2026 NFL Draft: How to Watch Round 1, Time, Channel, Vikings Pick, and More

Apr 22, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; A general overall view of the 2026 NFL Draft theater stage at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

We are just hours away from the start of Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, where we will hear 32 young men get their names called and realize the fulfillment of a lifelong dream to become a part of the National Football League. We want you to be here watching all of the drama and action unfold here with us, so we’re going to give you all of the information that you need right here.

What Time Does Round 1 Start?

Tonight’s action gets underway at 7:00 PM Central time, which is the only time zone that matters. The only one that matters to us, anyway.

What Channels Will It Be On?

You can choose one of three different telecasts to get your coverage from. The Draft will be broadcast on ABC, ESPN, or the NFL Network. Each of them will have its own distinct broadcast to choose from (meaning that ABC will not just be simulcasting ESPN’s stuff), so there’s a bit of variety for you.

Where Can I Stream the Draft?

Well, if you have the NFL+ app, you can get it there. They’ll be streaming the NFL Network’s coverage. In addition, both Disney+ and Hulu will be streaming ESPN and ABC’s coverage. Or if you have a service like YouTube TV, you’ll have the NFL Network or ESPN or ABC on there as well.

What If I Want To Listen On the Radio?

If you’re close enough to have a KFAN affiliate nearby, they will be carrying the Draft starting at 7:00 PM Central. If you’re not near a KFAN affiliate, you’ll be able to find it on SiriusXM NFL Radio, Channel 88, ESPN Radio, or a Westwood One affiliate in your area.

What Pick Do the Vikings Have in Round 1?

The Vikings are currently slated to have the 18th pick in the first round.

So When Will the Vikings Pick?

We covered this in a post earlier this morning. We calculated that it would be somewhere around 9:24 PM Central at the very latest, but if you want to be safe, you should probably tune in sometime around 9:00 PM Central time if you want to see who the Vikings take in Round 1.