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The wait is finally over for football fans as the 2026 NFL Draft descends upon the historic city of Pittsburgh. With the Las Vegas Raiders officially on the clock with the No. 1 overall pick, millions of viewers are tuning in to see which college stars will transform their franchises.
If you are looking for the exact kickoff, what time does the draft start depends on your time zone, but the official ceremonies begin at 8:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 23. This year's event is set against the backdrop of Acrisure Stadium and the North Shore, where a record-breaking crowd is expected to witness a quarterback-heavy class transition to the pros.
2026 NFL Draft Full Schedule and Times
The draft is a three-day marathon. While the first round commands the primetime spotlight tonight, the subsequent rounds offer the depth that builds championship rosters.
| Day | Date | Rounds | Start Time (ET) |
| Day 1 | Thursday, April 23 | Round 1 | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| Day 2 | Friday, April 24 | Rounds 2-3 | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| Day 3 | Saturday, April 25 | Rounds 4-7 | 12:00 p.m. ET |
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How to Watch: TV Channels and Streaming Options
According to the official NFL broadcast schedule, fans have multiple ways to catch every pick live. The league ensures maximum accessibility across major networks and digital platforms.
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Television: ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network will provide simultaneous live coverage.
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Streaming: Fans can stream via NFL+, the ESPN App, Hulu+ Live TV, and Disney+.
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Radio: National coverage is available on SiriusXM NFL Radio, ESPN Radio, and Westwood One.
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Official NFL Draft Order: Top 10 Picks
The 2026 order has been shaken up by late-season trades and compensatory additions. Here is how the top of the board looks as we head into tonight's opening round:
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Las Vegas Raiders
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New York Jets
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Arizona Cardinals
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Tennessee Titans
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New York Giants
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Cleveland Browns
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Washington Commanders
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New Orleans Saints
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Kansas City Chiefs
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New York Giants (via Cincinnati)
What to Expect from Round 1 Tonight
Tonight isn't just about the picks; it's about the spectacle. Commissioner Roger Goodell will take the stage shortly after 8 p.m. ET to announce the Raiders' selection. "Pittsburgh provides a unique, passionate atmosphere for our fans and players," the NFL stated in its official event guide.
Teams in the first round are allotted 10 minutes per pick, meaning Round 1 usually concludes around 11:30 p.m. ET. Expect heavy trade rumors surrounding the Giants, who hold two picks in the top 10, as they look to secure their future under center.
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As the smoke clears from the first-round fireworks, the focus will immediately shift to the best available players heading into Friday. Whether you are watching for the blockbuster trades or the emotional walk across the stage, the 2026 NFL Draft promises to be a franchise-altering weekend for all 32 teams. Stay tuned for live updates as the picks are turned in.
