How does the NFL draft work?

FootballSports
22 Apr 2026 • 8:03 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

How does the NFL draft work?

  • The 2026 NFL draft is due to take place at Point State Park and Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh this week.
  • The draft will be spread across three days from Thursday 23 April to Saturday 25 April.
  • There will be seven rounds of the draft - one on Thursday, two on Friday and four on Saturday.
  • Each of the 32 teams will have a pick in each round, going in reverse order of the previous season’s standings, unless trades have been agreed.
  • In total, there will be 257 picks at this year’s draft across the three days.