Day 2 mock draft: Projecting picks for Rounds 2-3

The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft brought plenty of excitement Thursday night, and we're only getting started.

Day 2 gets underway Friday at 7 p.m. ET (on ESPN/ABC in the U.S. and TSN in Canada), and there are still plenty of notable names on the board.

Let's take a spin through Rounds 2 and 3, projecting how the 68 selections could play out.

See more:
NFL draft tracker | Round 1 grades

Round 2

• Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is a physical safety who also provides some playmaking upside in coverage. Getting this kind of potential impact player after trading down twice in the first round is an excellent way for the 49ers to kick off their Day 2.
• It's imperative for the Bills to address last year's issues in the run game in order to get back in the Super Bowl mix. Kayden McDonald may not have much upside as a pass-rusher, but he's an elite run defender whose presence at nose tackle could spark that sort of improvement.
• The Raiders would be wise to pair Fernando Mendoza with a big-bodied X receiver capable of dominating the contested-catch game and taking advantage of the No. 1 pick's unique feel for back-shoulder fades. Denzel Boston is a natural fit in that regard. He's also quicker than you might expect, and Klint Kubiak will value his ability as a blocker on the outside.
• It's easy to get excited about the Jets' future after they landed David Bailey, Kenyon Sadiq, and Omar Cooper Jr. on Day 1. Cornerback D'Angelo Ponds would be a great addition at another position of need. The Indiana star has the athleticism, instincts, and competitiveness to overcome any concerns about his size.
• The Rams shocked the football world by selecting Ty Simpson at No. 13. Using that pick on a player who could help their chances of winning with Matthew Stafford would have been a wiser move, but they could still get the boost they need with Ted Hurst in the second round. The Georgia State standout offers an incredibly appealing blend of size and speed at receiver.

Round 3

• Keionte Scott likely would have been considered a first-round talent were it not for his age. The Titans should be thrilled to scoop up the 25-year-old early in the first round. His athleticism and physicality would make him an electric weapon out of the slot in Robert Saleh's defense.
• Wide receiver should be a focus for the Dolphins on Day 2, as Malik Willis needs some playmakers to have a chance as a full-time starter. De'Zhaun Stribling and Bryce Lance, a pair of big bodies who can really run, would be an intriguing tandem to help maximize Willis' ability to push the ball downfield.
• Minnesota also gets a new playmaker duo. Oscar Delp didn't have much production at Georgia, but he's a capable in-line blocker whose athletic traits provide a ton of upside in the passing game. Emmett Johnson is an elusive missed-tackle machine who would bring some real juice to the Vikings' run game.
• The Rams' efforts to win me back after the Simpson stunner continue with one of my favorite players in this entire class. Kaleb Proctor should have erased any concerns about coming from a lower level of competition when he terrorized LSU this year. The Southeastern Louisiana defensive lineman has truly rare athleticism for the position.

Dan Wilkins is theScore's senior NFL writer.