Building on our Round 2 recap, CBS Sports NFL Draft expert Mike Renner analyzed Day 2 value picks and surprises in Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft. Highlights include the Vikings' A-grade linebacker Jake Golday and head-scratchers like the 49ers' early wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling.
Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft (Rounds 2-3) saw just three running backs selected through the first 100 picks—a tie for the fewest in the common draft era—while 17 wide receivers and nine tight ends tied records for the most through three rounds since 1967, per CBS Sports' Mike Renner.
Renner graded every pick relative to projections. Top values included:
- Minnesota Vikings: LB Jake Golday (Cincinnati, No. 51, ranked No. 38 overall) – A grade. A former pass-rusher fitting Brian Flores's defense: "He's going to be lethal as a blitzer and a cleanup artist at the second level."
- Cleveland Browns: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo, No. 58, ranked No. 22) – A+ grade. Top box safety with 11 career forced fumbles.
- New York Giants: WR Malachi Fields (Notre Dame, No. 74) – High-value 6-foot-5 target with 15 YPC and 16 college TDs.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: OL Emmanuel Pregnon.
- Las Vegas Raiders: OL Trey Zuhn III.
Criticized reaches:
- San Francisco 49ers: WR De’Zhaun Stribling (Ole Miss, No. 33, ranked No. 120) – C+ grade, despite recent receiver additions.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: TE Nate Boerkircher (No. 56, ranked No. 86) – C grade.
- Houston Texans: TE/OL? Marlin Klein (No. 59, ranked No. 185) – D-.
- Miami Dolphins: WR Caleb Douglas (No. 75, outside top 200) – D+.
This analysis complements the detailed Round 2 pick-by-pick recap.
