2026 NFL Draft: Quick Info for UK Fans
The 2026 NFL Draft heads to Pittsburgh - the first time the Steel City has hosted the event. Here's what you need to know:
- Dates: Thursday 23 April - Saturday 25 April 2026
- Location: Pittsburgh North Shore, Point State Park & Acrisure Stadium
- Round 1 UK time: ~1am BST Friday (coverage from 11pm Thursday)
- How to watch: Sky Sports NFL, NFL Game Pass on DAZN, talkSPORT2 radio
- Expected attendance: 500,000-700,000 fans over three days
- Draft Experience: Free fan event with exhibits, games, and autographs
2026 NFL Draft Dates & Location
The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from Thursday 23 April to Saturday 25 April 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This marks the first time the Steel City has hosted the NFL's annual selection meeting.
Pittsburgh beat out several other cities to host the event, with the NFL citing the city's rich football heritage, passionate fan base, and world-class venue options as key factors.
Day 1: Thursday 23 April 2026
UK Coverage: Thursday 11pm - Friday ~5am BST
Round 1 (32 picks)
The marquee night of the draft. Teams have 10 minutes per pick. Round 1 typically takes 3-4 hours. This is when the top prospects hear their names called and the biggest trades happen.
Day 2: Friday 24 April 2026
UK Coverage: Friday 11pm - Saturday ~4am BST
Rounds 2-3 (64+ picks)
Teams have 7 minutes per pick in Round 2 and 5 minutes in Round 3. Day 2 is where draft steals often emerge - players who were expected to go higher slip to teams ready to pounce.
Day 3: Saturday 25 April 2026
UK Coverage: Saturday 5pm - ~midnight BST
Rounds 4-7 (140+ picks)
The marathon day. Teams have 5 minutes per pick in Rounds 4-6 and 4 minutes in Round 7. This is the most UK-friendly day - Saturday afternoon/evening viewing. Many future stars have been found in these later rounds.
Why Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh is a city defined by football. The Steelers have won 6 Super Bowls (tied for most in NFL history), and the region produces more NFL players per capita than almost anywhere in America. The city's famous yellow "Terrible Towels" and passionate Steelers Nation made it a natural choice for the NFL's biggest off-season event.
UK Viewing Times (BST)
The 2026 NFL Draft presents different challenges for UK viewers depending on the day. Here's your complete timing breakdown:
| Day | Rounds | US Start (ET) | UK Start (BST) | UK Friendliness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday | Round 1 | 8pm ET | 1am Friday | Challenging |
| Friday | Rounds 2-3 | 7pm ET | Midnight | Late night |
| Saturday | Rounds 4-7 | 12pm ET | 5pm | Perfect! |
BST vs GMT Note
The 2026 NFL Draft takes place in late April, so the UK will be on British Summer Time (BST = GMT+1). The times above reflect BST. If you're using world clock apps, make sure they account for daylight saving time in both the US and UK.
Tips for Round 1 Viewing (Late Night)
- Take Friday off work: If possible, book the day after Round 1 as annual leave
- Power nap beforehand: Sleep 7pm-11pm, then watch from midnight
- Watch the next morning: Record on Sky or use Game Pass to watch spoiler-free
- Follow live on phone: Set your alarm for 1am and follow the first few picks
How to Watch the 2026 NFL Draft in the UK
UK fans have several excellent options for watching the 2026 NFL Draft live:
Sky Sports (Best for Live Viewing)
From £26/month (NOW) or Sky subscription
Sky Sports provides comprehensive live coverage of all three draft days across Sky Sports NFL, Sky Sports Main Event, and Sky Sports Action.
- Full coverage of all 7 rounds
- Expert analysis from UK-based pundits
- Multi-channel coverage during Round 1
- On-demand replays if you miss it live
- Available via Sky TV, NOW, or Sky Go app
NFL Game Pass on DAZN
From £14.99/month
The NFL's official streaming service provides full draft coverage with multiple camera angles and behind-the-scenes content.
- Live streaming of entire draft
- On-demand replays available immediately
- Alternative coverage feeds
- Mobile/tablet friendly for watching in bed
- Also includes NFL Network programming year-round
talkSPORT2 Radio
Free
For those who can't watch but want to follow along, talkSPORT2 provides radio coverage of Round 1.
- Free to listen via app, website, or DAB
- Coverage starts from 11pm on Thursday
- Perfect for commutes or background listening
- UK-focused commentary
How the NFL Draft Works
If you're new to the NFL Draft, here's how the selection process works:
The Basics
The NFL Draft allows teams to select eligible college football players to join their rosters. Each of the 32 NFL teams receives one pick per round (7 rounds = 32 picks per round, though trades change this). Teams with worse records from the previous season pick earlier, giving struggling teams access to the best prospects.
Draft Order
The draft order is determined by the previous season's standings:
- Picks 1-18: Non-playoff teams in reverse order of record (worst picks first)
- Picks 19-32: Playoff teams in reverse order of how far they advanced
- Super Bowl loser: Pick 31
- Super Bowl winner: Pick 32
The 2026 draft order won't be finalised until after the 2025/26 season ends. Teams frequently trade picks, so the order changes significantly by draft day.
Time Per Pick
| Round | Time Allowed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | 10 minutes | Most dramatic; biggest trades happen here |
| Round 2 | 7 minutes | Quality players, fewer cameras |
| Rounds 3-6 | 5 minutes | Where draft "steals" often happen |
| Round 7 | 4 minutes | "Mr. Irrelevant" - last pick of draft |
Mr. Irrelevant
The last player selected in the NFL Draft each year is nicknamed "Mr. Irrelevant." It's traditionally a tongue-in-cheek honour, but several Mr. Irrelevants have gone on to have solid NFL careers. The player receives a week of festivities in California called "Irrelevant Week."
Top Prospects to Watch in 2026
While the 2025/26 college football season is still underway, several players have already emerged as potential top picks for the 2026 NFL Draft:
Early Projection Warning
These projections are based on current performance and could change significantly as the college season progresses. Some listed players may declare early for the 2025 draft instead. We'll update this section as the picture becomes clearer.
Quarterback Prospects
Most Valuable Position
The 2026 quarterback class is still developing. Keep an eye on rising sophomore and junior signal-callers who could emerge as franchise quarterback prospects by draft day. Teams picking in the top 5 who need a QB will drive much of the draft's drama.
Edge Rushers & Defensive Stars
Always in Demand
Pass rushers who can get to the quarterback are always highly valued. The 2026 class features several defensive linemen and outside linebackers who could hear their names called early on Day 1.
Offensive Linemen
Protecting the Investment
With quarterback contracts reaching record highs, teams are increasingly willing to spend premium picks on offensive tackles and guards who can protect their franchise players.
We'll publish a dedicated "2026 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings" guide in early 2026 once the college season concludes and we have a clearer picture of who's declaring.
Pittsburgh: The Host City
Pittsburgh offers a unique backdrop for the NFL Draft, combining industrial heritage with modern amenities and an unmatched football culture.
Draft Venue Locations
- North Shore: The main draft stage and NFL Draft Experience will be located on Pittsburgh's North Shore, with stunning views of the city skyline
- Point State Park: The iconic park where Pittsburgh's three rivers meet will host additional draft activities
- Acrisure Stadium: Home of the Steelers will be incorporated into the event, potentially hosting some selection announcements
Why Pittsburgh is Special for Football
Pittsburgh isn't just hosting the draft - it's arguably the most football-obsessed city in America:
- 6 Super Bowl championships - tied with New England for most ever
- Hall of Famers galore: Mean Joe Greene, Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, Jerome Bettis, Troy Polamalu
- The Terrible Towel: Created in 1975, now one of the most recognisable symbols in sports
- Steel Curtain legacy: The 1970s Steelers defence is considered one of the greatest ever
NFL Draft Experience
The NFL Draft Experience is a free fan festival that runs alongside the draft itself. It's one of the NFL's biggest fan events and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors.
What to Expect
- Free admission: The Draft Experience is free and open to the public
- Interactive exhibits: Test your skills at quarterback accuracy, 40-yard dash, and more
- Vince Lombardi Trophy: Photo opportunities with the Super Bowl trophy
- NFL Shop: Exclusive draft merchandise and team gear
- Autograph sessions: Meet current NFL players and legends
- Play 60 Zone: Youth activities promoting active play
- Concert series: Live music performances throughout the event
Attending from the UK?
If you're considering travelling to Pittsburgh for the 2026 Draft Experience, start planning early. Hotels fill up quickly, and the event draws 500,000-700,000 fans over three days. Flights from London Heathrow to Pittsburgh International take approximately 9 hours with connections. Late April weather in Pittsburgh is mild but variable (10-18°C).
Tips for UK Fans Following the Draft
Making the Most of the Draft Weekend
- Know your team's needs: Before the draft, research what positions your team needs to fill
- Follow mock drafts: Read analysts' predictions to understand who might go where
- Learn the prospects: Watch college football highlights to familiarise yourself with top names
- Join the conversation: Follow #NFLDraft on Twitter/X for real-time reactions
UK Draft Day Traditions to Start
- Host a draft party: Invite fellow NFL fans round for Round 1 (even if it's late!)
- Mock draft competition: See who in your friend group predicts the most picks correctly
- Saturday afternoon session: Day 3 is perfect UK timing - make it an event
- Fantasy league draft: Use it as inspiration for your upcoming fantasy football draft
Following Along When You Can't Watch
- NFL app: Push notifications for every pick
- Twitter/X: Real-time updates and instant analysis
- Sleeper app: Fantasy-focused updates on rookie values
- Podcasts: Post-draft analysis you can listen to on your commute
New to the NFL?
If you're just getting into American football, the draft is a brilliant way to learn about teams and players!
How to Watch NFL UK NFL Rules ExplainedFrequently Asked Questions
When is the NFL Draft 2026?
The 2026 NFL Draft takes place Thursday April 23 to Saturday April 25, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For UK fans, Round 1 begins around 1am BST on Friday April 24, with coverage starting from 11pm on Thursday night.
Where is the 2026 NFL Draft being held?
The 2026 NFL Draft is being held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The event will utilise Pittsburgh's North Shore, Point State Park, and Acrisure Stadium. This is the first time Pittsburgh has hosted the NFL Draft.
How can I watch the NFL Draft 2026 in the UK?
UK fans can watch the 2026 NFL Draft live on Sky Sports (Main Event, Action, and NFL channels), NFL Game Pass on DAZN, and listen on talkSPORT2 radio. Coverage typically begins from 11pm UK time on the Thursday night.
What time is the NFL Draft in UK time?
Round 1 begins at approximately 1am BST (Friday morning UK time). Pre-draft coverage on Sky Sports typically starts from 11pm on Thursday. Rounds 2-3 on Friday begin around midnight UK time, and Rounds 4-7 on Saturday start around 5pm UK time - perfect for afternoon viewing!
How many rounds are in the NFL Draft?
The NFL Draft has 7 rounds over 3 days. Round 1 takes place on Thursday evening (US time), Rounds 2-3 on Friday, and Rounds 4-7 on Saturday. Teams have varying time limits per pick depending on the round - 10 minutes in Round 1, down to 4 minutes in the later rounds.
Who has the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The draft order for 2026 won't be finalised until after the 2025/26 NFL season and playoffs conclude. The team with the worst record typically picks first, though trades can change the order. Check back closer to April 2026 for the confirmed order.
Is the NFL Draft Experience free?
Yes, the NFL Draft Experience is completely free and open to the public. It features interactive exhibits, autograph sessions with NFL players and legends, photo opportunities with the Vince Lombardi Trophy, and much more. The event runs all three days of the draft.
Can I travel from the UK to attend the NFL Draft?
Yes, UK fans can attend the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. Flights from London Heathrow to Pittsburgh International take approximately 9 hours with connections (there are limited direct routes). Book accommodation early as hotels fill up quickly - the event attracts 500,000-700,000 visitors. Late April weather in Pittsburgh is mild but variable.
Final Thoughts
The NFL Draft is one of the most exciting events in American sports, and the 2026 edition in Pittsburgh promises to be special. Whether you're a die-hard fan who'll stay up for every Round 1 pick or someone who prefers to catch the Saturday afternoon action at a sensible hour, there's something for every UK fan.
Pittsburgh's football heritage makes it the perfect host city, and the free NFL Draft Experience offers fans an incredible opportunity to get involved - even if that means planning a transatlantic trip.
We'll update this guide with draft order, prospect rankings, and more details as April 2026 approaches. For now, mark those dates in your calendar: Thursday 23 - Saturday 25 April 2026.
See you on draft night!