The 2026 NFL draft will take place in Pittsburgh from April 23-25, starting at 8:00 PM EDT (1:00 AM BST). 257 players will be selected across seven rounds as 32 teams build their rosters. Teams select in reverse order of the previous season's standings, with the Las Vegas Raiders holding the first pick and the Seattle Seahawks picking last.

Teams can trade draft picks and players to move up in the selection order. This year, seven first-round picks have already been traded, giving six teams two first-round selections. The New York Jets will pick second due to their poor 2025 record and also possess the 16th pick via trade. The Kansas City Chiefs famously traded three picks in 2017 to select Patrick Mahomes.

Teams evaluate college prospects through the NFL Combine, Pro Days, and private workouts. Each selection reflects a team's specific needs rather than simply the best available player. Draft outcomes vary dramatically, as evidenced by Tom Brady's selection 199th overall in 2000 versus his record seven Super Bowl victories.