What time does NFL draft start: Estimated time of every team's first-round pick

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What time does NFL draft start: Estimated time of every team's first-round pick

The 2026 Draft has arrived, and the scene is set in Pittsburgh. Below is an estimated schedule for when your favorite team will make its first-round picks.

What time does NFL draft start: Estimated time of every team's first-round pick

The 2026 Draft has arrived, and the scene is set in Pittsburgh. Below is an estimated schedule for when your favorite team will make its first-round picks.

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Pittsburgh is buzzing with excitement as fans gather to witness football’s next generation take center stage at the 2026 NFL Draft.

The time allotted for each first-round pick has been reduced by two minutes this year – from 10 to eight. The shortened window is likely to speed up the first round and force teams to move swiftly. This marks the first adjustment to the selection clock since 2008, when it was reduced from 15 to 10 minutes.

The timing for the later rounds remains unchanged. Teams will have seven minutes per pick in the second round and five minutes per selection in rounds three through seven. This continuity allows teams some breathing room as the draft progresses, but the pressure will still be on to make strategic decisions quickly.

Here is the first round 2026 NFL Draft order, and we went one step further by giving the estimated time teams will be on the clock for their first-round pick on Thursday in Pittsburgh.

More: When does the 2026 NFL season start? What to know about schedule release

The 2026 NFL Draft will begin on Thursday, April 23, with the first round starting at 8 p.m. ET. Fans can view it on NFL Network, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes, with streaming options available on ESPN+ and NFL+.

The 2026 NFL Draft coverage kicks off at 8 p.m. ET, with the draft itself starting at the same time. This year, each first-round team will have just eight minutes to make its selection.

The broadcast is expected to last approximately 3-4 hours. The following times are rough pre-draft estimates, based on the eight-minute limit per pick. For example, the Las Vegas Raiders are the first team on the clock and must submit their selection by 8:08 p.m. ET, with subsequent picks following in similar intervals. These estimates provide fans with an idea of when their favorite teams may be on the clock, though actual times may vary as the draft unfolds.

New York Giants (via Cincinnati), pick time 9:20 p.m. ET

Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta), estimated pick time 9:44 p.m. ET

Tampa Bay Buccaneers, estimated pick time 10 p.m. ET

New York Jets (via Indianapolis), estimated pick time 10:08 p.m. ET

Minnesota Vikings, estimated pick time 10:24 p.m. ET

Carolina Panthers, estimated pick time 10:30 p.m. ET

Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay), estimated pick time 10:38 p.m. ET

Pittsburgh Steelers, estimated pick time 10:46 p.m. ET

Los Angeles Chargers, estimated pick time 10:54 p.m. ET

Philadelphia Eagles, estimated pick time 11:02 p.m. ET

Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville), estimated pick time 11:10 p.m. ET

San Francisco 49ers, estimated pick time 11:34 p.m. ET

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