Drastic times call for drastic measures and with the NFL Draft fast approaching, the league is taking action.
With the NFL Draft set to happen from April 23-25, there will be some dramatic changes taking place. According to NFL reporter Tom Pelissero, he tweeted out a memo from commissioner Roger Goodell, informing clubs that team facilities will remain closed indefinitely in the time being due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The NFL offices have been closed since March 13, with all teams closing their facilities on March 26. The offseason has been on-going since March 18 and the league has no signs of slowing down. On the other hand, the NFL Draft, originally slated to be hosted in Las Vegas, will now be done in a much different way. The league will conduct a fully virtual draft.
Prior to the announcement being made, there were rumors of executives gathering in their respective war rooms, but that is now officially ruled out. Instead, coaches and executives will have to make their own war room at home.
Think about it this way, with general managers, head coaches, and other team personnel in their own homes, the NFL Draft will be a lot like your fantasy football draft. Team personnel will be advised to use the internet and phones to communicate throughout the process.
This seemed like the likeliest outcome as the draft is fast approaching, especially since some states are under stay-at-home orders. This is Goodell’s way of ensuring all teams operate a consistent and fair way to draft players. Teams have been preparing for this situation and it won’t likely change much since the draft won’t be something fans have been accustomed to for years.
With millions across the world impacted by this pandemic, the NFL is doing the right thing to avoid health risks. One of the biggest events on the league calendar will certainly be different this year.