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NFL Finalizes 2026 Draft Plans as Consensus Builds on No. 1 Pick

The green-room list plus a shorter first-round clock sets the stage for faster picks with possible late moves for a quarterback.

Overview

  • The NFL set the draft for April 23–25 in Pittsburgh with eight minutes per Round 1 pick and broadcasts on NFL Network and ESPN.
  • Sixteen prospects were named to the draft green room, and expected top pick Fernando Mendoza declined the invite to watch from Miami.
  • Most projections have the Raiders selecting Mendoza first overall, while reporting points to the Jets weighing edge rushers David Bailey or Arvell Reese at No. 2.
  • Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love is widely projected as a top-five selection even as teams often devalue running backs early in Round 1.
  • An updated order through Round 3 shows the Jets holding picks 2 and 33, a setup that keeps trade-down options or a late Round 1 move for QB Ty Simpson in play.