In our latest two-round projection, we witnessed a massive shakeup that saw Ty Simpson (QB, Alabama) and Kevin Concepcion (WR, Texas A&M) skyrocket into the first-round conversation!

With the “Blue Chip” talent pool shifting, the New York Jets kicked off the second round by snagging Avieon Terrell. In a division defined by elite quarterback play, finding a corner with Terrell’s Clemson-bred instincts at pick 33 is the definition of value.

Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans proved that the best way to win the draft is to let the board come to you. By waiting until the second round to grab Anthony Hill Jr. and D’Angelo Ponds, both teams secured Day 1 starters without the “top-10” price tag. Ponds, in particular, represents a massive win for a Titans secondary looking to reset the culture in the AFC South.

Perhaps the most polarizing move of the mock was Ty Simpson’s ascent into the first round. By moving the Alabama signal-caller into the top 32, the Cleveland Browns are forced to pivot. While the Browns opted for technical security with center Connor Lew, the Steelers also stayed aggressive under center, landing Garrett Nussmeier at 76 to compete in a wide-open QB room.

If you’re looking for the pick that will be graded an “A+” three years from now, look no further than Zachariah Branch to the Atlanta Falcons at 48. In an era where “high-end” playmakers are the ultimate currency, getting a home-run threat like Branch outside the top 40 is highway robbery.

Other notable Round 2 values include Eli Stowers (TE, Vanderbilt) to Miami, a mismatch nightmare for a Dolphins offense that thrives on speed. Malachi Fields (WR, Notre Dame) to Tampa Bay, the “Pro’s Pro” who provides immediate reliability for the Bucs’ passing game. And Gabe Jacas (DE, Illinois) to Detroit, a high-motor edge rusher who fits Dan Campbell’s “kneecap-biting” philosophy like a glove.

The 2026 NFL Draft class is proving that there is no consensus. Teams aren’t just drafting for talent; they are drafting for identity. From the Jets’ defensive doubling-down to the Texans’ trench-warfare approach, the battle for AFC supremacy is being fought in the mid-rounds.

Check out the full Round 2 breakdown below to see if your team found their next superstar!

At the top of SI’s player rankings sits edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami), a disruptive force off the edge who has drawn comparisons to high-impact pass rushers because of his length and power. His presence atop the board underscores how elite edge defenders remain premium commodities.

Joining Bain among the premier prospects are elite secondary and offensive talent. Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State) is widely regarded as one of the most complete wideouts in the class, combining size, route precision, and contested-catch ability. Caleb Downs (Ohio State) stands out as a true playmaker in the defensive backfield with range, instincts, and versatility that could elevate a team’s secondary early in his career.

Offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa (Miami) is another top name, offering elite size and athleticism on the line that could make him one of the first blockers off the board. Mauigoa’s combination of power and mobility projects well in both pass protection and run schemes.

Beyond those core names, Flick’s board includes other high-end prospects likely to hear their names early. Dynamic edge rusher T.J. Parker (Clemson) and fellow pass-rush threat Keldric Faulk (Auburn) both bring disruptive potential that NFL defenses crave. Garrett Nussmeier (LSU) remains a notable quarterback prospect with pro-style accuracy and experience against strong competition. Ashton Stamps (LSU) is among the top cover corners in college football, while Peter Woods (Clemson) anchors the interior defensive line with power and run-stopping ability. Nick Singleton (Penn State) rounds out the early look as one of the best running backs in the class, blending power and explosiveness.

SI’s 2026 mock emphasizes how deep and varied this draft class could be, with talent across key positions and multiple prospects capable of becoming foundational pieces for rebuilding NFL franchises.