Publication date: 08 Jul 2025
About the National Football League Draft
The NFL Draft (or the Player Selection Meeting) is an annual event during which National Football League teams recruit new players from college teams. The right to be selected in the draft can be used not only to select players, but also to exchange them for another number in the line-up. To attract more fans, the location of the draft changes every year.
The National Football League Draft is one of the most significant events in US sports life. In 2017, almost 250,000 fans and 1,800 media representatives attended the event. A preliminary list of contenders is generated before the Super Bowl takes place.
2026 NFL Draft
In the spring of 2026, American football fans will be treated to one of the most exciting events of the offseason — the NFL Draft. This time, it will be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from April 23 to 25, 2026. This is the 91st draft in the history of the league, and for the first time, it will be hosted by the home of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The main draft sites will be located in iconic places in the city: Acrisure Stadium, Point State Park, and the North Shore waterfront. Guests and fans will not only be able to see the picks announced and future stars take the stage, but also a large festival: interactive zones, meetings with NFL legends, fan zones, concerts, and family activities.
The city received the right to host the draft in May 2024 after a decision by the NFL leadership. The organizers promise to make the event large-scale, accessible and memorable – both for fans and for residents of Pittsburgh. It will not only be a sports show, but also a real holiday for everyone who loves American football.
History of the NFL Draft
The first Player Selection Meeting was held on 8 February 1936 in Philadelphia. It lasted 9 rounds, with 90 players participating in the draft. The event itself received no media publicity. Jay Berwanger is the first ever drafted player.
Between 1937 and 1946, the draft was enshrined in the National Football League Constitution.
In the early 1980s, the question arose of showing live broadcasts of NFL drafts. In 1988, the event began to be held on a weekend and then ESPN TV ratings increased significantly.
Players selected at number one in the draft
Several of the players selected at number one in the draft were also elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
| The year | Venue | Results |
| 2025 | Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA | Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans |
| 2024 | Detroit, Michigan, USA | Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears |
| 2023 | Kansas City, Missouri, USA | Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers |
2027 NFL Draft
The 92nd National Football League draft will traditionally take place in April 2027. The exact dates and location will be announced later.
Keep an eye on the dates of football events and other activities on our Sports Events Calendar.
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