NFL Draft 2026: Faster Picks, Pittsburgh Kickoff

0:00On April 23rd, the NFL is speeding up the first round of the 2026 draft by cutting the time between picks from 10 minutes to 8. This tweak aims to trim down day 1, which used to drag on for nearly 4 hours. Teams now face a tighter clock for trades and decisions, marking the first change to opening round-timings since 2008. Back in 2007, the first round hit a record 6 hours and 8 minutes, pushing the lead to drop from 15 minutes per pick to 10. Commissioner Roger Gadeau floated even shorter times last year on the Pat McAfee show, suggesting 7 minutes with 1-2 minute extension per. Team. Fans and teams might feel the pace quick in, but first rounders still get the most time compared to later rounds. 7 minutes in round 2, 5-4. Round 3 through 6 and 4 in the 7th. No big backlash yet, just a push for snappier broadcasts. The 2026 draft heads to Pittsburgh, kicking off at 8 p.m. Thursday outside the Steelers

1:01Acrochure Stadium with fan zones at point, State Park, 16 prospects will attend, one less than last year in Green Bay. Only Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson shows as the lone QB on site, while top pick hopeful Fernando Mendoza from the Raiders skips it. Expect the crisp start to what could be the league's quickest opener in years. This has been NFL News Today, powered by AI.