On Thursday, April 23rd, dreams came true for NFL draftees during the first round of the 2026 NFL draft.

This year’s draft is being held in Pittsburgh, the home of the legendary fan base and team of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Fernando Mendoza, the reigning Heisman trophy winner and quarterback of national champions Indiana Hoosiers, was the first overall pick going to the Las Vegas Raiders.

“Mendoza going first was honestly a no brainer,” says Lower Dauphin junior Cayden Brassell.

Jeremiyah Love, the standout running back and Heisman trophy candidate for Notre Dame, also went as early as expected, being drafted third overall to the Arizona Cardinals.

Drama erupted with the 20th and 21st overall picks, between the Pennsylvania rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

With the 21st pick, the Steelers made the call to Southern California wide receiver Makai Lemon, preparing him to join the black and gold. 

That quickly changed while on the phone, another team rang in with the 20th pick, the Philadelphia Eagles. The eagles quickly traded to get the 20th pick, and swiped Lemon right under the Steelers feet.

“I think the Steelers were super rushed with their pick and it wasn’t a good one,” says Lower Dauphin junior Rylie Michael.

The NFL draft will continue with rounds 2-7 this weekend, starting Friday night.