2026 NFL Draft Starts Thursday: Key Details And Schedule
The 2026 NFL Draft begins Thursday, April 28, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, as teams select the next generation of football talent. With just three days remaining, fans and analysts are finalizing mock drafts while teams make last-minute evaluations. The event is trending today as anticipation builds for potential franchise-changing picks.
This year’s draft will be held at Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers, marking the first time the event has taken place in Wisconsin. The Chicago Bears hold the No. 1 overall pick after a league-worst 3-14 season, with quarterback Drake Maye from North Carolina widely projected as their top choice.
The draft will follow its usual three-day format, with Round 1 on Thursday (8 PM ET), Rounds 2–3 on Friday (7 PM ET), and Rounds 4–7 on Saturday (12 PM ET). ESPN, NFL Network, and ABC will provide live coverage, while streaming will be available on NFL+ and other platforms.
Interest has spiked this week as teams finalize their draft boards and trade rumors circulate. The New York Jets, Denver Broncos, and Las Vegas Raiders are among teams reportedly exploring moves to acquire additional picks. Social media is buzzing with speculation, particularly around top prospects like Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner.
Green Bay has prepared for an estimated 250,000 visitors during draft weekend, with local businesses anticipating a major economic boost. The NFL expects record viewership after last year’s draft averaged over 12 million viewers across all platforms.
Fans unable to attend can participate in interactive experiences at the NFL Draft Experience in Titletown, adjacent to Lambeau Field. The league has also partnered with FanDuel and DraftKings for real-time betting markets tied to draft selections.
With quarterback-needy teams like the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings also picking early, Thursday night could reshape multiple franchises. The draft’s timing aligns with the NFL’s efforts to maintain offseason momentum ahead of training camps opening in late July.
