2026 NFL Draft: Date, Time, How to Watch, Draft Order, and Mock Drafts
The 2026 NFL Draft is officially underway in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, running April 23-25, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium and Point State Park on the North Shore. Round 1 of the NFL Draft starts Thursday, April 23, at 8 p.m. ET, with Rounds 2-3 on Friday at 7 p.m. ET and Rounds 4-7 wrapping up Saturday at noon ET.
Wondering what time the NFL Draft starts, where to watch the NFL Draft, or what the full 2026 NFL Draft order looks like? This is your complete guide. Below you will find the 2026 NFL Draft schedule, every TV channel and streaming option, the complete first-round draft order, the top prospects in the class, expert mock drafts, and a full FAQ covering every common question about draft day.
The Las Vegas Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick and are expected to take Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza first. With 257 total picks across seven rounds, draft day 2026 is one of the most anticipated events on the NFL calendar. Whether you are looking for a 2026 NFL mock draft, trying to find where to watch the NFL Draft for free, or just need the start time, it is all here.
2026 NFL Draft at a Glance
| Dates | April 23-25, 2026 |
| Location | Pittsburgh, PA (Acrisure Stadium / Point State Park) |
| Round 1 Start | Thursday, April 23 at 8:00 p.m. ET |
| Rounds 2-3 Start | Friday, April 24 at 7:00 p.m. ET |
| Rounds 4-7 Start | Saturday, April 25 at 12:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN, ABC, NFL Network, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes |
| Streaming | NFL+, Disney+, ESPN App |
| No. 1 Pick | Las Vegas Raiders |
| Projected No. 1 | Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana |
| Total Picks | 257 |
2026 NFL Draft Start Times: Day by Day
| Day | Rounds | Date | Start Time (ET) |
| Day 1 | Round 1 | Thursday, April 23 | 8:00 p.m. |
| Day 2 | Rounds 2-3 | Friday, April 24 | 7:00 p.m. |
| Day 3 | Rounds 4-7 | Saturday, April 25 | 12:00 p.m. (Noon) |
What time does the NFL Draft start?
Round 1 begins at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 23. This year, the NFL shortened the first-round pick clock from 10 minutes to 8 minutes per selection, meaning opening night moves at a slightly faster pace than in prior years.
Where is the 2026 NFL Draft?
The 2026 NFL Draft is being held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, centered on the North Shore near Acrisure Stadium (home of the Pittsburgh Steelers) and Point State Park. It marks Pittsburgh's first time hosting the NFL Draft since 1948, when it was held at the Fort Pitt Hotel.
The free public fan experience, called the NFL Draft Experience, features immersive exhibits, games, autograph sessions, and live musical performances across the three-day event. Fans can register for free general admission through the NFL OnePass app.
How to Watch the 2026 NFL Draft
TV Channels
- ESPN (Round 1 on ABC simulcast)
- ESPN2
- NFL Network
- ESPN Deportes (Spanish-language coverage)
Streaming
- NFL+: Stream all three days live (NFL+ Premium subscribers get full access)
- Disney+: Live draft coverage included
- ESPN App / ESPN Unlimited: Full three-day streaming
- DirecTV Stream, Sling TV: Live TV streaming alternatives for cord-cutters
Can I Watch the NFL Draft for Free?
Yes. The NFL Draft airs on ABC (simulcast with ESPN) during Round 1, which is available over the air for free with an antenna. NFL+ also offers a limited free tier, and the NFL's own website and app provide supplementary content.
2026 NFL Draft Order: First Round (Picks 1-32)
The Las Vegas Raiders own the No. 1 overall pick after finishing the 2025 season 3-14. There are 257 total picks across all seven rounds, including 33 compensatory selections.
- Las Vegas Raiders
- New York Jets
- Arizona Cardinals
- Tennessee Titans
- New York Giants
- Cleveland Browns
- Washington Commanders
- New Orleans Saints
- Kansas City Chiefs
- New York Giants (via Cincinnati Bengals trade)
- Miami Dolphins
- Dallas Cowboys
- Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta Falcons trade)
- Baltimore Ravens
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- New York Jets (via Indianapolis Colts trade)
- Detroit Lions
- Minnesota Vikings
- Carolina Panthers
- Green Bay Packers
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Chicago Bears
- San Francisco 49ers
- Buffalo Bills
- Denver Broncos
- Kansas City Chiefs (via Los Angeles Rams trade)
- Houston Texans
- Baltimore Ravens (compensatory)
- Super Bowl Champion (TBD)
Note: Draft order is subject to change based on in-draft trades and any remaining compensatory adjustments.
2026 NFL Draft Top Prospects
Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana) is the consensus No. 1 overall pick, a Heisman Trophy winner and national champion who brings elite pocket poise and performance in high-leverage situations. He is all but certain to be selected first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders.
16 prospects invited to attend the draft in person:
- Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
- Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State
- Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
- Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
- Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
- Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
- Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
- Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
- Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
- David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
- Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
- Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
- Makai Lemon, WR, USC
- Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
- Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
- Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
This draft class is considered lighter at quarterback than recent years, with Mendoza standing alone as the clear first-round lock at the position.
2026 NFL Mock Drafts and Draft Coverage
NFL Mock Draft 2026: First-Round Predictions
Fantasy Alarm's full 2026 NFL Mock Draft first-round predictions breaks down every pick from 1 to 32, covering projected landing spots, scheme fits, and the trades most likely to shake up the board on draft night.
2026 NFL Draft First-Round Bold Predictions
Looking for the contrarian takes? Fantasy Alarm's 2026 NFL Draft first-round bold predictions highlights the surprise picks, unexpected trades, and under-the-radar prospects that could make Thursday night's action must-watch TV.
Winners and Losers by Position
The 2026 NFL Draft reshapes fantasy football rosters across every position. Fantasy Alarm breaks down the biggest potential winners and losers at each skill spot:
- Quarterback: 2026 NFL Draft QB Winners and Losers. Which veteran QBs benefit from a new weapon, and which rookies land in situations primed for immediate production?
- Running Back: 2026 NFL Draft RB Winners and Losers. Backfield hierarchies will shift dramatically over three days. Find out which backs rise and which see their value crater.
- Wide Receiver: 2026 NFL Draft WR Winners and Losers. New pass-catchers entering the league always create opportunity and collateral damage. See who wins and loses at the position.
- Tight End: 2026 NFL Draft TE Winners and Losers. The TE position is always impacted by draft-day additions. Find out which tight ends should see their fantasy outlook improve heading into 2026.
2026 NFL Draft FAQ
When does the NFL Draft start?
Round 1 begins Thursday, April 23, at 8 p.m. ET.
What time is the NFL Draft on Friday?
Rounds 2 and 3 begin Friday, April 24, at 7 p.m. ET.
What time does the NFL Draft start on Saturday?
Rounds 4 through 7 begin Saturday, April 25, at noon ET.
Where can I watch the NFL Draft?
On ESPN, ABC, NFL Network, ESPN Deportes, NFL+, Disney+, and most live TV streaming services, including DirecTV Stream, Sling, Fubo, and YouTube TV.
Where is the 2026 NFL Draft?
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at Acrisure Stadium and Point State Park on the North Shore.
Who has the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Las Vegas Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick and are expected to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
How many picks are in the 2026 NFL Draft?
257 total picks across seven rounds, including 33 compensatory selections.
Is the 2026 NFL Draft free to attend?
Yes. The NFL Draft Experience fan event is free and open to the public. Fans can register through the NFL OnePass app.
For more NFL Draft coverage, DFS lineups, and betting content, visit FantasyAlarm.com.
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