Story perspectives

2026 NFL Draft Opens in Pittsburgh, Raiders Pick Mendoza

4/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

The 2026 NFL Draft opens on April 23 in Pittsburgh, with Round 1 at 8 p.m. ET on NFL Network/ESPN.
The Las Vegas Raiders (No. 1) are projected to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza (Indiana).
The New York Jets (No. 2) are projected to select rusher David Bailey (Texas Tech).
The New Orleans Saints trade up to No. 3 for linebacker Arvell Reese (Ohio State).
The New York Giants acquire No. 10 from Cincinnati in Dexter Lawrence trade and target receiver Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State).

History

Historical Context

The inaugural NFL Draft occurred on February 8, 1936, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Philadelphia, aiming to curb bidding wars among teams. The Chicago Bears selected Jay Berwanger, the first Heisman Trophy winner, as the first overall pick. This structured selection process has since evolved into a major spectacle, shaping player recruitment strategies and the economic landscape of professional football.

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Story summary

The 2026 NFL Draft opens on April 23 in Pittsburgh, with Round 1 at 8 p.m. ET on NFL Network/ESPN.
The Las Vegas Raiders (No. 1) are projected to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza (Indiana).
The New York Jets (No. 2) are projected to select rusher David Bailey (Texas Tech).
The New Orleans Saints trade up to No. 3 for linebacker Arvell Reese (Ohio State).
The New York Giants acquire No. 10 from Cincinnati in Dexter Lawrence trade and target receiver Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State).

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