NFL Draft 2026: Top Picks, Order, Predictions & Full First Round Guide

The 2026 NFL Draft takes place over three days in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — a fitting location for a city synonymous with football history and the Pittsburgh Steelers dynasty.

The 2026 class is notable for its depth rather than a clear-cut, consensus number-one pick. Around 20 players could realistically land in the top 10 — making this one of the most dynamic first rounds in years.

Fernando Mendoza is the top-rated quarterback in the class. Accurate, mobile enough to extend plays, and capable of executing any NFL-level throw, Mendoza is expected to go in the top five to a quarterback-needy franchise.

Sonny Styles at linebacker is among the highest-graded players in the entire class by multiple scouting services — though his position historically limits where he can realistically be drafted in the top 10.

• Fernando Mendoza (QB) — Top-rated passer, accurate with the football, strong arm, franchise-calibre upside
• David Bailey (Edge) — Elite pass rusher, expected top-10 selection, instant impact potential
• Arvell Reese (Edge) — Second elite edge rusher in the class, physical and relentless off the line
• Sonny Styles (LB) — Highest-graded player in the class by multiple metrics, elite instincts and athleticism
• Jermod McCoy (CB) — Tennessee cornerback, expected top-15 pick, lockdown coverage ability

With six first-round picks already traded ahead of draft night, the board is unusually volatile. Teams with quarterback needs are moving aggressively, and the presence of two elite edge rushers in the top 10 gives defensive-minded franchises reason to stay put.

The Las Vegas Raiders are among the most likely destinations for Fernando Mendoza, given their sustained struggles at quarterback over the past five seasons. The Cowboys are linked to Jermod McCoy in the back half of the first round.

Expect significant movement on the night itself — teams sitting outside the top 10 who want to trade up for Mendoza or one of the edge rushers could reshape the entire board.

The pre-draft trade market in 2026 has been unusually active. Six first-round picks have already changed hands in packages for players, meaning the official pick order will shift multiple times before a single name is called on Thursday night.

This level of pre-draft movement signals that several franchises are either desperate to improve now or are confidently building through the draft and collecting future capital. Both strategies create unpredictability on draft night.

Teams to watch: any franchise that traded away its pick in the 11-20 range has clearly decided that win-now veterans are the priority — which often signals a blockbuster trade up on draft night to land a specific prospect.

The 2026 NFL Draft is broadcast live across ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network from Pittsburgh starting Thursday April 23. All three networks run simultaneous coverage with different analysts and perspectives — NFL Network focuses on the picks themselves while ESPN and ABC provide deeper analysis.

For fans outside the US or without a cable subscription, IPTV is the easiest way to watch every round of the draft live without interruption.

• ESPN — Round 1 live coverage with analyst desk, prospect profiles and pick reaction
• ABC — Simulcast coverage of the first round with primetime presentation
• NFL Network — Round-by-round coverage for all three days including Rounds 4-7
• Streamtly IPTV — ESPN, ABC and NFL Network all included from $13/month on any device