This year, football fans are buzzing about the 2026 NFL Draft. Mark your calendars for April 23-25, as the event is set to take place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This marks the second time the city will host the draft, with a rich history of hosting the event from 1965 to 2014 in New York City .
The 2026 NFL Draft Date and Location
The NFL Draft is a pivotal event for the league, where franchises select new talent from college football. This year, the Draft will unfold over three days, starting with the first round on April 23, followed by rounds two and three on April 24, and culminating with rounds four through seven on April 25. The venue for this spectacle is Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The city's previous experience hosting the event in 2017 makes it a well-suited location for this major event.
Round 1 Expectations and Mock Drafts
One of the most anticipated parts of the draft is Round 1, where the best college prospects are selected. Mock drafts provide a glimpse into what teams might do. In the latest projections, analysts expect four trades in the first round, with two quarterbacks coming off the board within the top 16 selections. These trades and selections can significantly impact the landscape of the NFL for years to come.
Team Strategies and Draft Order
The draft order is determined by the reverse order of the previous season's standings, with the worst-performing teams picking first. This ensures that teams with the most need get the best chance at top talent. For instance, the Raiders will have the No. 1 overall pick, a position that comes with high expectations and pressure to select a franchise-changing player.
The Draft Order
While the exact draft order can fluctuate based on end-of-season trades and tiebreakers, the general consensus is that teams like the Steelers,Jets, and Cardinals will be looking for young quarterbacks this year. The first 16 selections are crucial, as they often set the tone for the rest of the draft and the future of the teams involved.
The top 3 prospects are: Quentin Young from Clemson University, Dylan Johnson from Alabama University , and Zachary White from Michigan University.
Below is an excerpt from Matt Miller, a well-known draft analyst, on the complexity of drafting quarterbacks: "Drafting a quarterback in the NFL Draft is always a high-risk, high-reward proposition. Teams need to weigh a player's potential against the immediate needs of their franchise,".
On April 23rd, the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft will see the Raiders kick things off with the first pick.
