These live updates have ended, but there’s still plenty to catch up on. Read what you missed below and find more coverage on the 2026 NFL draft at apnews.com.
A huge crowd in Pittsburgh gathered Thursday night to hear the league’s next stars have their names called in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft.
As expected, quarterback Fernando Mendoza was selected first, with the Las Vegas Raiders using the No. 1 pick on the Heisman Trophy winner out of Indiana.
David Bailey went No. 2 overall to the New York Jets, becoming the first Texas Tech player selected in the top five in the common draft era. The Cardinals rounded out the top three by taking Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.
The Los Angeles Rams made a surprising move at No. 13, selecting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. He joins a quarterback room led by reigning league MVP Matthew Stafford.
The draft resumes Friday night with the second and third rounds starting at 7 p.m. EDT.
What to know:
Good night for the Buckeyes: Four Ohio State players were selected in the first 11 picks of the draft. Carnell Tate (Titans) and Arnell Reese (Giants) went back-to-back at No. 4 and No. 5. The Commanders picked Sonny Styles at No. 7, and the Cowboys traded up to No. 11 for Caleb Downs.Who’s up next? The San Francisco 49ers are on the clock next when the draft resumes on Friday night. The 49ers traded back twice during the first round and acquired pick No. 33 from the Jets.Best available: Jermod McCoy, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Avieon Terrell, Kayden McDonald, Zion Young, Cashius Howell, Eli Stowers, Anthony Hill Jr.