2026 NFL Draft: Start Times, Dstes, How To watch, Full Draft Order

When is the 2026 NFL Draft? Dates, times, schedule, TV channel, live stream, Draft Order, Prospects, location

The NFL Draft has transformed from a low-key, back-room affair into one of the most exciting spectacles in American sports. After Green Bay, Wisconsin hosted the 2025 draft, the 2026 NFL Draft will make history by heading to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — one of football’s most iconic and passionate cities — for the very first time.

The seven-round event will unfold over three days, running from Thursday, April 23 through Saturday, April 25, 2026. A total of 257 picks will be made, with the Las Vegas Raiders holding the No. 1 overall selection and the Denver Broncos scheduled to make the final pick at No. 257.

Here's Sportshistori.com have everything you need to know about the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.

When is the 2026 NFL Draft?

The 2026 NFL Draft will be held throughout a three-day span starting on Thursday, April 23, to Saturday, April 25.

Thursday, April 23: Round 1

Friday, April 24: Rounds 2-3

Saturday, April 25: Rounds 4-7

The first day begins at 8 PM ET and will feature 31 picks or the entire first round.

Where is the 2026 NFL Draft?

This will mark the first time the City of Pittsburgh has hosted the NFL Draft. The 2026 NFL Draft will be uniquely split across the Allegheny River for a spectacular waterfront experience.

The main Draft Theater and Stage will be located on the North Shore, with the area outside Acrisure Stadium serving as a natural amphitheater for fans. Across the river in Downtown Pittsburgh, the free NFL Draft Experience fan festival will take center stage at the iconic Point State Park.

What time does the each round of 2026 NFL Draft start?

The NFL start time for each day of the 2026 NFL Draft, all events is follow the typical schedule.

Thursday, April 23:  Round 1 at 8 p.m. ET

Friday, April 24:  Rounds 2-3 at 7 p.m. ET

Saturday, April 25:  Rounds 4-7 at  Noon ET

How to watch the 2026 NFL Draft Live.

There are several ways to watch the 2026 NFL Draft. All three days of the event are televised on multiple networks.

Viewers may tune into NFL Network, ESPN, or ESPN Deportes for their draft coverage.

Live Streaming is also available on different networks like,  NFL+, ESPN+, Hulu+ Live TV, FuboTV

How many rounds are in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The 2026 NFL Draft consists of seven rounds and a total of 257 picks.

How many picks are in the 2026 NFL Draft?

There will be a total of 257 players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.

What channel is the 2025 NFL draft on?

Football fans can watch the draft on several channels.

How to watch on TV: ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes, NFL Network.

How to listen: ESPN Radio.

NFL Draft 2026: Top Prospects list.

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is the presumptive No. 1 overall pick. Here is how the consensus top 15 prospects rank heading into draft weekend:

1. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

2. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

3. Arvell Reese, LB/Edge, Ohio State

4. Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

5. Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami

6. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

7. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

8. Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

9. Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami

10. David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech

11. Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

12. Jermod McCoy, Edge, Tennessee

13. Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

14. Denzel Boston, WR, Oregon

15. Dillon Thieneman, S, Purdue

2026 NFL Draft order for first round, picks for all NFL teams. 

Well, for those teams & wondering souls, here is an updated projected order for the 2026 NFL Draft:


Round 1 | Picks 1-32

The complete order for Round 1 is as follows: 

1. Las Vegas Raiders

2. New York Jets

3. Arizona Cardinals

4. Tennessee Titans

5. New York Giants

6. Cleveland Browns

7. Washington Commanders

8. New Orleans Saints

9. Kansas City Chiefs

10. Cincinnati Bengals

11. Miami Dolphins

12. Dallas Cowboys

13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta)

14. Baltimore Ravens

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis)

17. Detroit Lions

18. Minnesota Vikings

19. Carolina Panthers

20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay)

21. Pittsburgh Steelers

22. Los Angeles Chargers

23. Philadelphia Eagles

24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville)

25. Chicago Bears

26. Buffalo Bills

27. San Francisco 49ers

28. Houston Texans

29. Kansas City Chiefs (from L.A. Rams)

30. Miami Dolphins (from Denver)

31. New England Patriots

32. Seattle Seahawks
    
    
    

Who has the No. 1 pick in NFL Draft?

The Las Vegas Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick, and the best thing they could do for presumptive selection Fernando Mendoza is focus on surrounding him with the finest blockers and pass-catching weapons available.

Has the No. 1 overall pick ever been traded?

The No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft has been traded 14 times, including twice in 1984.

1967: Colts acquired it from Saints; drafted DT Bubba Smith

1968: Vikings acquired it from Giants; drafted OT Ron Yary

1974: Cowboys acquired it from Oilers; drafted DE Ed Jones

1975: Falcons acquired it from Colts; drafted QB Steve Bartkowski

1978: Oilers acquired it from Bucs; drafted RB Earl Campbell

1984: Patriots acquired it from Bengals (which got it from Bucs); drafted WR Irving Fryar

1990: Colts acquired it from Falcons; drafted QB Jeff George

1991: Cowboys acquired it from Patriots; drafted DT Russell Maryland

1995: Bengals acquired it from Panthers; drafted RB Ki-Jana Carter

1997: Rams acquired it from Jets; drafted OT Orlando Pace

2001: Falcons acquired it from Chargers; drafted QB Michael Vick

2016: Rams acquired it from Titans; drafted QB Jared Goff

2023: Panthers acquired it from Bears; drafted QB Bryce Young

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