| Fans Can Register for Free Entry to NFL Draft Via NFL OnePass or NFL.com/DraftAccess
Pittsburgh Takes Center Stage on Day 3 with Makers Market, Topps Takeover in Acrisure Stadium and Steelers Country Activation in Point State Park NEW YORK — April 20, 2026 — The NFL will host an expansive lineup of activities for the 2026 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light, taking place April 23–25 in Pittsburgh. The Draft will transform the city’s North Shore and Point State Park into a free, three-day celebration of football, community and culture, bringing the next generation of NFL stars to one of the country’s most iconic football cities while celebrating Pittsburgh and the surrounding area. “As we kick off an unforgettable week in Pittsburgh for the 2026 NFL Draft, we’re proud to be working alongside VisitPITTSBURGH, the Pittsburgh Steelers and all of our partners on the ground to create a truly memorable experience for both local and visiting fans,” said Peter O’Reilly, NFL EVP of club business, international, and league events. “The Draft is a three-day global festival of football and community, and we’re so excited to deliver a free, accessible experience that invites fans everywhere to be part of welcoming the next generation of stars into the NFL.” Draft Theater and Main Stage Located just outside Acrisure Stadium on Pittsburgh’s North Shore, the Draft Theater and Main Stage will be where all 32 club selections will come to life across three days. Fans will be steps away from the action, as prospects are drafted and welcomed to their new teams on the Draft Stage. Two iconic Pittsburgh landmarks will connect the expansive Draft campus. The Roberto Clemente Bridge will close to vehicle traffic and serve as a pedestrian-only fan corridor linking the North Shore and Downtown, while the Gateway Clipper riverboats will provide transportation between Draft locations on Friday & Saturday, offering fans a uniquely Pittsburgh way to experience the event. Draft Day 1 – Thursday, April 23 To kick off the celebrations, 17 Draft prospects will walk the NFL Draft Red Carpet presented by Toyota. The Red Carpet begins at 5 p.m. ET, with portions televised as part of ESPN’s NFL Draft coverage. Pittsburgh-raised and jazz-trained artist KELS will perform the National Anthem. Preceding the anthem, the James Weldon Johnson Foundation’s National Hymn Choir, featuring The Heritage Gospel Chorale of Pittsburgh, will perform the hymn “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” conducted by Grammy Award-winning Dr. Jeffery Redding. Steelers Legends and current players will join Commissioner Roger Goodell on stage to help kick off the night’s festivities and welcome fans to Pittsburgh. On Thursday, as each prospect walks to the stage after hearing his name called on stage, a special art installation created by Pittsburgh-based mixed-metal artist Kim Fox will line the Player Walkway. Fox spent months handcrafting mixed-metal interpretations of all 32 NFL team marks, layering reclaimed wood, vintage maps, collected tins and found materials into a quiltlike pattern unique to each club with Easter eggs hidden in the pieces tied to the city. Additionally, Pittsburgh native and pop artist Burton Morris is building a 32-piece installation for the Prospect Green Room built by Lowe’s, with each 20-by-20-inch panel mounted on a steel frame nodding to the city’s roots and finished with his signature energy lines in team colors and an authentic helmet fixed to the front. Draft Day 2 – Friday, April 24 On the second night of the NFL Draft, the celebration continues with even more fan-centric experiences and the same high energy from the night before. Across all three days of the NFL Draft, fans will experience a lineup of in-venue moments built to keep the energy electric. These interactive activations will feature team roll calls, t-shirt tosses, live fan cams and trivia. Fans will also have opportunities to win autographed footballs and helmets, take part in on-stage contests and enter for a chance at Super Bowl LXI tickets. Surprise guest appearances and player interviews will electrify the atmosphere, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. As part of the Day 2 festivities, Pittsburgh natives Wiz Khalifa and Bret Michaels will perform at 5:15 p.m. ET ahead of Rounds 2 and 3 as part of the NFL Draft Entertainment Concert Series presented by Bud Light. Multi-platinum, Grammy- and Golden Globe-nominated artist Wiz Khalifa broke through with his major-label debut “Rolling Papers”, while Bret Michaels, iconic frontman of Poison, brings a multi-platinum-selling career in music spanning decades. Draft Day 3 – Saturday, April 25 Day 3 of the Draft will put a special spotlight on Pittsburgh’s culture and community, offering a fun-filled day for families and fans. With an action-packed lineup of entertainment and local flair, this day will highlight the best the city and region have to offer. Highlights Include:
After the Draft selections conclude on Saturday, global superstar Kane Brown will take the stage for a high-energy finale concert as part of the NFL Draft Entertainment Series presented by Bud Light. Following the success of his widely acclaimed 2025 record, “The High Road,” Kane Brown continues to build on his multi-platinum, award-winning career. All performances will take place at the Draft Theater adjacent to Acrisure Stadium. General fan viewing is free, and fans are encouraged to arrive early, as standing room will be on a first-come, first-served basis. NFL Draft Experience Presented by American Express Taking place all three days of the NFL Draft from April 23–25, the NFL Draft Experience presented by American Express will be located at both the North Shore Draft campus, including on the field at Acrisure Stadium, and Point State Park, transforming one of Pittsburgh’s most historic and scenic public spaces into a vibrant hub of football, community and culture. The NFL Draft Experience offers an exciting, immersive festival featuring interactive activations, such as the 40-yard dash, field goal kicks, catching skills challenges and more, alongside NFL Hall of Fame exhibits. Fans can meet NFL stars and Legends, including Steelers players, and capture unforgettable moments with the Vince Lombardi Trophy and all 59 Super Bowl rings. The Play 60 Zone will host NFL FLAG drills, skills challenges and football clinics for younger fans. With activities for all ages, the NFL Draft Experience is the ultimate celebration of football, culture and community. In addition to watching from the Draft Theater footprint, Acrisure Stadium will be open to fans looking to watch the NFL Draft onscreen and experience exclusive activations inside the stadium and on the field itself.
Fans can enjoy a variety of food options throughout the NFL Draft Experience, including local vendors in the Taste of Pittsburgh Presented by Heinz on the North Shore, with food vendors onsite to provide guests with a taste of Pittsburgh’s vibrant culinary scene and iconic local fare. A full list of vendors will be available in the NFL OnePass App.\ Throughout the weekend, from April 23–25, a large-scale light projection on the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh will celebrate Pittsburgh’s football legacy and spotlight real-time draft picks nightly from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., viewable from the public viewing area at Point State Park. Fans are encouraged to register for free entry to the NFL Draft through the NFL OnePass app or at NFL.com/DraftAccess. NFL OnePass provides up-to-date information, exclusive content and access to giveaways, including a grand prize trip for two to Super Bowl LXI in Los Angeles. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis, and all adults must register, with the option to include up to five children. The NFL Draft will be fully accessible to all fans. Details on mobility assistance, parking, transportation and road closures are available via the Know Before You Go information on NFL OnePass. NFL DRAFT EXPERIENCE – HOURS OF OPERATION
All times are local and may be subject to change. Located in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh, right next to Acrisure Stadium, the NFL Draft Theater will serve as the central hub where all 32 teams make their selections live over the three days of the Draft. The free, general admission theater viewing area spans over 250,000 square feet on the stadium’s east and northeast sides, and during the television broadcast on ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and NFL Network, crowd shots from the stage will feature the renowned Pittsburgh bridges and waterways. Attending fans can enjoy the action live, in person, on multiple screens displayed throughout general admission, or within Acrisure Stadium for a Draft watch party. NFL DRAFT SCHEDULE
All times are local and may be subject to change. The NFL Draft presented by Bud Light will be broadcast live on NFL Network, ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes and streamed on NFL+. Limited VIP Ticket Packages for the NFL Draft are available through On Location, the Official Hospitality Provider of the NFL. Fans looking to further immerse themselves in the Draft can secure packages that combine seating in the Draft Theater with world-class service, official gifting and one-of-a-kind experiences. Visit www.OnLocationExp.com/NFLDraft to explore remaining packages. For more information on the 2026 NFL Draft, including programming, special events and registration, fans should visit NFL.com/DraftAccess. |
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| For more from NFL Communications, visit media.nfl.com |
Celebrations for the NFL Draft Presented by Bud Light Kick Off Thursday, April 23 in Pittsburgh
Marquette Reloads: Golden Eagles Land Sanada Fru
For the first time in four years, Marquette has made an addition through the transfer portal. The former Louisville Cardinal forward is set to join a young Golden Eagles frontcourt that lacks experience after losing senior Ben Gold to graduation.
About Sanada Fru
Fru is originally from Germany and was rated a four-star prospect coming out of high school. Marquette’s newest addition stands 6-foot-11 and weighs 250 pounds.
Before committing to Louisville, Fru started 35 of 39 games for Löwen Braunschweig of the German BBL. In his final season with the Cardinals, Fru averaged nine points, six rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in just 22 minutes per game.
Photo Cred: 247 Sports
Per On3, Fru is the 27th-ranked player in the transfer portal, ahead of notable names such as Acaden Lewis and Finley Bizjack. In his NCAA Tournament debut against South Florida, Fru recorded his fourth career double-double. Over the past 24 months, no cloud has loomed larger over Shaka Smart’s program than the transfer portal. While Fru’s addition signals a shift in Marquette’s philosophy, he also provides much-needed physicality and rebounding—areas that have eluded MU in recent years.
Fru joins a backcourt consisting of star junior Royce Parham, redshirt juniors Josh Clark and Caedin Hamilton, along with 6-foot-11 freshman Sheek Pearson. Following the departures of Sean Jones, Tre Norman, and Zaide Lowrey, Marquette has more roster flexibility than at any point since Smart’s arrival. With Fru now committed, the Golden Eagles have filled 13 of their 15 scholarship spots.
Photo Cred: Louisville
Marquette is not finished in the portal. Marquette High’s Nolan Minessale of St. Thomas–Minnesota continues conversations with the program. MU is also in contact with former Tulsa guard Tylen Riley, along with BYU guard Kennard Daavis Jr. The staff is clearly prioritizing backcourt depth and versatility as they continue to reshape the roster heading into next season.
NFL Legends and Active Players to Announce Selections at 2026 NFL Draft
NEW YORK — April 16, 2026 — The NFL announced today the Legends and active players representing all 32 clubs currently scheduled to make selections in Rounds 2 and 3 of this year’s NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.
The Draft, hosted in the city of Pittsburgh for the first time since the 1948 NFL Draft, begins with Round 1 on Thursday night, April 23, and continues Friday, April 24, with Rounds 2-3. The Draft will conclude on Saturday, April 25, with Rounds 4-7.
Among the NFL Legends scheduled to be on-site, nine have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame: Ronde Barber (Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Class of 2023), Jerome Bettis (Pittsburgh Steelers, Class of 2015), Jimbo Covert (Chicago Bears, Class of 2020), Tony Dorsett (Dallas Cowboys, Class of 1994), Calvin Johnson (Detroit Lions, Class of 2021), Curtis Martin (Class of 2012), Drew Pearson (Dallas Cowboys, Class of 2021), John Stallworth (Pittsburgh Steelers, Class of 2002) and Dwight Stephenson (Miami Dolphins, Class of 1998).
Additionally, four active players – Arizona’s James Conner, Minnesota’s Brian O’Neill, Pittsburgh’s Joey Porter Jr. and Tennessee’s Jeffery Simmons – will help announce their clubs’ day two selections.
Seven day-two announcers attended the University of Pittsburgh, including Dorsett (representing the Dallas Cowboys) – the school’s all-time leader in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns and all-purpose yards – as well as Conner (Arizona Cardinals), Covert (Chicago Bears), Andy Lee (San Francisco 49ers), Bill Maas (Kansas City Chiefs), Martin (New York Jets) and O’Neill (Minnesota Vikings).
Ten of the presenters were born in the state of Pennsylvania, including Marques Colston (Harrisburg, representing New Orleans), Conner (Erie), Covert (Conway), Dorsett (Rochester), John Kuhn (York, representing Green Bay), Maas (Philadelphia), Martin (Pittsburgh), Pat McAfee (Plum, representing Indianapolis), Matt Millen (Hokendauqua, representing Las Vegas) and Paul Posluszny (Butler, representing Jacksonville).
Below is the list of players and Legends currently scheduled to be on-site at this year’s NFL Draft:
| CLUB | PLAYER/LEGEND | COLLEGE | DRAFT ROUND/YEAR |
| Arizona Cardinals | James Conner | Pittsburgh | 3rd/2017 |
| Atlanta Falcons | Michael Turner | Northern Illinois | 5th/2004 |
| Baltimore Ravens | Mark Ingram | Alabama | 1st/2011 |
| Buffalo Bills | Shane Conlan | Penn State | 1st/1987 |
| Carolina Panthers | Jake Delhomme | Louisiana | Undrafted/1997 |
| Chicago Bears | Jimbo Covert | Pittsburgh | 1st/1983 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | Ken Anderson | Augustana | 3rd/1971 |
| Cleveland Browns | Phil Dawson | Texas | Undrafted/1998 |
| Dallas Cowboys | Tony Dorsett | Pittsburgh | 1st/1977 |
| Dallas Cowboys | Drew Pearson | Tulsa | Undrafted/1973 |
| Denver Broncos | TJ Ward | Oregon | 2nd/2010 |
| Detroit Lions | Calvin Johnson | Georgia Tech | 1st/2007 |
| Green Bay Packers | John Kuhn | Shippensburg | Undrafted/2006 |
| Houston Texans | Billy Miller | Southern California | 7th/1999 |
| Indianapolis Colts | Pat McAfee | West Virginia | Undrafted/2009 |
| Jacksonville Jaguars | Paul Posluszny | Penn State | 2nd/2007 |
| Kansas City Chiefs | Bill Maas | Pittsburgh | 1st/1984 |
| Las Vegas Raiders | Matt Millen | Penn State | 2nd/1980 |
| Los Angeles Chargers | Shawne Merriman | Maryland | 1st/2005 |
| Los Angeles Rams | Tavon Austin | West Virginia | 1st/2013 |
| Miami Dolphins | Dwight Stephenson | Alabama | 2nd/1980 |
| Minnesota Vikings | Brian O’Neill | Pittsburgh | 2nd/2018 |
| New England Patriots | Deion Branch | Louisville | 2nd/2002 |
| New Orleans Saints | Marques Colston | Hofstra | 7th/2006 |
| New York Giants | Osi Umenyiora | Troy | 2nd/2003 |
| New York Jets | Curtis Martin | Pittsburgh | 3rd/1995 |
| Philadelphia Eagles | Brian Westbrook | Villanova | 3rd/2002 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | Jerome Bettis | Notre Dame | 1st/1993 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | Joey Porter Jr. | Penn State | 2nd/2023 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | Joey Porter Sr. | Colorado State | 3rd/1999 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | John Stallworth | Alabama A&M | 4th/1974 |
| San Francisco 49ers | Andy Lee | Pittsburgh | 6th/2004 |
| Seattle Seahawks | Cliff Avril | Purdue | 3rd/2009 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Ronde Barber | Virginia | 3rd/1997 |
| Tennessee Titans | Jeffery Simmons | Mississippi State | 1st/2019 |
| Washington Commanders | Mark Rypien | Washington State | 6th/1986 |
| Active player; Hall of Famer | |||
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Media Contact: Sam Drexler, NFL; Sam.Drexler@NFL.com
Badgers secure five-star guard Addie Deal
No. 18 overall recruit in 2025, McDonald’s All-American and All-Big Ten Freshman Team selection transfers to Wisconsin from Iowa
MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin women’s basketball brings in a dynamic, Big Ten-tested guard in Addie Deal.
A 6-foot guard from Irvine, California, Deal arrives in Madison after a freshman season at Iowa and a decorated prep career that established her as one of the top players in the country.
As a freshman, Deal earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors twice and was named to the All-Big Ten Freshman Team. She totaled 173 points, 56 assists, and 39 rebounds on the season, highlighted by a 20-point performance against Ohio State and a career-high five assists on multiple occasions. She also knocked down four 3-pointers in a game against Oregon.
Deal made her biggest impact at Mater Dei High School, where she emerged as a five-star prospect and the No. 18 overall recruit in the class by ESPN, as well as the No. 2 player in California. She competed on the national stage throughout her prep career, participating in the Nike Skills Camp and the World Basketball Festival in New York, while earning recognition on the Jersey Mike’s Naismith Player of the Year Watchlist. She was also named a 2025 McDonald’s All-American, becoming the first player in Wisconsin program history to earn the honor.
Deal comes from a strong athletic background, with her mother having played collegiate volleyball at the University of New Orleans and her father playing college basketball at Spring Hill College.
#OnWisconsin
Maryland, UCLA, Oregon Take Home Baseball Weekly Awards
Terrapins’ Russell, Bruins’ Reddemann, Ducks’ Lauaki Jr. honored
ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Big Ten Conference has announced its baseball weekly awards for games played April 6-12, 2026.
Player of the Week
Devin Russell, Maryland
R-Jr. – C – Boonton Township, N.J. – Mountain Lakes HS
- Russell made the most of his plate appearances as Maryland won its conference series against Indiana over the weekend
- Hit walk-off home runs on consecutive days, securing a run-rule win on Saturday and overcoming a two-run deficit in the ninth inning with a grand slam blast on Sunday
- Recorded a .500 batting average (4-for-8), a .600 on-base percentage, and slugged 1.375
- Finished the week with seven RBI and a 1.975 OPS
- Becomes first Terrapin chosen Player of the Week since March 31, 2025
Pitcher of the Week
Logan Reddemann, UCLA
Jr. – S-RHP – Palmdale, Calif. – San Diego (NCAA)
- Fanned an NCAA season-high 18 batters – one shy of the NCAA record – in UCLA’s 4-1 win over Rutgers on Friday
- Tied the UCLA single-game strikeout record set by Rob Henkel in 2000
- Struck out 11 of the last 12 batters he faced for the top-ranked Bruins
- Allowed two hits and one run over eight innings, limiting the Scarlet Knights to a .077 batting average
- Last Bruin named Pitcher of the Week: Wylan Moss (February 23, 2026)
Freshman of the Week
Naulivou Lauaki Jr., Oregon
R-Fr. – DH – Springville, Utah – Springville HS
- Helped No. 20 Oregon to a conference series win over No. 14 Nebraska, batting .385 with two home runs and five RBI
- Stroked a pair of home runs and drove in three runs on Saturday
- Slashed .471/.471/1.176 with a 1.647 OPS in four games during the week
- Compiled six extra-base hits (3 home runs, 3 doubles) and 20 total bases
- His selection marks the third Freshman of the Week Award for Oregon this season
Team rankings are the highest position listed among the five polls: Baseball America, D1Baseball, NCBWA, Perfect Game, USA Today
2026 Big Ten Baseball Weekly Awards
Feb. 16
PL: Jackson Freeman, Jr., OF, NU
P: Grant Govel, So., S-RHP, USC
F: Angel Laya, Fr., OF, ORE
Feb. 23
PL: Will Gasparino, Jr., OF, UCLA
P: Wylan Moss, So., R-RHP, UCLA
F: AJ Putty, Fr., 1B, ILL
March 2
PL: Weber Neels, Sr., C, MINN
P: Mason Edwards, Jr., S-LHP, USC
F: Brayden Ricketts, R-Fr., DH, IND
March 9
PL: Colton Bower, Jr., C, WASH
P: Mason Edwards, Jr., S-LHP, USC
F: Ryan Costello, R-Fr., 1B/OF, MD
F: Angel Laya, Fr., OF, ORE
March 16
PL: Roch Cholowsky, Jr., SS, UCLA
P: Grant Govel, So., S-RHP, USC
F: Daniel Porras, Fr., OF/1B, WASH
March 23
PL: Dominic Hellman, Sr., DH, ORE
PL: Alex Bemis, Jr., OF, OSU
P: Mason Edwards, Jr., S-LHP, USC
F: Gavin Lauridsen, Fr., R-RHP, USC
March 30
PL: Brandon Rogers, Sr., OF, PUR
P: Miles Gosztola, Jr., S-LHP, ORE
F: CJ Deckinga, Fr., 3B, MSU
April 6
PL: Payton Brennan, R-Jr., OF, UCLA
P: Shane Brinham, Fr., S-LHP, MICH
F: Zach Strickland, Fr., R-RHP, UCLA
April 13
PL: Devin Russell, R-Jr., C, MD
P: Logan Reddemann, S-RHP, Jr., UCLA
F: Naulivou Lauaki Jr., R-Fr., DH, ORE
Ranking Number 1 Overall NFL Draft Picks in History
With Fernando Mendoza locked in as the projected No. 1 overall pick, it’s the perfect time to look back at some of the greatest top selections in NFL history. They have been franchise-changing quarterbacks to generational defensive stars.
1. Peyton Manning (1998) – Manning is one of the greatest QBs ever. He’s a top 3 QB of all time. During his career he has 5 MVPs, 2 Super Bowls, 4 Super Bowl appearances and changed offenses forever with how he commanded the game pre-snap.
Photo Cred: The Denver Post
2. Lawrence Taylor (1981) – He is known as the greatest defensive player of all time. In his career he has a total of 132.5 sacks. His Highest Single-Season Sack Total was 20.5. Overall Taylor has 10-time Pro Bowler, 8-time All-Pro, 3-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 1986 NFL MVP
3. John Elway (1983) – Elways is a top 5 QB of all time. Hall of Famer and 2× Super Bowl champ, iconic career with Denver. He made it to 5 Super Bowls and was on the quarterbacks to start the mobile QB trend that now has taken over the league.
4. Terry Bradshaw (1970) – While his physical traits may have been lacking he was a flat out winner. He led one of the greatest dynasties in sports history. He won four Super Bowls with the Steelers and was a clutch postseason performer.
5. Bruce Smith (1985) – He’s the all-time sack leader and dominant for nearly two decades. He’s the only player with 200 sacks. He won two defensive awards during his career.
Photo Cred: NFL
Other top picks
6. Troy Aikman (1989)
7. Orlando Pace (1997)
8. Cam Newton (2011)
9. Myles Garrett (2017)
10. Andrew Luck (2012)
Chat GPT 2026 NFL Mock Draft
1. Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza, QB – Indiana
A true pocket passer with command and accuracy—Raiders finally get stability at QB.
2. Cleveland Browns
Jeremiyah Love, RB – Notre Dame
Jeremiyah Love is explosive and versatile—modern three-down weapon.
3. New York Giants
Sonny Styles, LB – Ohio State
Sonny Styles brings elite size/speed and defensive versatility.
4. New England Patriots
Carnell Tate, WR – Ohio State
Polished WR with strong hands and route-running—perfect for a young QB.
5. Arizona Cardinals
Makai Lemon, WR – USC
Dynamic slot weapon who consistently creates separation.
6. Washington Commanders
Anthony Hill Jr., LB – Texas
Sideline-to-sideline speed with pass-rush upside.
7. Chicago Bears
Peter Woods, DT – Clemson
Dominant interior lineman who can anchor and disrupt.
8. Tennessee Titans
Max Iheanachor, OT – Arizona State
High-upside tackle with elite measurables.
9. Atlanta Falcons
Nyck Harbor, WR – South Carolina
Nyck Harbor is a rare athlete—size + Olympic-level speed.
10. Denver Broncos
Deontae Lawson, LB – Alabama
Smart, physical linebacker who can lead a defense.
11. New Orleans Saints
Garrett Nussmeier, QB – LSU
Garrett Nussmeier offers upside as a downfield thrower.
12. Minnesota Vikings
Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE – Penn State
Long, explosive pass rusher with big ceiling.
13. Seattle Seahawks
Barion Brown, WR – Kentucky
Game-breaking speed—instant vertical threat.
14. Indianapolis Colts
Oscar Delp, TE – Georgia
Reliable TE who can block and stretch the seam.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers
Tacario Davis, CB – Arizona
Big, physical corner—fits Steelers defensive identity.
16. Los Angeles Rams
Harold Perkins Jr., EDGE/LB – LSU
Harold Perkins Jr. is a hybrid weapon—elite burst and versatility.
17. Green Bay Packers
Evan Stewart, WR – Oregon
Smooth route runner with explosive play ability.
18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Caleb Downs, S – Alabama
Caleb Downs is a do-it-all defensive back.
19. Miami Dolphins
Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE – Texas
Athletic mismatch weapon in the passing game.
20. Dallas Cowboys
Mykel Williams, EDGE – Georgia
Strong, physical edge setter with pass-rush upside.
21. Houston Texans
Kelvin Banks Jr., OT – Texas
High-level pass protector to protect the franchise QB.
22. Jacksonville Jaguars
Will Johnson, CB – Michigan
Will Johnson has elite coverage instincts.
23. Cincinnati Bengals
Blake Fisher, OT – Notre Dame
Adds needed toughness to the offensive line.
24. Detroit Lions
Luther Burden III, WR – Missouri
Luther Burden III brings elite YAC ability.
25. Buffalo Bills
TreVeyon Henderson, RB – Ohio State
Explosive back who fits Buffalo’s offense.
26. Baltimore Ravens
Emeka Egbuka, WR – Ohio State
Emeka Egbuka is reliable and polished.
27. San Francisco 49ers
Josh Conerly Jr., OT – Oregon
Athletic lineman ideal for zone schemes.
28. Kansas City Chiefs
Tetairoa McMillan, WR – Arizona
Tetairoa McMillan gives Mahomes a big-bodied target.
29. Philadelphia Eagles
Nic Scourton, EDGE – Texas A&M
Power rusher who fits Philly’s rotation.
30. Los Angeles Chargers
Drew Allar, QB – Penn State
Drew Allar could be a value QB late in Round 1.
31. New York Jets
Zion Nelson, OT – Miami
Long-term answer at tackle.
32. Carolina Panthers
Isaiah Bond, WR – Texas
Isaiah Bond adds elite speed to close Round 1.
16 Prospects to Attend 2026 NFL Draft Presented By Bud Light
| NEW YORK — April 9, 2026 — As announced tonight on NFL Network’s “Path to the Draft,” 16 prospects are confirmed to attend the 2026 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light in Pittsburgh.
Three colleges – Ohio State (five players), Alabama (two) and Miami (Fla.) (two) – will have multiple players on-site. The Big Ten leads all conferences with six prospects confirmed to attend, followed by the Southeastern Conference (five), Atlantic Coast Conference (two), Big 12 (two) and Independent (one). The Draft begins with the first round on Thursday night, April 23, and continues Friday, April 24, with Rounds 2-3. The Draft will conclude on Saturday, April 25, with Rounds 4-7. The NFL Draft, which was held in Green Bay last year, will be hosted in Pittsburgh for the first time since 1948 and in the state of Pennsylvania for the first time since 2017. The players confirmed to attend this year’s NFL Draft to date:
2026 NFL Draft Facts & Figures
Media Contact: Sam Drexler, NFL; Sam.Drexler@NFL.com |
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Angel Reese Headed to Atlanta Dream in Blockbuster Trade
The Atlanta Dream traded for All-Star forward Angel Reese with the Chicago Sky. The deal is a win-now move for the Dreams. Chicago can reset after being one of the worst teams. The Sky will get two future first-round picks in 2027 & 2028 the right to swap second-round picks in 2028. Reese is the WNBA’s best rebounder & a two-time All-Star. She will give Atlanta an powerful front court. During her first two years she has averaged 13.6 points and a league-leading 12.4 rebounds per game. She adds 1.9 assists and 1.3 steals, emerging as one of the most productive young forwards in the WNBA.
Photo Cred: Facebook
Known for her physical presence, relentless motor and ability to control the glass, she is expected to play a central role as the Dream look to climb the standings. Beyond the numbers, Reese’s impact is expected to be felt on both ends of the floor. Her ability to dominate the boards creates second-chance opportunities offensively while limiting opponents to one shot on the defensive end. She brings toughness, energy and a competitive edge that can shift momentum and set the tone for Atlanta’s identity.
Her presence in the paint should also open opportunities for perimeter players, drawing defensive attention and improving spacing for the Dream’s offense. Reese now joins a developing core in Atlanta that includes guard Rhyne Howard, a dynamic scorer and perimeter threat, and veteran playmaker Allisha Gray, known for her versatility and two-way ability. In the frontcourt, she pairs with Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, giving the Dream a physical interior presence capable of controlling the paint on both ends.
The combination could prove impactful. Reese’s rebounding and interior dominance complement Howard’s scoring ability on the wing, while Gray’s experience and playmaking help balance the offense. With multiple scoring options and added toughness inside, Atlanta has the pieces to become more balanced and harder to defend. Chicago, meanwhile, moves on from one of its foundational players in exchange for future assets.
Photo Cred: The Atlanta Voice
The Sky have struggled to translate individual production into team success in recent seasons and appear to be pivoting toward a broader rebuild centered on draft capital and roster flexibility. The move is among the most significant transactions of the WNBA season, pairing a rising star with a team seeking immediate impact while allowing another to reshape its future. Reese is expected to join the Dream ahead of the upcoming slate of games as Atlanta integrates its newest addition into the rotation.
NFL Brings Flag Football to Schools Across Australia with National Kit Distribution
Commissioner Goodell announced initiative during Gold Coast clinic with 400 local kids.GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA — April 9, 2026 — The National Football League today announced a nationwide initiative to provide free flag football kits to all schools across Australia, expanding access to the sport and supporting youth participation as part of its continued investment in the region. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced the initiative during a youth flag football clinic on the Gold Coast during his visit to Australia, alongside International Federation of American Football (IFAF) President, Pierre Trochet. More than 400 local kids participated in the free clinic alongside Australian and International flag football players, including Global Flag Ambassador and Mexico Women’s Team Captain, Diana Flores, Australian captains, Jared Stegman and Abbie Leyshon, and former Australian NFL players Ben Graham and Arryn Sippos. “Flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and Australia is helping to lead the movement,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “These flag kits will give more young people an opportunity to learn the game, be part of a team and gain skills that will benefit them on and off the field.” “We are thrilled to be making the announcement today that flag football kits will be offered to every school in Australia, with Queensland and Victoria being the first two states to receive their kits,” said NFL General Manager – Australia and New Zealand, Charlotte Offord. “We want to ensure that every school and student gets the same opportunity to play, so providing free flag football kits is a great way to ensure there are no barriers to playing the sport.” The initiative is a key part of the league’s efforts to support youth health and wellness while expanding access to the sport, providing students with the opportunity to move, play and grow through flag football. The program in Australia will also equip students and educators with the resources needed to introduce and grow the game at the grassroots level. Included in the kits will be 12 flag belts, three footballs, and NFL Flag curriculum and resources to support teachers introducing the game into their school. Flag football continues to see rapid growth at a grassroots level in Australia and across the Asia-Pacific region. Started as a pilot program in ten schools in 2022, the national flag competition has now expanded to more than 500 schools and close to 100,000 students participating in state, national and international flag football tournaments. Last year, students from both the U13 (primary school) and U15 (high school) age groups flew to the US to compete in the NFL Flag International Championships. With more than 8.8 million passionate fans in Australia, the NFL has a growing presence, and is committed to investing in the development of the game year-round across the entire Asia-Pacific region. The NFL opened its Australia office in 2022; officially launched its national flag football program in 2023; opened the NFL APAC Academy in 2024; and has established a strong, year-round calendar of events and fan activity across the country, culminating in the announcement of the first-ever regular season NFL game being played in Melbourne in September 2026. Flag football is played by more than 20 million people in over 100 countries worldwide and continues to see rapid growth, particularly among youth and girls’ participation. The sport will make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, with growing momentum around its long-term inclusion in future Olympic programs. The NFL has continued to invest in international growth through grassroots participation, youth development and strategic partnerships, with Australia representing a key market in the league’s global expansion efforts. It is played across all states and territories in Australia, with almost 100,000 participants currently playing the game across more than 500 schools. In partnership with the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) and American Football Australia (AFA) the league continues to showcase efforts to increase participation and inspire the next generation. Media Contacts: Ashley Stewart, NFL (Australia); Ashley.Stewart@nfl.com Morgan Rubin, NFL; Morgan.Rubin@nfl.com |
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