When Does the NFL Draft Begin?

The NFL Draft is an annual event that attracts millions of fans and media outlets worldwide. It is a crucial event for the National Football League (NFL) as it determines the future of the league. The draft is a two-day event where teams select college football players to join their rosters. But when does the NFL Draft begin? This article will provide you with all the information you need to know about the NFL Draft timeline, including the start time, key dates, and important events.

Introduction

The NFL Draft is a significant event in the football calendar. It is a time when the best college football players are selected by NFL teams. The draft is a two-day event that typically takes place in late April or early May. The first round of the draft is usually the most anticipated, as it determines the top picks in the league. But when does the NFL Draft begin? Let’s dive into the details.

The NFL Draft Timeline

The NFL Draft is a two-day event that typically takes place in late April or early May. The exact dates can vary slightly from year to year, but the draft usually begins on the Thursday evening before the first round and continues into the following Friday. Here is a breakdown of the key dates and events:

Thursday Night

• Start Time: The NFL Draft usually begins on Thursday evening, around 7:00 PM Eastern Time.
• First Round: The first round of the draft is the most anticipated, as it determines the top picks in the league. The first round typically begins around 8:00 PM Eastern Time.
• Key Events: The first round is followed by the second round, which begins around 10:00 PM Eastern Time. The third round begins around 12:00 AM Eastern Time.

Friday

• Start Time: The second day of the draft typically begins around 10:00 AM Eastern Time.
• Key Events: The second day of the draft includes the fourth through seventh rounds. The seventh round is the final round of the draft.

The NFL Draft Process

The NFL Draft is a complex process that involves several steps. Here is a breakdown of the key steps in the draft process:

College Football Season

The NFL Draft begins with the college football season. Teams scout and evaluate college players throughout the season. The draft is based on the performance of these players in college.

Combine

Before the draft, players participate in the NFL Scouting Combine. The combine is a series of physical and mental tests that help teams evaluate players. The combine is held in February or March, depending on the year.

Draft Order

The draft order is determined by the previous season’s standings. The team with the worst record gets the first pick, and the team with the second-worst record gets the second pick, and so on.

Draft Picks

Teams select players based on their draft picks. The first round consists of 32 picks, with the first pick going to the team with the worst record. The second round consists of 64 picks, and the third round consists of 96 picks. The fourth round consists of 128 picks, the fifth round consists of 160 picks, the sixth round consists of 182 picks, the seventh round consists of 243 picks.

The NFL Draft Format

The NFL Draft is a two-day event that is broadcast live on television. The draft is held in a large auditorium, where the commissioner of the NFL makes the first pick. The commissioner is followed by the general managers of the teams, who make their selections.

Live Broadcast

The NFL Draft is broadcast live on television. The draft is also streamed online, allowing fans to watch from anywhere in the world. The draft is broadcast on various networks, including ESPN, NFL Network, and CBS.

Draft Picks

The draft picks are announced by the commissioner of the NFL. The commissioner is followed by the general managers of the teams, who make their selections. The draft picks are announced in alphabetical order, with the first pick going to the team with the worst record.

Draft Lottery

The draft lottery is a random drawing that determines the order of the first-round picks. The lottery is held in March, and the teams with the worst records are eligible to participate.

The Impact of the NFL Draft

The NFL Draft has a significant impact on the NFL. The draft determines the future of the league, as it determines the players who will join the teams. The draft also has an impact on the college football season, as it determines the players who will be available for the draft.

Player Development

The NFL Draft is a time when players can develop their skills and careers. The draft provides players with an opportunity to play in the NFL, which is the highest level of football in the world.

Team Building

The NFL Draft is a time when teams can build their rosters. The draft provides teams with an opportunity to select players who can help them win games.

Fan Engagement

The NFL Draft is a time when fans can engage with the league. The draft provides fans with an opportunity to watch the future of the league.

The Future of the NFL Draft

The future of the NFL Draft is uncertain. The NFL is constantly evolving, and the draft may change in the future. The NFL has considered various changes to the draft, including a salary cap for draft picks and a draft lottery for the first-round picks.

Salary Cap for Draft Picks

The NFL has considered implementing a salary cap for draft picks. The salary cap would limit the amount of money that teams can spend on draft picks. The salary cap would help to prevent teams from spending too much money on draft picks and would help to level the playing field.

Draft Lottery for First-Round Picks

The NFL has also considered implementing a draft lottery for the first-round picks. The lottery would determine the order of the first-round picks. The lottery would help to prevent teams from manipulating the draft order and would help to ensure that the best players are selected.

Conclusion

The NFL Draft is a significant event in the football calendar. It is a time when the best college football players are selected by NFL teams. The draft is a two-day event that typically takes place in late April or early May. The NFL Draft begins on Thursday evening, around 7:00 PM Eastern Time. The draft is broadcast live on television and is streamed online. The draft has a significant impact on the NFL, as it determines the future of the league. The future of the NFL Draft is uncertain, but it is clear that the draft will continue to be an important event in the football calendar.

FAQ

When does the NFL Draft begin?

The NFL Draft begins on Thursday evening, around 7:00 PM Eastern Time.

What is the draft order?

The draft order is determined by the previous season’s standings. The team with the worst record gets the first pick, and the team with the second-worst record gets the second pick, and so on.

How long does the NFL Draft last?

The NFL Draft is a two-day event that typically takes place in late April or early May.

Where is the NFL Draft held?

The NFL Draft is held in a large auditorium, where the commissioner of the NFL makes the first pick.

How can I watch the NFL Draft?

The NFL Draft is broadcast live on television and is streamed online.

Resources

Official NFL Website

The official NFL website provides the latest information on the NFL Draft, including the draft order, key dates, and important events.

NFL Network

The NFL Network provides live coverage of the NFL Draft, including interviews with players, coaches, and general managers.

ESPN

ESPN provides live coverage of the NFL Draft, including analysis and commentary from experts.

CBS Sports

CBS Sports provides live coverage of the NFL Draft, including interviews with players, coaches, and general managers.

Call to Action

If you are interested in the NFL Draft, be sure to tune in to the live broadcast on Thursday evening. The NFL Draft is a time when the best college football players are selected by NFL teams. The draft is a two-day event that typically takes place in late April or early May. The NFL Draft begins on Thursday evening, around 7:00 PM Eastern Time. The draft is broadcast live on television and is streamed online. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to watch the future of the NFL.