The 5 best moments of the 2026 NFL Draft

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

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While most fans focus on the players, the draft order, and who will get the best players, the draft almost always offers lighter, dramatic, or poignant moments to remember.

2026 was no different. The five best moments include touching, dramatic, and even cringe-worthy moments. The following are those five moments, ranked.

The five best moments of the 2026 NFL Draft

The dog that stole the show

At the ninth pick of the third round, the broadcast cut to a video of Georgia tight end Oscar Delp’s home. What many in that room didn’t notice was the family dog, who saw an opportunity to take the good seat on the couch while all the humans stood celebrating. (video below)

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Makai Lemon Calls

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

Call your mother on Mother’s Day is still alive

For years there has been an NFL Draft tradition performed by Willie Brown. As a former player and honorary national team announcer, year after year, Brown began his announcement by saying, “Call your mother on Mother’s Day.” That continued for years. Matt Millen, a former Raider, continues the tradition in 2026 with Ingold’s famous quote. (video below)

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Caleb Lomu dancing

Utah OT Caleb Lomu chose to dance for his NFL Draft b-roll video that would play while analysts discussed the pick. Many on the Internet describe it as embarrassing. In an interview, Lomu’s teammate Spencer Fano reacted to the dance by saying, “I hope he doesn’t have a bad game, that clip will be everywhere. Good game too, that clip will be available anyway.” (video below)

Eli Heidenreich’s Pittsburgh Moment

Eli Heidenreich, a Pittsburgh native and Navy midshipman, was selected with the 14th pick in the seventh round. Seventh rounders rarely go for walks, but this was different. Wearing his navy blue suit, Heidenreich made the walk. The result was a local reception for a local kid who looked and sounded like he was the No. 1 pick in the draft. A class movement by the locals present. (video below)

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Video of the five best moments of the Draft

The dog that stole the show