When does Round 2 of the NFL Draft start? Schedule and starting time for rounds two and three
The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft concluded on Thursday with Fernando Mendoza going first overall to the Raiders. Here’s what to know about Rounds 2-3.
After the 32 NFL teams made their Day 1 selections on Thursday in the first round, the 2026 NFL Draft continues on Friday with the second and third rounds. Day 2 is when teams often find steals and long-term contributors.
Here’s everything you need to know about when the next rounds begin and how the rest of the draft schedule unfolds.
When does Round 2 of the NFL Draft start?
Round 2 of the NFL Draft is scheduled to begin on Friday, April 24 at:
- 7:00 p.m. ET
- 6:00 p.m. CT
- 5:00 p.m. MT
- 4:00 p.m. PT
Round 3 will follow immediately after the conclusion of Round 2 on the same night.
Day 2 typically moves much faster than the opening round, with teams having 7 minutes per pick in Round 2 and 5 minutes per pick in Round 3.
Full NFL Draft schedule
Here’s a quick look at what remains of the full NFL Draft schedule:
Rounds 2-3
- Date: Friday, April 24
- Start time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Rounds 4-7
- Date: Saturday, April 25
- Start time: 12:00 p.m. ET
While Round 1 gets most of the attention, Day 2 is often where strong draft classes are built. Many of the league’s top players, including Pro Bowlers and even Hall of Fame talents, have historically been selected in Rounds 2 and 3. Teams that may have missed on top targets in Round 1 often regroup and find immediate-impact players on Friday night.
It’s also a prime window for trades, as teams look to move up for sliding prospects or stockpile additional picks.
How to watch Rounds 2 and 3
Fans can watch the second and third rounds live on:
- ESPN
- NFL Network
- Streaming via ESPN App and NFL+
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