2026 NFL Draft Start Time: Key Details For Tonight's Event

The 2026 NFL Draft begins tonight at 8 PM ET, with the first round kicking off a three-day event that will shape the future of professional football. The draft, held in Green Bay, Wisconsin, is trending as fans prepare to see which teams select top prospects like quarterback Jaden Rashada and defensive standout Travis Hunter.

ESPN and NFL Network will broadcast the event live from Lambeau Field, with coverage starting at 7 PM ET. This year’s draft is particularly anticipated due to a deep quarterback class and multiple teams holding extra first-round picks after recent trades.

The draft’s start time matters to millions of fans tuning in to see where their favorite college stars land. Teams like the Chicago Bears and New England Patriots, holding early picks, could alter their franchises’ trajectories with tonight’s selections.

Day 2 (Friday) and Day 3 (Saturday) will begin at 7 PM ET and noon ET, respectively. The shortened gap between rounds this year aims to maintain viewer engagement while allowing teams less downtime between picks.

Social media is buzzing with last-minute mock drafts and predictions, especially after several surprise pro-day performances shifted draft boards. The NFL expects record viewership, building on 2025’s 12.4 million first-night viewers.

Local businesses in Green Bay are reporting increased foot traffic as thousands of fans arrive for the in-person event. The league implemented enhanced security measures following last year’s minor disruptions during pick announcements.

For those unable to watch live, the NFL app will provide real-time updates and analysis. Tonight’s first round typically runs until approximately 11:30 PM ET, though timing depends on how quickly teams submit their selections.