2026 NFL Draft Round 2 and 3 grades: Analysis for every pick

The 2026 NFL Draft marched on to its second day, and there were plenty of potential starters who finally learned their landing spot.

The first round of action featured a good number of surprises, for better or worse. But while the marquee selections command the spotlight, Rounds 2 and 3 are the territory in which a franchise's vision can either come together or fall apart. On Friday, several teams took divergent paths in their quests to either become contenders or remain in that class.

Here are USA TODAY Sports' 2026 NFL Draft grades for each pick in the second and third rounds:

2026 NFL draft grades: Round 2 picks

33. San Francisco 49ers (from Jets): De'Zhaun Stribling, WR, Mississippi - Grade: C+

Here's a bit of surprise. Stribling seemed to pick up steam in the pre-draft process, and there's plenty to like about a 6-2, 207-pound target who's a dynamo with the ball in his hands. There's room for him to develop in a Kyle Shanahan system that is sure to weaponize his run-after-catch prowess and blocking ability. But he's far less polished than some of the other promising receivers on the board here.

34. Arizona Cardinals: Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&M - Grade: B-

Time to build up that front for Jeremiyah Love. While the glaring hole at right tackle remains, Bisontis can help fortify an uncertain interior. He's a good athlete who could become a long-term staple along the front if he cleans up some of his pass protection.

35. Buffalo Bills: T.J. Parker, DE/LB, Clemson - Grade: B+

Brandon Beane could have made this selection at his original spot at No. 26 and no one would have blinked. Instead, he moved back for more draft capital and still landed his guy. Parker fits the profile of a long, stout edge rusher that the Bills have embraced in recent years. He might not be the most dynamic pass rusher, but he'll create pressure consistently and push the pocket.

36. Houston Texans (from Raiders): Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State - Grade: A-

Another selection that could have been made in the first round without much objection. The Texans jump ahead of the Giants, who needed a force up front to replace Dexter Lawrence. McDonald can wreak havoc against teams that overcommit to stopping Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.

37. New York Giants: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee - Grade: B+

Good value here for New York, which has an underwhelming collection of cornerbacks. Hood is more of a long-term investment than an immediate solution, but he can match up with bigger receivers who threaten defenses downfield. But with no defensive tackle here and a potential run at the position coming, the Giants need to find some value later on or hit the post-draft veteran free agent market.

38. Las Vegas Raiders (from Commanders via Texans): Treydan Stukes, CB/S, Arizona - Grade: A-

This is a fun one. Stukes is far from what you'd expect of a 24-year-old former walk-on, as he's a supreme athlete and playmaker out of the slot. He has to harness his aggressiveness properly, but he elevates a Las Vegas secondary that looks unsettled almost across the board.

39. Cleveland Browns: WR Denzel Boston, WR, Washington - Grade: A

No excuses for whoever is under center for Cleveland in 2026. With a remade offensive line and now two new targets in first-rounder KC Concepcion and Boston, the Browns have undergone a full overhaul to prepare for Todd Monken's first year at the helm. The supersized Washington receiver adds a different and necessary flavor as a contested catch aficionado, but it's unclear how many opportunities he'll see in the early going.

40. Kansas City Chiefs: R Mason Thomas, DE/OLB, Oklahoma - Grade: B

The Chiefs didn't prioritize their edge rush in the early going but circle back to the glaring need here. Thomas is a bit of an odd fit for Steve Spagnuolo, who has typically preferred rangier edge threats. A sawed-off defender in the mold of former Sooner Nik Bonitto, Thomas should be able to generate some splash plays, but he could have trouble finding consistency early in his career.

41. Cincinnati Bengals: Cashius Howell, DE/OLB, Texas A&M - Grade: B+

Give Cincinnati credit for breaking from its established pattern of prioritizing size and arm length. Howell hardly fits the profile of a typical Duke Tobin pick, but he can give some juice to a rush that's on uncertain ground after Trey Hendrickson's departure. The Bengals have some depth, but the reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year will keep the pressure on other recent draft picks to step up.

42. New Orleans Saints: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia - Grade: B

Miller isn't as alluring as some other recent Georgia defensive line products, as he doesn't offer much in pressuring opposing quarterbacks. But he'll do more than his fair share to shut down the run, and he's extremely dependable. That probably is sufficient value for a Saints team that would stand to benefit from his forcefulness up front.

43. Miami Dolphins: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech - Grade: B+

Is taking an off-ball linebacker this high a luxury for a franchise with this many needs? Maybe, but Rodriguez could still be a huge help to a Dolphins defense that lacks cornerstones. There are some similarities to Carson Schwesinger, who earned NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year with the Browns. Rodriguez could be a similar agent of change for Miami.

44. Detroit Lions (from Cowboys via Jets): Derrick Moore, DE, Michigan - Grade: C-

Well, Dan Campbell certainly has a type. Moore is ultra-physical and persistent, and he can be counted on to hold up against both the run and pass. But he might not be sufficiently dynamic to finish off plays in the backfield beyond clean-up work. This felt a bit high for him, especially in a trade-up scenario.

45. Baltimore Ravens: Zion Young, DE/OLB, Missouri - Grade: B

Young is never afraid to get physical with his opponents. He likely will never be a double-digit sack guy, but he contrasts 2025 second-rounder Mike Green in that he can stop the run and set a firm edge.

46. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri - Grade: C-

Todd Bowles' defense was overdue for a linebacker who could take the mantle from Lavonte David. Trotter, however, was an odd choice to take over at the second level. He's a force when working downhill, but the Bucs were too often burned by their coverage deficiencies at the position. That's a big vulnerability for Trotter, and it could remain a sore spot for the defense.

47. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Colts): Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama - Grade: A-

There aren't many rookie receivers capable of earning Aaron Rodgers' trust. Bernard might be an exception. Trustworthy to his core, Bernard can make an immediate impact as a short-area run-after-catch threat and someone who can handle contested catch scenarios. He'll help diversify a Steelers receiving corps on the rise. Not a bad way to respond to missing out on Makai Lemon.

48. Atlanta Falcons: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson - Grade: B+

The Falcons probably didn't have to dig deep on their research of Terrell, who's the younger brother of starting cornerback A.J. Terrell. This is more than just a fun story, though. The younger Terrell is aggressive yet refined, and he'll add to a back end that's added some promising young pieces in safety Xavier Watts and nickel Billy Bowman Jr.

49. Carolina Panthers (from Vikings): Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech - Grade: B-

Hunter has a big personality and an even bigger presence against the run game. He won't close in on many quarterbacks, but he'll demand double teams and own the middle.

50. New York Jets (from Lions): D'Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana - Grade: B+

Aaron Glenn can surely appreciate an undersized cornerback who punches above his weight class. Ponds' limitations at just under 5-9 might be inescapable, but he otherwise checks off plenty of boxes of a high-end starter.

51. Minnesota Vikings (from Panthers): LB Jake Golday, Cincinnati - Grade: B

If anyone can get the most out of Golday, it's Brian Flores. The former edge rusher is an explosive linear athlete, and the defensive coordinator can unleash him as a blitzer while growing his coverage capacity. He might not make his mark right away while he learns to process more quickly, but the long-term upside is substantial.

52. Green Bay Packers: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina - Grade: B-

Fast, long and dynamic. Cisse clears the bar for what Brian Gutekunst seeks from his cornerbacks. Instant returns shouldn't be expected, as his instincts are underdeveloped. But the Packers continue to focus on the long term.

53. Indianapolis Colts (from Steelers): LB CJ Allen, Georgia - Grade: B

Allen had been touted as a potential first-rounder, but this feels like a more reasonable range for him. His instincts and run defense will come in handy right away for Indianapolis, which was due for a refresh at the second level.

54. Philadelphia Eagles: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt - Grade: B

This sure feels like a team laying the groundwork for an A.J. Brown trade. Stowers is an astonishing athlete, though a hypothetical seam threat rather than a proven one given his usage at Vanderbilt. He'll need to get stronger at the catch point and become a factor as a run blocker to unlock his full potential, but he can make a mark for Philadelphia's evolving aerial attack.

55. New England Patriots (from Chargers): Gabe Jacas, DE/OLB, Illinois - Grade: B

Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolf said at the combine they were seeking violence from any potential edge rusher pickups. It's little wonder, then, that they moved up for Jacas. An outright brawler as a former wrestling standout, he'll make his presence felt up front even if he doesn't always have enough juice to close out plays on ball carriers.

56. Jacksonville Jaguars: Nate Boerkircher, TE, Texas A&M - Grade: D+

This is a pretty big surprise for a team making its first selection. Boerkircher might be much closer to a pack of Day 3 tight ends than Stowers, but he ends up going just a few picks after the second player at the position off the board. He can make his mark as a blocker for Liam Coen, who will covet what he can open up in the run game. But the value here seems distinctly lacking.

57. Chicago Bears: Logan Jones, C, Iowa - Grade: C+

Many assumed the Bears could take an offensive tackle early with Ozzy Trapilo's injury recovery timeline unclear. Instead, Chicago looked to upgrade elsewhere on its front. Jones, the Rimington Award winner, is a good fit for Ben Johnson's outside zone scheme. But there didn't seem to be much of a distinction between him and the other top centers in the draft, and this felt like a bit of a reach.

58. Cleveland Browns (from 49ers): Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo - Grade: A

Andrew Berry could be putting together another outstanding draft class after hitting it big last year. Trading up for McNeil-Warren nets Cleveland a safety who can erase tight ends and be plenty forceful coming downhill against the run.

59. Houston Texans: Marlin Klein, TE, Michigan - Grade: D+

Another big gamble at tight end by an AFC South team. Klein has some untapped potential after just 12 college starts, but not enough to justify this draft status. Pretty sizable investment for only an OK upside.

60. Tennessee Titans (from Bills via Bears): Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas - Grade: A-

Back to work for Robert Saleh in getting an undermanned defense up to speed. Hill is a rangy and instinctive playmaker who can be deployed in a number of ways. He could become a staple of this unit at the second level.

61. Los Angeles Rams: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State - Grade: B

Is it possible to run packages with four tight ends? Sean McVay might be inclined to find out. Despite returning the likes of Colby Parkinson, Terrance Ferguson and Tyler Higbee, Los Angeles opts for another well-built target for Matthew Stafford. Klare, who had a solid case to be the second or third tight end taken, can help boost the passing game out of the gate ... if he can see sufficient reps.

62. Buffalo Bills (from Broncos): Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State - Grade: B-

Igbinosun has made progress in modulating his physicality, but he's still somewhat of a volatile entity in coverage. New coordinator Jim Leonhard has had success bringing along players in this mold, though, so there's a path for him to find his footing.

63. Los Angeles Chargers (from Patriots): Jake Slaughter, G/C, Florida - Grade: B-

Though he's naturally a center, Slaughter was announced as a guard. That makes plenty of sense for the Bolts, who have Tyler Biadasz at the pivot but not much reliability on the interior otherwise. Jim Harbaugh will take trustworthiness over traits every time, especially up front.

64. Seattle Seahawks: Bud Clark, S, TCU - Grade: B

As arguably the premier ballhawk in college football, Clark flew under the radar a bit during the pre-draft process. He gets his due here, though, with the defending champs, who will properly appreciate Clark's ball skills as they replace Coby Bryant.

2026 NFL Draft grades: Round 3 picks

65. Arizona Cardinals: Carson Beck, QB, Miami (Fla.) - Grade: D

It's understandable that Arizona might want to take a stab at finding a developmental quarterback. Beck, however, is a robotic passer who can wilt under pressure, and his decision-making and ball placement can be erratic. This doesn't move the needle much for a team preparing to roll with Jacoby Brissett. With so much work to do, Arizona should take a more patient approach to roster-building.

66. Denver Broncos (from Titans via Bills): Tyler Onyedim, DT, Texas A&M - Grade: B-

When your roster is this loaded, you can afford to wait until the third round to make your first pick. Onyedim is well-rounded and reliable as an interior defender, even if he lacks a true calling card.

67. Las Vegas Raiders: Keyron Crawford, DE/OLB, Auburn - Grade: B

The arrow is pointed up for Crawford, who showed off some promising pass-rush tools last season. The Raiders can be patient with his development, and Maxx Crosby should be a fine mentor.

68. Philadelphia Eagles (from Jets): Markel Bell, OT, Miami (Fla.) - Grade: C+

The Eagles found a potential Lane Johnson successor, but later than many expected. Bell is a mountain at 6-9, with all the benefits and drawbacks that come with that size. This project might feel a litle more tenable if Jeff Stoutland were still around.

69. Chicago Bears (from Texans via Giants and Bears): Sam Roush, TE, Stanford - Grade: C

More bold tight end moves. The cupboard clearly isn't bare in Chicago, but the offense adds another option in Roush. His short arms and drops are cause for concern, and Ben Johnson will have to tap into his trademark creative streak to extract proper value from him in the passing game, though he has some promising tools.

70. San Francisco 49ers (from Browns): Romello Height, DE/OLB, Texas Tech - Grade: B-

With Robert Saleh gone, the 49ers add a different flavor to their pass rush. Height can be all-or-nothing with his approach, but he'll add a spark to a unit that's counting on Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams to lead the way in their returns from torn ACLs.

71. Washington Commanders: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson - Grade: B

This could be a sneaky pick for early returns. Williams might be a slot-only option in a league that's de-emphasizing that role, but he can get open and take on a sizable workload in an offense that offers few threats outside of Terry McLaurin.

72. Cincinnati Bengals: Tacario Davis, CB, Washington - Grade: B-

There's your typical Bengals pick. Davis is a massive and speedy corner who can smother receivers at the catch point, though he can have trouble sticking with crafty pass catchers. He offers depth and some developmental upside behind DJ Turner II and Dax Hill, who are both entering the final years of their deals.

73. New Orleans Saints: Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia - Grade: B

Kellen Moore and Tyler Shough have another weapon at their disposal in the passing game. Delp never lived up to his potential at Georgia, but there were plenty of mitigating circumstances, including a foot injury that plagued him throughout 2025. He's a major seam threat, which Shough can take advantage of.

74. New York Giants (from Chiefs and Browns): Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame - Grade: B-

At 6-5, Fields has a proven track record in go-up-and-get-it scenarios, which Jaxson Dart will no doubt seek out. But Fields will have to expand his comfort zone beyond vertical routes, as he lacks adequate separation skills.

75. Miami Dolphins: Caleb Douglas, WR, Texas Tech - Grade: C-

Miami's smurf-like receiving corps surely can find a role for the 6-4 Douglas, especially given Malik Willis' proclivity for attacking deep. He's a fairly big project, however, and might never offer much than sporadic flashes.

76. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Cowboys): Drew Allar, QB, Penn State - Grade: D+

Omar Khan said in the lead-up to the draft that he was looking at "AFC North quarterbacks" - namely passers who are big and strong-armed. Doesn't take an NFL scout to identify Allar as someone who satisfies those demands. His development, however, has been wholly underwhelming, and he can't reasonably be considered insurance for Aaron Rodgers anytime soon. The roster is in good enough shape that Khan can afford to take a swing. But here's guessing Pittsburgh is back at the quarterback table next year.

77. Green Bay Packers (from Buccaneers): Chris McClellan, DT, Missouri - Grade: B-

Another classic Gutekunst pick. McClellan has the frame to make waves on the interior, though he's fairly inconsistent in several phases. He can help set the tone up front even if he never becomes much of a disruptor.

78. Indianapolis Colts: AJ Haulcy, S, LSU - Grade: B-

Haulcy probably won't replicate his ball production at the next level, but he can still make an impact in coverage as a punishing force. Between this selection and Allen, Indianapolis is quietly solidifying its defense down the middle.

79. Atlanta Falcons: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia - Grade: B

Branch is hardly a complete receiver after being fed a steady diet of screens at Georgia. At this juncture, however, his upside is hard to ignore. The speedster can break big plays in the return game and on quick hits as he works to refine his route running.

80. Baltimore Ravens: Ja'Kobi Lane, WR, USC - Grade: B-

Highlight-reel grabs came easily to the 6-4 Lane, who made a habit of skying up for one-handed catches. He's overly reliant on that skill set, however, and might struggle to shake coverage. He'll have to earn Lamar Jackson's trust to win in those scenarios.

81. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Lions): Albert Regis, DT, Texas A&M - Grade: C+

Jacksonville looks due for a difference-maker on the interior. Regis can help stuff the run, but not much more should be expected of him, and he's not a dominant force there.

82. Minnesota Vikings: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State - Grade: B+

What a punch Mnnesota is creating up front for Brian Flores with Caleb Banks and now Orange. "Big Citrus" is outstanding at setting terms along the line of scrimmage and shutting down ground games. He'll serve a narrow role, but it's a valuable one given how strong he is at it.

83. Carolina Panthers: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee - Grade: A-

Dan Morgan continues to equip Bryce Young with downfield threats to open up Carolina's passing attack. Brazzell's lack of strength at the catch point could lead to some early turbulence, but he'll threaten defenses vertically and has the potential to expand his route tree.

84. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Packers): Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State - Grade: B

Tampa Bay didn't wait long to add a tall target to take over after Mike Evans' departure. Hurst requires more refinement, but he and Baker Mayfield could form an electric connection on vertical routes.

85. Pittsburgh Steelers: Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia - Grade: B

Everette is a well-built corner who's sharpened his skills against the best the SEC has to offer. He might concede separation too often, but his tackling skills make him a fine fit in Pittsburgh.

86. Cleveland Browns (from Chargers): Austin Barber, OT, Florida - Grade: B-

More resources toward a troublesome offensive line. Barber has the frame and footwork to be a strong pass protector, but his anchor is subpar and leverage issues pop up. But his upside is enticing.

87. Miami Dolphins (from Eagles): Will Kacmarek, TE, Ohio State - Grade: C+

A run-blocking tight end might be a luxury for a team with so much on its to-do list. Kacmarek can make a true mark on that front, but the value doesn't quite square here.

88. Jacksonville Jaguars: Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon - Grade: A-

James Gladstone clearly wants the Jaguars to level up at the line of scrimmage. A two-time transfer from Wyoming and USC, Pregnon is solid to the core and can be trusted to get the job done in all phases.

89. Chicago Bears: Zavion Thomas, WR, LSU - Grade: C+

Having run a 4.28-second 40-yard dash at the combine, Thomas has established that he has rare breakaway speed. Chicago is betting he'll break off enough big plays in the return and pass game to justify what otherwise looks like a lofty investment for his skill set.

90. San Francisco 49ers (from Dolphins via Texans): Kaelon Black, RB, Indiana - Grade: C+

Black goes from a combine snub to a third-round pick. No one will confuse him for Christian McCaffrey, but he can be a reliable inside runner for San Francisco.

91. Las Vegas Raiders (from Bills via Texans): Trey Zuhn III, G, Texas A&M - Grade: B-

Zuhn was announced as a guard rather than center, where many expected the former left tackle to land. Snagging a quick-moving pass protector to support Fernando Mendoza is a shrewd move, though Zuhn's arm length and athletic limitations cap his ceiling.

92. Dallas Cowboys (from 49ers): Jaishawn Barham, OLB, Michigan - Grade: A-

Is Jerry Jones killing this draft? Barham has some head-turning moments as a pass rusher, even though he's still finding his way there after primarily operating as an off-ball linebacker. Dallas can bring him along slowly while still tapping into his relentlessness.

93. Los Angeles Rams: Keagen Trost, OT/G, Missouri - Grade: B-

Trost took a significant step forward last season, and he offers versatility along any front. He offers depth for a team that looks settled along the front for now but could use some long-term solutions.

94. Miami Dolphins (from Broncos): Chris Bell, WR, Louisville - Grade: A-

Off to the races. If Bell rediscovers his form after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament, he could be great value here. He still has to grow more comfortable working downfield after being fed lots of quick hits, but don't be surprised if he racks up yards after the catch early in his career.

95. New England Patriots: Eli Raridon, TE, Notre Dame - Grade: C+

Raridon got bumped down in the tight end pecking order, but he can still make meaningful contributions for Drake Maye. Though his target share might not be massive, he can be a reliable option in the intermediate game.

96. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Seahawks): Gennings Dunker, OT/G, Iowa - Grade: B

He'll be known for more than just his mullet soon enough. Dunker can compete for a starting guard spot early on, and he's got more than enough power to provide a jolt to the run game.

97. Minnesota Vikings (Compensatory Selection): Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern - Grade: C+

In a vacuum, there's good value for a player who some thought could land in the second round. But the Vikings have their tackle tandem in Christian Darrisaw and Brian O'Neill and the 6-8 blocker can't easily move inside to guard

98. Minnesota Vikings (from Eagles; Compensatory Selection): Jakobe Thomas, S, Miami (Fla.) - Grade: C+

The Vikings put safety on the backburner but circled back at the end of Day 2. Thomas announces his presence as a blitzer and run stuffer, but his aggression can work against him.

99. Seattle Seahawks (from Steelers; Compensatory Selection): Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas - Grade: B-

At 6-2, Neal feels like a throwback to the Legion of Boom years. He's a strong fit for Mike Macdonald's defense and rounds out the secondary after Riq Woolen's departure.

100. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Lions; Special Compensatory Selection): Jalen Huskey, CB/S, Maryland - Grade: D+

James Gladstone caps a pretty strange night for Jacksonville with a serious stretch. Huskey was productive and versatile throughout his career, but his build and athleticism figure to be problems in coverage at the next level. Though he could rotate in at safety or at nickel and contribute on special teams, his playmaking skills simply might not translate.