2026 NFL Mock Draft Rounds 2-3: Browns Bolster QB Room with Carson Beck, Bills Target Elite Wide Receivers

By NFL Draft Insider | April 24, 2026

PITTSBURGH — The 2026 NFL Draft’s Day 2 promises fireworks as teams dive into Rounds 2 and 3, with quarterback-needy squads like the Cleveland Browns eyeing Miami’s Carson Beck and wide receiver-starved Buffalo Bills poised to snag playmakers like Washington’s Denzel Boston. Following a blockbuster first round capped by the Los Angeles Rams selecting a Matthew Stafford successor, mocks from NBC Sports, ESPN, and others project aggressive moves to address roster gaps.[1][2]

Browns Double Down on Quarterback Future

The Cleveland Browns, still searching for stability under center, are projected to add Miami quarterback Carson Beck in Round 3, per NBC Sports’ latest mock. Beck joins an earlier selection, signaling Cleveland’s commitment to rebuilding its QB room amid ongoing uncertainties.[1] This move aligns with the team’s Round 2 pick of Kentucky’s J. Farmer, bolstering the lines while prioritizing signal-callers.

“Beck’s poise and arm talent make him a Day 2 steal,” analysts note, especially after the Browns traded for additional picks. CBS Sports echoes the hype around Beck as a top available prospect alongside LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier.[5]

Bills Go Big for Josh Allen Weapons

Buffalo, holding picks from trades including from Tennessee, targets Washington’s towering Denzel Boston in Round 2 (pick 35). ESPN highlights Boston as the ideal red-zone complement to DJ Moore and Khalil Shakir, a player they coveted in Round 1.[2] Sporting News projects an EDGE like Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell instead, but the consensus leans receiver to supercharge Josh Allen.[3]

In Round 3, Buffalo eyes Missouri LB Josiah Trotter or Penn State’s Dani Dennis-Sutton, adding defensive bite.[2] NBC mocks them grabbing Trotter earlier, underscoring the Bills’ multi-pick strategy post-trades.[1]

Key Day 2 Projections Across the League

Projections vary, but trends emerge:

• San Francisco 49ers (Pick 33): Texas A&M’s Chase Bisontis (G/C) to fortify the O-line per Sporting News, or a WR like Notre Dame’s Malachi Fields (ESPN).[2][3]
• Las Vegas Raiders: Denzel Boston (multiple mocks) or Texas A&M OT to aid Aidan Mendoza.[1][3][5]
• Arizona Cardinals: OT prospects like Northwestern’s Caleb Tiernan or Memphis’ Travis Burke.[1][2]
• Philadelphia Eagles: Miami’s Mark Bell or Northwestern OT Caleb Tiernan.[1][2]
• New York Jets: Building defense with LB Rodriguez and others after TE and EDGE grabs.[1]
• Seattle Seahawks: Indiana CB D’Angeloonds.[1]
• Pittsburgh Steelers: LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier or Arizona State CB Keithney II.[1]
• Chicago Bears: Mississippi DL Zavian Harris or Indiana WR Elijah Sarratt.[1][4]

Wide receiver runs dominate, with Indiana’s Elijah Sarratt, Tennessee’s Chris Brazell II, and Notre Dame’s Malachi Fields in play for teams like the Chargers, Panthers, and Dolphins.[3][4] Edge rushers like Missouri’s Josiah Trotter and Penn State’s Dani Dennis-Sutton also fly off boards.[2]

Trade Rumors and Big Names Still on Board

Available talents include safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, CB Avieon Terrell, Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy, and more QBs like Nussmeier.[2][5] WalterFootball notes Jets fortifying with Georgia DT Christen Miller, while Eagles chase Clemson’s Antonio Williams at WR.[4]

Trades loom large: 49ers traded out of Round 1, Bills maneuvered down multiple times, and Browns acquired from Kansas City.[1][2][3] “Day 2 is where value meets need,” one scout told ESPN, with O-lines (e.g., Duke’s Parker II, Texas A&M OT) and skill weapons topping boards.[1][5]

Team-by-Team Breakdown Table

Team	Round 2 Pick (Mock)	Round 3 Pick (Mock)
Buffalo Bills	Denzel Boston, WR (ESPN/NBC)[1][2]	Josiah Trotter, LB (NBC/ESPN)[1][2]
Cleveland Browns	J. Farmer, (Kentucky)[1]	Carson Beck, QB (NBC)[1]
SF 49ers	Chase Bisontis, G/C (Sporting News)[3]	Derrick, EDGE (Michigan)[1]
Las Vegas Raiders	Denzel Boston, WR[3][5]	Etriousover, OT (Texas A&M)[1]
Chicago Bears	Elijah Sarratt, WR[4]	Zavian Harris, DL[1]

As the draft unfolds Friday night from Pittsburgh, expect fluidity. The Rams’ Round 1 splash set the tone, but Rounds 2-3 could redefine contenders. Browns fans dream of Beck stabilizing the offense; Bills supporters salivate over Boston’s frame for Allen. Stay tuned for real-time updates.[1][2]

This article synthesizes expert mocks; actual selections may differ based on trades and evaluations.