Inside the NFL’s strategy to turn the 2026 draft into a social moment you can’t escape

The NFL set up a real time command center to blast close to 1,000 social posts a day to its fans during the draft.

Bryce Gustafson, NFL senior director, social programming & initiative integration (center) surrounded by his team NFL Draft Night April 23, 2026. [Source Photo: NFL]

When The Las Vegas Raiders announced Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza as the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft yesterday, it kicked off what might just be the most special time of year for any football fan. 

This three day draft period—April 23-25—is unquestionably the moment in the year........

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