16 prospects set to attend 1st round of 2026 NFL draft

The 2026 NFL draft is about two weeks away with the first round beginning Thursday, April 23 at 5 p. m. Arizona time.

The Arizona Cardinals have the third pick in the draft. The league announced on Thursday that 16 prospects are confirmed to be there in Pittsburgh for the draft. There will be a notable absence, as expected top pick, quarterback Fernando Mendoza, will not attend.

More will likely confirm their attendance before the draft, but here are the players we know will attend. Which draft prospects will attend the 2026 NFL draft? Miami EDGE Rueben Bain Jr.

LSU CB Mansoor Delane Ohio State S Caleb Downs Auburn EDGE Keldric Faulk Tennessee CB Colton Hood USC WR Makai Lemon Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love Miami OT Francis Mauigoa Ohio State DT Kayden McDonald Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor Ohio State EDGE/LB Arvell Reese Alabama QB Ty Simpson Ohio State LB Sonny Styles Ohio State WR Carnell Tate Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson Potential Cardinals picks attending In this group of players, a few have been connected to the Cardinals — Bain, Love, Reese and Mauigoa. Likewise, Simpson is a possibility, although not with the third overall pick. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast.