2026 NFL Draft Kicks Off in Pittsburgh: Fernando Mendoza Heads to Raiders as Top Prospects Await Their Moment
By Sports Desk | Pittsburgh, PA – The 2026 NFL Draft is underway in Pittsburgh, with Round 1 excitement building as teams finalize their rosters for the upcoming season.
The highly anticipated event began on Thursday, April 23, at 8 p.m. ET, drawing fans to the Steel City for three days of selections from April 23 to 25. Broadcast live on ESPN, ABC, NFL Network, and streaming platforms like Fubo, NFL+, Disney+, and Hulu, the draft promises non-stop action and analysis.[1][4]
Fernando Mendoza: The Consensus No. 1 Pick
In a move that has been telegraphed for months, the Las Vegas Raiders selected Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick. The Heisman Trophy winner and national champion has been the clear top prospect, marking the fourth straight year the first selection was known well in advance.[1][2]
Mendoza’s selection caps a stellar college career, positioning him as the Raiders’ quarterback of the future. Fans and analysts alike expect him to transform the franchise, with live coverage on CBS Sports HQ providing real-time reactions.[1]
Top Prospects on the Board
Following Mendoza’s departure, attention shifts to other elite talents like Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love and a deep class of wide receivers. ESPN’s NFL Live crew debated potential first-round landing spots for top WR prospects, highlighting team strategies and standout performers.[9]
Indiana’s Mendoza dominated headlines, but prospects such as Caleb Downs have also drawn buzz in pre-draft breakdowns. The Guardian’s live coverage spotlighted Mendoza, Love, and others awaiting their calls, underscoring the depth of this year’s class.
Draft Order and Team Strategies
The full Round 1 order sets the stage for potential trades and surprises. The Los Angeles Rams, holding the No. 13 pick acquired from the Atlanta Falcons, along with later selections in Rounds 2, 3, 6, and 7, are poised for impact moves.[4]
San Francisco 49ers fans eye the No. 27 spot in Round 1, with additional picks throughout the draft. Teams like the Rams and 49ers have outlined their allotments, fueling speculation on how they’ll address needs at key positions.[4][6]
| Round | Pick Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 13 | From Atlanta Falcons |
| 2 | 61 | |
| 3 | 93 | |
| 6 | 207 | From Houston Texans via Rams/Titans |
| 7 | 232 | From Baltimore Ravens |
| 7 | 251 | Compensatory |
| 7 | 252 | Compensatory |
How to Watch and Listen
Coverage extends beyond TV with SiriusXM offering live radio broadcasts anchored by Jason Horowitz and featuring experts like former NFL scout Pat Kirwan. Special programming includes interviews with Commissioner Roger Goodell, draftees, GMs, and coaches.[3]
- Thursday, April 23: Round 1 at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT)
- Friday, April 24: Rounds 2-3 at 4 p.m. PT
- Saturday, April 25: Rounds 4-7 at 9 a.m. PT
Peacock provides extensive pre-draft shows like PFT Live, The Dan Patrick Show live from Pittsburgh, and Fantasy Football Happy Hour with Matthew Berry. NBC Sports’ coverage ramps up with mock drafts and analysis starting April 20.[5]
Pittsburgh Hosts NFL’s Future Stars
Pittsburgh welcomes the draft for a weekend of festivities, including prospect clinics and community events. SiriusXM’s coverage from April 22 featured interviews at the NFL Play Football Draft Prospect Clinic.[3]
YouTube channels offer live streams and reactions, with The Athletic Football Show breaking down picks post-Mendoza.[2][7]
What’s Next?
As Round 1 unfolds, expect trades and surprises. NFL.com’s draft tracker and ESPN’s round-by-round coverage provide real-time updates on prospects and team moves.[8][10]
This draft class, headlined by Mendoza and featuring talents like Love, positions franchises for contention. Stay tuned for live developments shaping the NFL landscape.
Follow for updates on all seven rounds as Pittsburgh becomes the epicenter of football’s future.