The NFL Draft is a highly anticipated event for football fans, marking the future of their favorite teams as college stars are selected. One of the most common questions as Draft day approaches is: what time does the draft actually start? Understanding the timing of the NFL Draft is key to making sure you don’t miss any of the action.
Key Times to Know for the NFL Draft
Typically held towards the end of April each year, the NFL Draft is a multi-day event, but the primetime coverage and most anticipated rounds happen on the first night. Round 1 of the NFL Draft usually starts at 8:00 PM Eastern Time (ET). This is when the most attention is focused, as teams make their top picks.
However, it’s important to remember that the NFL Draft spans three days. Here’s a general breakdown of the schedule:
- Round 1: Thursday evening, starting around 8:00 PM ET.
- Rounds 2-3: Friday evening, typically starting around 7:00 PM ET.
- Rounds 4-7: Saturday afternoon, usually beginning around 12:00 PM ET.
Keep in mind these times are approximate and can vary slightly year to year. Always check the official NFL schedule or your local listings closer to the draft date for the most accurate start times. If you are in a different time zone, be sure to convert Eastern Time to your local time to know exactly when to tune in. For example, 8:00 PM ET is 5:00 PM Pacific Time (PT).
Understanding the NFL Draft Schedule
The NFL Draft schedule is structured to build excitement over several days. Round 1, held in primetime, garners the most viewership as teams select players expected to be immediate impact players. The subsequent rounds continue to shape team rosters, with Rounds 2 and 3 on Friday evening and the remaining rounds taking place during the day on Saturday.
This staggered schedule allows fans to follow the draft without dedicating an entire day at once. It also creates multiple viewing opportunities and discussions points over the course of the event. For those particularly interested in specific rounds or teams, knowing the general schedule allows for better planning to watch.
A Quick Look at the Draft Selection Process
While knowing “What Time Does The Draft Start” is crucial, understanding the basic mechanics of the draft process adds to the viewing experience. Here’s a simplified overview based on how teams officially make their picks:
Player Selection
Each NFL team has a designated time limit to make their selection. When it’s their turn, the team communicates their pick from their headquarters to representatives at the Draft location. These representatives then officially record the player’s name, position, and school on a selection card.
Once a runner receives this completed card, the selection is official and irreversible. The runner then presents the card to league officials who announce the pick, and the clock resets for the next team. This process ensures a structured and official method for each team’s selection.
Passing
If a team doesn’t make a pick within their allotted time, they are considered to have “passed.” However, passing doesn’t mean forfeiting their pick. They can still submit a selection at any point after passing, as long as the next team hasn’t already made their pick. League officials monitor both teams in such situations to determine whose selection is official first, ensuring fairness and order.
Trading
Teams can also trade draft picks during the event. Trade information is communicated to the NFL, and if a trade involves the current pick on the clock, the trade must be approved before the acquiring team can make their selection. This adds another layer of excitement and strategy to the draft, as teams can move up or down the draft order to target specific players.
How to Watch the NFL Draft
To watch the NFL Draft and see all the selections made after it starts at the scheduled time, you have several viewing options. The NFL Draft is typically broadcast nationally on major sports networks such as:
- ESPN
- NFL Network
- ABC (for certain rounds)
You can also stream the NFL Draft through various platforms, including:
- NFL+ (NFL’s official streaming service)
- ESPN+ (for ESPN coverage)
- Streaming services that carry ESPN, NFL Network, and ABC (like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, etc.)
Check your local TV listings and streaming guides for the most up-to-date broadcast information to ensure you don’t miss the start of the NFL Draft and all the exciting picks as they happen.
Conclusion
Knowing “what time does the draft start” is essential for any NFL fan wanting to follow this pivotal event. Typically kicking off Round 1 at 8:00 PM ET on a Thursday in late April, the NFL Draft is a multi-day spectacle that shapes the league’s future. Remember to verify the exact times each year and get ready to witness the next generation of NFL stars begin their professional journeys.
