April 24, 2026
Ron Marmalefsky, @ronacesports
This quick report resets the table for day two of the draft.
Round One and Two Quick Thoughts:
- The 2026 draft was not deep. I had seven top tier players, six of which went early. Safety Downs lasted until pick #11.
- As usual, OL was picked clean. I had eight OL with 1st round grades. They all went, plus a day two OG (Rutledge).
- If there were any positional surprises, it would be that RB Price made it into the 1st round, and only two CBs were chosen, the 2nd of which went late, at pick #27.
- Surprises? Of course. For me, WR Tate was a surprise to Tennessee (4th). I did not have any WR graded in my top 15, though I understand that person-team fit could change things. QB Simpson going 13 (LA) was a shocker. LA certainly was in the mix, but I thought they would either trade back before doing this, or get someone who could help immediately in 2026, then go after the QB. I was surprised that TE Sadiq landed with the Jets. And yes, we all knew Seattle needed RB, but with just four picks, I thought we’d see at least one trade back. Price at 32 was surprising.
- Even with the shorter time period between picks (eight minutes), eight trades were made. Here’s my quick reactions to the trades. KC gave up too much for moving 9 to 6, but are forgiven because CB DeLame was the right player. Ditto Dallas, who gave up three picks to move up one spot, but for possibly impactful safety Downs. Philly gave up too much for a move from 23 to 20, but WR Lemon would not have made it to 23. Again, I understand. Houston always loses draft value. They moved up to take the aforementioned OG Rutledge, and didn’t have to. SF moved back twice. WHY? Pick 27 is now 33/90/178. I like the Miami move up for CB Johnson. They had 12 picks remaining, so why not. The Jets moving from 33/179 to get to pick 30 was outstanding. Needing WR, they got 1st round talent Cooper.
- Did I forget someone? Buffalo, are you still in the NFL? The Bills made THREE trades down the board, eventually moving out of round one. You are NOT rebuilding. Stay and pick, and get some impact. Four solid players were drafted during your trade back sequence which started at pick 26. I hope you use your extra picks wisely.
- Safest players in the draft. LB Styles, who fell to Washington. OG Ioane, who matched up perfectly to Baltimore.
- In addition to Ioane to Baltimore, the best person-team fits for me were DeLane to KC and Thieneman to Chicago.
- Other moves I liked included Reese and Mauigoa to the NYG, Styles to Washington, Downs to Dallas, and maybe Banks to Minnesota, where Flores can work with him. Oh, obviously, RB Price to Seattle is a solid and necessary move.
- Here’s what I disliked: Tate to the Titans. He’s a fine player, but Tennessee left impact on the table. Edge rusher Lawrence to Dallas. I had a 2nd round grade on him, but more importantly, his NCAA production (72 tackles, 39 games played) wasn’t good. He has pass rush skill and he’s fast, but is Dallas the right team and culture to bring out the best in him? Cleveland and WR Conception. I wanted to him matched with a San Fran offense. He may disappoint here.
- In 2024, chalk prevailed when matching position to team. In 2025, magic with so many longshots hitting. We got only a few so far this year with KC and CB at 4/1, Carolina early with OL at 4.5/1, and Seattle as high as 10/1 for RB (outlier). LA and going QB first was as high as 12/1. Taking Love to go with the 3rd pick yielded anywhere from 10/1 to 12/1. There was plenty of chalk as well, so something for everyone.
- Six teams did not pick in round one. I have a few longshots for my positional plays in place for round two, trying to match the position with their 1st pick. The draft gets tricky with 40+ picks off the board. This can be a useful strategy.
- I expect a day two run at CB and at WR. We should also see a good amount of DL hear their names called, as my ratings on some of the remaining DL are high. LB is deep and some LB’s will hear their names called on a consistent basis. TE’s should begin coming off in round three. RBs may wait a bit. QBs? We won’t have too many to discuss.
- I have only three players left with round one grades. They are DT McDonald, injured CB McCoy and CB Hood. All three now are value plays, although as I painfully found out, McCoy may miss a good chunk of the 2026 season.
- Each year in this spot I list players who will be high targets for the next round. On offense, round two targets should include WR’s Boston, Chris Bell (I like him), Bernard, and possibly USC’s Lane. TE Stowers has round two talent. Two OGs, Pregnon and Bisontis may be called as well. I have more names defensively that should hear their names called, as offense dominated in round one. In addition to McDonald, DT’s Hunter and Christian Miller could go soon. At DE, it’s TJ Parker, Zion Young, and Howell. LB could feature CJ Allen, Texas Tech stalwart Rodriquez, LB Trotter and LB Hill of Texas. In the secondary, in addition to McCoy and Hood, keep your eye on CB’s Terrell, Cisse and maybe Pounds, and safeties McNeil Warren and Haulcy. Round one is easy. Can NFL GM’s make the right moves the rest of the draft?
I’ll now go pick by pick, with early impressions from day one, coupled with day two looks. There’s even a place where you can insert the actual pick! Let’s get round two started!
33: SAN FRANCISCO:
Round one impression: No pick. SF traded OUT of round one, (pick 27), ending up with picks 33/90/179.
Round two look: Prior to the trades, SF’s last pick was at #139, in the 4th round. Therefore, I understand the trades. Now it’s time to draft. They can get a pass rusher or a solid CB with this pick. Safety McNeil-Warren might be another consideration.
THE PICK:
34: ARIZONA:
Round one impression: Arizona likely did not receive a trade offer they liked, so they stay and get a potentially great RB. Unfortunately, there’s no QB in place to help move the win needle, but there’s always 2027. Meanwhile, Love was 12/1 to be pick #3, which I greatly appreciate.
Round two look: OL and edge must be the focus here. In addition to the two OL listed above, the edge rushers they could look at are TJ Parker, Howell and Zion Young. Not one of the five are “wow” players, but the needs must be addressed.
THE PICK:
35: BUFFALO:
Round one impression: No pick. Buffalo traded down THREE TIMES. They gave up picks 26/165 for picks 66/101/125/167.
Round two look: I list their needs as OL, run stoppers, WR and edge. Two OL, one run stopper and one edge were selected between picks 26-32. Three had legit 1st round grades. We don’t know if more solid players will be drafted with picks 33-34. Buffalo traded back twice in a previous draft, right out of the 1st round, just like this year. Being so close to Super status, I question why. I’d go DT McDonald if he lasts to this pick, although some question his fit in the new 3-4 defense.
THE PICK:
36: LAS VEGAS:
Round one impression: No surprise, as QB Mendoza goes to the Raiders with the 1st pick in the draft. Next step: Surround him with a supporting cast (WR upgrades, some fixes along the OL) to give him a chance to succeed.
Round two look: I have them looking at WR (Bell and Boston the top two) or DB (Hood, McCoy, Cisse and McNeil-Warren are the top four). These are my next two needs for Las Vegas, and McCoy (despite injury) and Hood carry 1st round grades.
THE PICK:
37: NYG:
Round one impression: The NYG were expected to choose between LB Styles and safety Downs. They pivot, going LB/edge Reese at pick 5. Reese has tremendous upside, but there is a floor. This is a worthwhile shot at a home run. OL and CB are the next primary needs, but safety Downs seemed to be too good to pass up. The NYG went OT Mauigoa. He projects as either a RT or guard, and it’s a fine move, considering the team has a young QB and the OL has never been elite.
Round two look: The NYG will have CB choices here. Hood is the preferred fit, but four others could be considered.
THE PICK:
38: HOUSTON:
Round one impression: Houston tends to lose draft value when trading and that was the case again this year. They gave up 28/69/167 to move up TWO spots. Yes, the OL was going fast and furious, but OG Rutledge had a 2nd round grade and would have been there at pick 28. I’m more upset at the lack of trade value (and why do it) then the player selected.
Round two look: The focus should remain in the trenches. DT McDonald, and a few DEs could be the best use for this pick.
THE PICK:
39: CLEVELAND:
Round one impression: We (I) knew Clevland would not stay with at least one of their original 1st round picks (6/24). They move back to pick #9, getting 74/148 as well in the deal. Cleveland then took OG Fano, the guy many people thought they would take at pick 6. I list KC Conception (pick 24) as a 2nd round talent. He’s shifty and has some short area skills, but I’m just not as high on him as others are. DB might have been in consideration as well, but this was a top three area of need.
Round two look: I have seven DBs on the board that fit here, five of which have draft ranges clearly in this area. DB, please.
THE PICK:
40: KANSAS CITY:
Round one impression: KC traded UP, giving up picks 9/74/148 to get a great person-team fit in CB DeLane. I think the price was steep, and based on what was left, I think it was 75-25 or more he’s there at pick 9, but the fit and talent makes this a move I will not criticize. KC stayed with pick 29 and selected DT Woods, who had a very top of the 2nd round grade on my board. I’m a bit surprised they didn’t go edge with Faulk still on the board. Woods however, is a likely multi-year starter.
Round two look: Now they need to address RT, although I do not see a value play at this pick number. They could pivot to TE.
THE PICK:
41: CINCINNATI:
Round one impression: No Pick. On March 18th, they traded pick #10 to the NYG for edge rusher Dexter Lawrence.
Round two look: The move for Lawrence was gutsy, and is the 1st trade they have made for a top ten pick since at least 1966. Clearly, they valued edge over DB in making this move. Safety, OL and CB are looks here. My Intel says they have been looking DT and LB for day two talent, which runs contrary to what I’d like to see. The players they are looking at are solid, however. There’s value left on the board everywhere but along the OL. I’d look DB first.
THE PICK:
42: NEW ORLEANS:
Round one impression: The Saints selected WR Tyson at pick 8. While I think WR Tate was the better fit, this position is need #1 for New Orleans. IF he can stay healthy, Tyson would be the likely #1 WR in this draft.
Round two look: CB and then DL are next on my need board. There are plenty of round two names to choose from.
THE PICK:
43: MIAMI:
Round one impression: Miami started the draft with 11 picks. They had 13 after trading pick 11 to Dallas for 12/177/180. On the surface, that’s more than fair value, but after thinking about it, I’d rather have safety Downs, the last of the impact players left on my board. Miami took a capable LT in Proctor, but he does not carry a top 12 grade. They had 11 picks. Why do this? The tables were turned later on, when Miami turned picks 30/90 into pick 27 and CB Johnson. Johnson had a 1st round grade with a draft range right here. Miami got two starters, so I won’t quibble even though they left safety Downs on the table.
Round two look: Miami still needs two WR’s, another DB and another OL. I listed four WRs on page one of this report. Miami should strive to draft one of those four, with WR Chris Bell slightly ahead of WR Boston (either is fine).
THE PICK:
44: NYJ:
Round one impression: The Jets selected edge rusher David Bailey with pick #2. 11 of my 12 under the radar mock drafters agreed, but somehow, I’m still a bit surprised. As I said in my pre-draft reports, the Jets couldn’t go wrong with this pick. TE was not on the NYJ list of needs, but Sadiq had a clear edge over any other TE in this draft, and they valued him over WR’s Lemon and Cooper. Is this another team transitioning to two TE sets? Speaking of WR Cooper, he was still surprisingly available at pick 30. The Jets made a modest trade (33/179 for 30) and filled another need. This was well done.
Round two look: The Jets lack a 3rd round pick so this pick must count. Two guards are available, Pregnon and Bisontis. Both have later day two grades, but the OL (as usual) was picked clean. Five viable CBs are available. That might be the best option. In addition to OG and CB, the Jets could consider adding another edge rusher.
THE PICK:
45: BALTIMORE:
Round one impression: Person-team fit. Let the draft come to you. We say this every year about Baltimore. Ioane is a plug and play OG that starts day one. Pick 14 was right in his range.
Round two look: WR, DT and safety are the remaining early needs. The Ravens are used to acquiring TE’s so that move wouldn’t be a shock. I’d like a rugged WR (Boston and Bell fit the bill) to complement Zay Flowers. Safety McNeil Warren is a decent option should the Ravens not find a suitable WR.
THE PICK:
46: TAMPA:
Round one impression: Rueben Bain has historically short arms, but he’s also quite a prolific player. He was a value pick at #15.
Round two look: As noted in other reports, Tampa was not interested in TE Sadiq, but heavily interested in adding a TE. I’d prefer that addition with pick 77, giving Tampa a shot at adding a true LB or going CB here. Pick 46 should yield options.
THE PICK:
47: INDY:
Round one impression: No pick. Traded for CB Sauce Gardner during the 2025 season.
Round two look: My need board reads MLB, 1-2 WR’s, safety and OL. My suspicion is that they look LB or safety, although a highly rated WR might be tempting. One of my top four WRs may very well be available at this pick.
THE PICK:
48: ATLANTA:
Round one impression: No pick. Traded UP in the 2025 draft to select edge rusher Pierce.
Round two look: WR, run-stopper and LB are my top three needs. Atlanta has scouted day two WR’s so I’d make that the favorite. DT could be addressed, while thus far, the CB’s they’ve had contact with are more of the day three types. If there’s a run on WR then go get a run-stopper. I’d pounce on DT McDonald if still available. Lee Hunter is acceptable as a 2nd choice.
THE PICK:
49: MINNESOTA:
Round one impression: DT Banks at 18 was a surprise, but the upside is clearly there. He’s massive, but doesn’t move well.
Round two look: They have to address edge, CB and safety with this pick and picks 82/97. You just CAN’T ignore these areas like you did a year ago. The better players may be at CB, with five possibilities listed as early day two targets on page one.
THE PICK:
50: DETROIT:
Round one impression: Detroit had choices at OT but ultimately went with the guy I thought they would once my other choice, Proctor, was off the board. This was need #1, and the usually eccentric Lions played it down the middle with pick #17.
Round two look: The Lions do not have a round three pick. Maybe they can find an impact OLB (Hill might be the closest). If not, this should still be a defensive pick, possibly for CB first, and edge 2nd.
THE PICK:
51: CAROLINA:
Round one impression: It’s never a bad move to protect your QB, and OT Freeling coming off at pick 19 was proper value.
Round two look: There’s plenty of work needed defensively. I’d look LB Rodriquez 1st, and a draft-dropping CB 2nd.
THE PICK:
52: GREEN BAY:
Round one impression: No pick. Traded for LB/edge rusher Parsons before the 2025 season.
Round two look: In the last six non-covid draft years, the Packers have drafted 34 players who have had top 30 visits. OL and DB are they areas I see with the most need. OL has been off their radar screen thus far. OL and DB represent their biggest needs, and their GM acknowledged the DB need. I lack Intel as to what they’re thinking right now.
THE PICK:
53: PITTSBURGH:
Round one impression: My #1 need area was for the secondary, but Pittsburgh made its intentions known early, and OL Iheanachor was their pick at 21. He carried a lower 1st round grade, and will be used at OT and possibly LT. If so, expect a steep learning curve.
Round two look: CB and run-stopper are next up on my list. They may look WR. I’d hope one of the CB’s drops to this pick.
THE PICK:
54: PHILADELPHIA:
Round one impression: Philly traded picks 23/114/137 to rival Dallas to get to pick #20, where they selected WR Lemon. He had a grade right about here. I didn’t have WR on my top need area, regardless of the AJ Brown situation. I think they need LB/edge, and succession plans along the OL and at TE. I even put the need of safety ahead of WR. Regardless, Lemon has moldable talent. The Eagles have fully restocked at WR during this offseason.
Round two look: I think the Eagles will have options here for a LB, but OL might be fading fast. If there’s an OL still left with a decent grade, I’d go in that direction. As I’ve said before, TE can be a 3rd-4th round look, but it definitely needs to be addressed.
THE PICK:
55: LA CHARGERS:
Round one impression: I like edge rusher Mesidor, and DL was right behind IOL as a primary area of need. He comes off at pick #22, which is fine. He’s already 25 years old, with 53 starts and a Master’s degree.
Round two look: They could look OL, but the value may be more day three or round three. I wanted DT McDonald here. I doubt he gets to pick 55. CB might have value, and LB will have value. I think they can find a player to fit a need here.
THE PICK:
56: JACKSONVILLE:
Round one impression: No pick. Traded for WR/CB Hunter early in the 2025 draft.
Round two look: The Jags have needs along the OL, and MLB, and TE if they upgrade to more of a feature presence. I could see this GM moving up in the round, especially since he has 11 picks, and three in the next round! I’m okay with that, but I’d focus on OL and MLB, unless they want TE Stowers. We also have to wait and see about WR Thomas and if he gets traded.
THE PICK:
57: CHICAGO:
Round one impression: Chicago was shredded at CB/safety and got a break when safety Thieneman dropped to pick 25. I wasn’t super-high on him, but this is a solid range and he fills a need.
Round two look: More is needed at DB, with WR and LB needs also front and center. There are plenty of WR’s to go around, and they are likely to get one with this pick, or with pick 60, below. I’d get a WR, and either a LB or another DB with picks 57/60. Maybe one of the LB’s listed on page one falls this far. Again, WR talent goes beyond what I’ve already listed.
THE PICK:
58: SAN FRANCISCO:
Round one impression: See pick 33, above.
Round two look: I listed pass rusher or solid CB at pick 33. I’d try to stay with that agenda.
THE PICK:
59: HOUSTON:
Round one impression: See pick 38, above.
Round two look: Once the OL and DL are addressed, Houston can go best player available. I’d strive for impact, even if it means a lower floor. This team is close to competing for titles, so a swing for a player with a high ceiling is fine with me.
THE PICK:
60: CHICAGO:
Round one impression: See pick 57, above
Round two look: See pick 57, above for a list of positions that I would like Chicago to look at.
THE PICK:
61: LA RAMS:
Round one impression: Curveball!? LA is a great situation for Ty Simpson, who could learn with a team with MVP QB Stafford and is a true Super contender. Going to the Jets or Cardinals would not have been ideal. He’ll need time and practice reps before we find out if pick 13 was a big reach. Did LA try hard enough to trade back? There may not have been a superstar left at this pick, but LA is unlikely to receive any help from Simpson in 2026.
Round two look: LA passed on a ready to go OG (Ioane and a few OTs with pick 13, plus pivoted away from WR lemon. OL or WR should remain the focus here.
THE PICK:
62: DENVER:
Round one impression: No pick. Traded for WR Waddle.
Round two look: Denver publicly stated that they do not expect many rookie contributions in 2026 (deep starting roster), which is why they went after Waddle. DE, LB and interior OL are my listed needs. OL, TE and DT are the areas they looked at with their pre-draft visits. I’m not sure what the compromise will be, but I’d likely go DL or front seven first, and TE in round 3.
THE PICK:
63: NEW ENGLAND:
Round one impression: The Pats traded picks 31/125 to move up to pick 28 and select OT Lomu. WR, OLB and OL were my target areas. New England may have a pending deal to get AJ Brown at WR that eases that need. Lomu is a fine pick.
Round two look: OLB is next up on my list. The Pats got pushed around in the Super Bowl and need to get more physical on D.
THE PICK:
64: SEATTLE:
Round one impression: GM Schneider stated that he couldn’t find a trading partner at pick 32, which is understandable as picks 26, 27, 28, 30 and 31 were traded right before this 32nd selection. Perhaps he could have been more proactive and put something together as the mad trade rush developed. Regardless, RB was a crying need, and the Seahawks did not want to miss out on Price, who has plenty of wear and tear left on his body.
Round two look: Seattle is left with picks 64, 96 and 188. Center and safety are needs that should be addressed. I have four centers rated about the same, so pick 96 could be used for that need. At pick 64, my decision is to trade BACK unless there is a safety who has immense value. LSU’s Haulcy, or perhaps CB/s Scott from MFla are players that they could consider if available.
THE PICK:
Below is the list of teams currently without picks in round two. They will be listed in draft order using the same recap and evaluation process as the teams above.
69: TENNESSEE:
Round one impression: Shocker! WR Tate (pick 4) is a fine player, but not in my top 15. The WR group is not that far apart in talent. Tennessee passed on defensive impact (Styles, Reese, Downs, DeLane). Tate may be great, but again, the WR gap in talent is not all that large in this year’s draft. Tennessee used fair trade value (35/66/101 to move up to picks 31/69/165) so get back into round one and select edge rusher Faulk. Edge is one of their many areas of need, and Faulk’s draft range fits.
Round three look: CB was the area I had them looking for at original pick 35. It remains a need, but the choices may be for lower rated players now such as Stukes (Arizona) or Everette (Georgia). Getting Cb Cisse here would be ideal.
THE PICK:
71: WASHINGTON:
Round one impression: No trade back for Washington, as they were satisfied with staying at pick 7 and taking LB Styles. I isolated seven players that were worth fighting for in this draft, and Styles was the 6th off the board. This is a more than solid selection.
Round three look: Washington’s next pick is not until #147. Positions they might look at include RB (Emmitt Johnson or similar) and WR (Brazzell or similar). I show them needing additional front seven talent. A trade back should be in consideration.
THE PICK:
92: DALLAS:
Round one impression: Dallas began the day with eight picks, including picks 12 and 20. Yes, they grossly overtraded with Miami, sending picks 12/177/180 to the Dolphins to move u just one spot, but safety Downs was the last of the super seven impact players left on my board. Getting an impact CB/DB was one of four needs on my board, and Downs is that guy. Dallas recouped picks later in the 1st round, getting 23/114/137 for pick #20. They selected edge rusher Lawrence with pick 23. On the surface, getting Downs and an edge rusher and turning picks 177/180 into 114/137 is brilliant, but I’m not the biggest fan of matching Lawrence to this team. Pass rusher WAS my biggest need, so that’s a match, but why not Faulk or even Parker?
Round three look: I’d go LB (with some run D skills) or RT with this pick. I suspect LB will have the most value by this time.
THE PICK:
ENJOY DAY TWO OF THE NFL DRAFT!
