The 5 best moments from the 2026 NFL Draft

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The NFL Draft is full of great moments. In 2026, five stood out more than the rest.

While most fans are focused on players, draft order and who will get the best players, the Draft almost always provides lighter, more dramatic or heart felt moments to remember.

2026 was no different. The five best moments include heart felt, dramatic and even cringe worthy moments. The following is those five moments, ranked.

The five best moments from the 2026 NFL Draft

The dog that stole the show

At the ninth pick in the 3rd round the broadcast cut to video of Georgia tight end Oscar Delp's home. What many in that room did not notice was the family dog, who saw an opportunity to snag the good seat on the couch while all the humans on their feet celebrating. (video below)

Makai Lemon's calls

When the Eagles were on the clock at 20, Makai Lemon was on the phone with the Steelers who owned the 21st pick. Melon mid-call looked up and said, why is Philly calling me? The Eagles traded up to 20 to draft Lemon. Pulling the rug out from underneath the Steelers who were going to take him one pick later. (video below)

Call your mother on Mother's Day lives on

For years there has been an NFL Draft tradition performed by Willie Brown. As a former player and honorary pick announcer, year after year, Brown would start his announcement by saying, "Call your mother on Mother's Day". That went on for years. Matt Millen-a former Raider, continue the tradition in 2026 with Ingold's famous quote. (video below)

Caleb Lomu dancing

Utah OT Caleb Lomu chose to dance for his NFL Draft b-roll video that would be played while the analysts discussed the pick.  Many on the internet describing it as cringeworthy. In an interview, Lomu's teammate Spencer Fano reacted to the dancing saying, "I hope he doesn't have a bad game, that clip will be everywhere. A good game too, that clip will be out there regardless." (video below)

Eli Heidenreich's Pittsburgh moment

Pittsburgh native and Navy Midshipman Eli Heidenreich was selected with the 14th pick in the seventh round. 7th rounders rarely take the walk, but this was different. In his Naval dress blues, Heidenreich made the walk. The result was a local reception for a local kid that looked and sounded like he was the first pick in the draft. A class move by locals in attendance. (video below)

Video of the best five moments from the Draft

The dog that stole the show

Makai Lemon's calls

Call your mother on Mother's Day

Caleb Lomu dancing

Eli Heidenreich gets his Pittsburgh moment

More NFL Draft news:

• Diego Paiva receives unexpected projection in latest NFL mock draft
• Fernando Mendoza sets Fanatics NFL Draft record
• Deion Sanders shut out in 2026 NFL Draft with two Colorado castaways in top 40
• Todd McShay said the uncomfortable thing out loud about Diego Pavia
• Diego Pavia's NFL Draft rejection tied to size? Former Pro Bowl quarterback explains harsh reality