PITTSBURGH — The red carpet rolled out Thursday night ahead of the first round of the 2026 NFL draft, with top prospects arriving in style at the event site in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Ohio State defensive lineman Kayden McDonald, Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor, Southern California wide receiver Makai Lemon, Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman, Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa, Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood, and Ohio State safety Zo Styles Jr. were among those who posed for photos and signed autographs.
Love, who walked the carpet with family, was later selected No. 3 overall by the Arizona Cardinals, making him the highest-drafted running back since Saquon Barkley went No. 2 to the New York Giants in 2018.
The Las Vegas Raiders opened the draft by selecting Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick. The New York Jets followed at No. 2, taking Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey.
