The NFL Draft always brings big moments, with shocking picks, trades, emotional reactions and drama as the one sure bet every year. The 2026 NFL Draft was no different.
This year's draft is taking place in Pittsburgh, and as usual will run for three days. The first day belongs to Round 1, with Rounds 2 and 3 on Friday and Rounds 4-7 on Saturday. Fans come from all over the country, and the world, to be part of the first moment of these prospects' NFL careers.
Day 1 is behind us and we already have our fair share of notable and wild moments.
Here are some of the biggest, wildest and most noteworthy moments so far:
Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers didn't seem too happy with the idea of the Giants taking a wide receiver. Nabers went through a potential timeline, saying that if they draft a receiver, they are indirectly telling him that his time is expiring.
The Giants did not take a receiver; instead, they selected linebacker Arvell Reese at No. 5 and offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa at No. 10.
Nabers hopped on social media afterward, explaining himself and declaring that he was never upset.
#Giants WR Malik Nabers on what would happen if the Giants took a WR at #5:“You’re gonna pay him more than me and I’m your #1 WR. When he’s in Year 3 and I need a contract… you gonna just trade Malik.”Micah Parsons’ reaction: “Welcome to my world.” 😂(via @BleacherReport) pic.twitter.com/LkucfHEZCO
First off, we have to stop overreacting. I would never intentionally take away from the biggest moment/night of Arvell’s life. Very excited to see him play on the team and happy that we have another dawg on the squad!! #gobigblue
One surprise of the night was the Rams picking Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 13 overall pick. Typically, a team with the reigning NFL MVP doesn't pick a QB that high and the move not only surprised fans, but seemed to shock head coach Sean McVay as well. My degree is in journalism, not in kinesics, but this doesn't look like someone who is all-in on the selection.
Last year's NFL Draft had an infamous prank call to Shedeur Sanders and one prospect thought he was a victim of another. Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq got the call he'd been working for his entire life, yet his excitement was tempered. The reason? He didn't think it was a real call.
Jets executive Darren Mougey made the call, telling Sadiq they were going to make him a New York Jet.
Mougey asked if he was excited about being taken, saying he could come be a weapon for the team's offense. Head coach Aaron Glenn then took the phone and Sadiq was finally convinced that this wasn't a prank.
"I'm excited, coach. I was thinking this might be a prank call for a second," the TE said.
"You're going to be a huge weapon for us," Glenn replied. "No, we're not pranking you, brother. You're going to be a Jet. You've been a target for us for a while."
definitely not a prank call @KenyonSadiq 😂 pic.twitter.com/dhdKLcYQGQ
Pittsburgh showed out and showed off on Night 1 of the draft. A record number of people were at opening night, with more than 320,000 fans in attendance. The previous record was held by Detroit when more than 275,000 fans attended Day 1 in 2024. The 303 still holds the record for the three-day event, with more than 700,000 people attending.
Roger Goodell just announced that 320,000 people showed up for the NFL Draft.A historic record. pic.twitter.com/Vsdt49rmSo
The Eagles got what they wanted at the Steelers' expense last night. The Steelers drafted tackle Max Iheanachor at No. 21, but as it turns out, they wanted to pick wide receiver Makai Lemon. The Cowboys were on the clock at No. 20 and the Eagles made the call to trade up and get their guy.
The Eagles initially couldn't reach Lemon because he was on the phone with the Steelers. Philly eventually got through and made the selection, leaving the Steelers to their second choice and scrambling in front of their home fans.