The NFL Draft arrives Thursday in Pittsburgh — and few years have generated this level of chaos, intrigue, and genuine unpredictability heading into Round 1. Live coverage of the first round kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on April 23 on NFL Network, ABC, ESPN, and ESPN Deportes. For draft junkies and casual fans alike, this one is worth staying up for.
The class is headlined by a bona fide franchise quarterback, a potential gold-jacket running back, and a pass-rush duo that has scouts divided right down the middle. One NFL general manager from a team picking early put it plainly — positional value is out the window this year. The best players in the class include a running back, an off-ball linebacker, and a safety, with few elite offensive tackles, edge rushers, corners, or receivers to speak of. That kind of wide-open class makes for the best kind of draft night television.
The Draft Is Here and Fernando Mendoza Is Ready
Former Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who led the Hoosiers to their first national championship in program history, is an overwhelming betting favorite to go first overall to the Las Vegas Raiders. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner is a clutch competitor who shines in big moments as a pinpoint passer. Although he lacks the superpowers typically associated with a top overall quarterback, his winning habits and championship standards are expected to translate at the next level.
Mendoza’s selection may be the only certainty of the entire evening. Everything after pick No. 1 is genuinely up for grabs.
The Jets’ Dilemma at No. 2
No storyline heading into the draft has generated more debate than what the New York Jets will do with the second overall pick. The Jets are loaded with draft capital, holding two first-round picks this year and three more in next year’s draft — meaning they don’t necessarily have to force a move for a quarterback, especially after acquiring Geno Smith as a bridge option this offseason.
The real decision? A choice between two elite edge rushers
- Arvell Reese, Ohio State — Reese recorded 69 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks across 14 games in 2025. He plays the game like a veteran, with natural instincts at linebacker and the burst to get home as a pass rusher.
- David Bailey, Texas Tech — A transfer from Stanford, Bailey posted 76 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, and 71 pressures in 2025 — the kind of production that makes front offices drool.
The two have flip-flopped between the second and third spots for weeks, with Bailey’s odds recently shortening to make him the current favorite at No. 2. Whichever one the Jets pass on will almost certainly not last past pick No. 3.
Names to Watch Beyond the Top Three
The NFL draft doesn’t slow down after the top picks. Here are the prospects generating the loudest buzz further down the board
- Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame — Love rushed for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2025, adding 280 receiving yards. With 4.36 breakaway speed and 60 forced missed tackles, he’s drawn comparisons to Reggie Bush. He could crack the top five.
- Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State — Styles has outstanding 4.46 speed, a 43.5-inch vertical, and is a dependable tackler who closes in a flash. He’s a projected top-10 pick.
- Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State — Tate carries one of the higher NFL grades among wide receivers in this class and gives teams in the mid-first round a legitimate weapon to build around.
- Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami — He’s the favorite to be the first offensive lineman off the board and a strong option for teams that miss out on the top defensive prospects.
What Makes This Draft Night Different
The unpredictability is the story. Multiple analysts agree that this year is particularly wide open, and that surprises are not just possible — they’re likely. Trades remain a wild card, with teams potentially looking to move up or down to secure their target.
Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft runs April 23, with Rounds 2 and 3 following on April 24, and Rounds 4 through 7 wrapping up April 25 — all in Pittsburgh. By Friday morning, the league’s landscape will look completely different.
For every franchise, Thursday night is a chance to change everything. And for fans, it’s the most compelling three hours of the offseason — no pads required.
