The NFL news cycle isn’t stopping any time soon.
With free agency winding down and a handful of major trades completed, it’s officially draft season. The 2026 NFL Draft is quickly approaching, with all the action now less than a month away.
The draft is the final opportunity for teams to significantly improve their rosters, barring a late-offseason trade. Over three days toward the end of April, 257 players will see their dream realized by becoming NFL draft picks.
Here’s everything to know about the 2026 NFL Draft:
When is the 2026 NFL Draft?
The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 23-25.
Round 1: Thursday, April 23 at 8 p.m. ET
Rounds 2-3: Friday, April 24 at 7 p.m. ET
Rounds 4-7: Saturday, April 25 at 12 p.m. ET
Where is the 2026 NFL Draft?
For the second time ever, and the first since December 1947, the NFL Draft is headed to Pittsburgh.
Draft events will take place at the Pennsylvania city’s North Shore, including Acrisure Stadium and Point State Park. Pittsburgh follows Detroit in 2024 and Green Bay in 2025 as team’s in northern cities hosting the event. The draft will move to Washington, D.C. in 2027.
President Trump announced Monday that the 2027 NFL Draft will be held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
2026 NFL Draft first round order
The full list of 257 picks is set, but that can change at any moment with a trade. So far this offseason, two first-round picks have already changed hands with blockbuster deals involving Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Waddle. Previous trades involving Sauce Gardner, Micah Parsons and draft capital bring the total number of firsts changing hands to six.
Here’s a look at the first-round order as of March 30:
Las Vegas Raiders
Arizona Cardinals
Tennessee Titans
Cleveland Browns
New Orleans Saints
Cincinnati Bengals
Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta Falcons)
Baltimore Ravens
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
New York Jets (via Indianapolis Colts)
Detroit Lions
Minnesota Vikings
Carolina Panthers
Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay Packers)
Pittsburgh Steelers
Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville Jaguars)
Buffalo Bills
Houston Texans
Kansas City Chiefs (via Los Angeles Rams)
Miami Dolphins (via Denver Broncos)
Seattle Seahawks
Who are the top prospects in the NFL Draft?
It all starts with Fernando Mendoza.
The Heisman-winning quarterback led Indiana to the national championship in a dominant season. He’s a lock to go No. 1 to the Raiders, who are desperate for a franchise quarterback.
Behind him, there’s a glut of impact defenders who could be top-five picks — including Ohio State’s Arvell Reese, Texas Tech’s David Bailey, Miami’s Reuben Bain Jr. and Ohio State’s Caleb Downs. On the offensive side, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, Miami tackle Francis Mauigoa and Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate are expected to go off the board early.
How to watch the 2026 NFL Draft
The 2026 NFL Draft will air on ESPN, ABC and NFL Network.
Here are the key dates to know for the 2026 NFL offseason, from free agency to the draft in Pittsburgh and training camp.