5 annoying moments from the 2026 NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Now that the NFL Draft has concluded, its time to address the annoying elephants in the room.
The NFL implimented a few new aspects this year. The biggest of which was the eight minute clock, down from the previous 10 minute clock.
In addition to the time aspect, this was the first year with a significant international selection pickers. Even the Draft being held in cities not named New York is relatively new.
Here, we'll revisit some of the more annoying moments that might need to be evaluated before future drafts.
As long as there are guest pickers that are regular people/fans, there will be a compulsion to give shout outs during their moment. Shouting out those who put them in a position to make the pick is fine, almost expected. However, many of the shout outs were to random people no one watching is aware of. With many guest pickers giving out several shout outs. (video below)
No one should've been surprised when ESPN host and former Colt Pat McAfee went on stage to deliver an address that is straight of WWE promos. It was annoying when McAfee did it, it became more annoying when other non-WWE employed pickers followed suit. (video below)
On the surface, playing the host city's rallying cry probably seems to be above board. Its the draft, in their city, why wouldn't they? The answer is rival fans. Every fanbase is represented in the viewership of the draft. Browns, Ravens and Bengals fans hearing "Renegade" for every PIT pick is triggering. Just like the Eagles screech on every Eagles pick would likely trigger Cowboys, Commanders and Giants fans. Its alienating. (video below)
Everyone who watched the 2025 NFL Draft likely remembers the Shedeur Sanders draft slide and the unenthusiastic look from recently dismissed head coach Kevin Stefanski and GM Andrew Berry after the pick was announced. Rams coach Sean McVay in 2026 figuratively expressed, "hold my beer". Both from the war room and later in post draft press conference, McVay looked as annoyed with the pick of Ty Simpson as possible. Even adding "we'll keep that between us" when asked about the pick. (video below)
There were a few examples of guest pickers that were accompanied by their children. The basic concept is fine. Sharing that moment with the family is not something we should criticize. Unless... those children are used as shields while saying something the attending audience would dislike. If you're going to say "Steelers still s--k" saying it with your whole chest and without a child shield. (video below)
From Australia to the Draft stage.Fan of the Year Adrian Wood reveals the @Bengals pick of WR Colbie Young 🐅 @NFLAUNZNFL Draft on NFLN/ESPN/ABCStream on @nflpluspic.twitter.com/GubJhSvK2N
🔵 Pat Mcafee draft seçimini açıklarken sihirbazlık gösterisi yapmayı unutmuyor.pic.twitter.com/9gmswffe3n
"McAfee, you're not the only one who can cut a promo." 😂What a pick announcement from @NFLCanada's Darryl RussellNFL Draft on NFLN/ESPN/ABCStream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/Lq5jB3FYA0
Couldn't have an NFL Draft in the Burgh without RENEGADE ⚫🟡 pic.twitter.com/SIIRni9hKe
— SportsNet Pittsburgh (@SNPittsburgh) April 24, 2026
Me, after hearing “Renegade” what seemed like 40 billion times during NFL draft coverage: pic.twitter.com/LBeParkT7K
Sean McVay is OUTRAGED at the Ty Simpson pick pic.twitter.com/EEw7oh62iH
Mark Ingram and son, thanks for the great laugh NFL Draft Baltimore Ravens https://t.co/kk00ysU9dc
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