Live updates: 2026 NFL Draft, Round 1

TL;DR

The 2026 NFL Draft begins tonight, with the Las Vegas Raiders expected to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza first overall. The Detroit Lions hold the 17th pick and may choose an offensive tackle to replace Taylor Decker.

Key points

2026 NFL Draft starts tonight in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Las Vegas Raiders expected to pick Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza first
Detroit Lions hold the 17th overall pick
Lions may select an offensive tackle to replace Taylor Decker
No Michigan college players projected for Round 1

Fernando MendozaTaylor DeckerLas Vegas RaidersDetroit Lions

The 2026 NFL Draft is finally here, with the Las Vegas Raiders slated to make the first pick — heavily favored to be Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza — sometime after 8 p.m. EST from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The Detroit Lions hold one pick in the first round on Thursday evening, the No. 17 overall selection. The Lions have been projected to select any number of potential players, with a lot of late chatter centering around Detroit selecting an offensive tackle to replace Taylor Decker.

The Detroit News’ Nolan Bianchi, Richard Silva and John Niyo have covered just about every angle for how Detroit could approach the first round. Along with Thursday's first round pick, Detroit currently holds a second round pick for Friday, and a slew of picks in Round 4 and onward for Saturday.

As for prospects from Michigan colleges, it’s largely expected to be slim pickings Round 1, as no players from any of Michigan’s colleges are projected to be picked on Thursday night.

Follow along here for live updates from Detroit News contributor Andrew Graham.

More: 2026 NFL Draft: Everything you need to know about the Detroit Lions