy impact: He may be a sneaky fantasy play with the state of the TE room. I loved Greg Dulcich as a prospect, and he did flash a bit last season in Miami, but is that enough to keep him as the starter?
Grade: B-
3.88: Jacksonville Jaguars – Emmanuel Pregnon, OG, Oregon
Analysis: Is that… a good & normal pick by the Jaguars??? Wow, it is!!! Pregnon was expected to go in the top-50, but fell to Jacksonville, who takes a shot on an experienced path-paver. A former Wyoming Cowboy (Go Pokes) & USC Trojan, Pregnon dominated his one year in Eugene as a dominating run-blocker. He will compete for a starting role and should be in one by 2027.
Fantasy impact: The Jaguars have depth at OL to the point that they can sustain an inevitable injury or two.
Grade: A
3.89: Chicago Bears – Zavion Thomas, WR, LSU
Analysis: The first two Ben Johnson specials were cool and fine. This one is not. Thomas does have sub-4.3 speed, but you rarely saw it on film, as Thomas averaged 11.44 yards/reception. He is a gadget & returner, which is incredibly rich to take in the top-100. If this is what they wanted, players like Deion Burks, Brenan Thompson, and Cyrus Allen are just as freaky while having real WR skills.
Fantasy impact: I mean, probably not a lot, unless you have return scoring. This is the Kalif Raymond 2.0 at best.
Grade: D
3.90: San Francisco 49ers – Kaelon Black, RB, Indiana
Trade: Miami sends 1.30 & 3.90 to San Francisco for 1.27 & 4.138
Analysis: Well, Shanny is at it again. This year’s random 3rd round RB of choice is the physical runner from the National Champs. Black, the “other” Indiana RB, had his best year in 2025 as a 6th-year senior. He is smaller but a good athlete with good vision and physicality. It is hard to doubt Shannahan, but the track record with reaches on RB has not worked out well thus far.
Fantasy impact: With Brian Robinson gone, they needed someone to compete with Jordan James (last year’s RB dart throw) & Isaac Guerendo (2024’s RB dart throw) for the CMC handcuff. Pick your poison, I guess.
Grade: D+
3.91: Las Vegas Raiders – Trey Zuhn III, OL, Texas A&M
Trade: Houston sends 2.38 & 3.91 to Las Vegas for 2.36 & 4.117
Analysis: Love to see the Raiders boost the OL! Like Cleveland with Barber, Las Vegas takes a potential 5-spot player in Zuhn, who was Texas A&M’s starting LT for 2 years before shifting to Center mid-season and dominating there. This is a good range for him, even though he will have to change positions again to see early time (remember they did sign Tyler Linderbaum).
Fantasy impact: Same dealio, boosting the OL is a boost!
Grade: B+
3.92: Dallas Cowboys – Jaishawn Barham, EDGE/LB, Michigan
Analysis: Barham started out as an LB before shifting to EDGE more recently, giving positional versatility that Dallas needs. He is an explosive athlete and physical player, allowing him to see-ball-get-ball (too much sometimes). Dallas seems to want to push him back to LB, which is interesting, but getting an athlete to play in the front 7 is an absolute need (even with the addition of Dee Winters).
Fantasy impact: Barham is a fun later-round flyer at either DL or LB. He will mostly play off-ball, but still have some rush snaps, giving him upside. If DeMarvion Overshown continues to lose time, Barham might steal a starting spot.
Grade: B+
3.93: Los Angeles Rams – Keagen Trost, iOL, Missouri
Analysis: The Rams make another interesting pick, going way down the board for the experienced Trost. He is one of the oldest prospects in the class after 7 years of college, though he transferred up 3 times, and was good in each spot. He is technically sound and has the flexibility to play RG or RT, even if he is not the mammoth that the Rams have favored lately.
Fantasy impact: same deal with the OL!
Grade: C
3.94: Miami Dolphins – Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
Analysis: The Dolphins get one of the biggest values of the draft here. Bell has first-round tools & talent, though he is raw as a route runner and is coming off a late-season ACL tear. Bell is an athletic freak and draws (incredibly high-end) comparisons to AJ Brown.
Fantasy impact: Probably not much in 2026 as he learns the offense and recovers. However, his athleticism & YAC ability give him a solid floor and fun upside if he were to catch on later.
Grade: A
3.95: New England Patriots – Eli Raridon, TE, Notre Dame
Analysis: Back-to-back AFC East bangers here! Raridon was a favorite in this class as one of the most underrated prospects in the class. Raridon did not have great numbers in a run-first offense (which… look at the RBs they had), but is a talented receiver and blocker. We saw many block-first TEs go ahead of Raridon, but none have close to the receiving chops as he does. He could be the TE of the future for the Patriots.
Fantasy impact: He will be the 3rd TE for the Pats this year (behind veteran Hunter Henry and blocking extraordinaire Julian Hill), but projects to take over as TE1 after Henry’s contract expires at the end of the year.
Grade: A
3.96: Pittsburgh Steelers – Gennings Dunker, OG, Iowa
Trade: Seattle sends 3.96 to Pittsburgh for 3.99 & 6.216
Analysis: The Steelers slide up a few picks to grab a potential day 1 starter in the 3rd round. Dunker is a typical Iowa OL, playing with great power and a touch of psychosis. The former tackle projects best on the inside but can move outside in a pinch or be a good 6th OL to start.
Fantasy impact: The OL is rounding out as a bruising bunch, which will be great for Rico Dowdle & Jaylen Warren.
Grade: B+
3.97: Minnesota Vikings – Caleb Tiernan, OT/OG, Northwestern
Analysis: The Vikings snatch a great value for immediate OL depth in the long-time Northwestern starter. Despite short arms, he offers 5 position versatility after starting at RT & LT with the Wildcats. He is a refined pass protector, but the length probably pushes him inside. He is the last of this tier of OL to go, making him a good value for an OL who was banged up in 2025.
Fantasy impact: Same dealio! He may be the RT of the future with Brian O’Neill’s contract done at the end of the year. Love to see planning ahead for the weapons.
3.98: Minnesota Vikings – Jakobe Thomas, S, Miami
Trade: Philadelphia sends 3.98 & 27-3rd rounder to Minnesota for 7.244 & EDGE Jonathan Greenard
Analysis: Thomas is a perfect fit for Brian Flores’ defense, even if this is a bit higher than he expected to go. He is an aggressive playmaker against the run & pass, which can get him into trouble, but can also make those big plays. He best projects going forward, in a role like Harrison Smith or even Josh Metellus have played lately given his aggressiveness and size.
Fantasy impact: Boom or bust IDP play here, who has a massive INT/TFL ceiling but also could mistake himself off the field.
Grade: C+
Seattle Seahawks – Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas
Trade: Pittsburgh sends 3.99 & 6.216 to Seattle for 3.96
Analysis: The Seahawks have gone 3 for 3 with replacing their biggest free agency losses with a draft pick. Neal is a big, athletic corner who will step into Riq Woolen’s role. The former receiver is still refining his play, but has great physicality and ball skills. This is a good range and schematic fit for the defending champs.
Fantasy impact: If he plays early, he will be tested and have a chance to show off his receiver skillset. His biggest impact may be allowing Seattle to keep Devon Witherspoon as a fantasy star in the slot.
Grade: B
Jacksonville Jaguars – Jalen Huskey, S, Maryland
Analysis: Well… one normal pick was enough for the Jaguars, I guess…. The projected 6th-rounder has a lot of ball production in his career, but he has limited athleticism and length and struggles in the run game. They took a similar positioned player last year in Caleb Ransaw (who I liked a lot), which makes this more interesting. Quite a reach, but maybe they know something we do not with this class?
Fantasy impact: If he hits, there could be a lot of INTs. I believed in Ransaw as a sneaky breakout candidate, but does this selection mean they do not trust him?
Grade: D
