NFL Draft 2026: Start Time, TV, and Streaming Details for First Round

The 2026 NFL Draft is just around the corner, and football fans are gearing up for an exciting event. The action kicks off on Thursday night, April 23 in Pittsburgh with the first round. While the Green Bay Packers may not have a first-round pick this year, they’ll still be in the mix when the second round starts on Friday, April 24.

If you’re wondering what time the NFL Draft starts tonight, it’s set to begin at 7 p.m. CT on Thursday, April 23. The event will be hosted in Pittsburgh at North Shore and Point State Park, and only the first round will take place on Day 1. Teams will now have eight minutes between picks, which is a change from the previous 10-minute time frame. This adjustment marks the first draft-timing change since 2008.

Looking ahead, Day 2 of the draft will start at 6 p.m. CT on Friday, April 24, covering rounds 2 and 3. The remaining rounds (4-7) are scheduled for Saturday, April 25, starting at 11 a.m. CT. For the second round, teams will have seven minutes between selections, followed by five-minute intervals for rounds 3-6. In the seventh round, it’s four minutes between picks.

If you’re wondering where to watch the 2026 NFL Draft tonight, you can catch all the action on TV on ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network, as they will have separate broadcasts. For those looking to stream the draft, platforms that carry these channels, as well as the ESPN app, NFL Network app, and NFL app, will be streaming the event. Additionally, Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers.

As for the Packers’ picks in the 2026 draft, here’s a look at when they’re expected to make their selections based on past drafts:
– No. 52 (second round): 7:35 p.m. CT on April 24
– No. 84 (third round): 9:27 p.m. CT on April 24
– No. 120 (fourth round): 11:57 a.m. CT on April 25
– No. 153 (fifth round, from Philadelphia through Atlanta): 1:33 p.m. CT on April 25
– No. 160 (fifth round): 2:51 p.m. CT on April 25
– No. 201 (sixth round): 3:52 p.m. CT on April 25
– No. 236 (sixth round): 5:16 p.m. CT on April 25
– No. 255 (seventh round, compensatory pick): 5:59 p.m. CT on April 25

So, be sure to tune in and catch all the excitement as the 2026 NFL Draft unfolds!