NFL Draft 2026 Live: Round 1 Order, Top QB Mendoza & TV Info
The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off tonight in Pittsburgh, marking the city’s first host role since 1948.
The North Shore stage near Acrisure Stadium will serve as the primary venue, with a fan festival extending to Point State Park.
The Las Vegas Raiders hold the No. 1 overall selection and are projected to choose Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
Mendoza captured the Heisman Trophy last season and guided the Hoosiers to a national championship.
Following the Raiders, the New York Jets are slated to pick second, with the Arizona Cardinals third in the opening round.
The draft order for Round 1, as reported by Veezstream, includes 32 selections before the event moves to the second round tomorrow.
Below is the complete Round 1 order as of the latest Veezstream update.
| Pick | Team | Original Owner |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Las Vegas Raiders | Las Vegas Raiders |
| 2 | New York Jets | New York Jets |
| 3 | Arizona Cardinals | Arizona Cardinals |
| 4 | Tennessee Titans | Tennessee Titans |
| 5 | New York Giants | New York Giants |
| 6 | Cleveland Browns | Cleveland Browns |
| 7 | Washington Commanders | Washington Commanders |
| 8 | New Orleans Saints | New Orleans Saints |
| 9 | Kansas City Chiefs | Kansas City Chiefs |
| 10 | New York Giants (from Bengals) | New York Giants |
| 11 | Miami Dolphins | Miami Dolphins |
| 12 | Dallas Cowboys | Dallas Cowboys |
| 13 | Los Angeles Rams (from Falcons) | Los Angeles Rams |
| 14 | Baltimore Ravens | Baltimore Ravens |
| 15 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| 16 | New York Jets (from Colts) | New York Jets |
| 17 | Detroit Lions | Detroit Lions |
| 18 | Minnesota Vikings | Minnesota Vikings |
| 19 | Carolina Panthers | Carolina Panthers |
| 20 | Dallas Cowboys (from Packers) | Dallas Cowboys |
| 21 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| 22 | Los Angeles Chargers | Los Angeles Chargers |
| 23 | Philadelphia Eagles | Philadelphia Eagles |
| 24 | Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars) | Cleveland Browns |
| 25 | Chicago Bears | Chicago Bears |
| 26 | Buffalo Bills | Buffalo Bills |
| 27 | San Francisco 49ers | San Francisco 49ers |
| 28 | Houston Texans | Houston Texans |
| 29 | Kansas City Chiefs (from Rams) | Kansas City Chiefs |
| 30 | Miami Dolphins (from Broncos) | Miami Dolphins |
| 31 | New England Patriots | New England Patriots |
| 32 | Seattle Seahawks | Seattle Seahawks |
Round 2 will commence tomorrow with the New York Jets holding the 33rd overall pick.
The Jets are set to select before the Arizona Cardinals, who pick 34th, continuing the sequence established in Round 1.
The second-round order features the Tennessee Titans at 35, followed by the Raiders at 36, and the New York Giants at 37.
Teams with multiple selections in early rounds include the Raiders, who also possess the 102nd pick in Round 4.
Round 3 begins with the Arizona Cardinals at 65, the Titans at 66, and the Raiders again at 67.
Compensatory selections appear in later rounds, with the Baltimore Ravens receiving two such picks in Round 5.
Round 4’s opening slot belongs to the Tennessee Titans, who will pick 101st overall.
The Las Vegas Raiders follow at 102, and the New York Jets at 103, maintaining the pattern of early‑round activity.
Round 5 features a complex series of trades, starting with the Houston Texans at 141, acquired from the Raiders via the Browns.
The Tennessee Titans hold the 142nd pick after a trade involving the Jets and the Ravens.
Key prospects projected for early selection include Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.
Both players have impressed scouts with production and athleticism, positioning them as potential first‑round candidates.
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza’s Heisman performance and leadership at Indiana have elevated his draft stock to the top of the class.
Analysts note Mendoza’s poise in the pocket, accurate deep ball, and ability to extend plays under pressure.
Despite Mendoza’s prominence, Veezstream reports that the quarterback class overall is considered thin beyond the No. 1 prospect.
Commentary from Veezstream’s senior editor suggests that a second quarterback may still be taken in the first round, citing historical trends.
Potential second‑round quarterbacks include Ty Simpson, ranked 42nd by Dane Brugler, though his position on team boards remains uncertain.
Defensive talent is highlighted by the presence of Arvell Reese, whose pass‑rush moves and motor have drawn NFL interest.
Reese’s ability to generate pressure from multiple angles makes him a versatile asset for defensive coordinators.
Running back Jeremiyah Love’s vision, burst, and receiving skills have positioned him as a three‑down back in many scouting reports.
Love’s production at Notre Dame, including over 1,500 all‑purpose yards, underscores his readiness for the professional level.
Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs has also drawn attention, with Veezstream’s live coverage questioning which team will claim him.
Downs’ ball‑hawking instincts and coverage range make him a candidate for teams needing secondary upgrades.
Defensive stalwart Sonny Styles, another Ohio State product, offers versatility across the secondary, capable of playing safety or corner.
Styles’ tackling efficiency and play‑recognition skills have been praised by multiple NFL scouts.
The draft’s television coverage will be available on ABC, ESPN, and the NFL Network, with streaming through Fubo.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, aligning with prime‑time viewership across the United States.
Veezstream’s live team has opened a discussion channel at live@veezstream.com for fans to share their thoughts.
The platform encourages readers to contribute predictions, player evaluations, and trade theories throughout the draft night.
In addition to live coverage, Veezstream offers a comprehensive “Beast” draft guide, featuring over 2,700 player profiles.
The guide includes filters for position, school, draft grade, and combine metrics, providing an interactive scouting resource.
Video analysis and film breakdowns accompany the guide, produced in collaboration with the Veezstream Football Show.
The guide’s expanded rankings now cover the top 300 prospects, offering deeper insight into later‑round talent.
Veezstream’s senior writer Michael Bailey highlighted the mock draft created by Austin Mock, Robert Mays, and Zena Keita.
The mock predicts the top three selections, aligning with the consensus that Mendoza will go first.
Dane Brugler’s full seven‑round mock, released earlier this week, outlines selections for all 257 picks.
The mock serves as a reference point for teams and analysts tracking positional value trends throughout the draft.
Industry insiders interviewed by Veezstream describe the 2026 draft class as “not great” for quarterbacks and receivers.
Defensive tackle depth is cited as the weakest in a decade, while the safety pool is regarded as strong.
These assessments shape team strategies, influencing whether franchises prioritize depth or address marquee positions.
The Las Vegas Raiders’ decision to select Mendoza reflects a franchise‑wide shift toward rebuilding a competitive offense.
Historically, the Raiders have struggled at quarterback, making this selection a potential turning point for the organization.
The New York Jets, holding the second pick, are projected to address either a defensive need or add a complementary offensive weapon.
Recent Jets transactions suggest a focus on bolstering the defensive line, which could align with a choice like Reese.
Arizona’s early picks in the first two rounds indicate a strategy of accumulating talent at multiple positions.
The Cardinals’ recent front‑office changes have emphasized aggressive drafting to accelerate a rebuild.
Teams with compensatory selections in Round 5, such as the Baltimore Ravens, will have additional opportunities to add depth.
The Ravens’ historical emphasis on defensive playmaking may guide them toward selecting a defensive back or edge rusher.
Round 4’s compensatory picks, including selections for the Las Vegas Raiders and Pittsburgh Steelers, provide flexibility for roster construction.
These picks often become valuable trade chips, allowing teams to maneuver for higher‑valued assets.
The draft’s location in Pittsburgh revives a historic connection, as the city last hosted the event in 1948.
The North Shore’s proximity to Acrisure Stadium offers a scenic backdrop for the ceremony and fan festivities.
Point State Park’s fan festival will feature interactive exhibits, player appearances, and live entertainment throughout the weekend.
Attendance expectations remain high, with thousands of fans expected to gather despite ongoing public‑health considerations.
Overall, the 2026 NFL Draft presents a blend of high‑profile quarterbacks, elite defensive talent, and depth across skill positions.
Teams will balance immediate needs with long‑term planning as they navigate the seven‑round selection process.
