Evaluating the Second Day of the 2026 NFL Draft

Following the conclusion of Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, league analyst Charles McDonald has evaluated each selection from Friday night's second and third rounds. While some teams secured high-value prospects to bolster their rosters, others made moves that raised questions regarding fit and potential.


Second Round Highlights

The second round saw teams addressing critical depth and long-term positional needs. Notable picks included:

  • San Francisco 49ers (33rd overall): Selected WR De’Zhaun Stribling (Ole Miss). Grade: C. A high-risk, high-reward move for a player who brings athleticism to a receiver room currently featuring veteran Mike Evans.
  • Arizona Cardinals (34th overall): Selected G Chase Bisontis (Texas A&M). Grade: A-. An offensive lineman with significant upside to support the Cardinals' revamped ground game.
  • Houston Texans (36th overall): Selected DT Kayden McDonald (Ohio State). Grade: A. A rare, productive playmaker at nose tackle who fits perfectly into the Texans' aggressive defensive scheme.
  • Atlanta Falcons (48th overall): Selected CB Avieon Terrell (Clemson). Grade: A. Considered a steal at this stage of the draft, providing the team with a long-awaited starting-caliber cornerback.
  • Philadelphia Eagles (55th overall): Selected TE Eli Stowers (Vanderbilt). Grade: A. An elite athlete who projects as a future replacement for Dallas Goedert.

«The Eagles needed to find a long-term replacement for Dallas Goedert and took a player with tangible upside here in Stowers. He is a ridiculous athlete who's still learning how to block, but his chops as a receiver are already stamped.»

Third Round Analysis

The third round was characterized by teams taking strategic risks to find value in a draft class where depth became a concern. Key selections and observations:

  • Arizona Cardinals (65th overall): Selected QB Carson Beck (Miami). Grade: D+. An puzzling choice given the team's existing quarterback room.
  • San Francisco 49ers (70th overall): Selected Edge Romello Height (Texas Tech). Grade: B+. A solid investment to improve defensive depth.
  • New Orleans Saints (73rd overall): Selected TE Oscar Delp (Georgia). Grade: B+. A player with strong physical tools who could develop into a significant contributor.
  • Indianapolis Colts (78th overall): Selected S AJ Haulcy (LSU). Grade: B+. A high-floor player with extensive SEC experience, representing excellent value for the third round.
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (96th overall): Selected G Gennings Dunker (Iowa). Grade: A-. A powerful mover who could have realistically been selected much earlier in the draft.

As teams continue to build their rosters through the draft, the focus remains on integrating these prospects into existing systems. While some organizations found immediate answers to their needs, others will rely on coaching and development to turn their later-round selections into impact players.