The stage is set for a pivotal night in Pittsburgh. With the 2026 NFL Draft just two weeks away, the league has unveiled the 16 prospects invited to experience the first-round frenzy in person from the green room. This list offers a clear signal of who the NFL expects to hear their name called on day one.

The most surprising absence is quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the consensus favorite to be selected first overall. His non-attendance isn't a snub, but a personal choice; the top prospect has opted to celebrate the milestone with his family at home in Miami.

Conversely, the most notable presence is fellow quarterback Ty Simpson. His invitation is significant, as it quiets offseason debates about whether any QB besides Mendoza is worthy of a first-round grade. The league's gesture strongly suggests teams are prepared to invest a premier pick in Simpson's arm talent.

However, a green room invitation is not a guarantee. History offers a cautionary tale: in 2023, 17 attended, but only 13 were picked in the first round. Quarterback Will Levis famously endured a long, unselected night before the Tennessee Titans traded up to snag him at the top of the second round.

This dynamic creates a fascinating subplot for teams picking early on day two. If a highly-touted prospect slips out of the first round, a scramble for positioning ensues. For the Las Vegas Raiders, holding the 36th overall pick, monitoring which players might fall could present a major opportunity to land unexpected value at the top of the second round.