The 2020 NFL Draft begins Thursday, April 23 with the first round and lasts three days. Fans can watch on ESPN or the NFL Network.
Since 1980, the draft has been televised, and each year, it seems the NFL sets a new viewership record when it hosts its annual selection show. Last year, the Nashville draft broke the record for most people in attendance.
While it’s unlikely (okay, impossible) that the 2020 version of the NFL Draft will break any attendance records, it is going to be the first draft hosted entirely online, and that in and of itself is sure to bring both intrigue and frustration for team personnel, draft picks, and fans alike.
Regardless, millions will tune in, and millions more will drop in periodically to check on their favorite team’s selections.
So if you’re hoping to tune in, we’ve got you covered on relevant and necessary information.
This year’s NFL Draft will take place on Thursday, April 23 through Saturday, April 25. The first round will occur on Thursday, beginning at 8:00 p.m ET; the second and third rounds on Friday beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET and the fourth through seventh rounds occur on Saturday beginning at 12:00 p.m. ET.
The 2020 NFL Draft will be televised on both ESPN and the NFL Network.
The draft, originally scheduled to be held in Las Vegas, will instead be held entirely online. This means that not only will there be no fans in attendance, but also that all team personnel will be at their own individual locations, as the NFL has barred teams from meeting in groups or at team headquarters or hotels.
In addition, players who will be selected will only be digital. The NFL has sent guidelines to players which outline what they are, and are not allowed to do in terms of the number of people gathering at their locales, what they’re wearing, and even what they’re eating and drinking while being broadcasted. In fact, according to a memo sent to prospects who’ve agreed to be part of the draft coverage, players could accrue $50,000 in fines for violating these regulations.
What will happen when the brightest and most powerful minds in the NFL meet (okay ‘meet’) up and select the next wave of NFL talent? Only time will tell, but on April 23-25, we’ll certainly be ready to find out.