ESPN’s Matt Miller published a mock draft for Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft on Friday, projecting all 68 picks. The analysis highlights several first-round prospects who slipped into Day 2, including Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy and Texas A&M EDGE Cashius Howell, while also forecasting a potential early run on quarterbacks. The draft continues Friday evening in Indianapolis.
Key Takeaways
- Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren projected first pick of Round 2 to San Francisco.
- Miami quarterback Carson Beck expected to go No. 34 overall to Arizona Cardinals.
- Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy slides to No. 37 after ACL tear.
- Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald falls from first-round projections.
Top Prospects Slide into Second Round
Several players once considered first-round talents appear in ESPN’s Day 2 mock. Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy, who recorded four interceptions in 2024 but missed the 2025 season with an ACL tear, lands at No. 37 to the New York Giants. Texas A&M EDGE Cashius Howell, the SEC Defensive Player of the Year with 11.5 sacks, drops to No. 42 to the New Orleans Saints. Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald also falls, projected at No. 38 to Houston Texans despite being a game-wrecker with 65 tackles last season. NFL draft analysts note that medical concerns and scheme fit often cause such slides on draft night.
Quarterback Carson Beck Could Go Early
Miami quarterback Carson Beck, a three-year starter who led the Hurricanes to the CFP National Championship Game, appears at No. 34 to the Arizona Cardinals. Beck passed for 3,813 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2025 but carries a Round 4 grade from NFL.com. ESPN’s mock suggests the Cardinals may reach to fill a need after missing out on Ty Simpson earlier. Beck’s recovery from 2024 UCL surgery and occasional decision-making lapses raise concerns, but his size and experience in high-leverage games keep him as the third quarterback off the board. The projection underscores the premium teams place on the position even when talent may not fully align with draft slot.
Teams Target Defensive Depth on Day Two
The second round features a heavy defensive focus, with seven of the first ten picks projected as defenders. After the 49ers take safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, the Raiders select Arizona safety Treydan Stukes at No. 36. Clemson EDGE T.J. Parker goes to Kansas City at No. 40, while Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood lands at No. 41 to Cincinnati. The trend continues into Round 3, where linebackers, cornerbacks, and edge rushers dominate. Analysts believe the depth of this defensive class allows teams to address multiple needs after securing offensive stars early. The emphasis on secondary and pass rush reflects NFL trends toward versatile, athletic defenders.
Expert Analysis: The slide of players like Jermod McCoy and Cashius Howell into the second round demonstrates how injuries and scheme-specific skill sets create value for teams picking later on Day 2, explained Lance Zierlein, an NFL.com draft analyst. These prospects possess first-round traits but require patience or tailored coaching, making them potential steals for organizations willing to invest development time.
