The 2026 NFL draft kicks off on Thursday in Pittsburgh with Round 1, where a select group of players will walk across the draft stage after hearing their names called by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
In total, 257 players will be drafted over the three-day event. However, only 16 players will be in Pittsburgh taking pictures with Goodell on stage on draft night. During last year’s draft in Green Bay, 17 players attended.
Players attending NFL draft in person
The NFL announced the 16 players who will be in Pittsburgh on Thursday for the draft. Nearly all of the players are expected to be selected in the first round.
Jeremiyah Love, running back, Notre DameSonny Styles, linebacker, Ohio StateArvell Reese, linebacker, Ohio StateCarnell Tate, wide receiver, Ohio StateDavid Bailey, linebacker, Texas TechRueben Bain Jr., defensive end, MiamiMansoor Delane, cornerback, LSUCaleb Downs, safety, Ohio StateKeldric Faulk, defensive end, AuburnColton Hood, cornerback, Tennessee Makai Lemon, wide receiver, USCFrancis Mauigoa, offensive lineman, MiamiKayden McDonald, defensive tackle, Ohio StateKadyn Proctor, offensive lineman, AlabamaTy Simpson, quarterback, AlabamaJordyn Tyson, wide receiver, Arizona StateIs Fernando Mendoza attending the draft?
Fernando Mendoza, who is expected to be selected first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders, is not attending the draft. Instead, he will watch the event with friends and family in Miami.
It is not unusual for players, especially ones expected to be high picks, not to attend the draft, as some prefer to watch from a different location. The last No. 1 selection not in attendance was Travon Walker, who was the top pick in 2022 by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Eli Heidenreich invited to draft
Eli Heidenreich, a standout at Navy, was invited to attend the draft on Friday and Saturday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Heidenreich set school career records with 1,994 yards receiving and 16 receiving scores during his four years on campus.
Heidenreich graduated from Mt. Lebanon High School in the suburbs of Pittsburgh.