
The NFL Draft opens Thursday night, April 23, in Pittsburgh. Stacy Revere / Getty Images
By The Athletic NFL Staff
April 20, 2026 8:00 am EDT
The 2026 NFL Draft opens with Round 1 on Thursday night, April 23, in Pittsburgh. Rounds 2 and 3 will follow on Friday night, then Rounds 4-7 on Saturday afternoon. In all, 257 players will hear their names called during the event.
The Las Vegas Raiders own the top pick, which they’re likely to use on Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza, while the Denver Broncos (at No. 257) are set to select this year’s Mr. Irrelevant.
The full, updated 2026 NFL Draft order:
(Note: Compensatory picks are designated by an asterisk. Draft order has been updated as of April 19.)
Apr 20, 2026
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