NFL Draft 2026: Raiders Hold No. 1 Pick as Pittsburgh Prepares for Draft Weekend
The countdown to the NFL Draft 2026 has reached its final stretch, with the sports world turning its attention to Pittsburgh for one of the most pivotal weekends in professional football. With the draft officially kicking off on Thursday, April 23, the focus is squarely on the Las Vegas Raiders, who hold the first overall selection—their first No. 1 pick in 19 years.
For the Raiders, the decision at the top of the board is widely expected to center on Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. As scouting culminates and pro days wrap up, Mendoza has emerged as the consensus choice for a franchise looking to redefine its future with a cornerstone talent.
The Big Ten Influence at the Top
While the Raiders hold the spotlight at No. 1, the early stages of the draft are expected to be dominated by talent from the Big Ten. Beyond Mendoza, three standout players from Ohio State are projected to be high-value targets for teams in the opening rounds: Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, and Caleb Downs.
Downs, in particular, has garnered significant attention from coaching circles. His former coach described him as “the best HS player I’ve ever seen,” a testament to the ceiling the young prospect brings to the professional level.
For global fans and analysts, the concentration of elite talent from a single conference often signals a shift in the tactical landscape of the league, as teams prioritize the disciplined, high-pressure experience typical of Big Ten competition.
Draft Schedule and Logistics
The 2026 event will take place over three days in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The schedule is structured to build momentum from the high-stakes first round to the final selections of the seventh.
- Thursday, April 23: Round 1 (Starts at 8 p.m. ET)
- Friday, April 24: Rounds 2-3
- Saturday, April 25: Rounds 4-7
The draft will comprise a total of 257 picks. While the Raiders start the process, the Denver Broncos hold the final selection of the weekend. Saturday’s coverage is as well expected to include the announcement of several undrafted free agent signings, which often provide teams with unexpected depth and value.
How to Watch the 2026 NFL Draft
To accommodate a global audience, the NFL has arranged comprehensive coverage across traditional broadcast networks and digital streaming platforms. Whether viewers are in the “Steel City” or watching from overseas, the following options are available:
TV Channels: ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network.
Live Streaming: The event will be streamed via fubo, DirecTV stream, NFL+, the ESPN App, YouTube TV, and Hulu+ Live TV. DAZN will offer live coverage of every round for those with a Game Pass subscription.
Note for international viewers: The 8 p.m. ET start time on Thursday marks the beginning of the primary broadcast window. please check your local listings for precise regional start times.
Key Takeaways for the 2026 Draft
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host City | Pittsburgh, PA |
| No. 1 Overall Pick | Las Vegas Raiders |
| Top Prospect | Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) |
| Total Picks | 257 |
| Final Pick | Denver Broncos |
As the league prepares for the first pick on April 23, the narrative remains focused on whether the Raiders will stick with the expected selection of Mendoza or pivot toward one of the elite Ohio State prospects. With the draft just days away, every team is now finalizing the boards that will decide the trajectory of their franchises for the next half-decade.
The next confirmed checkpoint is the official start of Round 1 on Thursday, April 23, at 8 p.m. ET.
Do you reckon the Raiders should stick with Fernando Mendoza at No. 1, or is there a bigger surprise waiting in Pittsburgh? Let us grasp in the comments.
