The road to the 2026 NFL Draft is basically officially open now that the regular season is in the rearview mirror. If you’re checking the nfl draft schedule today, you aren't just looking for a date on a calendar. You're looking for the start of a new era. For the first time ever, the "City of Champions"—Pittsburgh—is hosting the show.
It’s gonna be wild.
The dates are locked in for April 23–25, 2026. While the NFL loves to keep some logistical secrets until the last possible second, the framework is already clear. We’ve got the order for the non-playoff teams, we know the venue vibes, and we know exactly when the Las Vegas Raiders will be on the clock with that number one overall pick.
The 2026 NFL Draft Schedule Today: Round by Round
Honestly, the schedule follows the rhythm we've grown to love (or hate, if you're a fan of a team that never trades up). It’s a three-day marathon.
- Thursday, April 23: Round 1. This is the primetime slot. It usually kicks off around 8:00 PM ET. Expect the Raiders to take a long time to turn in their card while the rumors fly.
- Friday, April 24: Rounds 2–3. The "meat" of the draft. It typically starts at 7:00 PM ET. This is where the real GMs make their money.
- Saturday, April 25: Rounds 4–7. The early morning grind. Usually a noon ET start. It's fast-paced, chaotic, and perfect for day-drinking in the North Shore.
The NFL is leaning hard into the Pittsburgh aesthetic. We’re talking about a setup that utilizes Point State Park and the North Shore, with Acrisure Stadium serving as a massive backdrop. If you've never been to the "Point" where the three rivers meet, it’s iconic. Seeing a stage built there is going to be a visual treat for the millions watching at home.
Who is Picking Where?
The draft order is mostly set, at least for the teams that didn't make the postseason cut. It’s a rough list if you’re a fan of these squads, but hey, hope springs eternal in April.
- Las Vegas Raiders (3-14)
- New York Jets
- Arizona Cardinals
- Tennessee Titans
- New York Giants
The Raiders grabbed that top spot thanks to a brutal 3-14 record and a strength-of-schedule tiebreaker that went their way. They’ll have their choice of the litter. Rumors are already swirling around guys like Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) and Dante Moore (Oregon). Whether the Raiders actually keep the pick or trade it to a QB-hungry team like the Giants is the million-dollar question.
The Playoff Picture and Late-Round Slots
The rest of the order is a moving target. As of today, January 18, 2026, we are in the thick of the divisional round. The losers from this weekend will fill slots 25 through 28. The Super Bowl winner, as always, gets the "honor" of picking 32nd.
One thing to keep an eye on: Traded picks. The Rams currently hold the Falcons' first-rounder (pick 13), and the Jets have the Colts' top selection (pick 16). The Cowboys also snagged the Packers' first-round pick at number 20. It's a messy web of trades that makes the first night unpredictable.
Why Pittsburgh 2026 Hits Differently
Most people think the draft is just a stage and some podiums. In Pittsburgh, it’s a takeover. The city is planning the "NFL Draft Experience," which is a massive fan festival. Think interactive games, player autograph sessions, and enough Primanti Bros. sandwiches to feed an army.
The league expects hundreds of thousands of fans. Since it's the first time the Steel City has hosted, the local government is pouring money into a "revitalized" downtown. Governor Shapiro and Mayor Gainey have been pretty vocal about making this the most "economically impactful" draft yet.
📖 Related: College Football Schedule: What Time is the College Football Game on Today (January 15)
Key Deadlines Following the Draft
The nfl draft schedule today doesn't just stop on Saturday afternoon. There’s a whole "after-party" of administrative deadlines that matter for your team's roster:
- May 1, 2026: This is the deadline for teams to exercise the fifth-year option on players drafted in the first round of 2023. Think about guys like Anthony Richardson or Bryce Young—teams have to decide now if they’re worth the big extension.
- May 1–4 or 8–11: Rookie minicamps. This is the first time you'll see your team's shiny new toys in a practice jersey.
Draft Day Misconceptions
Kinda funny how every year people think the draft is "free" for everyone. While the Draft Experience is free to the public, getting into the actual "Theater" to see the picks live usually requires a lottery win through the NFL OnePass app or a very expensive hospitality package through companies like On Location.
Also, don't assume the start times are set in stone. The NFL is notorious for flex-timing the later rounds. If the first round on Thursday runs long—and with the Raiders at #1, it might—don't be surprised if the Friday start feels a bit rushed.
How to Prepare for the 2026 Draft
If you’re planning to head to Pittsburgh, start looking at hotels in the North Shore or even out by the airport (PIT) now. The city is going to be at 100% capacity.
- Download the NFL OnePass App: This is basically your ticket to everything.
- Watch the Underclassmen Tracker: The deadline for college players to declare has just passed. Keep an eye on the official list to see if your favorite college star is actually coming out.
- Check the Mock Drafts (with caution): Honestly, most mock drafts today are guesses. But they help you learn names like Rueben Bain or Arvell Reese, who are expected to dominate the defensive side of the board.
The nfl draft schedule today is more than just three days in April. It’s the culmination of a year of scouting and the beginning of a city’s chance to shine on the global stage. Pittsburgh is on the clock, and the Raiders are leading the charge into the unknown.