Who was the #1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft? Quarterback Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The three-day event concluded on Saturday, April 25, 2026, with a total of 257 players selected across seven rounds. The draft wrapped up with the Buffalo Bills selecting linebacker Red Murdock out of Buffalo with the final pick, earning him the title of “Mr. Irrelevant.” Below is the full team-by-team breakdown and the complete list of every selection from the 2026 NFL Draft.

2026 NFL Draft: Round 4 Live Results

We are currently updating our Day 3 tracker. Live results for Rounds 4-7 will be posted in full following the conclusion of the draft.

2026 NFL Draft: Round 5 Live Results

2026 NFL Draft: Round 6 Live Results

NFL Draft Round -7

Who was the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?

Quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, was the first pick in the 2026 NFL draft by the Las Vegas Raiders. No surprise there. Check our live tracker below for the full list of selections, player positions, and collegiate backgrounds as they happen. We’ll add the consensus grades to the first round picks at the conclusion of the draft later tonight.

How to Watch the 2026 NFL Draft: Day 3 (Rounds 4-7)

The final day of the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off at 12:00 PM ET (9:00 AM PT) on Saturday, April 25, featuring Rounds 4 through 7. You can catch the conclusion of the draft live on ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network. For cord-cutters, live streaming is available via NFL+, the ESPN app, the ABC app, and Disney+. This is typically the fastest-paced day of the draft as more than 150 prospects, including potential late-round steals and special teams contributors, will be selected to finalize the 2026 rookie classes.

2026 NFL Draft: Round 1 Tracker 

2026 NFL Draft: Day 2 Pick Tables (Round 2)

2026 NFL Draft: Round 3 Draft Tracker & Results

Round 1 Instant Takeaways

1. The Buckeyes Defensive Takeover Ohio State defensive players absolutely dominated the first half of the night. With Arvell Reese (Giants), Sonny Styles (Commanders), and Caleb Downs (Cowboys) all going in the top 11, the Buckeyes’ defensive system has proven it produces NFL-ready talent at a historic clip.

2. The New York Jets’ Draft Capital Masterclass The Jets were the most aggressive team in the building, walking away with three first-round selections: David Bailey, Kenyon Sadiq, and Omar Cooper Jr. They have completely retooled the athletic profile of their roster in a single night.

3. Safety Value in the Top 25 While safeties often slide, the 2026 class forced teams’ hands. Caleb Downs to Dallas at #11 and Dillon Thieneman to Chicago at #25 show that elite “center-field” playmakers are once again a premium in the modern NFL.

Best Available Players for Round 2: 2026 NFL Draft Day 2 Big Board

How are Draft Grades Determined?

The grades assigned to each pick are based on a weighted analysis of three primary factors: Draft Value (where the player was taken versus their consensus big-board ranking), Team Need (how effectively the pick addresses a critical roster gap), and Scheme Fit (the immediate impact potential of the player within their new team’s specific offensive or defensive system). This composite scoring ensures that a “reach” for a high-need position is balanced against the pure talent available at that spot in the draft.

Draft Night Analysis & Resources

As the picks come in, cross-reference them with our expert evaluations and future outlooks:

• 📊 The Big Board: Top 100 NFL Draft Prospects: Final Rankings
• 📅 Planning for 2026: See Every Team’s 2026 Opponents & Future Schedules
• 2026 Draft Picks by Team: All of the picks for each round for your favorite team. 

NFL Draft 2026 Frequently Asked Questions 

How much time does each team have to pick in Round 1? Starting in 2026, the NFL has reduced the time limit for first-round selections from 10 minutes to 8 minutes. This change was made to ensure a faster-paced broadcast for fans watching at home.

What are the time limits for the rest of the draft? The timing for the remaining rounds remains the same:

• Round 2: 7 minutes per pick
• Rounds 3–6: 5 minutes per pick
• Round 7: 4 minutes per pick

What happens if a team misses its pick? If the 8-minute clock expires, the next team in the order can submit their choice. The original team doesn’t lose the pick, but they must hurry to submit it before the following team “jumps” them in the order.

How many Ohio State players were drafted in Round 1?

Four Ohio State players were selected in the first round: Carnell Tate (4), Arvell Reese (5), Sonny Styles (7), and Caleb Downs (11).

Question: What time does Round 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft start?

Answer: Day 2 of the draft begins on Friday, April 24, at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT). Coverage includes both the second and third rounds.

Question: Who has the first pick in Round 2 (Pick #33)?

Answer: The New York Jets currently hold the first selection of the second round (No. 33 overall). Note: This pick was involved in multiple Day 1 trade discussions, so stay tuned for live updates.

Question: Who are the best available players remaining for Day 2?

Answer: The top prospects still on the board for Friday night include LB CJ Allen (Georgia), DT Kayden McDonald (Ohio State), CB Jermod McCoy (Tennessee), CB Avieon Terrell (Clemson), and WR Denzel Boston (Washington).

Question: How many rounds are in Day 2 of the NFL Draft?

Answer: Day 2 features two rounds: Round 2 and Round 3. The draft will conclude with Rounds 4 through 7 on Saturday.

Question: Where can I watch or stream the 2026 NFL Draft tonight?

Answer: You can watch live on NFL Network, ESPN, ABC, and ESPN2. Streaming is available via the NFL+ app, Disney+, the ESPN app, and the ABC app with a cable provider login.

Plan Your 2026 Season

Now that you know who your team is drafting, see who they are playing. Click your team below for the full 2026 Opponents & Schedule Grid. We also have our 2026-27 NFL Regular and Postseason hub available for you here. 

Will Lewis Editor, Author

Will Lewis has covered sports for over 18 years, specializing in bracketology, tournament predictions, and in-depth analysis across college hoops, NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and more. March Madness is his favorite season, fueling his quest for perfect brackets before diving into pro playoffs. A lifelong Kentucky Wildcats fan, Bengals supporter since the Joe Montana era, and now a Padres devotee, Will delivers reliable, fan-first insights at Sports Brackets. Connect on X or comment. He loves talking brackets and more.

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