The NFL Draft's second day featured rounds two and three, with teams making surprising picks. Fans are eager to see how their teams fared in these crucial selections.
Key points
Second day of the NFL Draft covered rounds two and three
Teams made surprising picks during the draft
Fans are assessing their team's selections
Focus on EDGE rushers among team needs
Grading of each team's picks provided
San Francisco 49ersArizona Cardinals
The second day of the NFL draft saw players go in rounds two and three. Who has fallen and what teams surprised with the picks they made?
There have been plenty of great players found in these rounds. Remember, Joe Montana, a third-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers out of Notre Dame, for example?
Were fans of the 32 teams satisfied with the selections they made after the first two days or is there going to be a lot of grumbling? It also felt like every team in the league was searching for EDGE rushers. Did your team get a good one?
San Francisco 49ers scout Nate Biehl measures Texas A&M offensive lineman Chase Bisontis.
San Francisco 49ers scout Nate Biehl measures Texas A&M offensive lineman Chase Bisontis.
The Cardinals went after an offensive lineman, Chase Bisontis of Texas A&M at 34. Have to hope he can open holes for top pick Jeremiyah Love. Georgia/Miami's Carson Beck was the first pick of the third round. The QB has faced adversity in college and is sure to face more in the desert. Grade: C
Which teams made surprising picks in the 2026 NFL Draft rounds 2 and 3?
Several teams made unexpected selections, but specific details on which teams surprised will vary based on individual assessments.
What are the grades for each team's second and third-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Each team's second and third-round picks have been graded, reflecting their performance and potential impact.
What notable players were selected in the second and third rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft?
The second and third rounds have historically produced great players, but specific names from this draft will need to be referenced for accuracy.
How did the Arizona Cardinals perform in the 2026 NFL Draft rounds 2 and 3?
The Arizona Cardinals' performance in the second and third rounds is included in the overall team grades and breakdowns.
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Clemson defensive back Avieon Terrell (DB31) during the combine.
Clemson defensive back Avieon Terrell (DB31) during the combine.
The Falcons went with a sibling pick, taking Avieon Terrell, brother of their DB A.J. Terrell. The younger Terrell fits as a nickel. Real questionable characters decision in third round with Zachariah Branch, a WR from Georgia who was recently arested on charges obstructing public sidewalks/streets — prowling and obstruction of a law enforcement official. Grade: C-
The Ravens needed an EDGE and continued the run at the position, taking Zion Young of Missouri. Will thive in the trenches due to attitude and strength. The Ravens went to the West Coast in the third round. USC's Ja'Kobi Lane is 6-foot-5 with not great speed. Has to work on his drops. Grade: C+
Clemson defensive end T.J. Parker (3) celebrates a tackle against Louisiana State University.
Clemson defensive end T.J. Parker (3) celebrates a tackle against Louisiana State University.
Buffalo started its draft with the 35th pick and took T.J. Parker an EDGE of Clemson. He comes off a lesser year than his 2024 season. Later in the second round, they made Davison Igbinosun the seventh Buckeye taken. He was a human penalty flag in 2024 but improved last season. Grade: B
Defensive tackle big Lee Hunter is going to asked to stuff the middle. He's one tough hombre to handle for offensive linemen. Chris Brazzell II becomes the third round pick. He will be expected to add weight to his 4.3 speed. Interesting player for Bryce Young to target. Grade: C+
The Bears arent taking any chances at center after the retirement of Drew Dalman. They landed Garrett Bradbury in a deal and picked Iowa's Logan Jones in the second round, a wise move. He also geta a lifetime supply of Heinz ketchup for being pick 57. Sam Roush, a tight end from Stanford, was the third-round pick at 69. He is 6-foot-6 and 267, a big guy who can move. Not sure how much time he will see as a rookie. A wide receiver from LSU with tremendous speed Zavion Thomas will be a delight for Caleb WIlliams. Grade: A-
Texas A&M defensive lineman Cashius Howell (DL41) during the combine.
Texas A&M defensive lineman Cashius Howell (DL41) during the combine.
Cashius Howell was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year at Texas A&M. The Bengals need every bit of help they can get on defense. Listed as an EDGE might be better off at LB. The Bengals were wise to go with defense again in the third round. They took Washington CB Tacario Davis, who should use his 81-inch wingspan in the NFL. Grade: B-
Washington Huskies wide receiver Denzel Boston catches a pass to score a touchdown.
Washington Huskies wide receiver Denzel Boston catches a pass to score a touchdown.
Denzel Boston from Washington becomes a red-zone target for whomever the Browns decide to use at QB. The Browns stay in-state with another second-rounder, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, a safety from Toledo, who plays mean. Austin Barber a tackle from Florida goes in the third round. He is almost 6-foot-7 and 318 pounds. Could be a gurard. Had 12 holding penalties over last two seasons. Grade: B-
Defensive end Derrick Moore (8) of Michigan works in a drill during American Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium.
Defensive end Derrick Moore (8) of Michigan works in a drill during American Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium.
Derrick Moore goes from Michigan to the Lions. Another EDGE picked, this one at 44. He can rush, rush, rush. The rest of the game needs some shaping. Grade: C-
The Packers get some secondary support, Brandon Cisse, a CB from South Carolina. This team had only seven picks last year and GB has to hope he can build on that paltry number. More defense in the third round as Missouri DT Chris McClellan was the pick. Another lineman who will have to work on technique to thrive. Grade: C+
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Kayden McDonald poses on the red carpet.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Kayden McDonald poses on the red carpet.
The Texans rewarded Kayden McDonald for sticking around after being pass over in the first round of the draft. The big Buckeye defensive tackle should clog the line when opponents try to run. Houston went from Ohio State to Michigan in the second round with Marlin Klein, a TE. Thirty-eight catches in college feels like a reach. Grade: B-
The Colt tapped into the SEC by selecting CJ Allen, a Georgia LB in the second round. A leader and tough guy who will enhance Indy. A.J. Haulcy a DB out of LSU went in the third round. Another three-school guy who was first-team All-SEC. Eight picks over last two years with Houston and the Tigers. Grade: B
The Jaguars could use some help at tight end and they hope Texas A&M's Nate Boerkircher is that. Might be a better blocker than receiver, something to watch. Another Aggie was the pick in the third round, DT Albert Regis. He is better against he run than as pass-rusher. That trait is weak. Emmanuel Pregnon of Oregon is the player taken at 88. Powerful but needs some work. He is going to be 25-year-old rookie. The 100th overall pick -- the final one in the third round was Jalen Huskey, a DB from Maryland, who had four interceptions last year. Grade: C+
Arizona Wildcats defensive back Treydan Stukes intercepts the ball against Arizona State.
Arizona Wildcats defensive back Treydan Stukes intercepts the ball against Arizona State.
Trayden Stukes of Arizona was a sixth-year senior. He will be 25 as a rookie after a medical redshirt in 2024. The Raiders need youth and talent, will the DB be the latter? Third-round pick Keyron Crawford, an EDGE from Auburn, feels like a reach and a project. The 91st choice was Trey Zuhn III, an OL from Texas A&M. He will likely move from tackle to center or guard. Grade: C-
Florida offensive lineman Jake Slaughter after al game against Tennessee.
Florida offensive lineman Jake Slaughter after al game against Tennessee.
The Chargers used the 63rd overall pick to take Jake Slaughter, a center from Florida. Nick Saban felt he was the best player at that position in the draft. Saban knows SEC, so who would doubt him? Grade: B
Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Max Klare catches a ball during Pro Day.
Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Max Klare catches a ball during Pro Day.
The Rams get a TE out of Ohio State, Max Klare, to go with new QB Ty Simpson. There weren't a ton of targets for him with the WR-centric Buckeyes. He had 43 catches in one season after leaving Purdue. The late third-round pick was Keigen Trost an OT of Missouri, who went to four colleges over seven years. He already has turned 25. Grade: D
Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez looks on during warmups before the Big 12 Conference championship football game.
Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez looks on during warmups before the Big 12 Conference championship football game.
Jacob Rodriguez of Texas Tech will have to be reeled in by Jeff Hafley to succeed at LB in the NFL. Tons of honors in college. Just needs to contain himself. Finally, an offensive player from Texas Tech went at 75. Caleb Douglas can run and has length. There are flaws accoring to scouts that must be corrected. A blocking Ohio State TE Will Kacmarek was the third round pick. Blocking is why he went 87th despite 15 catches last season. And a busy second day of the draft for Miami concluded at 94 with Chris Bell, a WR from Louisville. He is recuperating from torn ACL in November. Miami needs pass-catchers desperately. Grade: B
The Vikings get Jake Golday, an LB from Cincinnati at 51. A zero star recruit out of HS and now and NFL draft pick. Incredible rise. Another defensive player and another interior guy goes in the third round, Dominique Orange, a DT from Iowa State. Strong nose tackle who is a great run defender. The Vikings had two late picks in the third round, grabbing Caleb Tiernan, a tackle from Northwestern, and Jakobe Thomas, a DB at Miami, who had five interceptions last season. Grade: C+
The run on EDGE rushers never stops in this draft. At 55, the Patriots took Gabe Jacas, another strong guy who needs to work on his discipline play. Eli Raridon, a TE from Notre Dame, went at 95. He had 32 of his 48 college catches in 2025. Grade: C-
Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Christen Miller (52) reacts after making a tackle against the Florida Gators at EverBank Stadium.
Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Christen Miller (52) reacts after making a tackle against the Florida Gators at EverBank Stadium.
Christen Miller of Georgia will help the defense up the middle. Needs to improve pass-rush skills. Oscar Delp was the second Dawg taken by New Orleans. Did not deliver a ton of stats in Athens. Grade: C-
Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Colton Hood poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL draft.
Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Colton Hood poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL draft.
The Giants had eyes for McDonald at 37, possibly as a replacement for the traded Dexter Lawrence, and were snookered when he went at 36 to the Texans, who traded up with the Raiders to get the pick. They wound up with Tennessee CB Colton Hood, who has been vulnerable on routes at his three schools. The Giants grabbed Malachi Fields of Notre Dame in the third round. He averaged 17.5 yards per reception in one season with the Fighting Irish. Grade: C
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana defensive back D'Angelo Ponds (DB25) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana defensive back D'Angelo Ponds (DB25) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The defensive MVP in a couple of Indiana's postseason games, D'Angelo Ponds, goes to Gang Green. A second Indiana Hoosier goes to New York. When will they start to woo Curt Cignetti to replace Aaron Glenn?
Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers makes a catch as he warms up.
Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers makes a catch as he warms up.
Dallas Goedert is getting to the end of his career, right? So they go with Vandy TE Eli Stowers, who could also be used at wideout Another receiver for Jalen Hurts after getting Lemon of USC in round one. How soon before A.J. Brown is gone? In the third round, they grabbed a 6-foot-9 1/4, 346-pound tackle from Miami, Markel Bell. He has technique and skills. A strong pick in many ways.
The Steelers were stunned by the Eagles in round one for a WR when on the phone with USC's Makai Lemon. At 47, they selected Alabama WR Germie Bernard, a player who is versatile. Now, about their QB? That was answered in the third round with Penn State QB Drew Allar. He was injured last year at Penn State. The future or another stab? Not sure Aaron Rodgers is an ideal mentor if he returns. Georgia players keep getting picked. Daylen Everette has size and speed but needs to work on lateral movement. The Steelers took Gennings Dunker of Iowa at 96. The guy with the great look and fierce attitude. Grade: C+
San Francisco 49ers
Ole Miss wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling.
Ole Miss wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling.
The Niners started Day 2 of the NFL draft by grabbing De'Zhaun Stribling out of Ole Miss. The wideout feels like a reach here given some of the skills he needs to hone. Though his uncle is pro wrestling icon Don Muraco. Romello Height of Texas Tech is an EDGE who went to four different schools. The Niners hope he doesn't go to four NFL teams. The Niners always seem to have injuries in the backfield so Kaelon Black of Indiana is an excellent pick. Grade: C
Southern California Trojans running back Bryan Jackson attempts to catch the ball against TCU Horned Frogs safety Bud Clark.
Southern California Trojans running back Bryan Jackson attempts to catch the ball against TCU Horned Frogs safety Bud Clark.
The Super Bowl champs got a superb safety, Bud Clark of TCU with the last pick in the second round. The Seahawks added another DB at 99 with Julian Neal from Arkansas. He played for Fresno State from 2021-24. Great size and strong ball skills. A leaper. Grade: B+
Missouri Tigers linebacker Josiah Trotter (40) celebrates a defensive stop.
Missouri Tigers linebacker Josiah Trotter (40) celebrates a defensive stop.
The son of former Philadelphia Eagle Jeremiah Trotter goes to the Bucs. That would LB Josiah Trotter, who was a beast at Missouri when tackling but needs to work on pass coverage. The third-rounder was WR Ted Hurst, a strong WR from Georgia State. He 71 catches for 1,004 yards in 2025. Did have drop issues. Grade: B+
Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. celebrates.
Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. celebrates.
Anthony Hill Jr. comes out of Texas as a linebacker with a big rep. Then, why did he last until 60 for the Titans? Had 31.5 TFLs and 17 sacks in three seasons with the Longhorns. Grade: C+
Former Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams prepares for several drills during 2026 Clemson Pro Day.
Former Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams prepares for several drills during 2026 Clemson Pro Day.
Washington waited until the thrid round on Day Two. It wound up with Antonio Williams, a Clemson WR. He missed time in two of four years due to injury. Grade: C
