The stage is set for the 2026 NFL Draft, promising a weekend of anticipation as teams look to build their rosters for the upcoming season. The draft, scheduled to take place in Pittsburgh from April 23rd to 25th, will see the Las Vegas Raiders selecting first overall. With the combine completed and free agency underway, all eyes are now on the prospects vying to hear their names called. This year’s draft features 257 total selections across seven rounds, with several teams holding multiple picks, including compensatory selections.
The draft will unfold over three days, beginning with Round 1 on Thursday, April 23rd at 8 p.m. ET. Rounds 2 and 3 will follow on Friday, April 24th, starting at 7 p.m. ET and the draft will conclude on Saturday, April 25th, with Rounds 4 through 7 beginning at noon ET. The event will be held in the lots surrounding Acrisure Stadium and Point State Park in Pittsburgh, and broadcast on ESPN, ABC, and the ESPN App.
First Round Draft Order
The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be particularly intriguing, with several teams positioned to address key needs. Here’s a look at the top picks:
- Las Vegas Raiders
- New York Jets
- Arizona Cardinals
- Tennessee Titans
- New York Giants
- Cleveland Browns
- Washington Commanders
- New Orleans Saints
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Miami Dolphins
- Dallas Cowboys
- Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta)
- Baltimore Ravens
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- New York Jets (from Indianapolis)
- Detroit Lions
- Minnesota Vikings
- Carolina Panthers
- Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay)
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville)
- Chicago Bears
- Buffalo Bills
- San Francisco 49ers
- Houston Texans
- Kansas City Chiefs (from Los Angeles Rams)
- Denver Broncos
- New England Patriots
- Seattle Seahawks
Key Trades and Compensatory Picks
Several trades agreed to after the 2025 season have reshaped the draft order. Notably, the Los Angeles Rams acquired a pick from the Atlanta Falcons, while the New York Jets hold two first-round selections, including one acquired from the Indianapolis Colts. The 2026 draft likewise includes 33 compensatory picks, awarded to teams that lost free agents during the previous season. The Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, and Pittsburgh Steelers lead the way with four compensatory selections each. ESPN details the full list of compensatory picks.
What to Expect in the Second and Third Rounds
The second and third rounds of the draft will be held on April 24th, offering teams additional opportunities to bolster their rosters. The New York Jets again hold the first pick in the second round, followed by the Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans. NFL.com provides the complete draft order for all seven rounds, allowing fans to track their team’s selections.
The draft order for the second round begins as follows:
- New York Jets
- Arizona Cardinals
- Tennessee Titans
- Las Vegas Raiders
- New York Giants
- Houston Texans (from Washington)
- Cleveland Browns
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Cincinnati Bengals
- New Orleans Saints
- Miami Dolphins
- New York Jets (from Dallas)
- Baltimore Ravens
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Indianapolis Colts
- Atlanta Falcons
- Minnesota Vikings
- Detroit Lions
- Carolina Panthers
- Green Bay Packers
As teams finalize their draft boards and prepare for the event in Pittsburgh, the 2026 NFL Draft promises to be a pivotal moment for franchises across the league. The coming weeks will undoubtedly see further analysis, mock drafts, and player evaluations as teams strategize to maximize their draft capital. Keep an eye on Sports Illustrated for the latest updates and analysis.
The draft represents a crucial opportunity for teams to address their needs and build towards future success. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching to see which players are selected and how they impact the league in the years to come. Share your predictions and team-specific hopes in the comments below!
