What Time Does The Nfl Draft Start is a common question for football fans eager to see the next generation of talent join their favorite teams, and WHAT.EDU.VN has answers. This article provides comprehensive details on the NFL Draft schedule, broadcast information, and how to stay updated, offering a one-stop resource for all your draft needs and related information. Learn about start times, viewing options, and prospect rankings while discovering more about the upcoming professional football draft, NFL prospects, and team needs.
1. 2025 NFL Draft: Key Details and Start Times
The annual National Football League (NFL) Draft is a highly anticipated event where teams select eligible college football players. It’s a crucial part of team building, and fans eagerly await to see who their team will pick. The 2025 NFL Draft promises to be an exciting event, so here’s all the information you need about when it starts and where to watch.
1.1 When Is the 2025 NFL Draft?
The 2025 NFL Draft will take place from Thursday, April 24, to Saturday, April 26. This three-day event is divided into rounds, with each round having its own start time. Understanding the schedule ensures you won’t miss your favorite team’s picks.
Alt text: The impressive stage setup for the NFL Draft, showcasing the event’s grandeur
1.2 Projected Start Times for Each Day
Here are the projected start times for each day of the 2025 NFL Draft (Eastern Time):
- Thursday, April 24: Round 1 (8 p.m. ET)
- Friday, April 25: Rounds 2-3 (7 p.m. ET)
- Saturday, April 26: Rounds 4-7 (12 p.m. ET)
Knowing these times allows you to plan your viewing schedule and follow the draft in real-time.
1.3 Where Is the 2025 NFL Draft Held?
The 2025 NFL Draft will be held at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. This iconic stadium is home to the Green Bay Packers and adds a unique atmosphere to the event. Attending in person or watching from home, the location adds to the excitement.
2. How to Watch the 2025 NFL Draft
With numerous options available, watching the NFL Draft has never been easier. Whether you prefer traditional television or live streaming, here’s how to catch all the action.
2.1 Television Broadcasts
The 2025 NFL Draft will be broadcast on ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network. These channels provide comprehensive coverage, including expert analysis, player interviews, and live reactions.
2.2 Live Streaming Options
For those who prefer to stream the event, several options are available:
- Fubo: Fubo offers a free trial, allowing you to watch the draft without a subscription fee initially.
- CBS Sports HQ: CBS Sports’ 24/7 streaming network will provide coverage before, during, and after the event.
2.3 Additional Coverage
Many sports websites and apps will offer live updates, analysis, and commentary throughout the draft. Check your favorite sports news outlets for comprehensive coverage.
3. 2025 NFL Draft Order: Who Picks When?
The draft order is determined by the previous season’s standings, with the team having the worst record picking first. Understanding the draft order gives you insight into which teams have the best opportunity to acquire top talent.
3.1 Current First Round Order
Every NFL team currently holds the rights to their own first-round pick. Here’s the current order for the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft:
- Titans
- Browns
- Giants
- Patriots
- Jaguars
- Raiders
- Jets
- Panthers
- Saints
- Bears
- 49ers
- Cowboys
- Dolphins
- Colts
- Falcons
- Cardinals
- Bengals
- Seahawks
- Buccaneers
- Broncos
- Steelers
- Chargers
- Packers
- Vikings
- Texans
- Rams
- Ravens
- Lions
- Commanders
- Bills
- Chiefs
- Eagles
3.2 Team Needs and Projected Free Agents
Each team has specific needs they’ll be looking to address in the draft. Additionally, teams must consider which of their players are projected to become free agents in 2025. Here’s a breakdown of each team’s needs and projected free agents:
3.2.1 Titans
- Team Needs: OT, IOL, EDGE, WR, LB
- Projected 2025 Free Agents: S Quandre Diggs, WR Tyler Boyd, OG Dillon Radunz, LB Jerome Baker
3.2.2 Browns
- Team Needs: QB, OT, WR, RB, DL, EDGE
- Projected 2025 Free Agents: OT Jedrick Wills, WR Elijah Moore, DT Maurice Hurst, RB Nick Chubb, QB Jameis Winston
3.2.3 Giants
- Team Needs: QB, IOL, CB, WR, TE
- Projected 2025 Free Agents: WR Darius Slayton, LB Isaiah Simmons, CB Adoree’ Jackson, S Jason Pinnock, QB Drew Lock
3.2.4 Patriots
- Team Needs: OT, IOL, WR, EDGE, CB
- Projected 2025 Free Agents: CB Jonathan Jones, QB Jacoby Brissett, OT Chukwuma Okorafor
3.2.5 Jaguars
- Team Needs: CB, OT, S, IOL, TE
- Projected 2025 Free Agents: QB Mac Jones, S Andre Cisco
3.2.6 Raiders
- Team Needs: QB, CB, RB, EDGE, LB
- Projected 2025 Free Agents: CB Nate Hobbs, EDGE Malcolm Koonce, OG Cody Whitehair, LB Robert Spillane, S Marcus Epps
3.2.7 Jets
- Team Needs: OT, WR, EDGE, S, DL, QB
- Projected 2025 Free Agents: EDGE Haason Reddick, OT Tyron Smith, OT Morgan Moses, DT Javon Kinlaw, S Chuck Clark
3.2.8 Panthers
- Team Needs: QB, WR, IOL, EDGE, DL, CB, S
- Projected 2025 Free Agents: QB Andy Dalton, C Austin Corbett, LB Shaq Thompson, P Johnny Hekker
3.2.9 Saints
- Team Needs: TE, EDGE, DL, CB, S, WR
- Projected 2025 Free Agents: EDGE Chase Young, S Tyrann Mathieu, TE Juwan Johnson, LB Willie Gay Jr., OG Lucas Patrick, CB Paulson Adebo
3.2.10 Bears
- Team Needs: IOL, EDGE, DL, OT, RB
- Projected 2025 Free Agents: WR Keenan Allen, OG Teven Jenkins, EDGE Darrell Taylor
3.2.11 49ers
- Team Needs: OT, IOL, CB, S, DL
- Projected 2025 Free Agents: CB Charvarius Ward, LB Dre Greenlaw, S Talanoa Hufanga, RB Elijah Mitchell
3.2.12 Cowboys
- Team Needs: RB, DL, LB, S, WR
- Projected 2025 Free Agents: WR Brandin Cooks, OG Zack Martin, RB Ezekiel Elliott, EDGE DeMarcus Lawrence, QB Trey Lance
3.2.13 Dolphins
- Team Needs: IOL, S, DL, QB, LB, WR
- Projected 2025 Free Agents: S Jevon Holland, OG Liam Eichenberg, S Jordan Poyer, DL Calais Campbell
3.2.14 Colts
- Team Needs: CB, S, LB, DL, IOL, QB
- Projected 2025 Free Agents: C Ryan Kelly, S Julian Blackmon, DT Dayo Odeyingbo, LB E.J. Speed, QB Joe Flacco
3.2.15 Falcons
- Team Needs: CB, LB, EDGE, DL, WR
- Projected 2025 Free Agents: EDGE Matt Judon, S Justin Simmons, CB Antonio Hamilton, WR Rondale Moore
3.2.16 Cardinals
- Team Needs: EDGE, DL, IOL, WR, RB, OT
- Projected 2025 Free Agents: WR Greg Dortch, DT Roy Lopez, EDGE Dennis Gardeck
3.2.17 Bengals
- Team Needs: CB, DL, WR, EDGE, TE, RB
- Projected 2025 Free Agents: WR Tee Higgins, TE Mike Gesicki, CB Mike Hilton, OT Trent Brown, DT B.J. Hill, RB Khalil Herbert
3.2.18 Seahawks
- Team Needs: LB, IOL, S, EDGE, OT
- Projected 2025 Free Agents: DT Jarran Reed, LB Tyrel Dodson, C Connor Williams, LB Ernest Jones
3.2.19 Buccaneers
- Team Needs: CB, IOL, LB, EDGE, WR
- Projected 2025 Free Agents: WR Chris Godwin, EDGE Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, LB Lavonte David, OG Sua Opeta
3.2.20 Broncos
- Team Needs: OT, LB, WR, S, TE, RB
- Projected 2025 Free Agents: OT Garett Bolles, QB Zach Wilson, RB Javonte Williams, CB Levi Wallace
3.2.21 Steelers
- Team Needs: CB, WR, LB, S, RB
- Projected 2025 Free Agents: OG James Daniels, QB Russell Wilson, OT Dan Moore Jr, QB Justin Fields, RB Najee Harris, CB Donte Jackson, WR Mike Williams
3.2.22 Chargers
- Team Needs: WR, TE, DL, EDGE, CB
- Projected 2025 Free Agents: EDGE Khalil Mack, CB Asante Samuel Jr, RB J.K. Dobbins, WR Josh Palmer, QB Taylor Heinicke
3.2.23 Packers
- Team Needs: IOL, CB, LB, DL, OT
- Projected 2025 Free Agents: RB AJ Dillon, C Josh Myers, OT Andre Dillard, LB Isaiah McDuffie, CB Eric Stokes
3.2.24 Vikings
- Team Needs: CB, IOL, S, RB, DL
- Projected 2025 Free Agents: QB Sam Darnold, RB Aaron Jones, OG Dalton Risner, CB Stephon Gilmore, CB Byron Murphy, OT Cam Robinson
3.2.25 Texans
- Team Needs: DL, IOL, WR, EDGE, CB
- Projected 2025 Free Agents: WR Stefon Diggs, EDGE Derek Barnett, OG Kendrick Green, DT Foley Fatukasi, QB Case Keenum
3.2.26 Rams
- Team Needs: OT, CB, LB, TE, WR
- Projected 2025 Free Agents: OT Joe Noteboom, OT Alaric Jackson, WR Demarcus Robinson, LB Troy Reeder
3.2.27 Ravens
- Team Needs: OT, IOL, WR, LB, EDGE
- Projected 2025 Free Agents: OT Ronnie Stanley, OT Patrick Mekari, WR Nelson Agholor, S Eddie Jackson, LB Malik Harrison, WR Diontae Johnson, CB Tre’Davious White
3.2.28 Lions
- Team Needs: EDGE, DL, CB, WR, IOL
- Projected 2025 Free Agents: EDGE Marcus Davenport, OG Kevin Zeitler, DT Levi Onwuzurike, CB Emmanuel Moseley, CB Carlton Davis
3.2.29 Commanders
- Team Needs: EDGE, CB, WR, OT, IOL, LB, S
- Projected 2025 Free Agents: LB Bobby Wagner, S Jeremy Chinn, TE Zach Ertz, CB Benjamin St-Juste, P Tress Way
3.2.30 Bills
- Team Needs: CB, S, LB, DL, WR, IOL
- Projected 2025 Free Agents: CB Rasul Douglas, WR Mack Hollins, S Damar Hamlin, DT Austin Johnson, WR Amari Cooper
3.2.31 Chiefs
- Team Needs: DL, CB, IOL, WR, LB
- Projected 2025 Free Agents: S Justin Reid, WR Hollywood Brown, DT Tershawn Wharton, LB Nick Bolton, OG Trey Smith, DT Derrick Nnadi, EDGE Josh Uche, WR DeAndre Hopkins
3.2.32 Eagles
- Team Needs: EDGE, IOL, LB, WR, TE
- Projected 2025 Free Agents: EDGE Josh Sweat, EDGE Brandon Graham, LB Devin White, OG Mekhi Becton, CB Isaiah Rodgers
3.3 Analyzing Team Strategies
Knowing each team’s needs and potential free agent losses allows you to better understand their draft strategies. This knowledge enhances your viewing experience and helps you predict potential picks.
4. Mock Drafts and Prospect Rankings
Staying informed about mock drafts and prospect rankings can give you a leg up when following the NFL Draft. These resources offer insights into which players are likely to be selected and where.
4.1 Mock Draft Central
CBS Sports offers a comprehensive mock draft hub with updated projections from various draft experts, including Ryan Wilson, Chris Trapasso, Mike Renner, and Josh Edwards. These mock drafts simulate the draft process, predicting which players will be selected by each team.
4.2 Top Prospects
The 2025 NFL Draft is particularly strong in defensive tackles and running backs, while the quarterback position is considered a weakness. Here’s a look at the top 10 prospects according to CBS Sports:
| Rank | Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Travis Hunter Jr. | CB/WR | Colorado |
| 2 | Abdul Carter | EDGE | Penn State |
| 3 | Mason Graham | DL | Michigan |
| 4 | Kelvin Banks Jr. | OT | Texas |
| 5 | Will Johnson | CB | Michigan |
| 6 | Will Campbell | OT | LSU |
| 7 | Tetairoa McMillan | WR | Arizona |
| 8 | Cam Ward | QB | Miami |
| 9 | Jalon Walker | EDGE | Georgia |
| 10 | James Pearce Jr. | EDGE | Tennessee |
4.3 Understanding Prospect Strengths and Weaknesses
Familiarizing yourself with the strengths and weaknesses of top prospects allows you to evaluate each team’s draft choices more effectively. This knowledge makes watching the draft a more engaging and informative experience.
Alt text: A profile image of a college football player, ready to make his mark in the NFL Draft
5. Staying Updated with NFL Draft Coverage
To stay on top of all the latest news and analysis, it’s essential to follow reliable sources and engage with comprehensive draft coverage.
5.1 “With the First Pick” Podcast
Listen to in-depth analysis twice a week on “With the First Pick”, CBS Sports’ year-round NFL Draft podcast with NFL Draft analyst Ryan Wilson. You can find “With the First Pick” wherever you get your podcasts: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, etc.
5.2 Following Draft Experts
Follow draft experts on social media and check reputable sports websites for the latest news, analysis, and rumors. Staying informed helps you understand the nuances of the draft process.
5.3 Engaging with Online Communities
Join online forums and social media groups dedicated to NFL Draft discussions. Engaging with other fans can provide additional insights and perspectives.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the NFL Draft
To further clarify any questions you might have, here are some frequently asked questions about the NFL Draft.
6.1 General Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the NFL Draft? | The NFL Draft is an annual event where NFL teams select eligible college football players to join their teams. |
| How is the draft order determined? | The draft order is primarily determined by the previous season’s standings, with the team having the worst record picking first. |
| Who is eligible for the NFL Draft? | Players who have been out of high school for at least three years are eligible for the NFL Draft. They must formally declare their eligibility to be considered. |
| Can teams trade draft picks? | Yes, teams can trade draft picks with other teams. These trades can occur at any time, including during the draft itself. |
| What happens if a player isn’t drafted? | Undrafted players become free agents and can sign with any team. |
| How many rounds are in the NFL Draft? | There are seven rounds in the NFL Draft. |
| What is the purpose of compensatory picks? | Compensatory picks are awarded to teams that have lost more valuable free agents than they have signed. These picks are typically positioned at the end of rounds 3 through 7. |
| How does the NFL determine compensatory picks? | The NFL uses a formula that considers the player’s salary, playing time, and postseason honors to determine the value of the lost free agent. |
| Can a team trade compensatory picks? | Yes, as of 2017, teams are allowed to trade compensatory picks. |
| What is the “Mr. Irrelevant” title? | “Mr. Irrelevant” is the title given to the last player selected in the NFL Draft. There’s even an annual “Irrelevant Week” celebration for the player. |
6.2 Draft Process Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the NFL Combine? | The NFL Combine is a week-long event where draft-eligible players perform physical and mental tests in front of NFL coaches, general managers, and scouts. |
| What types of tests are conducted at the NFL Combine? | Tests include the 40-yard dash, bench press, vertical jump, broad jump, 3-cone drill, and shuttle run, among others. |
| Is participation in the NFL Combine mandatory for draft prospects? | No, participation is voluntary, but it is highly recommended as it provides players an opportunity to showcase their abilities. |
| What are Pro Days? | Pro Days are workout sessions held at college campuses where draft-eligible players perform tests and drills in front of NFL scouts. |
| How do Pro Days differ from the NFL Combine? | Pro Days are generally more relaxed and take place in a familiar environment for the players, whereas the NFL Combine is a more formal and high-pressure environment. |
| What is the role of scouts in the draft process? | Scouts evaluate players by watching game film, attending practices, and conducting interviews. They provide teams with detailed reports on each player’s strengths and weaknesses. |
| What is the role of the general manager in the draft process? | The general manager oversees the entire draft process, making final decisions on which players to select based on the recommendations of scouts and coaches. |
| How do teams use the information gathered during the draft process? | Teams use the information to create a draft board, ranking players according to their perceived value and fit within the team’s needs. |
| What is a “smoke screen” in the context of the NFL Draft? | A “smoke screen” is a tactic used by teams to mislead other teams about their true intentions in the draft, often by publicly expressing interest in players they are not actually targeting. |
| How does a team prepare its draft board? | A team’s draft board is prepared by combining evaluations from scouts, coaches, and the general manager. They rank players based on talent, need, and potential fit with the team. |
6.3 Player-Related Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the “redshirt” rule in college football? | A “redshirt” is a designation for college athletes who can practice with the team but cannot play in games for a season, extending their period of eligibility. |
| What are some common reasons for a player to declare early for the NFL Draft? | Common reasons include a desire to start earning money, concerns about injury, or a belief that their draft stock is as high as it will get. |
| What is a “bust” in the context of the NFL Draft? | A “bust” is a player who was highly drafted but fails to live up to expectations in the NFL. |
| How do off-field issues affect a player’s draft stock? | Off-field issues, such as legal problems or character concerns, can negatively affect a player’s draft stock, causing them to be drafted later or go undrafted altogether. |
| What is the Rooney Rule? | The Rooney Rule requires NFL teams to interview minority candidates for head coaching and senior football operation jobs. |
| How does the transition from college to the NFL affect players? | Players often face a steep learning curve, as the game is faster and more complex in the NFL. They also need to adjust to the professional demands of the league. |
| What resources are available to help players transition to the NFL? | The NFL offers various resources, including financial education, career counseling, and mental health support, to help players adjust to life in the league. |
| How do agents help players prepare for the NFL Draft? | Agents assist players in preparing for the NFL Combine and Pro Days, negotiate contracts, and provide guidance on financial and career decisions. |
| What role do player endorsements play in a player’s income? | Endorsements can provide a significant source of income for NFL players, particularly those with high profiles and strong marketing appeal. |
| What happens to a player’s contract if they are traded? | When a player is traded, their existing contract is typically transferred to the new team, with the new team assuming the remaining financial obligations. |
6.4 Draft Strategy Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is “best player available” (BPA) strategy? | The “best player available” strategy involves selecting the highest-rated player on the draft board, regardless of the team’s specific needs. |
| What is a “reach” in the context of the NFL Draft? | A “reach” is when a team selects a player earlier than expected, based on consensus rankings and projections. |
| What is the advantage of trading up in the draft? | Trading up allows a team to secure a player they believe will be a star but may not be available if they wait. |
| What is the advantage of trading down in the draft? | Trading down allows a team to acquire additional draft picks, which can be used to fill multiple needs or to trade for future assets. |
| How do teams balance immediate needs with long-term planning in the draft? | Teams must balance the need to improve the roster immediately with the desire to build a sustainable foundation for future success, often by drafting players with high potential. |
| What is the “value” of a draft pick? | The “value” of a draft pick refers to its perceived worth in terms of potential player performance and contribution to the team, often assessed using draft value charts. |
| What is the “draft value chart” used for? | The draft value chart is used to assign numerical values to each draft pick, helping teams evaluate trade offers and make informed decisions about moving up or down in the draft. |
| How do teams assess risk when drafting players? | Teams assess risk by evaluating a player’s injury history, character concerns, and potential for development, weighing the potential rewards against the potential drawbacks. |
| What role does analytics play in modern NFL Draft strategy? | Analytics are used to evaluate player performance, predict future success, and identify undervalued players, helping teams make more informed draft decisions. |
| How do teams prepare for unexpected events during the draft? | Teams prepare by developing contingency plans, identifying potential trade partners, and staying flexible, ready to adapt to unforeseen circumstances. |
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By providing a comprehensive guide to the 2025 NFL Draft, including start times, viewing options, prospect rankings, and more, you’ll be well-prepared to follow one of the most exciting events in sports. And remember, for any additional questions, what.edu.vn is here to help.
