Published • loading... • Updated
2026 NFL Draft Attendees Revealed: Why only 16 Players Will Be in Pittsburgh
Only 16 prospects will attend in person, and presumptive No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza will watch from Miami, according to NFL Network.
- The NFL announced that 16 players will attend the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh on April 23, down from 17 prospects who participated in last year's Green Bay event.
- Presumptive top overall pick Fernando Mendoza will forego attending to "share the draft experience with his family in Miami," according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, marking the first top-rated quarterback to watch from home since 2021.
- Attendees include five players from the Ohio State Buckeyes, such as safety Caleb Downs and edge rusher Arvell Reese, making the Pittsburgh event effectively a reunion for the program.
- A growing number of prospects are opting to watch from home rather than attend in person, citing reasons that include the desire for smaller, private gatherings with friends and family.
- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will call out the first round on April 23 at Acrisure Stadium, while ESPN and the NFL Network will provide separate broadcast coverage for fans.
Insights by Ground AI
17 Articles
17 Articles
Ty Simpson Announces NFL Draft Decision Amid Cardinals Buzz
Over the years, the first day of every NFL Draft has turned into a spectacle, with commissioner Roger Goodell announcing life-changing decisions for 32 players. However, the 2026 draft will have a slightly different look since Fernando Mendoza won’t be there to shake the commissioner’s hands while holding a Raiders’ jersey. Instead, he’d be staying home in Miami. But the green room will still have other first-round prospects, including the proje…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources17
Leaning Left4Leaning Right0Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left, 50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left, 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 50%
C 50%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
