Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward was the first pick of the 2025 NFL draft [Getty Images]NFL draft 2026
Venue: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Dates: Thursday, 23 April - Saturday, 25 April Start: 20:00 EDT (01:00 BST, Friday)
The NFL features more than 2,200 players across the league's 32 teams and most are recruited via the NFL draft each April.
Every year thousands of players in the US collegiate system become eligible for the draft but the total number of selections is limited to about 250.
Although players who go undrafted can still be signed later, most future stars are picked up during the three-day event.
But early draft picks can often flop in the NFL while some chosen late become greats - Tom Brady was selected 199th overall in 2000 yet went on to win a record seven Super Bowls.
The draft is divided into seven rounds - the first taking place on a Thursday, rounds two and three on Friday and four to seven on Saturday.
All 32 teams have one pick in each round, going in the reverse order of the previous season's standings, unless they have agreed trades.
There have already been trades for seven first-round draft picks this year, meaning six teams will get two first-round picks and six others will have none.
The Las Vegas Raiders had last season's worst record so they will go first with the Super Bowl winners, the Seattle Seahawks, going last.
The NFL's next superstar and how mum's struggle inspired rise to top
Is the NFL Draft key to reviving the fortunes of failing franchises?
Instead of paying transfer fees, NFL teams trade future draft picks and/or current players to acquire players from other teams or move up in the draft.
The Kansas City Chiefs, for example, traded away three picks in 2017 to climb into position to select current star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
In 2023, the Carolina Panthers traded up to take the first pick from the Chicago Bears and select quarterback Bryce Young.
In this year's draft, the New York Jets will have the second pick due to their poor record in the 2025 season, plus the 16th pick via a trade.
Teams may negotiate trades at any time before and during the draft.
The number of players selected varies slightly each year and this year there will be 257 picks.
NFL teams scout players at college and then assess them during the NFL Combine, a week-long event in February featuring physical and mental tests where teams can also interview prospects.
Each college/university holds a Pro Day, where draft hopefuls have another chance to showcase their skills, and they may also visit teams for more tests and interviews.