2026 NFL Mock Draft Round 2: Jets Target Brandon Cisse, Cardinals Take QB Ty Simpson

The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up as one of the deepest in recent memory, with a wealth of talent emerging in Round 2. As teams look to address key positional needs, prospects like Brandon Cisse, Ty Simpson, and Zion Young are rising in evaluations. With the New York Jets picking at No. 33, they’re expected to add depth to their secondary by selecting Cisse, a dynamic corner from South Carolina.

Cisse (6-foot, 190 pounds) totaled 27 tackles, one interception, and five passes batted in 2025. His 2024 season was just as impressive with 28 tackles and five pass breakups. His combination of size, speed, and ball skills makes him a potential starter in the NFL.

The Arizona Cardinals, at No. 34, are projected to take Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Simpson completed 65% of his passes for 3,500 yards with 28 touchdowns and two rushing scores in 2025. He led the Crimson Tide to College Football Playoff contention and impressed scouts with his arm strength and decision-making. An NFC assistant general manager said, “He’s better than J.J. McCarthy, and his tape is a lot better than McCarthy’s was.”

Tennessee, at No. 35, is expected to select Missouri edge rusher Zion Young. The 6-foot-6, 265-pounder recorded 42 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles in 2025. His quick first step and ability to win one-on-one matchups make him a valuable addition to a Titans defense in need of long-term edge solutions.

Las Vegas, at No. 36, is projected to take Indiana wideout Omar Cooper, who caught 69 passes for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2025. The 6-foot, 199-pound wideout is a shifty, route-smart receiver who can help quarterback Fernando Mendoza transition to the NFL.

The Giants, at No. 37, are expected to take Notre Dame’s Malachi Fields, a big-bodied receiver (6-4, 223) who caught 36 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns in 2025. Fields is a consistent, reliable target who excels in contested catch situations.

With the 2026 NFL Draft approaching, teams are finalizing their strategies and evaluating how these picks fit into their long-term plans. The next round will give us more clarity on how the rest of the 2026 class will unfold.