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The 2026 NFL Draft begins Thursday night in Pittsburgh, with all 32 teams set to make their first-round selections. Round 1 starts at 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast across multiple networks.
The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to make the No. 1 overall pick, with quarterback Fernando Mendoza widely projected to be selected first after a standout college career.
Fans can watch the first round of the draft live on ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network. The event will also be available to stream through platforms like Fubo. Additional coverage, including analysis before and after each round, will air on CBS Sports HQ.
The full schedule for the draft spans three days.
Round 1 takes place Thursday, April 23 at 8 p.m. ET.
Rounds 2 and 3 will follow on Friday, April 24 at 7 p.m. ET, and the draft concludes Saturday, April 25 with rounds 4 through 7 beginning at noon ET.
The 2026 draft marks the second time Pittsburgh has hosted the event. The city previously hosted the 1948 NFL Draft, which was held at the Fort Pitt Hotel in December 1947.
The first-round order begins with the Raiders, followed by the New York Jets and the Arizona Cardinals. Other teams picking early include the Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, and Cleveland Browns. The Kansas City Chiefs hold the No. 9 overall selection.
Each team will have 10 minutes to make its first-round pick, a slight reduction compared to previous years. The NFL shortened the clock for 2026, speeding up the pace of the opening round.
In later rounds, teams will have less time. Round 2 picks are limited to seven minutes, rounds 3 through 6 allow five minutes, and round 7 gives teams four minutes per selection.
According to CBS Sports draft analyst Mike Renner, Mendoza leads the class after his performance as a Heisman Trophy winner and national champion. Renner noted, “Cerebral pocket passers can still win in the NFL — especially when they have the kind of performance in high-pressure situations that Mendoza possesses.”
Several defensive players are also expected to be selected early. Rueben Bain Jr. is ranked among the top prospects, with Renner stating, “When a power end like Bain lines up across from you, offensive linemen know they’re in for a long day.”
Reese, another top edge rusher, has drawn attention for his physical traits. Renner said, “Elite physicality and explosiveness are an easy combination to bet on for front-seven prospects.”
Offensive line prospects Kadyn Proctor and Spencer Fano are also expected to go early, along with defensive back Jermod McCoy and safety Caleb Downs.
Other notable names include running back Jeremiyah Love, linebacker Sonny Styles and cornerback Avieon Terrell.
Renner highlighted the depth of the class, noting that prospects across multiple positions bring a mix of size, speed and versatility that could impact teams early in their careers.
Perry Miller Carpenter Perry Carpenter is a writer and editor with 20 years of experience covering entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. She is also a standout contributor at Heavy.com’s sister site Entertainment Now. More about Perry Miller Carpenter
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