The 5 best moments from the 2026 NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The NFL Draft is full of great moments. In 2026, five stood out more than the rest.

While most fans are focused on players, draft order and who will get the best players, the Draft almost always provides lighter, more dramatic or heart felt moments to remember.

2026 was no different. The five best moments include heart felt, dramatic and even cringe worthy moments. The following is those five moments, ranked.

At the ninth pick in the 3rd round the broadcast cut to video of Georgia tight end Oscar Delp's home. What many in that room did not notice was the family dog, who saw an opportunity to snag the good seat on the couch while all the humans on their feet celebrating. (video below)

When the Eagles were on the clock at 20, Makai Lemon was on the phone with the Steelers who owned the 21st pick. Melon mid-call looked up and said, why is Philly calling me? The Eagles traded up to 20 to draft Lemon. Pulling the rug out from underneath the Steelers who were going to take him one pick later. (video below)

For years there has been an NFL Draft tradition performed by Willie Brown. As a former player and honorary pick announcer, year after year, Brown would start his announcement by saying, "Call your mother on Mother's Day". That went on for years. Matt Millen-a former Raider, continue the tradition in 2026 with Ingold's famous quote. (video below)

Utah OT Caleb Lomu chose to dance for his NFL Draft b-roll video that would be played while the analysts discussed the pick.  Many on the internet describing it as cringeworthy. In an interview, Lomu's teammate Spencer Fano reacted to the dancing saying, "I hope he doesn't have a bad game, that clip will be everywhere. A good game too, that clip will be out there regardless." (video below)

Pittsburgh native and Navy Midshipman Eli Heidenreich was selected with the 14th pick in the seventh round. 7th rounders rarely take the walk, but this was different. In his Naval dress blues, Heidenreich made the walk. The result was a local reception for a local kid that looked and sounded like he was the first pick in the draft. A class move by locals in attendance. (video below)

What a moment for @DelpOscar 🥹#GoDawgs | #NFLDraftpic.twitter.com/dQMqIc6z8j

— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) April 25, 2026

“Why is Philly calling me?” 😳USC WR Makai Lemon was on the phone with Steelers GM Omar Khan before the Eagles traded up to draft him. pic.twitter.com/BoAnbrOwgp

Kiper: "He's got to get in the weight room & get stronger."Caleb Lomu: *cringley dancing*The Patriots drafted an absolute clown 💀 pic.twitter.com/IUAdygVAE4

Awesome moment at the NFL Draft as Navy’s Eli Heidenreich is taken by the Pittsburgh Steelers ⚓️🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/XRQzyasRPw

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