NFL Draft Caps Busy End Of April Sports Schedule
The last few days of April include a packed sports calendar.
The NBA and NHL playoffs are underway, as is professional and collegiate baseball.
In addition, the Kentucky Derby draw and NFL Draft are set to take place at the end of this month. These events and more traditionally generate intense interest among fans and bettors.
NFL Draft Set For This Week
The highlight of April’s final few days is the NFL Draft, set for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
The first five teams in order are:
- Las Vegas Raiders
- New York Jets
- Arizona Cardinals
- Tennessee Titans
- New York Giants
The first pick, held by the Raiders, is expected to be Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, pictured. who led the Indiana Hoosiers to a national title last season.
In some projected drafts, Mendoza is the only quarterback tabbed to be taken the first round. Other quarterbacks expected to be selected later in the draft include:
- Ty Simpson, Alabama
- Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
- Cole Payton, North Dakota State
- Carson Beck, Miami
- Taylen Green, Arkansas
- Drew Allar, Penn State
- Cade Klubnik, Clemson
- Behren Morton, Texas Tech
- Sawyer Robertson, Baylor
Below are other collegiate players who could be taken among the top players in the 2026 draft:
- Arvell Reese, linebacker, Ohio State
- David Bailey, defensive end, Texas Tech
- Jeremiyah Love, running back, Notre Dame
- Sonny Styles, linebacker, Ohio State
- Rueben Bain, edge, Miami
- Caleb Downs, safety, Ohio State
- Makai Lemon, USC
- Vega Ioane, offensive lineman, Penn State
Anticipation Builds For Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby draw for the 152nd Run for the Roses takes place April 25. The field of 3-year-old thoroughbreds can be as high as 20 but this year is expected to be about 17.
During the draw, Nick Tammaro, the new morning-line oddsmaker at Churchill Downs in Louisville, will set the morning line, with Arkansas Derby winner Renegade projected as the favorite.
The race on May 2 sets the stage for the other two Triple Crown events. No horse has won the Triple Crown since Justify in 2018.
Last year, Sovereignty won the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes but did not run in the Preakness Stakes. Journalism won the Preakness in 2025.
2026 Triple Crown Races
Below are the dates for the 2026 Triple Crown races.
- Kentucky Derby: Saturday, May 2, 2026 – Churchill Downs (Louisville, Kentucky)
- Preakness Stakes: Saturday, May 16, 2026 – Laurel Park (Laurel, Maryland)
- Belmont Stakes: Saturday, June 6, 2026 – Saratoga Race Course (Saratoga Springs, New York)
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