2026 NFL Draft Set to Host 16 Top Prospects in Pittsburgh
The 2026 NFL Draft is set to host 16 top prospects in Pittsburgh, as confirmed by the NFL on Thursday. This significant event will showcase a diverse group of talented players, even though the anticipated No. 1 pick, Fernando Mendoza, will not be present.
Prospects Confirmed to Attend
A total of 16 players from various colleges will make their way to Pittsburgh for the draft scheduled from April 23 to April 25, 2026. Among them are:
- Caleb Downs (Ohio State)
- Kayden McDonald (Ohio State)
- Arvell Reese (Ohio State)
- Sonny Styles (Ohio State)
- Carnell Tate (Ohio State)
- Kadyn Proctor (Alabama)
- Ty Simpson (Alabama)
- Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami)
- Francis Mauigoa (Miami)
- David Bailey (Texas Tech)
- Mansoor Delane (LSU)
- Keldric Faulk (Auburn)
- Colton Hood (Tennessee)
- Makai Lemon (USC)
- Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame)
- Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State)
Decline in Attendance Over the Years
The number of prospects attending the NFL Draft has significantly decreased since a record of 30 players were present in 2014 at New York’s Radio City Music Hall. Key events impacting attendance include:
- 2020: Draft held virtually due to the pandemic.
- 2021: 13 players attended the draft in Cleveland.
- 2022: 21 players attended in Las Vegas.
- 2023: 17 players attended in Kansas City.
- 2024: 13 players attended in Detroit.
Some prospects prefer to watch the draft with family instead of sitting in the draft’s “green room,” where tension can build as players await their selection. This decision echoes Mendoza’s choice to spend the event privately.
Player Insights and Expectations
While Mendoza is projected to be the No. 1 overall pick, the rest of the attending prospects also harbor high hopes. Notably, Ty Simpson, ranked 36th by NFL.com analyst Daniel Jeremiah, is considered the second-best quarterback in this draft class after Mendoza.
Following in the footsteps of other notable players who bypassed the draft experience, Mendoza will be the sixth No. 1 pick to watch from afar since 2017. Similar paths were taken by top picks like Myles Garrett and Joe Burrow, who had to adapt to unique draft circumstances.
