2026 NFL Draft Set to Begin as Teams Eye Franchise-Changing Picks

The NFL Draft begins Thursday night, with teams preparing for one of the most consequential events of the offseason. As usual, quarterback-needy teams are expected to target signal-callers early in a class viewed as deep at key offensive positions.

The first round will set the tone not only for roster construction but also for futures betting markets heading into the 2026 season.

Top Picks and Teams to Watch

At the top of the board, quarterbacks are expected to dominate early selections, with teams like the Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, and Las Vegas Raiders all linked to potential franchise passers.

Beyond quarterback, elite offensive tackles and defensive playmakers are also projected to go early. The Arizona Cardinals and Washington Commanders are among those with multiple early picks, creating opportunities to either build depth or trade down for additional assets.

Several playoff contenders are also worth monitoring. The Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers could address specific gaps, potentially targeting skill-position players who can make an immediate impact.

Trades remain a strong possibility, particularly if a top quarterback begins to slide. Here’s a look at key details for this year’s draft.

• Round 1: Thursday — 8:00 p.m. ET
  • TV: ESPN, ABC, NFL Network
  • Details: Opening night features the first 32 picks, with full coverage of top prospects, trades, and team analysis.
• Rounds 2–3: Friday — 7:00 p.m. ET
  • TV: ESPN2, ABC, NFL Network
  • Details: Teams continue building core depth, with a strong focus on impact starters and value selections.
• Rounds 4–7: Saturday — 12:00 p.m. ET
  • TV: ESPN, ABC, NFL Network
  • Details: Final day emphasizes roster depth, special teams contributors, and developmental prospects across the league.

How the Draft Impacts NFL Betting

The draft has become a major NFL betting event in its own right, with sportsbooks like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM offering a wide range of wagering options. Bettors can place wagers on the No. 1 overall pick, positional order (such as first quarterback selected), and over/under draft positions for individual prospects.

NFL live betting has also grown in popularity, allowing users to react to trades and unexpected selections as the draft unfolds. These markets often shift rapidly, creating opportunities for bettors who closely follow team needs and insider reporting.

Along with player-specific wagers, sportsbooks offer props on team behavior, including which franchise will draft a particular player or how many quarterbacks will be selected in the first round. Futures markets can also be influenced immediately after the draft, as teams that land top prospects often see their odds to win their division or reach the playoffs adjust.

As the draft get underway, the intersection of roster building and betting markets comes into focus, with every selection impact ing play on the field and at the sportsbook.