2026 NFL Draft Guide: Complete TV Schedule, Start Times, and What to Watch

From the Raiders’ search for a franchise QB at No. 1 to the fallout of the blockbuster Dexter Lawrence trade, here is a look at the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh and how to watch with Sling.

The NFL Draft is like a combination of Christmas and New Year’s. Christmas in that fans are “gifted” new players for their teams, and New Year’s in that each draft represents a new start for each franchise, especially those looking to put the past year behind them.

Although NFL Draft Day isn’t an official holiday, you’ll still want to mark your calendars for it. The first round takes place Thursday, April 23, followed by rounds 2-3 on Friday, April 24, and rounds 4-7 on Saturday, April 25. Here’s everything you need to know to watch every round live with Sling.

2026 NFL Draft Full TV Schedule and Streaming Options

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The 2026 NFL Draft will take place April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, PA (given the uncertainty of the Steelers’ QB situation, the NFL could not have picked a better city this year). Here’s a breakdown of the Draft schedule and where you can watch each day:

• Round 1: Thursday, April 23 at 8:00 p.m. ET (ESPN, ABC, NFL Network).
• Rounds 2-3: Friday, April 24 at 7:00 p.m. ET (ESPN, ABC, NFL Network).
• Rounds 4-7: Saturday, April 25 at 12:00 p.m. ET (ESPN, ABC, NFL Network).

Here’s a closer look at each channel with NFL Draft coverage and how to watch them with Sling.

Which Channels Have NFL Draft Coverage?

ESPN (Sling Orange, Sling Essentials, Orange + Blue, or 1, 3, or 7 Day Pass)

ESPN’s coverage will look familiar to those who have been watching the Worldwide Leader in recent years. Mike Greenberg will anchor coverage for the sixth-straight year, with the legendary Mel Kiper Jr. at the desk for his 43nd NFL Draft. They’ll be joined by former NFL players turned analysts Booger McFarland and Louis Riddick, along with Adam Schefter for breaking news and Laura Rutledge with athlete interviews. Saturday’s ESPN and ABC coverage will feature Peter Schrager joining the crew, along with NFL Draft Analyst Matt Miller, and Field Yates.

NFL Network (Sling Blue or Sling Select)

Rich Eisen will anchor NFL Network coverage of the Draft. Eisen will be joined by draft expert Daniel Jeremiah, CBS NFL analyst Charles Davis, FOX’s lead college football analyst Joel Klatt (Thur. and Fri. only), and NFL Network staples Ian Rapoport and Kurt Warner (Thur. only).

ABC (Sling Blue in select markets)

ABC’s Thursday and Friday coverage will feature the College GameDay crew of Rece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit (Thur. only), Desmond Howard, and Nick Saban, with NFL Live’s Field Yates and Molly McGrath reporting from the green room in round one, and Pete Thamel providing up-to-the-minute news.

To watch coverage of the 2026 NFL Draft for the best price with Sling, use the link below to subscribe to Sling Essentials & Sling Select!

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First Round Draft Order and Predictions

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NFL Draft predictions are a perilous business; One trade or perceived reach and the entire board is tossed up in the air like a disgruntled Monopoly player. That’s why we used a supercomputer to help hedge our bets and list our confidence for each pick. We’ll update this post before Day Two to see how we did.

1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Why: The Raiders have a glaring need for a franchise quarterback, and Mendoza is the undisputed top prospect in this class. His exceptional processing skills, resilience, and poise make him a day-one starter to lead Las Vegas's offense under new head coach Klint Kubiak.
Stats: Mendoza led the FBS with 41 passing touchdowns to just 6 interceptions, posting a 90.3 QBR and a 72% completion percentage while leading Indiana to a 16-0 national championship and winning the Heisman Trophy.
Confidence: 99%

2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, LB/Edge, Ohio State
Why: While some argue for a pure edge rusher, Reese’s elite explosiveness and versatility make him a dream fit for Aaron Glenn’s 3-4 defense. He has the athleticism to operate as an edge rusher or drop into space as an off-ball linebacker, functioning much like Micah Parsons.
Stats: In his final year, Reese racked up 69 tackles (10 for loss) and 6.5 sacks on just 97 pass-rush reps.
Confidence: 70%

3. Arizona Cardinals: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
Why: The Cardinals managed just 30 sacks in 2025 and desperately need a polished, relentless edge rusher to force the issue on passing downs. Bailey is the most pro-ready edge rusher in the class and would give Arizona an immediate cornerstone pass rusher.
Stats: He led all Power Four conferences in 2025 with 14.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss, and he amassed 29 sacks and 10 forced fumbles over his four-year career.
Confidence: 65%

4. Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Why: Tennessee needs an elite offensive multiplier to take the pressure off second-year quarterback Cam Ward. Love is a dynamic "new age" back who is highly effective as both a runner and a receiver, giving the Titans a home-run threat from anywhere on the field.
Stats: Love rushed for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2025, recording 39 runs of 10 or more yards (fourth in the FBS) and 40 total touchdowns over the past two seasons.
Confidence: 75%

5. New York Giants: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Why: Head coach John Harbaugh loves highly intelligent, tone-setting defensive backs in the mold of Baltimore’s Kyle Hamilton. Downs has rare football intelligence, elite tackling skills, and unparalleled versatility, making him the defensive chess piece the Giants need to anchor the secondary.
Stats: A three-time All-American, Downs recorded 94 tackles (12.5 for loss), 12 pass breakups, and 4 interceptions during his time with the Buckeyes.
Confidence: 80%

6. Cleveland Browns: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Why: Cleveland urgently needs a reliable WR1 opposite Jerry Jeudy to support whoever is under center. Tate is one of the most polished route-runners in the draft with smooth tracking skills and the ability to find soft spots in zone coverage.
Stats: Despite missing three games, Tate averaged an impressive 17.2 yards per catch and scored 9 touchdowns during his final campaign.
Confidence: 75%

7. Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Why: Dan Quinn covets rangy, playmaking linebackers, and Styles fits the mold perfectly. At 6-foot-5 and 244 pounds, he boasts safety-like coverage skills with linebacker power, giving the Commanders a Fred Warner-esque centerpiece for their defense.
Stats: Over his career as a starter, Styles tallied 235 tackles, 9 sacks, 9 passes defensed, and an interception.
Confidence: 70%

8. New Orleans Saints: Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami
Why: The Saints need a relentless pass-rusher to pair with Chase Young on the edge. Bain’s heavy-handed power, exceptional motor, and ability to win both outside and inside make him an ideal cornerstone for their defensive front.
Stats: Across three collegiate seasons, Bain recorded 121 tackles, 33.5 tackles for loss, and 20.5 sacks.
Confidence: 65%

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9. Kansas City Chiefs: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Why: The Chiefs need to restock Patrick Mahomes' arsenal with an explosive, vertical playmaker. When healthy, Tyson is arguably the most talented wide receiver in the class, possessing exceptional body control and deep-threat ability.
Stats: In 2024, Tyson put up 75 catches for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns, following it up with 61 catches for 711 yards and 8 TDs in just nine games in 2025.
Confidence: 60%

10. New York Giants (from Cincinnati Bengals): Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
Why: After addressing the defense with their first pick, the Giants must protect new franchise quarterback Jaxson Dart. Mauigoa is a powerful road grader who can start immediately at right tackle or guard, reinforcing a massive weak spot on New York's offensive line.
Stats: In his 42 career starts, Mauigoa allowed a stellar 1.1% pressure rate over 525 pass-blocking snaps during his final season.
Confidence: 85%

11. Miami Dolphins: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Why: Miami's secondary is largely depleted following massive offseason personnel turnover. Delane is the top pure cornerback in the class, capable of playing press-man and zone, providing head coach Jeff Hafley with a Day 1 shutdown corner.
Stats: Delane posted 27 career pass breakups, logging 18 PBUs and 6 interceptions over his final two seasons.
Confidence: 75%

12. Dallas Cowboys: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Why: Dallas's secondary allowed a league-high 46 completions of 25-plus yards and 35 passing touchdowns last season. Although he missed 2025 with an ACL tear, McCoy’s 2024 tape showcases lockdown man-coverage ability, making him a premium addition to Christian Parker's defense.
Stats: Before his injury, he accumulated 16 pass breakups and 6 interceptions across the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
Confidence: 65%

13. Los Angeles Rams: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Why: With Davante Adams entering the final year of his deal, Sean McVay needs a crafty separator who can win inside and create after the catch. Lemon is a hyper-productive route-runner with reliable hands who perfectly fits the Rams' quick-rhythm passing game.
Stats: In 2025, Lemon caught 79 passes for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns, forcing 21 missed tackles and recording just one drop.
Confidence: 70%

14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
Why: The Ravens must rebuild the interior of their offensive line following the departure of Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum. Ioane is a massive, violent mauler who perfectly encapsulates the Ravens' physical identity and offers immediate stability for Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry.
Stats: Over 32 career starts, the 320-pound lineman allowed zero sacks.
Confidence: 85%

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami
Why: Tampa Bay registered just 37 sacks last season, highlighting a dire need for consistent pass-rush pressure. Despite his age (25), Mesidor is an explosive, power-rushing technician who can instantly bolster Todd Bowles' front seven.
Stats: Mesidor logged 12.5 sacks during the 2025 season, finishing his six-year collegiate career with 35.5 sacks and 52.5 tackles for loss.
Confidence: 70%

16. New York Jets: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Why: With Geno Smith coming full-circle back to the team that drafted him, the Jets can afford to secure a high-upside developmental passer. Simpson has top-tier arm talent, great instincts, and anticipation, making him an ideal candidate to learn from a veteran before taking the reins.
Stats: In his lone year as a starter (15 games), Simpson threw for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions with a 64.5% completion rate.
Confidence: 60%

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17. Detroit Lions: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Why: After veteran Taylor Decker requested his release, Detroit has a glaring void at left tackle. Freeling is the most athletic tackle in the draft, offering elite movement skills that fit perfectly into Dan Campbell’s blocking schemes.
Stats: The 6-foot-7, 315-pound tackle started 18 games for the Bulldogs, including 13 starts during his breakout 2025 campaign.
Confidence: 65%

18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Why: With the Harrison Smith era wrapping up, the Vikings desperately need a rangy playmaker on the back end. Thieneman is the prototype for Brian Flores' defense, possessing elite range, instincts, and the ability to seamlessly cover the deep half or drop into the box.
Stats: He recorded at least 95 tackles in three consecutive seasons, compiling 14 pass breakups, 10 tackles for loss, and 8 career interceptions.
Confidence: 85%

19. Carolina Panthers: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Why: Carolina has to surround quarterback Bryce Young with more dynamic playmakers. Concepcion is an electric run-after-catch threat who can consistently win in the short-to-intermediate areas, offering Young a highly reliable separator.
Stats: Concepcion eclipsed 800 receiving yards in two of his three collegiate seasons and scored 25 total touchdowns.
Confidence: 60%

20. Dallas Cowboys: T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson
Why: Dallas traded away Micah Parsons last offseason and needs a true disruptor to pair with their defensive front. Parker brings heavy hands, strength, and an old-school pass-rushing style that generates persistent pressure.
Stats: He racked up 11 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss in 2024, followed by 5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss in 2025.
Confidence: 65%

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
Why: Pittsburgh’s offensive line needs stabilization, especially with Broderick Jones underperforming at left tackle. Drafting Miller gives the Steelers a day-one starter at right tackle, allowing Troy Fautanu to move to the blind side.
Stats: Miller was the definition of an ironman, setting a school record for snaps played while making 54 consecutive career starts.
Confidence: 70%

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Chase Bisontis, IOL, Texas A&M
Why: Jim Harbaugh’s offensive philosophy is built on dominating the trenches. Bisontis is a technically sound, high-floor guard with textbook footwork who will immediately fortify the interior to protect Justin Herbert.
Stats: He played over 1,950 snaps primarily at guard and center during his standout collegiate career.
Confidence: 65%

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Why: Howie Roseman historically drafts offensive linemen a year before the need becomes dire. Proctor provides massive insurance behind 36-year-old Lane Johnson, possessing the sheer size and light feet to be the team's long-term answer at tackle.
Stats: Measuring 6-foot-7 and 352 pounds, the hulking lineman still managed to run a 5.21 40-yard dash.
Confidence: 60%

24. Cleveland Browns: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Why: Cleveland needs a reliable blindside protector due to mounting offensive line injuries. Lomu has the athleticism, fluidity, and processing speed to shadow elite pass rushers and secure the left tackle position for years to come.
Stats: Over the past two seasons (24 starts at left tackle), Lomu allowed a microscopic 1.7% pressure rate.
Confidence: 65%

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25. Chicago Bears: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
Why: The Bears lost both starting safeties, including Jaquan Brisker, in free agency. McNeil-Warren is a physical, aggressive box defender who flies downhill to stuff the run and creates turnovers at a high rate.
Stats: The rangy safety forced 8 fumbles over his four-year career while also logging 13 pass breakups and 5 interceptions.
Confidence: 75%

26. Buffalo Bills: Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M
Why: Buffalo's defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard needs explosive edge rushers to generate sudden pressure. Howell has one of the fastest first steps in the class, offering pure speed and bend to bend the corner and terrorize opposing quarterbacks.
Stats: Howell earned SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2025 by racking up 11.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss.
Confidence: 65%

27. San Francisco 49ers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Why: With George Kittle dealing with injuries and advancing in age, Kyle Shanahan can add a hyper-athletic matchup nightmare. Sadiq operates perfectly as a "Joker" tight end who can stretch the field and decimate linebackers in coverage.
Stats: Sadiq hauled in 560 receiving yards (260 after the catch) and 8 touchdowns in his final season.
Confidence: 60%

28. Houston Texans: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
Why: Houston already features a lethal edge-rushing duo in Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, but they need an interior force. Woods has the sheer power and athletic traits to absorb double teams and generate interior push.
Stats: Woods broke out with 8.5 tackles for loss in 2024 before enduring a statistical dip in 2025.
Confidence: 65%

29. Kansas City Chiefs: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Why: After trading Trent McDuffie to the Rams and losing Jaylen Watson in free agency, the Chiefs have a glaring hole at cornerback. Hood is a polished technician with scheme versatility, capable of starting immediately in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense.
Stats: An opportunistic playmaker, Hood scored touchdowns on both an interception and a fumble recovery in 2025.
Confidence: 65%

30. Miami Dolphins (from Denver Broncos): Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn
Why: Head coach Jeff Hafley needs a long, powerful base end for his defensive scheme. Faulk gives the rebuilding Dolphins a sturdy, NFL-ready run defender who has the runway to develop his pass-rushing repertoire.
Stats: In 2024, Faulk registered 11 sacks and 7 tackles for loss, following it up with 2 sacks in 2025.
Confidence: 70%

31. New England Patriots: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Why: New England requires a space-eating nose tackle to replace departed veterans. McDonald is widely considered the best run-stopping interior lineman in the draft, perfectly suited to do the dirty work inside.
Stats: In 2025, his 7.8% run-stop rate was the highest among all FBS defensive linemen.
Confidence: 65%

32. Seattle Seahawks: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame
Why: Kenneth Walker III left in free agency and Zach Charbonnet is recovering from a torn ACL. Price is a smooth, explosive downhill runner with big-play ability who can step in immediately as Seattle's primary back.
Stats: Serving as a dynamic complement at Notre Dame, Price recorded 24 runs of 10-plus yards on just 113 carries and scored 11 rushing touchdowns last season.
Confidence: 70%

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