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

The 2026 NFL Draft begins tonight at 8 PM ET, marking the unofficial start of football's offseason frenzy. The three-day event in Detroit will determine the futures of top college prospects and shape team rosters for the upcoming season. Fans across the U.S. are searching for start times as excitement builds for the league's annual talent showcase.

This year's draft features heightened interest due to a deep quarterback class and multiple teams holding top-10 picks. The Chicago Bears own the first overall selection for the second consecutive year, while the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos also hold early picks. ESPN and NFL Network will broadcast the event live from Detroit's Campus Martius Park.

Day 1 coverage starts with pre-draft analysis at 7 PM ET, followed by Round 1 selections at 8 PM. Rounds 2-3 occur Friday at 7 PM ET, with Rounds 4-7 concluding Saturday at noon ET. The shortened timeline compared to previous years has drawn praise from fans who prefer the condensed format.

Security measures are notably enhanced following last year's protest interruption during the first round. Detroit officials have implemented additional screening checkpoints around the draft theater, where an estimated 300,000 attendees are expected throughout the weekend.

Top prospects expected to hear their names early include Stanford quarterback Elijah Green, Ohio State edge rusher Marcus Carter, and LSU wide receiver Tyrell Washington. The draft's timing coincides with heightened NFL interest as teams finalize offseason plans before training camps open in July.