The NFL Draft 2026 starts on 23 April 2026, and goes on for three days up to 25 April 2026. It consists of seven interesting rounds, as each round will select an important player for the roster. The NCAA Division I College Football season has recently ended; the Indiana Hoosiers won the National Championship. It prompted the National Football League to select the top prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft 2026. There have been more notable moments in the NCAA Division I this time, showing potential for the NFL. Just like every time, the worst-performing NFL team gets to pick the player first. Likewise, the priority is given in reverse order from the worst team to the Super Bowl Champions. This article gives top expert predictions for the NFL Draft 2026 picks.
NFL Draft 2026 – Why is it Important?
The Annual NFL Draft allows the teams to reshape their quality by signing new prospects from college football. By acquiring new players, who are usually young and athletic, teams can improve their form. It can often lead to the emergence of new NFL stars.
NFL Draft Order Rules
The Las Vegas Raiders had a bad performance in the previous season. They won only 3 out of 14 games, one of the lowest in the previous season. This has allowed them to pick the best college football player in the 2026 NFL Draft. Followed by the New York Jets, who came with the second-worst game in the previous season. There are seven rounds of pick with each NFL team having a single pick per round. As per the rules, the order of selection depends on the previous season’s finish. The teams with the lowest records and are not qualified for the playoffs are given the first 1-20 spots. After that, teams that entered the playoffs will get the next 12 spots, based on where they got knocked out. The previous season’s Super Bowl Champion and the Runner-Up will get to choose last. This allows fairness among teams.
NCAA Performances
The Indiana Hoosiers finished with a perfect 16-0 record in the NCAA 2025-26 season, winning the National Championship. Followed by the Miami Hurricanes, who were the runner-up with 13-3. In addition, Ohio State, Oregon, and Georgia registered notable records respectively. Fernando Mendoza is the individual who drew the massive spotlight upon him, finishing the league with 41 touchdowns. He is also the odds favorite in the upcoming NFL Draft 2026. Jeremiyah Love comes next with a total of 18 touchdowns in the 2025 season. He is one of the high-volume rushers with good yards per carry. Drew Mestemaker, Cam Cook, and Danny Scudero are some of the notable players whose performance stood out.
NFL Draft 2026 Details
Pittsburgh hosts the 91st NFL Draft after 1948. The 91st NFL Draft includes college players, especially the top ones in the standings. Moreover, the format consists of 7 rounds, with the poorly performing teams gaining an edge. Taking place in Pittsburgh, the 2026 NFL Draft aims to reshape the 2026 NFL season.
Rounds
Round 1 – 23 April 2026 | 08:00 PM ET
Round 2 to 3 – 24 April 2026 | 07:00 PM ET
Rounds 4 to 7 – 25 April 2026 | 12:00 PM ET
Venue: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
How to Watch the NFL Draft 2026 Live?
You can stream the NFL Draft 2026 live on the DAZN app with an NFL Game Pass. Fans can also enjoy the NFL Draft 2026 via Amazon Prime. Meanwhile, ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network also provide live streaming options for the NFL Draft 2026.
NFL Draft 2026 Order
First Round
| Order | Team |
| 1 | Las Vegas Raiders |
| 2 | New York Jets |
| 3 | Arizona Cardinals |
| 4 | Tennessee Titans |
| 5 | New York Giants |
| 6 | Cleveland Browns |
| 7 | Washington Commanders |
| 8 | New Orleans Saints |
| 9 | Kansas City Chiefs |
| 10 | Cincinnati Bengals |
| 11 | Miami Dolphins |
| 12 | Dallas Cowboys |
| 13 | Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) |
| 14 | Baltimore Ravens |
| 15 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| 16 | New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) |
| 17 | Detroit Lions |
| 18 | Minnesota Vikings |
| 19 | Carolina Panthers |
| 20 | Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) |
| 21 | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| 22 | Los Angeles Chargers |
| 23 | Philadelphia Eagles |
| 24 | Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) |
| 25 | Chicago Bears |
| 26 | Buffalo Bills |
| 27 | San Francisco 49ers |
| 28 | Houston Texans |
| 29 | Kansas City Chiefs (from Los Angeles Rams) |
| 30 | Miami Dolphins (from Denver Broncos) |
| 31 | New England Patriots |
| 32 | Seattle Seahawks |
Second Round
| Order | Team |
| 1 | New York Jets |
| 2 | Arizona Cardinals |
| 3 | Tennessee Titans |
| 4 | Las Vegas Raiders |
| 5 | New York Giants |
| 6 | Houston Texans (from Washington Commanders) |
| 7 | Cleveland Browns |
| 8 | Kansas City Chiefs |
| 9 | Cincinnati Bengals |
| 10 | New Orleans Saints |
| 11 | Miami Dolphins |
| 12 | New York Jets (from Dallas Cowboys) |
| 13 | Baltimore Ravens |
| 14 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| 15 | Indianapolis Colts |
| 16 | Atlanta Falcons |
| 17 | Minnesota Vikings |
| 18 | Detroit Lions |
| 19 | Carolina Panthers |
| 20 | Green Bay Packers |
| 21 | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| 22 | Philadelphia Eagles |
| 23 | Los Angeles Chargers |
| 24 | Jacksonville Jaguars |
| 25 | Chicago Bears |
| 26 | San Francisco 49ers |
| 27 | Houston Texans |
| 28 | Chicago Bears (from Buffalo Bills) |
| 29 | Los Angeles Rams |
| 30 | Denver Broncos |
| 31 | New England Patriots |
| 32 | Seattle Seahawks |
Third Round
| Order | Team |
| 1 | Arizona Cardinals |
| 2 | Tennessee Titans |
| 3 | Las Vegas Raiders |
| 4 | Philadelphia Eagles (from New York Jets) |
| 5 | Houston Texans (from New York Giants) |
| 6 | Cleveland Browns |
| 7 | Washington Commanders |
| 8 | Cincinnati Bengals |
| 9 | New Orleans Saints |
| 10 | Kansas City Chiefs |
| 11 | Miami Dolphins |
| 12 | Pittsburgh Steelers (from Dallas Cowboys) |
| 13 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| 14 | Indianapolis Colts |
| 15 | Atlanta Falcons |
| 16 | Baltimore Ravens |
| 17 | Jacksonville Jaguars (from Detroit Lions) |
| 18 | Minnesota Vikings |
| 19 | Carolina Panthers |
| 20 | Green Bay Packers |
| 21 | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| 22 | Los Angeles Chargers |
| 23 | Miami Dolphins (from Philadelphia Eagles) |
| 24 | Jacksonville Jaguars |
| 25 | Chicago Bears |
| 26 | Miami Dolphins (from Houston Texans) |
| 27 | Buffalo Bills |
| 28 | Dallas Cowboys (from San Francisco 49ers) |
| 29 | Los Angeles Rams |
| 30 | Miami Dolphins (from Denver Broncos) |
| 31 | New England Patriots |
| 32 | Seattle Seahawks |
| 33 | Minnesota Vikings (Compensatory) |
| 34 | Philadelphia Eagles (Compensatory) |
| 35 | Pittsburgh Steelers (Compensatory) |
| 36 | Jacksonville Jaguars (Special Compensatory) |
Fourth Round
| Order | Team |
| 1 | Tennessee Titans |
| 2 | Las Vegas Raiders |
| 3 | New York Jets |
| 4 | Arizona Cardinals |
| 5 | New York Giants |
| 6 | Houston Texans (from Washington Commanders) |
| 7 | Cleveland Browns |
| 8 | Denver Broncos (from New Orleans Saints) |
| 9 | Kansas City Chiefs |
| 10 | Cincinnati Bengals |
| 11 | Denver Broncos (from Miami Dolphins) |
| 12 | Dallas Cowboys |
| 13 | Indianapolis Colts |
| 14 | Philadelphia Eagles (from Atlanta Falcons) |
| 15 | Baltimore Ravens |
| 16 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| 17 | Las Vegas Raiders (from Minnesota Vikings via Jacksonville Jaguars) |
| 18 | Detroit Lions |
| 19 | Carolina Panthers |
| 20 | Green Bay Packers |
| 21 | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| 22 | Atlanta Falcons (from Philadelphia Eagles) |
| 23 | Los Angeles Chargers |
| 24 | Jacksonville Jaguars |
| 25 | New England Patriots (from Chicago Bears via Kansas City Chiefs) |
| 26 | Buffalo Bills |
| 27 | San Francisco 49ers |
| 28 | Detroit Lions (from Houston Texans) |
| 29 | Chicago Bears (from Los Angeles Rams) |
| 30 | Miami Dolphins (from Denver Broncos) |
| 31 | New England Patriots |
| 32 | New Orleans Saints (from Seattle Seahawks) |
| 33 | San Francisco 49ers (Compensatory) |
| 34 | Las Vegas Raiders (Compensatory) |
| 35 | Pittsburgh Steelers (Compensatory) |
| 36 | New Orleans Saints (Compensatory) |
| 37 | Philadelphia Eagles (Compensatory) |
| 38 | San Francisco 49ers (Compensatory) |
| 39 | San Francisco 49ers (Compensatory) |
| 40 | New York Jets (Compensatory) |
Fifth Round
| Order | Team |
| 1 | Houston Texans (from the Las Vegas Raiders via the Cleveland Browns) |
| 2 | Tennessee Titans (from the New York Jets versus the Baltimore Ravens) |
| 3 | Arizona Cardinals |
| 4 | Tennessee Titans (Re-acquired through the Los Angeles Rams) |
| 5 | New York Giants |
| 6 | Cleveland Browns |
| 7 | Washington Commanders |
| 8 | Kansas City Chiefs |
| 9 | Cleveland Browns (from Cincinnati Bengals) |
| 10 | New Orleans Saints |
| 11 | Miami Dolphins |
| 12 | Dallas Cowboys |
| 13 | Philadelphia Eagles (from Atlanta Falcons) |
| 14 | Baltimore Ravens |
| 15 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| 16 | Indianapolis Colts |
| 17 | Detroit Lions |
| 18 | Carolina Panthers (from Minnesota Vikings) |
| 19 | Carolina Panthers |
| 20 | Green Bay Packers |
| 21 | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| 22 | Baltimore Ravens (from the Los Angeles Chargers) |
| 23 | Minnesota Vikings (from the Philadelphia Eagles) |
| 24 | Jacksonville Jaguars |
| 25 | Buffalo Bills (from the Chicago Bears) |
| 26 | Jacksonville Jaguars (from the San Francisco 49ers via the Philadelphia Eagles) |
| 27 | Houston Texans (Re-acquired through the Philadelphia Eagles) |
| 28 | Buffalo Bills |
| 29 | Kansas City Chiefs (from the Los Angeles Rams) |
| 30 | Denver Broncos |
| 31 | New England Patriots |
| 32 | New Orleans Saints (from Seattle Seahawks) |
| 33 | Baltimore Ravens (compensatory selection) |
| 34 | Baltimore Ravens (compensatory selection) |
| 35 | Las Vegas Raiders (compensatory selection) |
| 36 | Kansas City Chiefs (compensatory selection) |
| 37 | Dallas Cowboys (compensatory selection) |
| 38 | Philadelphia Eagles (compensatory selection) |
| 39 | New York Jets (compensatory selection) |
| 40 | Dallas Cowboys (compensatory selection) |
| 41 | Detroit Lions (compensatory selection) |
Sixth Round
| Order | Team |
| 1 | Buffalo Bills (from New York Jets through Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Las Vegas Raiders) |
| 2 | Arizona Cardinals |
| 3 | Tennessee Titans |
| 4 | Las Vegas Raiders |
| 5 | New York Giants |
| 6 | Washington Commanders |
| 7 | Seattle Seahawks (from Cleveland Browns) |
| 8 | Cincinnati Bengals |
| 9 | New Orleans Saints |
| 10 | New England Patriots (from Kansas City Chiefs) |
| 11 | New York Giants (from Miami Dolphins) |
| 12 | New York Giants (from Dallas Cowboys) |
| 13 | Tennessee Titans (from Baltimore Ravens through New York Jets) |
| 14 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| 15 | Minnesota Vikings (from Indianapolis Colts) |
| 16 | Philadelphia Eagles (from Atlanta Falcons) |
| 17 | New England Patriots (from Minnesota Vikings through Houston Texans, Minnesota Vikings, and San Francisco 49ers) |
| 18 | Cincinnati Bengals (from Detroit Lions through Cleveland Browns) |
| 19 | Carolina Panthers |
| 20 | Green Bay Packers |
| 21 | New England Patriots (from Pittsburgh Steelers) |
| 22 | Jacksonville Jaguars (from Philadelphia Eagles through Houston Texans and Philadelphia Eagles) |
| 23 | Los Angeles Chargers |
| 24 | Detroit Lions (from Jacksonville Jaguars) |
| 25 | Cleveland Browns (from Chicago Bears) |
| 26 | Los Angeles Rams (from Houston Texans through Los Angeles Rams and Tennessee Titans) |
| 27 | Las Vegas Raiders (from Buffalo Bills through New York Jets) |
| 28 | Washington Commanders (from San Francisco 49ers) |
| 29 | Kansas City Chiefs (from Los Angeles Rams) |
| 30 | Baltimore Ravens (from Denver Broncos through New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings, and Philadelphia Eagles) |
| 31 | New England Patriots |
| 32 | Detroit Lions (from Seattle Seahawks through Jacksonville Jaguars) |
| 33 | Indianapolis Colts (Compensatory Selection) |
| 34 | Atlanta Falcons (Compensatory Selection) |
| 35 | Pittsburgh Steelers (Compensatory Selection) |
Seventh Round
| Order | Team |
| 1 | Arizona Cardinals |
| 2 | Dallas Cowboys (from Tennessee Titans) |
| 3 | Las Vegas Raiders |
| 4 | Buffalo Bills (from New York Jets) |
| 5 | Cincinnati Bengals (from New York Giants through Dallas Cowboys) |
| 6 | Detroit Lions (from Cleveland Browns) |
| 7 | Washington Commanders |
| 8 | Pittsburgh Steelers (from New Orleans Saints through New England Patriots) |
| 9 | Tennessee Titans (from Kansas City Chiefs through Dallas Cowboys) |
| 10 | Cincinnati Bengals |
| 11 | Miami Dolphins |
| 12 | New York Jets (from Dallas Cowboys through Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders) |
| 13 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| 14 | Pittsburgh Steelers (from Indianapolis Colts) |
| 15 | Atlanta Falcons |
| 16 | Los Angeles Rams (from Baltimore Ravens) |
| 17 | Jacksonville Jaguars (from Detroit Lions) |
| 18 | Minnesota Vikings |
| 19 | Minnesota Vikings (from Carolina Panthers) |
| 20 | Green Bay Packers |
| 21 | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| 22 | Miami Dolphins (from Los Angeles Chargers through Tennessee Titans and New York Jets) |
| 23 | Chicago Bears (from Philadelphia Eagles through Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns) |
| 24 | Jacksonville Jaguars |
| 25 | Chicago Bears |
| 26 | New York Jets (from Buffalo Bills through Cleveland Browns) |
| 27 | Houston Texans (from San Francisco 49ers) |
| 28 | Minnesota Vikings (from Houston Texans) |
| 29 | Jacksonville Jaguars (from Los Angeles Rams through Houston Texans) |
| 30 | Denver Broncos |
| 31 | New England Patriots |
| 32 | Cleveland Browns (from Seattle Seahawks) |
| 33 | Indianapolis Colts (Compensatory Selection) |
| 34 | Baltimore Ravens (Compensatory Selection) |
| 35 | Los Angeles Rams (Compensatory Selection) |
| 36 | Los Angeles Rams (Compensatory Selection) |
| 37 | Baltimore Ravens (Compensatory Selection) |
| 38 | Indianapolis Colts (Compensatory Selection) |
| 39 | Green Bay Packers (Compensatory Selection) |
| 40 | Denver Broncos (Compensatory Selection) |
| 41 | Denver Broncos (Compensatory Selection) |
Top 10 Prospects for NFL Draft 2026
1. Fernando Mendoza
The Hoosiers’ Quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, is the fans’ and experts’ favorite, winning the team a National Championship. His athleticism is the notable trait that the Las Vegas Raiders are searching for. Mendoza has a high touchdown count of 41 with a relatively low interception rate. His 3,535 yards show his speed and running game. So, there is a high chance that the Las Vegas Raiders will select Fernando Mendoza.
2. Arvell Reese
The New York Jets need a reconstruction after recording a poor performance in the previous season. They are looking for solid players on whom they can build a squad around. Aravell Reese is perfectly bringing that spirit in him. He is highly versatile, and his athleticism allows him to defend effortlessly.
3. Sonny Styles
Sonny Styles is a strong linebacker whose college football career stood out. His game is impressive with a quick-paced style, and he has a defense. He gave a remarkable performance in college football. Styles also completed a notable finish in the 2026 NFL Scout Combine. Experts consider him a versatile option who has significant physicality against the run.
4. David Bailey
David Bailey is very quick and a powerful rusher, reaching his quarterback efficiently. He converts strong offenses into perfect finishes. Bailey moves swiftly across the offensive line. He is good at moving past the blockers, which makes him a reliable offensive option. In short, he is a crucial pick in this NFL Draft 2026.
5. Jeremiyah Love
Jeremiyah Love comes as a versatile option who contributes in both rushing and passing. He always aims for the extra yard after contact with the blockers. In the passing game, he catches the balls effortlessly. Additionally, he was one of the very few players who were consistent in the FBS 2025 season. This makes him one of the most sought-after prospects for the NFL Draft 2026.
Final Thoughts
The previous NFL season was a surprise, with the Seattle Seahawks winning the title over the Patriots. Sam Darnold’s contribution was standout, saving the team multiple times. He was one of the picks from the NFL Draft. Hence, it is very evident that NFL Drafts can create absolute legends. As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, fans and teams are eager to learn about the new prospects. Mainly, there is a huge expectation on their performance in the 2026-27 NFL season. Therefore, the NFL Draft will be a decisive moment ahead of the 2026-27 NFL season.
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