NFL Draft Rounds 2 & 3: Carson Beck, Denzel Boston Talent

Mock drafts show Carson Beck and Denzel Boston are top players for rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft. Many teams need players like them.
By Newsroom | Sports, NFL |

With the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft largely settled in mock projections, attention now shifts to the subsequent two days, revealing potential landing spots for a variety of prospects. Discussions around player availability and team needs dominate these late-round predictions, with names like quarterback Carson Beck, receiver Denzel Boston, and defensive back Emmanuel McNeil-Warren frequently appearing as top options for teams seeking to fill roster holes.

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Mock drafts from outlets like ESPN, CBS Sports, and Athlon Sports are mapping out how rounds 2 and 3 might unfold. These projections highlight a range of players identified for their immediate impact potential or high upside. Specific players mentioned as having significant potential include Lee Hunter (Texas Tech), Avieon Terrell (Clemson), and Jermod McCoy (Tennessee), with teams reportedly eyeing them for starter roles.

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Notable Prospects and Projected Fits

Several players are consistently appearing in the mid-to-late rounds of these mock drafts, suggesting they are viewed as valuable assets beyond the initial frenzy of the first round.

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  • Quarterback Carson Beck, noted for his highlights from Miami, is expected to draw interest.

  • Receiver Denzel Boston (Washington) is also a name circulating, with the San Francisco 49ers mentioned as a potential suitor.

  • Defensive prospects like Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo) and Lee Hunter (Texas Tech) are highlighted for their potential to bolster defensive lines and secondary units.

  • Players like Avieon Terrell (Clemson) and Jermod McCoy (Tennessee) are frequently cited for their potential to be immediate impact starters.

Team Strategies and Roster Needs

Mock drafts offer insights into how teams might approach the second and third rounds, often dictated by their first-round decisions and overarching roster construction.

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  • The Las Vegas Raiders are seen as a potential landing spot for defensive tackles fitting their new 3-4 scheme, with Jermod McCoy specifically identified.

  • Teams like the Los Angeles Chargers are projected to seek help for their pass rush, with prospects like Keldric Faulk being considered to support established players.

  • Other teams mentioned in projections for rounds 2 and 3 include the Miami Dolphins, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings, and Arizona Cardinals, each with specific positional needs being addressed in these hypothetical scenarios.

Draft Projections Timeline

The ongoing process of mock drafts reflects a continuous evaluation of prospects and team outlooks. Projections have been released at various stages:

  • Peter Schrager's insider mock draft appeared on April 7.

  • Field Yates' two-round mock draft was published on March 24.

  • Yates' post-Super Bowl mock draft also offered insights.

  • More recent updates, within hours of this report, show ESPN Nation's mock drafts and CBS Sports' Day 2 projections.

These iterative updates suggest a dynamic environment where expert opinions evolve as the actual NFL Draft approaches. The discussions around players like Carson Beck and Garrett Nussmeier highlight the ongoing speculation about when key talents will be selected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What do mock drafts show for rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft?
Mock drafts show that players like quarterback Carson Beck and receiver Denzel Boston are expected to be picked in rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft. These drafts help predict where players will go and what teams need them.
Q: Which specific players are mentioned as top options in rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft?
Players like quarterback Carson Beck, receiver Denzel Boston, and defensive back Emmanuel McNeil-Warren are often mentioned as top options. Other notable players include Lee Hunter, Avieon Terrell, and Jermod McCoy, who teams see as potential starters.
Q: How do team strategies affect picks in rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft?
Team strategies and needs influence picks in rounds 2 and 3. For example, the Las Vegas Raiders might pick a defensive tackle like Jermod McCoy for their new scheme. Teams like the Los Angeles Chargers may look for pass rushers.
Q: When were recent mock drafts for the 2026 NFL Draft released?
Recent mock drafts have been released at different times. Peter Schrager's mock draft was on April 7, and Field Yates' mock drafts were published on March 24 and earlier. More updates from ESPN and CBS Sports have come out recently.
Q: What are the main team needs discussed for rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft?
Teams are looking to fill various needs in rounds 2 and 3. This includes defensive tackles for schemes like the Raiders' 3-4, pass rushers for teams like the Chargers, and other positions based on first-round decisions and overall roster building.