The 2026 NFL Draft starts at 8 p.m. ET, with the Steelers picking at No. 21 in the first round. Fans should tune in for the team's selection as it could be a late night in Pittsburgh.
So what time will the Steelers make their pick? Here's when you should tune in if you're not at the draft.
What time do Steelers pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Draft is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET, and the Steelers are slated to pick at No. 21 in the first round of the draft. Teams get 10 minutes to make their first-round selections.
If each team takes the full amount of time, Pittsburgh might have to wait 200 minutes – three hours and 20 minutes – to be on the clock. That means the Steelers' first pick might not come until 11:30 p.m. ET.
That time could change, however, depending on whether or not each team takes the full allotted time to make a pick or Pittsburgh makes a trade to move up or down the draft order.
Who are the Steelers eyeing for Round 1?
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers is expected to make a decision about whether or not he'll stay with the Steelers at some point, a choice Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen recently said was "50-50."
Some speculated Rodgers might make a decision before or at the draft, but NFL insider Tom Pelissero said Rodgers' timeline to announce his plans would happen after draft, possibly in May.
Q&A
What time does the 2026 NFL Draft start?
The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET.
At what pick number are the Steelers selecting in the first round?
The Steelers are slated to pick at No. 21 in the first round of the draft.
How long do teams have to make their first-round selections in the NFL Draft?
Teams have 10 minutes to make their first-round selections during the NFL Draft.
Where is the 2026 NFL Draft being held?
The 2026 NFL Draft is being held in Pittsburgh.
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Other than the Arizona Cardinals, every NFL team already has a clear starter or candidates to win the starting job for 2026.
As they head into the draft, the Steelers have needs at quarterback, safety, linebacker, cornerback, wide receiver, a running back and offensive tackle. Only five of 14 quarterbacks presumed to go in the 2026 draft receieved a grade of B or higher from USA TODAY experts.
When will Steelers make their next picks in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Rounds 2 and 3 will take place on Friday, April 24, starting at 7 p.m. ET, while Rounds 4-7 will start at noon ET on Saturday, April 25.
Round 2 picks will last seven minutes, while picks in rounds 3–6 picks will be five minutes each. In Round 7, teams will get four minutes.
As of April 23, Pittsburgh has the No. 53 overall pick in the second round and Nos. 76, 85 and 99 in the third round.
Where can I watch, stream the 2026 NFL Draft?
Round 1 of the NFL Draft will start at 8 p.m. ET.
Multiple channels will broadcast the draft, including NFL Network, ABC, ESPN and ESPN Deportes. The draft will be available for streaming on NFL+.
Do I need tickets to attend the NFL Draft?
It's free to attend the draft, but attendees must register for free access to the draft campus ahead of time through the NFL OnePass app or on the NFL's website.
Where in Pittsburgh is NFL Draft 2026?
The NFL Draft will take place from April 23–25, with events split across the Allegheny River.
The Draft Theater and Main Stage are set to be located on the North Shore in the area outside Acrisure Stadium, according to VisitPITTSBURGH. The NFL Draft Experience, a free fan festival, will take place at Point State Park in Downtown Pittsburgh.
