Clear those schedules, football fans — the 2026 NFL Draft is here, and California teams will be among those closely watched all weekend.
Before the calendar flips to May, the NFL world turns its attention to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where front offices will shape the future of their franchises. For fans in California, the draft carries extra intrigue, with the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers all looking to fill key needs and push deeper into playoff contention.
Over three days, seven rounds and more than 250 picks, college stars will hear their names called and begin the next chapter of their careers. For some, it’s the realization of a lifelong dream. For others, the path to an NFL roster may come later — or the hard way.
Here’s what to know about when the picks begin and how to watch every round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
What time is the first round of the NFL draft today?
How to watch NFL draft today: TV channel, streaming
There are multiple ways to catch all three days of the 2026 NFL draft, both on TV and streaming.
Watch 2026 NFL Draft LIVE with Fubo
What time is each day of the 2026 NFL Draft?
The 2026 NFL Draft begins at 5 p.m. PT on Thursday, April 23. It will only feature the first round on the opening night, with the second and third rounds taking place on Friday, April 24 and then the final four on Saturday, April 25.
Here’s the full list of start times for each day:
2026 NFL Draft order
Here’s the full order for the first-round of the 2026 NFL Draft:
California NFL teams draft needs: 49ers, Rams, Chargers
California is home to three NFL franchises, and each enters the 2026 draft with different priorities as they look to rebuild, reload or make a Super Bowl push.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: 2026 NFL Draft start time how to watch and California team needs
Reporting by Nick Brinkerhoff and James Ward, USA TODAY NETWORK / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
