The wait is finally over. Tonight, the future of the franchise shifts to Pittsburgh as the 2026 NFL Draft officially kicks off. For the Washington Commanders, sitting with the No. 7 overall pick, this isn’t just another draft—it’s the next critical building block under Adam Peters and Dan Quinn.
Whether you’re scouting for the next elite playmaker or just want to see the divisional rivals sweat, here is everything you need to know to catch every second of the action.
NFL Draft 2026: The Essential Schedule
The draft spans three days from Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. Set your alarms for these start times:
- Round 1: Thursday, April 23 @ 8:00 PM ET
- Rounds 2-3: Friday, April 24 @ 7:00 PM ET
- Rounds 4-7: Saturday, April 25 @ 12:00 PM ET
Where to Watch: TV and Streaming Options
The NFL isn’t making it hard to find the coverage this year. You have multiple ways to watch live:
On Television
- ABC: (Best for a “college game day” feel and human-interest stories)
- ESPN / ESPN2 / ESPN Deportes: (The gold standard for technical analysis)
- NFL Network: (Pure football junkies’ choice)
Live Streaming
- NFL+: Available on mobile and tablet.
- ESPN App / Disney+ / Hulu: ESPN’s broadcast will be simulcast across these platforms for subscribers.
- Fubo / YouTube TV / Sling TV: Any live TV streaming service that carries ABC/ESPN.
- Tubi: For the first time, Tubi is offering a free live stream of the draft via the NFL Channel.
Washington Commanders: What to Watch For
The Commanders are currently slated to pick 7th overall. Rumors are swirling around a heavy Ohio State influence, with safety Caleb Downs and wide receiver Carnell Tate (a Terry McLaurin favorite) topping the wishlist.
Washington’s 2026 Draft Capital:
- Round 1: Pick 7
- Round 3: Pick 71
- Round 5: Pick 147
- Round 6: Picks 187 & 209
- Round 7: Pick 223
Join the “Live Reaction” Hub
Don’t watch the pick in a vacuum. DC Sports King is your primary destination for instant, unfiltered reactions the moment the Commanders are on the clock.
📲 FOLLOW LIVE: Get the “boom or bust” analysis in real-time on our social feeds. We will be hosting a Live Reaction Thread as soon as the No. 7 pick is turned in.
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Don’t Miss the Morning After Recap
The draft moves fast, and the pick at No. 7 is just the beginning. Subscribe to the DC Sports King Newsletter right now to get our “Instant Grade & Analysis” delivered to your inbox first thing Friday morning. We’ll break down the scheme fit, the trade-back possibilities for Day 2, and what this means for Jayden Daniels and the offense moving forward.
