2026 NFL Draft: First-Round Pick Schedule Revealed for Your Team

The 2026 NFL Draft is set to start on April 22, 2026, in Pittsburgh. Anticipation builds as teams prepare to make their selections. This year, a quarterback is expected to be picked first overall for the fourth consecutive year.

Top Picks and Predictions for the 2026 NFL Draft

The Las Vegas Raiders are favored to choose quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza recently led Indiana to its first national title while earning the Heisman trophy. His selection aims to facilitate a fresh start for the Raiders, who are entering a significant rebuilding phase.

• Team Needs: Las Vegas seeks to mentor a new quarterback under minority owner Tom Brady, a celebrated figure with seven Super Bowl championships.
• Coaching Changes: The Raiders are recovering from short-lived tenures by former coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Geno Smith.

Potential Contenders

After Mendoza, the draft is expected to focus more on other positions rather than quarterbacks. However, one intriguing player is Jeremiyah Love, a standout running back from Notre Dame. His future in the draft remains uncertain, likely due to the declining draft stock of running backs in recent years.

• Running Backs Drafted: Only three running backs have been chosen in the top 10 since 2018.
• Giants’ Strategy: The New York Giants might consider acquiring Love, looking for a resurgence after last season’s struggles.

New York Giants Draft Position

The Giants hold two top 10 picks, the fifth and tenth, following a significant trade with the Cincinnati Bengals. They exchanged star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence for the tenth pick, hoping to capitalize on this opportunity to enhance their roster under new head coach John Harbaugh.

Ohio State’s Influence

Ohio State may contribute significantly to the early draft selections this year. The school boasts possible top 10 picks such as:

• Arvell Reese (edge)
• Sonny Styles (linebacker)
• Caleb Downs (safety)
• Carnell Tate (wide receiver)

Other notable prospects expected to be picked quickly include:

• Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami edge)
• Francis Mauigoa (Miami offensive tackle)
• David Bailey (Texas Tech edge)
• Spencer Fano (Utah offensive tackle)

First-Round Draft Order

The following is the confirmed order for the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft:

Fans and analysts eagerly await the 2026 NFL Draft, where team strategies will unfold, impacting the future of numerous franchises.