2026 NFL Draft Begins with Raiders Holding Top Pick in Pittsburgh

The 2026 NFL Draft starts today in Pittsburgh, featuring 257 selections across seven rounds from Thursday to Saturday. The Las Vegas Raiders hold the first pick, followed by other teams addressing various needs. ESPN's coverage highlights key prospects, team strategies, and potential picks.

m. m. ET, and Rounds 4-7 on Saturday at noon ET. The draft can be viewed on ESPN, ABC, and the ESPN App. The Steelers have the most picks with 12, while the Seahawks have the fewest with four.

ranks Arvell Reese, an edge rusher from Ohio State, as the top prospect. Other notable prospects include Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, edge rusher Arvell Reese, linebacker Sonny Styles, and receiver Carnell Tate. Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson and offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor are also highlighted.

Additional top prospects attending the draft include Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. and offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa, Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey, LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane, Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk, USC receiver Makai Lemon, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, Arizona State receiver Jordyn Tyson, and Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood.

Quarterback Fernando Mendoza is noted for his rise to potential No. 1 status with the Raiders.

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The Jaguars lack a first-round pick, prompting questions on their strategy. Mock drafts project various outcomes, including four huge trades in one scenario. NFL Nation reporters predict first-round landing spots. The Draft Day Predictor addresses debates like whether Ty Simpson could slide. 2 pick between prospects like Bailey and Reese.

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Prospect X is described as a potential diamond in the rough. Graziano discussed why the Cardinals should avoid drafting Jeremiyah Love at No. 3, citing financial reasons. The draft faces new insider betting risks. Super Bowl 2027 details include its date, location, and venue on ESPN.

could fall to the Titans.

The Jets may target a wide receiver with their second first-round pick. The Raiders' remaining picks are under consideration. Caleb Downs tops the most likely Giants draft pick list. Fortune teller anecdotes and celebrity interactions add lighter notes to the coverage.

Vrabel will miss Day 3 due to seeking counseling, and Pearce approved an intervention program to avoid trial. The expectation for the top pick has allowed a quarterback to prepare in advance for potential integration into the Raiders' system. This preparation focused on familiarizing with offensive plays and strategies.