5 annoying moments from the 2026 NFL Draft

Q: What changes were made to the NFL Draft in 2026?

The 2026 NFL Draft introduced an eight-minute clock, reduced from ten minutes, and included international selection pickers.

Q: What were some annoying moments from the 2026 NFL Draft?

The article discusses various annoying moments from the draft that may need evaluation for future events.

Q: How did the location of the NFL Draft change in 2026?

The 2026 NFL Draft was held in cities outside of New York, marking a significant change in its traditional location.

Q: Why is the eight-minute clock significant in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The eight-minute clock is significant as it reduces the time teams have to make selections, impacting the pace of the draft.

5 annoying moments from the 2026 NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Now that the NFL Draft has concluded, its time to address the annoying elephants in the room.

The NFL implimented a few new aspects this year. The biggest of which was the eight minute clock, down from the previous 10 minute clock.

In addition to the time aspect, this was the first year with a significant international selection pickers. Even the Draft being held in cities not named New York is relatively new.

Here, we'll revisit some of the more annoying moments that might need to be evaluated before future drafts.

The five most annoying moments from the 2026 NFL Draft

Guest picker shout outs

As long as there are guest pickers that are regular people/fans, there will be a compulsion to give shout outs during their moment. Shouting out those who put them in a position to make the pick is fine, almost expected. However, many of the shout outs were to random people no one watching is aware of. With many guest pickers giving out several shout outs. (video below)

Cutting WWE promos

No one should've been surprised when ESPN host and former Colt Pat McAfee went on stage to deliver an address that is straight of WWE promos. It was annoying when McAfee did it, it became more annoying when other non-WWE employed pickers followed suit. (video below)

Playing the host city's rallying cry

On the surface, playing the host city's rallying cry probably seems to be above board. Its the draft, in their city, why wouldn't they? The answer is rival fans. Every fanbase is represented in the viewership of the draft. Browns, Ravens and Bengals fans hearing "Renegade" for every PIT pick is triggering. Just like the Eagles screech on every Eagles pick would likely trigger Cowboys, Commanders and Giants fans. Its alienating. (video below)

McVay was annoyed

Everyone who watched the 2025 NFL Draft likely remembers the Shedeur Sanders draft slide and the unenthusiastic look from recently dismissed head coach Kevin Stefanski and GM Andrew Berry after the pick was announced. Rams coach Sean McVay in 2026 figuratively expressed, "hold my beer". Both from the war room and later in post draft press conference, McVay looked as annoyed with the pick of Ty Simpson as possible. Even adding "we'll keep that between us" when asked about the pick. (video below)

Using children as shields

There were a few examples of guest pickers that were accompanied by their children. The basic concept is fine. Sharing that moment with the family is not something we should criticize. Unless... those children are used as shields while saying something the attending audience would dislike. If you're going to say "Steelers still s--k" saying it with your whole chest and without a child shield. (video below)