2026 NFL Draft: Start time, TV schedule, draft order, where to watch and more

The 2026 NFL Draft begins Thursday night with all 32 teams set to reshape their futures across seven rounds and 257 selections. It is not just about who goes first. It is about how quickly teams close gaps and chase contention. Early projections already hint at a quarterback-led start, with Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza widely linked to the Las Vegas Raiders. Behind him, defensive talent and offensive line depth could define the top five. The schedule is set, the order is locked in, and the spotlight now turns to how these decisions unfold in real time.The 2026 NFL Draft opens on Thursday, April 23, with Round 1 scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET. The pace shifts on Friday, April 24, when Rounds 2 and 3 begin at 7:00 p.m. ET. The final stretch arrives Saturday, April 25, starting at 12:00 p.m. ET, covering Rounds 4 through 7.There is a rhythm to these three days. Thursday carries weight and pressure, where franchises define direction. Friday often delivers value picks and unexpected slides. By Saturday, depth becomes the focus, with teams searching for contributors who can quietly shape seasons. The structure remains familiar, but the outcomes rarely follow script.The NFL draft will air across ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network, with streaming options available on the ESPN app, Disney+, and NFL Plus. Viewers with cable access can watch through network broadcasts or official apps. For those without subscriptions, ABC provides a straightforward path through over-the-air access.Streaming alternatives add flexibility. Disney+ bundles, live TV streaming services, and even free options like Pluto TV’s NFL Channel offer coverage across all three days. Digital platforms also expand the experience, with live shows on YouTube and Netflix providing analysis alongside the main broadcast. Whether through traditional TV or streaming, access is wide and increasingly tailored to different viewing habits.The Las Vegas Raiders hold the first overall pick and are expected to target a quarterback, with Fernando Mendoza leading that conversation. The New York Jets follow at No. 2, facing a decision between edge rushers like Arvell Reese and David Bailey. The Arizona Cardinals sit third, with offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa a strong option.The top ten continues with the Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, Washington Commanders, New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs, and another Giants selection via trade. Notably, six teams hold multiple first-round picks, including the Jets, Giants, Browns, Chiefs, Dolphins, and Cowboys. That added flexibility could trigger movement, especially if quarterbacks slide or defensive prospects rise unexpectedly.Here's the first-round draft order:1. Las Vegas Raiders2. New York Jets3. Arizona Cardinals4. Tennessee Titans5. New York Giants6. Cleveland Browns7. Washington Commanders8. New Orleans Saints9. Kansas City Chiefs10. New York Giants (from Cincinnati Bengals)11. Miami Dolphins12. Dallas Cowboys13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons)14. Baltimore Ravens15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts)17. Detroit Lions18. Minnesota Vikings19. Carolina Panthers20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers)21. Pittsburgh Steelers22. Los Angeles Chargers23. Philadelphia Eagles24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars)25. Chicago Bears26. Buffalo Bills27. San Francisco 49ers28. Houston Texans29. Kansas City Chiefs (from LA Rams)30. Miami Dolphins (from Denver Broncos)31. New England Patriots32. Seattle SeahawksThis order sets the stage, but trades and late decisions often reshape it quickly. The draft rarely stays predictable for long.