The wait is over as the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off April 23 in Pittsburgh, with all 32 teams set to converge for a three-day race to secure the league’s next stars.

Round 1 begins Thursday at 8 p.m. ET, followed by Rounds 2 and 3 on Friday at 7 p.m on the same platform, before the final four rounds wrap up Saturday at Noon. Full coverage is expected across NFL Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, and NFL+.

The event is all set to unfold around the Acrisure Stadium, the 68,000-seat home of the Pittsburgh Steelers. What's interesting is that this marks Pittsburgh’s first time hosting the draft in its traveling era.

The historic franchise with six Lombardi trophies is now welcoming the next generation to one of football’s most historic cities.

The NFL is expected to allow fans to attend, with open viewing areas, fan zones, and interactive activities around the stadium, like in recent drafts.

Franchises will have a total of 257 picks to be made across seven rounds, including compensatory selections awarded for key free-agent losses.

Various prospects will be present at the event itself, while top names such as potential No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza are set to tune into the coverage from his house, with his family.

Top Prospects and Key Names to Watch in the 2026 NFL Draft

This year’s quarterback class has been reported to not have as much depth, but names like Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson have emerged as the top picks.

The Las Vegas Raiders and Cleveland Browns are reportedly eager to draft the two, respectively.

The spotlight also extends to running back Jeremiyah Love and defensive standouts Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese.

NFL analyst Lance Zierlein describes Styles as having "short-area quickness and pursuit speed" backed by his 4.46 40-Yard dash at the combine.

With draft day fast approaching, the conversation is no longer just about who goes where.

Analysts like Mel Kiper Jr. have added fuel to that fire, projecting the Dallas Cowboys as a potential trade-up candidate into the top 10, with the Cleveland Browns looming as a possible partner.

In 2023, for example, Houston drafted C.J. Stroud at No. 2 and then traded up to select Will Anderson Jr. at No. 3, showing how quickly teams can adjust their plans on draft night.

Teams will fill their roster gaps, while players wait to hear their names called in Pittsburgh. Who will be among the top five picks according to you?

Read more at the Denver Broncos Community!

Written by

Anjali Thakur

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote