NFL Draft 2026: Raiders' Top Pick Kicks Off Thursday

0:00On April 21st, the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off this week in Pittsburgh, with the Las Vegas Raiders holding the top pick. Their heavily-favorite to Snag Heisman Trophy went in quarterback Fernando Mendoza from Indiana, a first-round lock who's got everyone buzzing. But Mendoza skipping the glitz, opting to celebrate at home with family instead of suiting up on stage. Draft runs Thursday, April 23rd, through Saturday, April 25th. 1-1 drops at 8 p.m. Eastern that night, rounds 2 and 3 hit Friday at 7 p.m. and the final round start noon Saturday. You'll catch a live on ESPN, ABC, NFL Network, plus streams like NFL Plus. Fans are hyped over the talent pool, including Notre Dame running back, Jeremiah Love, Ohio State Safety, Caleb Downs and Limebacker, Arvel Reese. Plus Miami-Ed Russia, Ruben Bain Jr. These guys could reshape rosters quick, especially for teams like the Jets at number 2 and

1:00Cardinals at 3. Raiders stack more M.O. 2 like pick 34 in round 2 and 67 in round 3. Trades shook up the full order, giving squads like the Browns and Cheese multiple shots early. It's all about building depth without burning the bank. Eyes stay glued as picks fly. This class sets the league's next era in motion, starting with whoever the Raiders call first. Stay locked in with NFL News Today, AI Powered Updates.