2026 NFL 드래프트 실시간 업데이트: 레이더스가 페르난도 멘도자를 1순위로 선택
LIVE 2026 NFL draft live updates: Raiders select Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick
Associated Press
· 🇺🇸 New York, US
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2026-04-24 09:25
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인디애나 쿼터백 페르난도 멘도자는 2026년 4월 23일 목요일 피츠버그에서 열린 NFL 풋볼 드래프트 1라운드 중 라스베이거스 레이더스에 의해 1순위로 선택된 후 화면에 표시된다. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
테네시 코너백 콜턴 후드는 2026년 4월 23일 목요일 피츠버그에서 열린 NFL 풋볼 드래프트 토요타 드래프트 레드카펫에 도착한다. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
LSU 코너백 만수르 델레인은 2026년 4월 23일 목요일 피츠버그에서 열린 NFL 풋볼 드래프트 토요타 드래프트 레드카펫 중 자명을 한다. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
텍사스 테크 라인배커 데이비드 베일리는 2026년 4월 23일 목요일 피츠버그에서 열린 NFL 풋볼 드래프트 1라운드 전 레드카펫에서 포즈를 취한다. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
애리조나 주립 와이드 리시버 조던 타이슨은 2026년 4월 23일 목요일 피츠버그에서 열린 NFL 풋볼 드래프트 1라운드 전 레드카펫에서 포즈를 취한다. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
사람들은 2026년 4월 22일 수요일 피츠버그에서 열린 NFL 풋볼 드래프트에 앞서 리허설을 한다. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
앨라배마 쿼터백 타이 심슨은 2026년 4월 23일 목요일 피츠버그에서 열린 NFL 풋볼 드래프트 1라운드 전 레드카펫에서 포즈를 취한다. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
노트르담 러닝백 제레미야 러브는 2026년 4월 23일 목요일 피츠버그에서 열린 NFL 풋볼 드래프트 1라운드 전 레드카펫에서 포즈를 취한다. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
2026년 4월 23일 목요일 피츠버그의 NFL 풋볼 드래프트 1라운드 전 스테이지 전망. (Adam Hunger/AP Content Services for the NFL)
오하이오 주립 안전 조 스타일스 주니어는 2026년 4월 23일 목요일 피츠버그에서 열린 NFL 풋볼 드래프트 토요타 드래프트 레드카펫 중 자명을 한다. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
오하이오 주립 라인배커 소니 스타일스는 2026년 4월 23일 목요일 피츠버그에서 열린 NFL 풋볼 드래프트 1라운드 전 레드카펫에서 포즈를 취한다. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
오하이오 주립 와이드 리시버 카넬 테이트는 2026년 4월 23일 목요일 피츠버그에서 열린 NFL 풋볼 드래프트 1라운드 전 레드카펫에서 포즈를 취한다. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
앨라배마 디펜시브 라인맨 캐딘 프록터는 2026년 4월 23일 목요일 피츠버그에서 열린 NFL 풋볼 드래프트 토요타 드래프트 레드카펫에 도착한다. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
2026년 4월 22일 수요일 피츠버그에서 열린 NFL 드래프트 전 프로스펙트 투 프로 가족 패널 이벤트 중 풋볼 헬멧과 공. (Vera Nieuwenhuis/AP Content Services for the NFL)
타이머는 2026년 4월 22일 수요일 피츠버그에서 NFL 풋볼 드래프트까지 하루를 카운트다운한다. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
팬들은 2026년 4월 23일 목요일 피츠버그에서 열린 NFL 풋볼 드래프트 전 챔피언십 링 디스플레이와 함께 사진을 찍는다. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
2026 NFL 드래프트가 도착했고, 수천 명의 팬들이 피츠버그의 애크리슈어 스타디움에서 리그의 차세대 스타들의 이름이 불리는 것을 듣기 위해 모였다.
쿼터백 페르난도 멘도자는 라스베이거스 레이더스가 인디애나 출신의 하이스만 우승 쿼터백에 1순위를 사용하면서 먼저 자신의 이름을 들었다.
데이비드 베일리는 뉴욕 제츠에 의해 2순위로 선택되었으며, 일반적인 드래프트 시대에 상위 5개에 선택된 첫 텍사스 테크 선수가 되었다.
드래프트 2026에서 실시간 업데이트 및 분석을 위해 여기에 머물러라.
NFL 드래프트의 컨센서스 최고의 러닝백이 애리조나로 향하고 있다.
카디널스는 노트르담의 제레미야 러브를 3순위로 선택했다.
러브는 상위 5개 재능이며 모든 터치에서 거리를 갈 수 있는 플레이메이커이다. 그는 훌륭한 러너이자 세련된 리시버이다. 그는 실행 내부에서 구멍을 통해 폭발하고 추가 야드를 위해 수비수를 튕긴다.
그의 회피성과 전기적 스핀 무브에 더해, 그는 외부의 정상급 속도를 자랑한다.
뉴욕 제츠는 데이비드 베일리가 빠른 학습자가 될 것으로 기대할 수 있다.
그는 4.3 학점 평균으로 고등학교를 졸업했고 스탠포드에서 과학, 기술 및 사회 학사 학위를 4년 미만에 완료했다.
베일리는 경기장에서도 높은 성취자였다. 그는 산타 애나의 마터 데이 고등학교를 캘리포니아 주 챔피언십으로 이끌었으며, 제목 경기에서 부러진 오른쪽 손목으로 2개의 샅을 만들었다.
당시 스탠포드 코치 데이비드 쇼는 2022년 서명일에 베일리가 "바로 기차에서 게임 체인저"라고 말했으며, 베일리는 2007년 이후 카디널을 위한 오프너를 시작한 첫 번째 진정한 신입생이었다.
그의 지난 시즌 텍사스 테크에서 14.5 샅은 스탠포드의 3년 동안의 결합된 총합과 일치했다.
텍사스 테크 라인배커 데이비드 베일리가 2026년 4월 23일 목요일 피츠버그에서 열린 NFL 풋볼 드래프트 1라운드 중 뉴욕 제츠에 의해 2순위로 선택된 후 NFL 커미셔너 로저 굿델과 함께 포즈를 취한다. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
데이비드 베일리는 뉴욕으로 향하고 있으며, 제츠는 텍사스 테크 엣지 러셔를 2순위로 데려간다.
베일리는 정상급 업사이드를 가진 운동 엣지이다. 그는 레드 레이더스를 위해 2포인트 및 4포인트 스탠스에서 모두 작동하여 다양성을 나타냈다.
스탠포드에서 3시즌 동안 22.5 손실 태클과 14.5 샅을 기록한 후, 그는 러복에서 한 시즌 동안 19.5 TFL과 14.5 샅을 했다.
페르난도 멘도자는 마이애미의 크리스토퍼 콜럼버스 고등학교 출신의 가볍게 모집된 3성 프로스펙트였다. 훌륭한 학생이었던 그는 2021년 8월 예일 대학 장학금 제의를 받아들였고 불독을 위해 경제학을 공부하고 플레이할 계획이었다.
캘리포니아는 서명일 몇 일 전에 멘도자를 방문하도록 요청했지만 다른 모집 선수가 자신의 약속을 거두었기 때문일 뿐이다. 며칠 후, 멘도자는 예일에서 뒤집혀 칼과 함께 서명했다. 그는 2023 시즌 중반부터 베어스의 스타터가 되었고 2024년에 미국 최고의 패서 중 한 명이었다.
멘도자는 작년 이전 포털에서 최고 순위의 선수였으며 인디애나에서 완벽한 착지장을 선택했다. 공격 조정관 마이크 샤나한과 함께 일하면서, 멘도자는 평균 40점 이상과 게임당 450야드를 기록한 공격을 이끌었다. 그는 학교의 첫 하이스만 트로피와 전국 챔피언십을 우승했다.
이제 그는 1순위 드래프트 픽이며 라스베이거스 레이더스와 함께 NFL 경력을 시작할 것이다.
인디애나 쿼터백 페르난도 멘도자는 2026년 4월 23일 목요일 피츠버그에서 열린 NFL 풋볼 드래프트 1라운드 중 라스베이거스 레이더스에 의해 1순위로 선택된 후 화면에 표시된다. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
라스베이거스 레이더스는 인디애나 쿼터백 페르난도 멘도자를 NFL 드래프트의 1순위 선택권으로 삼았다.
컨센서스 1순위 픽인 멘도자는 더 짧은 스로우에 우월한 속도로 정밀한 패서이다. 그는 또한 전국 챔피언십 게임에서 한 것처럼 러너로서 큰 플레이를 할 수 있다.
멘도자는 2012년 스탠포드에서 앤드류 럭이 나온 것만큼 잘 반올림된 프로스펙트로 만드는 프로토타입 크기와 강인함을 가지고 있다.
NFL 드래프트가 시작되기 몇 시간 전, 캔자스 시티 치프스 소유자 클라크 헌트와 코치 앤디 리드는 캔자스 주립 고등학교 활동 협회 이사회와 비디오로 말하고 소녀 플래그 풋볼의 제재를 밀어붙였다.
이사회는 결국 제안에 예로 투표했으며, 캔자스를 고등학교 수준에서 소녀 플래그 풋볼을 가진 18번째 주로 만들었다.
치프스는 캔자스 관계자들에게 소녀들이 풋볼을 할 기회를 추가하도록 촉구하는 청원서에 11,000명 이상이 서명한 캠페인을 주도했다.
헌트는 "캔자스 전역의 팬, 가족, 교육자, 학교 지도자 및 커뮤니티가 목소리를 높이고 이러한 운동선수를 지원하기 위해 나타난 것에 대해 매우 감사하다"고 말했다. "이 결과는 집단적 노력을 반영하며, 우리는 소녀 플래그 풋볼이 캔자스 고등학교에 자리가 있다는 것을 명확히 하는 것을 도운 모든 사람과 함께 서 있음을 자랑스러워한다."
패트리어츠 코치 마이크 브라벨은 코치와 오래된 NFL 기자 디애나 루시니의 애리조나 리조트 사진 발행 후 산만함을 야기한 조치에 대해 책임을 진다고 말했다.
브라벨은 NFL 드래프트가 시작되기 바로 전에 기자들에게 구체적인 내용을 다루지 않았다. 하지만 그는 토요일 드래프트의 마지막 날을 위해 상담을 받고 팀에서 물러날 계획으로 자신의 가족을 우선시하겠다고 맹세했다.
"나는 질문이 있다는 것을 이해한다. 나는 내 행동, 그리고 내가 가장 소중히 여기는 사람들 - 내 가족, 이 미식축구 팀, 조직 및 우리 팬들에게 산만함을 야기한 행동에 책임을 진다"고 브라벨이 말했다. "내 이전 행동은 내가 자신에게 가지는 기준을 충족하지 않는다. 그들은 하지 않는다."
브라벨은 그의 가족과 패트리어츠가 그의 인생에서 가장 중요한 것이라고 말했고, 그가 스테를 갈 것을 다짐하는 데 전념했다고 말했다.
테네시 코너백 콜턴 후드는 2026년 4월 23일 목요일 피츠버그에서 열린 NFL 풋볼 드래프트 토요타 드래프트 레드카펫에 도착한다. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
LSU 코너백 만수르 델레인은 2026년 4월 23일 목요일 피츠버그에서 열린 NFL 풋볼 드래프트 토요타 드래프트 레드카펫 중 자명을 한다. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
텍사스 테크 라인배커 데이비드 베일리는 2026년 4월 23일 목요일 피츠버그에서 열린 NFL 풋볼 드래프트 1라운드 전 레드카펫에서 포즈를 취한다. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
애리조나 주립 와이드 리시버 조던 타이슨은 2026년 4월 23일 목요일 피츠버그에서 열린 NFL 풋볼 드래프트 1라운드 전 레드카펫에서 포즈를 취한다. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
사람들은 2026년 4월 22일 수요일 피츠버그에서 열린 NFL 풋볼 드래프트에 앞서 리허설을 한다. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
앨라배마 쿼터백 타이 심슨은 2026년 4월 23일 목요일 피츠버그에서 열린 NFL 풋볼 드래프트 1라운드 전 레드카펫에서 포즈를 취한다. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
노트르담 러닝백 제레미야 러브는 2026년 4월 23일 목요일 피츠버그에서 열린 NFL 풋볼 드래프트 1라운드 전 레드카펫에서 포즈를 취한다. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
2026년 4월 23일 목요일 피츠버그의 NFL 풋볼 드래프트 1라운드 전 스테이지 전망. (Adam Hunger/AP Content Services for the NFL)
오하이오 주립 안전 조 스타일스 주니어는 2026년 4월 23일 목요일 피츠버그에서 열린 NFL 풋볼 드래프트 토요타 드래프트 레드카펫 중 자명을 한다. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
오하이오 주립 라인배커 소니 스타일스는 2026년 4월 23일 목요일 피츠버그에서 열린 NFL 풋볼 드래프트 1라운드 전 레드카펫에서 포즈를 취한다. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
오하이오 주립 와이드 리시버 카넬 테이트는 2026년 4월 23일 목요일 피츠버그에서 열린 NFL 풋볼 드래프트 1라운드 전 레드카펫에서 포즈를 취한다. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
앨라배마 디펜시브 라인맨 캐딘 프록터는 2026년 4월 23일 목요일 피츠버그에서 열린 NFL 풋볼 드래프트 토요타 드래프트 레드카펫에 도착한다. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
2026년 4월 22일 수요일 피츠버그에서 열린 NFL 드래프트 전 프로스펙트 투 프로 가족 패널 이벤트 중 풋볼 헬멧과 공. (Vera Nieuwenhuis/AP Content Services for the NFL)
타이머는 2026년 4월 22일 수요일 피츠버그에서 NFL 풋볼 드래프트까지 하루를 카운트다운한다. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
팬들은 2026년 4월 23일 목요일 피츠버그에서 열린 NFL 풋볼 드래프트 전 챔피언십 링 디스플레이와 함께 사진을 찍는다. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
2026 NFL 드래프트가 도착했고, 수천 명의 팬들이 피츠버그의 애크리슈어 스타디움에서 리그의 차세대 스타들의 이름이 불리는 것을 듣기 위해 모였다.
쿼터백 페르난도 멘도자는 라스베이거스 레이더스가 인디애나 출신의 하이스만 우승 쿼터백에 1순위를 사용하면서 먼저 자신의 이름을 들었다.
데이비드 베일리는 뉴욕 제츠에 의해 2순위로 선택되었으며, 일반적인 드래프트 시대에 상위 5개에 선택된 첫 텍사스 테크 선수가 되었다.
드래프트 2026에서 실시간 업데이트 및 분석을 위해 여기에 머물러라.
NFL 드래프트의 컨센서스 최고의 러닝백이 애리조나로 향하고 있다.
카디널스는 노트르담의 제레미야 러브를 3순위로 선택했다.
러브는 상위 5개 재능이며 모든 터치에서 거리를 갈 수 있는 플레이메이커이다. 그는 훌륭한 러너이자 세련된 리시버이다. 그는 실행 내부에서 구멍을 통해 폭발하고 추가 야드를 위해 수비수를 튕긴다.
그의 회피성과 전기적 스핀 무브에 더해, 그는 외부의 정상급 속도를 자랑한다.
뉴욕 제츠는 데이비드 베일리가 빠른 학습자가 될 것으로 기대할 수 있다.
그는 4.3 학점 평균으로 고등학교를 졸업했고 스탠포드에서 과학, 기술 및 사회 학사 학위를 4년 미만에 완료했다.
베일리는 경기장에서도 높은 성취자였다. 그는 산타 애나의 마터 데이 고등학교를 캘리포니아 주 챔피언십으로 이끌었으며, 제목 경기에서 부러진 오른쪽 손목으로 2개의 샅을 만들었다.
당시 스탠포드 코치 데이비드 쇼는 2022년 서명일에 베일리가 "바로 기차에서 게임 체인저"라고 말했으며, 베일리는 2007년 이후 카디널을 위한 오프너를 시작한 첫 번째 진정한 신입생이었다.
그의 지난 시즌 텍사스 테크에서 14.5 샅은 스탠포드의 3년 동안의 결합된 총합과 일치했다.
텍사스 테크 라인배커 데이비드 베일리가 2026년 4월 23일 목요일 피츠버그에서 열린 NFL 풋볼 드래프트 1라운드 중 뉴욕 제츠에 의해 2순위로 선택된 후 NFL 커미셔너 로저 굿델과 함께 포즈를 취한다. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
데이비드 베일리는 뉴욕으로 향하고 있으며, 제츠는 텍사스 테크 엣지 러셔를 2순위로 데려간다.
베일리는 정상급 업사이드를 가진 운동 엣지이다. 그는 레드 레이더스를 위해 2포인트 및 4포인트 스탠스에서 모두 작동하여 다양성을 나타냈다.
스탠포드에서 3시즌 동안 22.5 손실 태클과 14.5 샅을 기록한 후, 그는 러복에서 한 시즌 동안 19.5 TFL과 14.5 샅을 했다.
페르난도 멘도자는 마이애미의 크리스토퍼 콜럼버스 고등학교 출신의 가볍게 모집된 3성 프로스펙트였다. 훌륭한 학생이었던 그는 2021년 8월 예일 대학 장학금 제의를 받아들였고 불독을 위해 경제학을 공부하고 플레이할 계획이었다.
캘리포니아는 서명일 몇 일 전에 멘도자를 방문하도록 요청했지만 다른 모집 선수가 자신의 약속을 거두었기 때문일 뿐이다. 며칠 후, 멘도자는 예일에서 뒤집혀 칼과 함께 서명했다. 그는 2023 시즌 중반부터 베어스의 스타터가 되었고 2024년에 미국 최고의 패서 중 한 명이었다.
멘도자는 작년 이전 포털에서 최고 순위의 선수였으며 인디애나에서 완벽한 착지장을 선택했다. 공격 조정관 마이크 샤나한과 함께 일하면서, 멘도자는 평균 40점 이상과 게임당 450야드를 기록한 공격을 이끌었다. 그는 학교의 첫 하이스만 트로피와 전국 챔피언십을 우승했다.
이제 그는 1순위 드래프트 픽이며 라스베이거스 레이더스와 함께 NFL 경력을 시작할 것이다.
인디애나 쿼터백 페르난도 멘도자는 2026년 4월 23일 목요일 피츠버그에서 열린 NFL 풋볼 드래프트 1라운드 중 라스베이거스 레이더스에 의해 1순위로 선택된 후 화면에 표시된다. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
라스베이거스 레이더스는 인디애나 쿼터백 페르난도 멘도자를 NFL 드래프트의 1순위 선택권으로 삼았다.
컨센서스 1순위 픽인 멘도자는 더 짧은 스로우에 우월한 속도로 정밀한 패서이다. 그는 또한 전국 챔피언십 게임에서 한 것처럼 러너로서 큰 플레이를 할 수 있다.
멘도자는 2012년 스탠포드에서 앤드류 럭이 나온 것만큼 잘 반올림된 프로스펙트로 만드는 프로토타입 크기와 강인함을 가지고 있다.
NFL 드래프트가 시작되기 몇 시간 전, 캔자스 시티 치프스 소유자 클라크 헌트와 코치 앤디 리드는 캔자스 주립 고등학교 활동 협회 이사회와 비디오로 말하고 소녀 플래그 풋볼의 제재를 밀어붙였다.
이사회는 결국 제안에 예로 투표했으며, 캔자스를 고등학교 수준에서 소녀 플래그 풋볼을 가진 18번째 주로 만들었다.
치프스는 캔자스 관계자들에게 소녀들이 풋볼을 할 기회를 추가하도록 촉구하는 청원서에 11,000명 이상이 서명한 캠페인을 주도했다.
헌트는 "캔자스 전역의 팬, 가족, 교육자, 학교 지도자 및 커뮤니티가 목소리를 높이고 이러한 운동선수를 지원하기 위해 나타난 것에 대해 매우 감사하다"고 말했다. "이 결과는 집단적 노력을 반영하며, 우리는 소녀 플래그 풋볼이 캔자스 고등학교에 자리가 있다는 것을 명확히 하는 것을 도운 모든 사람과 함께 서 있음을 자랑스러워한다."
패트리어츠 코치 마이크 브라벨은 코치와 오래된 NFL 기자 디애나 루시니의 애리조나 리조트 사진 발행 후 산만함을 야기한 조치에 대해 책임을 진다고 말했다.
브라벨은 NFL 드래프트가 시작되기 바로 전에 기자들에게 구체적인 내용을 다루지 않았다. 하지만 그는 토요일 드래프트의 마지막 날을 위해 상담을 받고 팀에서 물러날 계획으로 자신의 가족을 우선시하겠다고 맹세했다.
"나는 질문이 있다는 것을 이해한다. 나는 내 행동, 그리고 내가 가장 소중히 여기는 사람들 - 내 가족, 이 미식축구 팀, 조직 및 우리 팬들에게 산만함을 야기한 행동에 책임을 진다"고 브라벨이 말했다. "내 이전 행동은 내가 자신에게 가지는 기준을 충족하지 않는다. 그들은 하지 않는다."
브라벨은 그의 가족과 패트리어츠가 그의 인생에서 가장 중요한 것이라고 말했고, 그가 스테를 갈 것을 다짐하는 데 전념했다고 말했다.
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Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood arrives during the Draft Red Carpet Presented by Toyota at the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane signs an autograph during the Draft Red Carpet Presented by Toyota at the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Texas Tech linebacker David Bailey poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
People rehearse ahead of the NFL football draft, Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
A view of the stage before the first round of the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Adam Hunger/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Ohio State safety Zo Styles Jr. signs an autograph during the Draft Red Carpet Presented by Toyota at the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Alabama defensive lineman Kadyn Proctor arrives during the Draft Red Carpet Presented by Toyota at the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Football helmet and ball during the Prospect to Pro Family Panel event ahead of the NFL draft in Pittsburgh, Wednesday, April 22, 2026. (Vera Nieuwenhuis/AP Content Services for the NFL)
A timer counts down one day until the NFL football draft, Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Fans pose for a picture with a championship ring display before the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is shown on a screen after being chosen by the Las Vegas Raiders with the first overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is shown on a screen after being chosen by the Las Vegas Raiders with the first overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood arrives during the Draft Red Carpet Presented by Toyota at the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood arrives during the Draft Red Carpet Presented by Toyota at the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane signs an autograph during the Draft Red Carpet Presented by Toyota at the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane signs an autograph during the Draft Red Carpet Presented by Toyota at the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Texas Tech linebacker David Bailey poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Texas Tech linebacker David Bailey poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
People rehearse ahead of the NFL football draft, Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
People rehearse ahead of the NFL football draft, Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
A view of the stage before the first round of the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Adam Hunger/AP Content Services for the NFL)
A view of the stage before the first round of the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Adam Hunger/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Ohio State safety Zo Styles Jr. signs an autograph during the Draft Red Carpet Presented by Toyota at the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Ohio State safety Zo Styles Jr. signs an autograph during the Draft Red Carpet Presented by Toyota at the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Alabama defensive lineman Kadyn Proctor arrives during the Draft Red Carpet Presented by Toyota at the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Alabama defensive lineman Kadyn Proctor arrives during the Draft Red Carpet Presented by Toyota at the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Football helmet and ball during the Prospect to Pro Family Panel event ahead of the NFL draft in Pittsburgh, Wednesday, April 22, 2026. (Vera Nieuwenhuis/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Football helmet and ball during the Prospect to Pro Family Panel event ahead of the NFL draft in Pittsburgh, Wednesday, April 22, 2026. (Vera Nieuwenhuis/AP Content Services for the NFL)
A timer counts down one day until the NFL football draft, Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
A timer counts down one day until the NFL football draft, Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Fans pose for a picture with a championship ring display before the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Fans pose for a picture with a championship ring display before the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
The 2026 NFL draft has arrived, and thousands of fans have gathered in Pittsburgh to hear the league’s next stars have their names called at Acrisure Stadium.
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza heard his name first, as the Las Vegas Raiders used the No. 1 pick on the Heisman-winning quarterback out of Indiana.
David Bailey was selected by the New York Jets with the No. 2 pick, becoming the first Texas Tech player to be picked in the top five in the common draft era.
Stay here for live updates and analysis from the 2026 draft.
The consensus best running back in the NFL draft is heading to Arizona.
The Cardinals selected Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame with the No. 3 pick.
Love is a top-five talent and a playmaker who can go the distance on every touch. He’s a terrific runner and a polished receiver. He explodes through the hole on inside runs and bounces off defenders for extra yardage.
In addition to his elusiveness and electric spin move, he sports elite speed on the outside.
The New York Jets can expect David Bailey to be a quick study.
He graduated from high school with a 4.3 grade-point average and finished his bachelor’s degree in science, technology and society at Stanford in less than four years.
Bailey has been a high achiever on the field as well. He led Mater Dei High in Santa Ana to a California state championship, making two sacks with a broken right wrist in the title game.
Then-Stanford coach David Shaw said on signing day in 2022 that Bailey is “right off the bat a game-changer,” and Bailey was the first true freshman since 2007 to start an opener for the Cardinal.
His 14 1/2 sacks at Texas Tech last season matched his combined total in three years at Stanford.
Texas Tech linebacker David Bailey, right, poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being chosen by the New York Jets with the second overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Texas Tech linebacker David Bailey, right, poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being chosen by the New York Jets with the second overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
David Bailey is heading to New York, with the Jets taking the Texas Tech edge rusher No. 2 overall.
Bailey is an athletic edge with elite upside. He displayed versatility by operating out of both a two-point and four-point stance for the Red Raiders.
After recording 22 1/2 tackles for loss and 14 1/2 sacks in three seasons at Stanford, he had 19 1/2 TFLs and 14 1/2 sacks in his one season in Lubbock.
Fernando Mendoza was a lightly recruited three-star prospect out of Christopher Columbus High in Miami. An excellent student, he accepted a scholarship offer from Yale in August 2021 and planned to play for the Bulldogs and study economics.
California asked Mendoza to visit a few days before signing day but only because another recruit backed out of his commitment. A few days later, Mendoza flipped from Yale and signed with Cal. He became the Bears’ starter midway through the 2023 season and was one of the top passers in the country in 2024.
Mendoza was the top-ranked player in the transfer portal last year and he picked a perfect landing spot at Indiana. Working alongside offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan, Mendoza led an offense that averaged more than 40 points and 450 yards per game. He won the school’s first Heisman Trophy and national championship.
Now he’s the No. 1 overall draft pick and will start his NFL career with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is shown on a screen after being chosen by the Las Vegas Raiders with the first overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is shown on a screen after being chosen by the Las Vegas Raiders with the first overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
The Las Vegas Raiders have taken Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the top overall pick in the NFL draft.
The consensus top pick, Mendoza is a pinpoint passer with superior velocity on shorter throws. He can also make big plays as a runner like he did in the national championship game.
Mendoza has prototypical size and a toughness that makes him as well-rounded a prospect as Andrew Luck was coming out of Stanford in 2012.
Just hours before the NFL draft, Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt and coach Andy Reid spoke by video to the Kansas State High School Activities Association Board and pushed for the sanctioning of girls’ flag football.
The board eventually voted yes on the proposal, making Kansas the 18th state to have girls’ flag football at the high school level.
The Chiefs led a campaign that included more than 11,000 people signing a petition urging Kansas officials to add an opportunity for girls to play football.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the fans, families, educators, school leaders and communities across Kansas who raised their voices and showed up in support of these athletes,” Hunt said. “This outcome reflects a collective effort, and we’re proud to stand alongside everyone who helped make it clear that girls’ flag football deserves a place in Kansas high schools.”
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said he takes accountability for actions that have caused a distraction following the publication of photos of the coach and longtime NFL reporter Dianna Russini at an Arizona resort.
Vrabel didn’t address specifics in his statement to reporters just before the NFL draft began. But he vowed to prioritize his family by undergoing counseling and stepping away from the team for draft’s final day on Saturday.
“I understand that there are questions. I take accountability for my actions, and the actions that caused a distraction to the people that I care most about — my family, this football team, the organization and our fans,” Vrabel said. “My previous actions don’t meet the standard that I hold myself to. They don’t.”
Vrabel said his family and the Patriots are the most important things in his life and said he was dedicated to taking steps to giving them “the best version of me.” He said he is committed to that process for “however long it takes.”
Miami defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. is eager to get to work in the NFL. He has no interest in talking about a fatal 2024 car crash in South Florida.
Bain was behind the wheel when he hit another vehicle. One of the passengers in the vehicle he struck later died of her injuries.
Bain was initially cited for driving in a “careless or negligent manner,” though it was later dismissed. His role in the crash was not revealed publicly until this week.
Asked by The Associated Press at a charity event the day before the draft if he was concerned that the incident would affect when he is selected, Bain responded politely, “I’m not answering any questions about that.”
When the AP followed up by asking Bain if he disclosed the collision to teams he met with before the draft, Bain reiterated his stance, saying: “I’m not answering anything about that.”
Styles along the red carpet varied, from the casual cool of Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate — who sported a khaki suit with a white T-shirt and a chain that read “Chill” — to the purple swag of LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane.
Several players dipped into more classical territory. Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese, Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles and Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey were among a group that rocked bow ties.
Bailey got the suggestion from his agency, and figures it was maybe the first time he’d put on a bow tie since sixth grade. Styles, who added a gold “SS” pin to the lapel of his black suit, figured the bow tie was something that would never go out of fashion.
“I think I was just trying to keep it classy,” said Styles, who is expected to go in the first round. “The black suit, the bow tie, it’s a go to. So I think guys think it’s really cool.”
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reiterated that the league is not looking into the situation involving Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, who appeared in published photos with longtime NFL reporter Dianna Russini at an Arizona resort.
“This is not a personal conduct policy as we know of today,” Goodell told ESPN. “It’s a personal matter and we’ll leave it at that.”
Goodell added, “I think the teams handle these matters when they are personal matters. They have a lot more information that can benefit people involved.”
Vrabel announced he would be seeking counseling and not be with the team for Day 3 of the draft.
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) lunges for the end zone for a touchdown during the College Football Playoff national championship game against Miami, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) lunges for the end zone for a touchdown during the College Football Playoff national championship game against Miami, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
After winning a national championship and the Heisman Trophy at Indiana, quarterback Fernando Mendoza is expected to realize another dream by becoming the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft.
Mendoza says he has to keep striving to improve.
“People have that mindset this is the end,” Mendoza said in an interview on ESPN before the draft. “They’ve made it. That is the exact opposite of my mindset. ... I have so much to improve. I know my best football is ahead of me.”
Mendoza is a long way from the draft headquarters in Pittsburgh. He’s celebrating with his family in Miami. His mother, Elsa, has multiple sclerosis, which makes traveling difficult.
Mendoza says he has a suit ready for the draft but he was wearing a Rose Bowl shirt for the ESPN interview.
“I do have a suit waiting in the closet. However I want to represent the Rose Bowl and it’s an Adidas and Rose Bowl logo,” Mendoza said. “The Rose Bowl is a very special game for me and the team. I think it was a game that catapulted us to the whole thing.”
Southern California wide receiver Makai Lemon poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate arrives on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson arrives during the Draft Red Carpet Presented by Toyota at the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
USC wide receiver Makai Lemon has a picture taken with his card during the Draft Red Carpet Presented by Toyota at the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Southern California wide receiver Makai Lemon poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Southern California wide receiver Makai Lemon poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate arrives on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate arrives on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson arrives during the Draft Red Carpet Presented by Toyota at the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson arrives during the Draft Red Carpet Presented by Toyota at the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
USC wide receiver Makai Lemon has a picture taken with his card during the Draft Red Carpet Presented by Toyota at the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
USC wide receiver Makai Lemon has a picture taken with his card during the Draft Red Carpet Presented by Toyota at the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Texas Tech linebacker David Bailey poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Texas Tech linebacker David Bailey poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
David Bailey says he’d be happy with any team that picks him in the NFL draft, but he’d love to play in front of New York fans.
The Texas Tech edge rusher is considered one of the draft’s top prospects and could go to the Jets at No. 2 overall.
“It would mean a lot, getting the opportunity to play for the New York fan base,” Bailey said on the red carpet.
Bailey added that he’s focusing on what he can control.
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Hurdling defenders is one of Jeremiyah Love’s signature moves, and he’s so impressive doing it that one wonders if he’s got superpowers.
The Notre Dame running back does, kind of, in the form of his alter ego, Jeremonstar.
That’s the anime character he and his dad, Jason, created for a comic book series they released last year. It’s an extension of his anime fandom that began when Jeremiyah was growing up in St. Louis.
Jeremonstar takes on Jeremiyah’s traits, such as speed, strength and determination, and navigates a realm known as the Power Leagues.
The Jeremonstar website describes the story as a “sports-anime comic universe where legendary powers meet the grit of the gridiron.”
Love, in partnership with Sharpie, released a limited-edition comic book on Thursday, hours before he was expected to be selected in the draft. He showed up on the red carpet with one of the characters emblazoned on the inside of his suit jacket.
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson poses with family on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson poses with family on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson poses with family on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is not picky about who might take him in the draft.
His one hope? There’s a McAlister’s Deli nearby.
Simpson’s go-to order at the chain? A nacho basket followed by a a smoked pepper jack turkey sandwich and a bowl of chicken tortilla soup.
“It just brings it all together,” he said on the pre-draft red carpet.
Asked if that means he needs to go to a team in the South for what is a decidedly Southern beverage, McAlister laughed.
“I mean, there’s sugar packets everywhere,” he said.
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles poses with family on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles poses with family on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles poses with family on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is bullish on the future of the position, thanks to the rise of stars like Philadelphia’s Saquon Barkley and Atlanta’s Bijan Robinson.
Love is looking to join them as backs selected in the top 10 of the draft. He could become the third back in the last four drafts to go that high, joining Robinson in 2023 and Las Vegas’ Ashton Jeanty last year.
Those selections bucked an emerging consensus around the NFL that it wasn’t a good idea to take a running back so early.
“I feel like we are getting there, you know?” Robinson said. “People just haven’t seen it as much in the past. But now I think guys are coming around to realizing the importance of having a good running back on your team.”
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles plays against Rutgers during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese drops back to defend against Miami during the first half of the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal game Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)
Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate celebrates his touchdown against Penn State during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs plays against Penn State during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles plays against Rutgers during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles plays against Rutgers during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese drops back to defend against Miami during the first half of the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal game Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese drops back to defend against Miami during the first half of the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal game Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)
Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate celebrates his touchdown against Penn State during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate celebrates his touchdown against Penn State during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs plays against Penn State during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs plays against Penn State during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State could become the first school since Michigan State in 1967 to have four players taken in the top 10.
Edge rusher/linebacker Arvell Reese could be the first defensive player off the board, followed by safety Caleb Downs, wide receiver Carnell Tate and linebacker Sonny Styles.
All four, along with defensive lineman Kayden McDonald, will be in the green room waiting for their names to be called. Coach Ryan Day is also expected to be in Pittsburgh.
Besides Michigan State, Notre Dame is the only other school to have four players drafted in the top 10 in a year (1946). There have been 12 instances of three players from one school going in the top 10. The most recent was Alabama in 2021.
ESPN draft analyst Louis Riddick, who was at Ohio State’s pro day last month, said all four would be high picks in any draft.
The New England Patriots said they’re being respectful of Mike Vrabel’s personal life and support him seeking counseling and not being with the team for Day 3 of the NFL draft.
Vrabel’s decision followed the publication of photos of the coach and longtime NFL reporter Dianna Russini at an Arizona resort.
“The New England Patriots fully support Mike Vrabel’s decision to prioritize his family first, as well as his own well-being,” the team said in a statement. “Mike has been open with us about his commitment to being the best version of himself for his family, this team and our fans, and we respect the steps he is taking to follow through on that commitment.”
Vrabel declared his intension to sit out the final day of the draft in a late-night statement Wednesday.
The Patriots entered the draft holding 11 picks, most of them on Saturday.
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks during an NFL football press conference, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks during an NFL football press conference, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)
The Seattle Seahawks are open to moving back in the NFL draft. With just four picks, they hope to end up with a few more members of their draft class.
Three days before the first round of the draft, in which the Seahawks hold the final pick because they are the Super Bowl champions, president of football operations John Schneider was not hiding Seattle’s intentions.
“It’s no secret with us,” Schneider said Monday. “We have four picks, so we’ll be looking to move back.”
The team could prioritize adding a running back to replace Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, who left for the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency.
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Don’t expect a run of quarterbacks to go off the board in the first round of this year’s NFL draft like what happened in 2021 and 2024.
There figures to be a long gap between Fernando Mendoza’s coronation as the expected No. 1 pick by the Las Vegas Raiders and when the second quarterback on most public big boards, Ty Simpson, is expected to go.
Oddsmakers have Simpson as a slight favorite to be picked in Round 1 with the over/under of his selection spot at 24 1/2. But if he falls even a little bit, this could be the rare first round with only one quarterback.
There have been only two drafts in the past 24 years with only one first-round quarterback, with Kenny Pickett the lone selection in 2022 at pick 20 and EJ Manuel at No. 16 in 2013.
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The only question surrounding the No. 1 pick is when Fernando Mendoza will make his Raiders debut.
Mendoza, who led Indiana to its first national championship, is an overwhelming favorite to be the No. 1-overall pick. He won’t be in Pittsburgh to hear NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announce his name, choosing instead to celebrate his big night with family and friends in Miami.
The intrigue starts with the second pick. Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese was widely considered the choice for the New York Jets, but Texas Tech edge David Bailey has recently gained momentum.
Offensively, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love hopes to become the third running back taken in the top 10 in the last four years.
Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon and Jordon Tyson headline a talented receiver class.
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) gestures towards the crowd during pre-game warm-ups before an NFL wild card playoff football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Philadelphia Eagles’ A.J. Brown in action during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) in action during the first half of an NFL wild card playoff football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) gestures towards the crowd during pre-game warm-ups before an NFL wild card playoff football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) gestures towards the crowd during pre-game warm-ups before an NFL wild card playoff football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Philadelphia Eagles’ A.J. Brown in action during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Philadelphia Eagles’ A.J. Brown in action during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) in action during the first half of an NFL wild card playoff football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) in action during the first half of an NFL wild card playoff football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
There’s a big question looming over Philadelphia this offseason: Will A.J. Brown still be an Eagle when training camp opens?
With recent reports suggesting Brown could be heading to the Patriots, the answer could come into focus during the draft.
The Eagles have eight picks, including No. 23 overall in the first round.
Take a look at the transactions the Eagles have made since they failed to repeat as Super Bowl champions, and the message has seemed to be that Brown could be traded for the right price.
Philadelphia has already added receivers Dontayvion Wicks, “Hollywood” Brown and Elijah Moore this offseason.
21. Steelers22. Chargers23. Eagles24. Browns (via Jaguars)25. Bears26. Bills27. 49ers28. Texans29. Chiefs (via Rams)30. Dolphins (via Broncos)31. Patriots32. Seahawks
The move by NFL offenses in recent years to counter nickel defenses by putting multiple tight ends on the field could have a big impact on the way some teams approachthe draft.
The tight end-heavy formations that teams like the Seahawks, Rams and Bears used in 2025 to exploit smaller defenses will likely be adopted by more teams this year. That could put a premium on drafting the big, versatile players who can contribute as both run blockers and pass catchers.
There were 27 tight ends invited to the scouting combine — about 50% more than the usual number — as the increased use of tight ends in college and the increased need for them in the NFL have led to more players at the position becoming potential draft picks.
Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq is this year’s top tight end prospect.
Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) talks to the press at the school’s NFL Pro Day, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman)
Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) talks to the press at the school’s NFL Pro Day, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman)
11. Dolphins12. Cowboys13. Rams (via Falcons)14. Ravens15. Buccaneers16. Jets (via Colts)17. Lions18. Vikings19. Panthers20. Cowboys (via Packers)
Instead of traveling to Pittsburgh for the draft, Fernando Mendoza chose to spend time with those who helped him reach this point, including his younger brother, Alberto.
The Heisman Trophy-winning Indiana quarterback will be surrounded by family in Miami when his name is called, including his mother, Elsa, who has multiple sclerosis.
“I’ve done so much traveling this year, it’s a lot easier for my mom and her health is at the forefront,” Mendoza said. “We need to hop on a plane the next day for whatever team drafts me and to be there with the village that’s poured into me — friends, family, coaches, mentors — to be there with all of them and to share the start of this NFL journey, it’s going to create the best memory for our family.”
Indiana quarterback Alberto Mendoza (16) and Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warmup before an NCAA football game against Michigan St, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Vera Nieuwenhuis)
ARCHIVO - Fernando Mendoza, quarterback de Indiana, sostiene el trofeo después de que Indiana venciera a Miami en el Juego de Campeonato de fútbol americano universitario, el 19 de enero de 2026, en Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Foto/Lynne Sladky, Archivo)
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza’s parents arrive on the field after their win against Miami in the College Football Playoff national championship game, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Indiana quarterback Alberto Mendoza (16) and Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warmup before an NCAA football game against Michigan St, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Vera Nieuwenhuis)
Indiana quarterback Alberto Mendoza (16) and Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warmup before an NCAA football game against Michigan St, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Vera Nieuwenhuis)
ARCHIVO - Fernando Mendoza, quarterback de Indiana, sostiene el trofeo después de que Indiana venciera a Miami en el Juego de Campeonato de fútbol americano universitario, el 19 de enero de 2026, en Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Foto/Lynne Sladky, Archivo)
ARCHIVO - Fernando Mendoza, quarterback de Indiana, sostiene el trofeo después de que Indiana venciera a Miami en el Juego de Campeonato de fútbol americano universitario, el 19 de enero de 2026, en Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Foto/Lynne Sladky, Archivo)
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza’s parents arrive on the field after their win against Miami in the College Football Playoff national championship game, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza’s parents arrive on the field after their win against Miami in the College Football Playoff national championship game, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
1. Raiders2. Jets3. Cardinals4. Titans5. Giants6. Browns7. Commanders8. Saints9. Chiefs10. Giants (via Bengals)
Six teams enter the first round of the NFL draft without a pick. Six others have two picks apiece.
The Bengals, Packers, Jaguars, Falcons, Colts and Broncos don’t have a first-round pick while the Giants, Jets, Dolphins, Cowboys, Browns and Chiefs each have two.
A view of the stage before the first round of the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
A view of the stage before the first round of the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Put aside the mock drafts because it’s time for the real deal.
The NFL draft is here in the Steel City.
A total of 257 players will live out a dream and hear their name called over the course of the next three days, culminating a long journey that required a ton of hard of work and plenty of sacrifice.
The first round kicks off Thursday night when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell takes the stage inside the main theater outside Acrisure Stadium and announces the Las Vegas Raiders’ selection with the No. 1 pick.
Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood arrives during the Draft Red Carpet Presented by Toyota at the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane signs an autograph during the Draft Red Carpet Presented by Toyota at the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Texas Tech linebacker David Bailey poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
People rehearse ahead of the NFL football draft, Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
A view of the stage before the first round of the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Adam Hunger/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Ohio State safety Zo Styles Jr. signs an autograph during the Draft Red Carpet Presented by Toyota at the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Alabama defensive lineman Kadyn Proctor arrives during the Draft Red Carpet Presented by Toyota at the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Football helmet and ball during the Prospect to Pro Family Panel event ahead of the NFL draft in Pittsburgh, Wednesday, April 22, 2026. (Vera Nieuwenhuis/AP Content Services for the NFL)
A timer counts down one day until the NFL football draft, Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Fans pose for a picture with a championship ring display before the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is shown on a screen after being chosen by the Las Vegas Raiders with the first overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is shown on a screen after being chosen by the Las Vegas Raiders with the first overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood arrives during the Draft Red Carpet Presented by Toyota at the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood arrives during the Draft Red Carpet Presented by Toyota at the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane signs an autograph during the Draft Red Carpet Presented by Toyota at the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane signs an autograph during the Draft Red Carpet Presented by Toyota at the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Texas Tech linebacker David Bailey poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Texas Tech linebacker David Bailey poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
People rehearse ahead of the NFL football draft, Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
People rehearse ahead of the NFL football draft, Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
A view of the stage before the first round of the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Adam Hunger/AP Content Services for the NFL)
A view of the stage before the first round of the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Adam Hunger/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Ohio State safety Zo Styles Jr. signs an autograph during the Draft Red Carpet Presented by Toyota at the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Ohio State safety Zo Styles Jr. signs an autograph during the Draft Red Carpet Presented by Toyota at the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Alabama defensive lineman Kadyn Proctor arrives during the Draft Red Carpet Presented by Toyota at the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Alabama defensive lineman Kadyn Proctor arrives during the Draft Red Carpet Presented by Toyota at the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Football helmet and ball during the Prospect to Pro Family Panel event ahead of the NFL draft in Pittsburgh, Wednesday, April 22, 2026. (Vera Nieuwenhuis/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Football helmet and ball during the Prospect to Pro Family Panel event ahead of the NFL draft in Pittsburgh, Wednesday, April 22, 2026. (Vera Nieuwenhuis/AP Content Services for the NFL)
A timer counts down one day until the NFL football draft, Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
A timer counts down one day until the NFL football draft, Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Fans pose for a picture with a championship ring display before the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Fans pose for a picture with a championship ring display before the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
The 2026 NFL draft has arrived, and thousands of fans have gathered in Pittsburgh to hear the league’s next stars have their names called at Acrisure Stadium.
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza heard his name first, as the Las Vegas Raiders used the No. 1 pick on the Heisman-winning quarterback out of Indiana.
David Bailey was selected by the New York Jets with the No. 2 pick, becoming the first Texas Tech player to be picked in the top five in the common draft era.
Stay here for live updates and analysis from the 2026 draft.
The consensus best running back in the NFL draft is heading to Arizona.
The Cardinals selected Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame with the No. 3 pick.
Love is a top-five talent and a playmaker who can go the distance on every touch. He’s a terrific runner and a polished receiver. He explodes through the hole on inside runs and bounces off defenders for extra yardage.
In addition to his elusiveness and electric spin move, he sports elite speed on the outside.
The New York Jets can expect David Bailey to be a quick study.
He graduated from high school with a 4.3 grade-point average and finished his bachelor’s degree in science, technology and society at Stanford in less than four years.
Bailey has been a high achiever on the field as well. He led Mater Dei High in Santa Ana to a California state championship, making two sacks with a broken right wrist in the title game.
Then-Stanford coach David Shaw said on signing day in 2022 that Bailey is “right off the bat a game-changer,” and Bailey was the first true freshman since 2007 to start an opener for the Cardinal.
His 14 1/2 sacks at Texas Tech last season matched his combined total in three years at Stanford.
Texas Tech linebacker David Bailey, right, poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being chosen by the New York Jets with the second overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Texas Tech linebacker David Bailey, right, poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being chosen by the New York Jets with the second overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
David Bailey is heading to New York, with the Jets taking the Texas Tech edge rusher No. 2 overall.
Bailey is an athletic edge with elite upside. He displayed versatility by operating out of both a two-point and four-point stance for the Red Raiders.
After recording 22 1/2 tackles for loss and 14 1/2 sacks in three seasons at Stanford, he had 19 1/2 TFLs and 14 1/2 sacks in his one season in Lubbock.
Fernando Mendoza was a lightly recruited three-star prospect out of Christopher Columbus High in Miami. An excellent student, he accepted a scholarship offer from Yale in August 2021 and planned to play for the Bulldogs and study economics.
California asked Mendoza to visit a few days before signing day but only because another recruit backed out of his commitment. A few days later, Mendoza flipped from Yale and signed with Cal. He became the Bears’ starter midway through the 2023 season and was one of the top passers in the country in 2024.
Mendoza was the top-ranked player in the transfer portal last year and he picked a perfect landing spot at Indiana. Working alongside offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan, Mendoza led an offense that averaged more than 40 points and 450 yards per game. He won the school’s first Heisman Trophy and national championship.
Now he’s the No. 1 overall draft pick and will start his NFL career with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is shown on a screen after being chosen by the Las Vegas Raiders with the first overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is shown on a screen after being chosen by the Las Vegas Raiders with the first overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
The Las Vegas Raiders have taken Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the top overall pick in the NFL draft.
The consensus top pick, Mendoza is a pinpoint passer with superior velocity on shorter throws. He can also make big plays as a runner like he did in the national championship game.
Mendoza has prototypical size and a toughness that makes him as well-rounded a prospect as Andrew Luck was coming out of Stanford in 2012.
Just hours before the NFL draft, Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt and coach Andy Reid spoke by video to the Kansas State High School Activities Association Board and pushed for the sanctioning of girls’ flag football.
The board eventually voted yes on the proposal, making Kansas the 18th state to have girls’ flag football at the high school level.
The Chiefs led a campaign that included more than 11,000 people signing a petition urging Kansas officials to add an opportunity for girls to play football.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the fans, families, educators, school leaders and communities across Kansas who raised their voices and showed up in support of these athletes,” Hunt said. “This outcome reflects a collective effort, and we’re proud to stand alongside everyone who helped make it clear that girls’ flag football deserves a place in Kansas high schools.”
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said he takes accountability for actions that have caused a distraction following the publication of photos of the coach and longtime NFL reporter Dianna Russini at an Arizona resort.
Vrabel didn’t address specifics in his statement to reporters just before the NFL draft began. But he vowed to prioritize his family by undergoing counseling and stepping away from the team for draft’s final day on Saturday.
“I understand that there are questions. I take accountability for my actions, and the actions that caused a distraction to the people that I care most about — my family, this football team, the organization and our fans,” Vrabel said. “My previous actions don’t meet the standard that I hold myself to. They don’t.”
Vrabel said his family and the Patriots are the most important things in his life and said he was dedicated to taking steps to giving them “the best version of me.” He said he is committed to that process for “however long it takes.”
Miami defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. is eager to get to work in the NFL. He has no interest in talking about a fatal 2024 car crash in South Florida.
Bain was behind the wheel when he hit another vehicle. One of the passengers in the vehicle he struck later died of her injuries.
Bain was initially cited for driving in a “careless or negligent manner,” though it was later dismissed. His role in the crash was not revealed publicly until this week.
Asked by The Associated Press at a charity event the day before the draft if he was concerned that the incident would affect when he is selected, Bain responded politely, “I’m not answering any questions about that.”
When the AP followed up by asking Bain if he disclosed the collision to teams he met with before the draft, Bain reiterated his stance, saying: “I’m not answering anything about that.”
Styles along the red carpet varied, from the casual cool of Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate — who sported a khaki suit with a white T-shirt and a chain that read “Chill” — to the purple swag of LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane.
Several players dipped into more classical territory. Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese, Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles and Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey were among a group that rocked bow ties.
Bailey got the suggestion from his agency, and figures it was maybe the first time he’d put on a bow tie since sixth grade. Styles, who added a gold “SS” pin to the lapel of his black suit, figured the bow tie was something that would never go out of fashion.
“I think I was just trying to keep it classy,” said Styles, who is expected to go in the first round. “The black suit, the bow tie, it’s a go to. So I think guys think it’s really cool.”
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reiterated that the league is not looking into the situation involving Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, who appeared in published photos with longtime NFL reporter Dianna Russini at an Arizona resort.
“This is not a personal conduct policy as we know of today,” Goodell told ESPN. “It’s a personal matter and we’ll leave it at that.”
Goodell added, “I think the teams handle these matters when they are personal matters. They have a lot more information that can benefit people involved.”
Vrabel announced he would be seeking counseling and not be with the team for Day 3 of the draft.
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) lunges for the end zone for a touchdown during the College Football Playoff national championship game against Miami, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) lunges for the end zone for a touchdown during the College Football Playoff national championship game against Miami, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
After winning a national championship and the Heisman Trophy at Indiana, quarterback Fernando Mendoza is expected to realize another dream by becoming the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft.
Mendoza says he has to keep striving to improve.
“People have that mindset this is the end,” Mendoza said in an interview on ESPN before the draft. “They’ve made it. That is the exact opposite of my mindset. ... I have so much to improve. I know my best football is ahead of me.”
Mendoza is a long way from the draft headquarters in Pittsburgh. He’s celebrating with his family in Miami. His mother, Elsa, has multiple sclerosis, which makes traveling difficult.
Mendoza says he has a suit ready for the draft but he was wearing a Rose Bowl shirt for the ESPN interview.
“I do have a suit waiting in the closet. However I want to represent the Rose Bowl and it’s an Adidas and Rose Bowl logo,” Mendoza said. “The Rose Bowl is a very special game for me and the team. I think it was a game that catapulted us to the whole thing.”
Southern California wide receiver Makai Lemon poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate arrives on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson arrives during the Draft Red Carpet Presented by Toyota at the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
USC wide receiver Makai Lemon has a picture taken with his card during the Draft Red Carpet Presented by Toyota at the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Southern California wide receiver Makai Lemon poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Southern California wide receiver Makai Lemon poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate arrives on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate arrives on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson arrives during the Draft Red Carpet Presented by Toyota at the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson arrives during the Draft Red Carpet Presented by Toyota at the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
USC wide receiver Makai Lemon has a picture taken with his card during the Draft Red Carpet Presented by Toyota at the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
USC wide receiver Makai Lemon has a picture taken with his card during the Draft Red Carpet Presented by Toyota at the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Texas Tech linebacker David Bailey poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Texas Tech linebacker David Bailey poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
David Bailey says he’d be happy with any team that picks him in the NFL draft, but he’d love to play in front of New York fans.
The Texas Tech edge rusher is considered one of the draft’s top prospects and could go to the Jets at No. 2 overall.
“It would mean a lot, getting the opportunity to play for the New York fan base,” Bailey said on the red carpet.
Bailey added that he’s focusing on what he can control.
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Hurdling defenders is one of Jeremiyah Love’s signature moves, and he’s so impressive doing it that one wonders if he’s got superpowers.
The Notre Dame running back does, kind of, in the form of his alter ego, Jeremonstar.
That’s the anime character he and his dad, Jason, created for a comic book series they released last year. It’s an extension of his anime fandom that began when Jeremiyah was growing up in St. Louis.
Jeremonstar takes on Jeremiyah’s traits, such as speed, strength and determination, and navigates a realm known as the Power Leagues.
The Jeremonstar website describes the story as a “sports-anime comic universe where legendary powers meet the grit of the gridiron.”
Love, in partnership with Sharpie, released a limited-edition comic book on Thursday, hours before he was expected to be selected in the draft. He showed up on the red carpet with one of the characters emblazoned on the inside of his suit jacket.
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson poses with family on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson poses with family on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson poses with family on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is not picky about who might take him in the draft.
His one hope? There’s a McAlister’s Deli nearby.
Simpson’s go-to order at the chain? A nacho basket followed by a a smoked pepper jack turkey sandwich and a bowl of chicken tortilla soup.
“It just brings it all together,” he said on the pre-draft red carpet.
Asked if that means he needs to go to a team in the South for what is a decidedly Southern beverage, McAlister laughed.
“I mean, there’s sugar packets everywhere,” he said.
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles poses with family on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles poses with family on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles poses with family on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is bullish on the future of the position, thanks to the rise of stars like Philadelphia’s Saquon Barkley and Atlanta’s Bijan Robinson.
Love is looking to join them as backs selected in the top 10 of the draft. He could become the third back in the last four drafts to go that high, joining Robinson in 2023 and Las Vegas’ Ashton Jeanty last year.
Those selections bucked an emerging consensus around the NFL that it wasn’t a good idea to take a running back so early.
“I feel like we are getting there, you know?” Robinson said. “People just haven’t seen it as much in the past. But now I think guys are coming around to realizing the importance of having a good running back on your team.”
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles plays against Rutgers during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese drops back to defend against Miami during the first half of the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal game Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)
Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate celebrates his touchdown against Penn State during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs plays against Penn State during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles plays against Rutgers during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles plays against Rutgers during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese drops back to defend against Miami during the first half of the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal game Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese drops back to defend against Miami during the first half of the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal game Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)
Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate celebrates his touchdown against Penn State during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate celebrates his touchdown against Penn State during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs plays against Penn State during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs plays against Penn State during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State could become the first school since Michigan State in 1967 to have four players taken in the top 10.
Edge rusher/linebacker Arvell Reese could be the first defensive player off the board, followed by safety Caleb Downs, wide receiver Carnell Tate and linebacker Sonny Styles.
All four, along with defensive lineman Kayden McDonald, will be in the green room waiting for their names to be called. Coach Ryan Day is also expected to be in Pittsburgh.
Besides Michigan State, Notre Dame is the only other school to have four players drafted in the top 10 in a year (1946). There have been 12 instances of three players from one school going in the top 10. The most recent was Alabama in 2021.
ESPN draft analyst Louis Riddick, who was at Ohio State’s pro day last month, said all four would be high picks in any draft.
The New England Patriots said they’re being respectful of Mike Vrabel’s personal life and support him seeking counseling and not being with the team for Day 3 of the NFL draft.
Vrabel’s decision followed the publication of photos of the coach and longtime NFL reporter Dianna Russini at an Arizona resort.
“The New England Patriots fully support Mike Vrabel’s decision to prioritize his family first, as well as his own well-being,” the team said in a statement. “Mike has been open with us about his commitment to being the best version of himself for his family, this team and our fans, and we respect the steps he is taking to follow through on that commitment.”
Vrabel declared his intension to sit out the final day of the draft in a late-night statement Wednesday.
The Patriots entered the draft holding 11 picks, most of them on Saturday.
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks during an NFL football press conference, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks during an NFL football press conference, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)
The Seattle Seahawks are open to moving back in the NFL draft. With just four picks, they hope to end up with a few more members of their draft class.
Three days before the first round of the draft, in which the Seahawks hold the final pick because they are the Super Bowl champions, president of football operations John Schneider was not hiding Seattle’s intentions.
“It’s no secret with us,” Schneider said Monday. “We have four picks, so we’ll be looking to move back.”
The team could prioritize adding a running back to replace Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, who left for the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency.
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Don’t expect a run of quarterbacks to go off the board in the first round of this year’s NFL draft like what happened in 2021 and 2024.
There figures to be a long gap between Fernando Mendoza’s coronation as the expected No. 1 pick by the Las Vegas Raiders and when the second quarterback on most public big boards, Ty Simpson, is expected to go.
Oddsmakers have Simpson as a slight favorite to be picked in Round 1 with the over/under of his selection spot at 24 1/2. But if he falls even a little bit, this could be the rare first round with only one quarterback.
There have been only two drafts in the past 24 years with only one first-round quarterback, with Kenny Pickett the lone selection in 2022 at pick 20 and EJ Manuel at No. 16 in 2013.
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The only question surrounding the No. 1 pick is when Fernando Mendoza will make his Raiders debut.
Mendoza, who led Indiana to its first national championship, is an overwhelming favorite to be the No. 1-overall pick. He won’t be in Pittsburgh to hear NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announce his name, choosing instead to celebrate his big night with family and friends in Miami.
The intrigue starts with the second pick. Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese was widely considered the choice for the New York Jets, but Texas Tech edge David Bailey has recently gained momentum.
Offensively, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love hopes to become the third running back taken in the top 10 in the last four years.
Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon and Jordon Tyson headline a talented receiver class.
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) gestures towards the crowd during pre-game warm-ups before an NFL wild card playoff football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Philadelphia Eagles’ A.J. Brown in action during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) in action during the first half of an NFL wild card playoff football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) gestures towards the crowd during pre-game warm-ups before an NFL wild card playoff football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) gestures towards the crowd during pre-game warm-ups before an NFL wild card playoff football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Philadelphia Eagles’ A.J. Brown in action during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Philadelphia Eagles’ A.J. Brown in action during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) in action during the first half of an NFL wild card playoff football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) in action during the first half of an NFL wild card playoff football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
There’s a big question looming over Philadelphia this offseason: Will A.J. Brown still be an Eagle when training camp opens?
With recent reports suggesting Brown could be heading to the Patriots, the answer could come into focus during the draft.
The Eagles have eight picks, including No. 23 overall in the first round.
Take a look at the transactions the Eagles have made since they failed to repeat as Super Bowl champions, and the message has seemed to be that Brown could be traded for the right price.
Philadelphia has already added receivers Dontayvion Wicks, “Hollywood” Brown and Elijah Moore this offseason.
21. Steelers22. Chargers23. Eagles24. Browns (via Jaguars)25. Bears26. Bills27. 49ers28. Texans29. Chiefs (via Rams)30. Dolphins (via Broncos)31. Patriots32. Seahawks
The move by NFL offenses in recent years to counter nickel defenses by putting multiple tight ends on the field could have a big impact on the way some teams approachthe draft.
The tight end-heavy formations that teams like the Seahawks, Rams and Bears used in 2025 to exploit smaller defenses will likely be adopted by more teams this year. That could put a premium on drafting the big, versatile players who can contribute as both run blockers and pass catchers.
There were 27 tight ends invited to the scouting combine — about 50% more than the usual number — as the increased use of tight ends in college and the increased need for them in the NFL have led to more players at the position becoming potential draft picks.
Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq is this year’s top tight end prospect.
Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) talks to the press at the school’s NFL Pro Day, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman)
Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) talks to the press at the school’s NFL Pro Day, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman)
11. Dolphins12. Cowboys13. Rams (via Falcons)14. Ravens15. Buccaneers16. Jets (via Colts)17. Lions18. Vikings19. Panthers20. Cowboys (via Packers)
Instead of traveling to Pittsburgh for the draft, Fernando Mendoza chose to spend time with those who helped him reach this point, including his younger brother, Alberto.
The Heisman Trophy-winning Indiana quarterback will be surrounded by family in Miami when his name is called, including his mother, Elsa, who has multiple sclerosis.
“I’ve done so much traveling this year, it’s a lot easier for my mom and her health is at the forefront,” Mendoza said. “We need to hop on a plane the next day for whatever team drafts me and to be there with the village that’s poured into me — friends, family, coaches, mentors — to be there with all of them and to share the start of this NFL journey, it’s going to create the best memory for our family.”
Indiana quarterback Alberto Mendoza (16) and Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warmup before an NCAA football game against Michigan St, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Vera Nieuwenhuis)
ARCHIVO - Fernando Mendoza, quarterback de Indiana, sostiene el trofeo después de que Indiana venciera a Miami en el Juego de Campeonato de fútbol americano universitario, el 19 de enero de 2026, en Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Foto/Lynne Sladky, Archivo)
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza’s parents arrive on the field after their win against Miami in the College Football Playoff national championship game, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Indiana quarterback Alberto Mendoza (16) and Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warmup before an NCAA football game against Michigan St, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Vera Nieuwenhuis)
Indiana quarterback Alberto Mendoza (16) and Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warmup before an NCAA football game against Michigan St, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Vera Nieuwenhuis)
ARCHIVO - Fernando Mendoza, quarterback de Indiana, sostiene el trofeo después de que Indiana venciera a Miami en el Juego de Campeonato de fútbol americano universitario, el 19 de enero de 2026, en Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Foto/Lynne Sladky, Archivo)
ARCHIVO - Fernando Mendoza, quarterback de Indiana, sostiene el trofeo después de que Indiana venciera a Miami en el Juego de Campeonato de fútbol americano universitario, el 19 de enero de 2026, en Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Foto/Lynne Sladky, Archivo)
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza’s parents arrive on the field after their win against Miami in the College Football Playoff national championship game, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza’s parents arrive on the field after their win against Miami in the College Football Playoff national championship game, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
1. Raiders2. Jets3. Cardinals4. Titans5. Giants6. Browns7. Commanders8. Saints9. Chiefs10. Giants (via Bengals)
Six teams enter the first round of the NFL draft without a pick. Six others have two picks apiece.
The Bengals, Packers, Jaguars, Falcons, Colts and Broncos don’t have a first-round pick while the Giants, Jets, Dolphins, Cowboys, Browns and Chiefs each have two.
A view of the stage before the first round of the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
A view of the stage before the first round of the NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Put aside the mock drafts because it’s time for the real deal.
The NFL draft is here in the Steel City.
A total of 257 players will live out a dream and hear their name called over the course of the next three days, culminating a long journey that required a ton of hard of work and plenty of sacrifice.
The first round kicks off Thursday night when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell takes the stage inside the main theater outside Acrisure Stadium and announces the Las Vegas Raiders’ selection with the No. 1 pick.