Pittsburgh Electric: 2026 NFL Draft Delivers Thrills and Shocks

PITTSBURGH — Football fever gripped the Steel City as the 2026 NFL Draft kicked off Thursday at Point State Park and Acrisure Stadium, drawing crowds from across the globe for an event dubbed 'one for the history books.' Hundreds of thousands flocked to see 257 picks across seven rounds, with the Las Vegas Raiders holding the No. 1 slot and the Denver Broncos closing it out.[3][7] The Steelers boasted the most selections at 12, while the Seattle Seahawks had just four, fueling intense local anticipation despite an underwhelming first-round perception.[6][7] The Raiders set the tone, selecting Heisman Trophy winner and quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the top pick, a moment captured in his jubilant NFL Network interview.[8][9] Trading frenzy ensued with eight deals on Day 1 alone and 41 total, including the Rams' surprise grab of Alabama QB Ty Simpson at No. 13 — the second signal-caller off the board.[1][9] Other highlights: the New Orleans Saints snagged Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson at No. 8, while the Philadelphia Eagles outmaneuvered the Steelers for USC receiver Makai Lemon.[2][9] Top prospects like Ohio State's Caleb Downs and Carnell Tate, Alabama's Ty Simpson and Kadyn Proctor, and Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson attended in person among 16 invitees, heightening the stage's glamour.[7] Teams addressed needs aggressively: the Arizona Cardinals added a dynamic running back, and two brothers joined the same secondary in a feel-good storyline.[1] Post-draft buzz included ESPN grades praising winners like the Rams and Cardinals, while A.J. Brown trade talks to the Patriots loomed after June 1.[1] Day 2 and 3 deepened the excitement, with the Atlanta Falcons picking Oklahoma linebacker Kendal Daniels at 134 and Washington DT Anterio Thompson at 208, and the Cincinnati Bengals taking Duke OL Brian Parker II at 189.[4][5] The Saints rounded out eight picks including Georgia DT Christen Miller and LSU WR Barion Brown.[2] Buffalo Bills fans reacted live to OLB T.J. Parker, and Packers scouting director Matt Malaspina hyped fifth-rounder Jager Burton.[12][13] Raiders Nation celebrated further with running back Mike Washington Jr. at 122, who expressed eagerness to join Ashton Jeanty.[11] As grades rolled in, the draft's 41 trades and bold moves like Simpson's mid-first slide marked it as one of the most eventful in years, leaving Pittsburgh's NFL legacy etched in golden excitement.[1]