2020 NFL Draft Date and Time: What to Know

The National Football League (NFL) Draft is one of the most prominent events in professional sports. It is the annual event in which each of the 32 NFL teams select eligible college football players from around the country to join their organization. Every year, football fans eagerly anticipate the start of this monumental event, and for the first time ever, it is taking place completely virtually. As such, fans are likely wondering when and where the 2020 NFL Draft begins, as well as which days it will continue through.

What is the Date and Time of the 2020 NFL Draft?

The 2020 NFL Draft will start on Thursday, April 23, 2020 at 8:00 PM ET. The draft will then continue on Friday, April 24 at 7:00 PM ET and Saturday, April 25 at 12:00 PM ET. The event will broadcast live on NFL Network, ESPN, and ABC.

What is the Format for the 2020 NFL Draft?

The 2020 NFL Draft is going to be quite a bit different than years past, as the event has been adjusted to an all virtual format due to the global pandemic. Rather than there being an in-person draft at an NFL stadium, commissioner Roger Goodell will be conducting the entire event from his basement.

The draft is taking place in two parts – with clubs making their selections remotely and commissioner Goodell announcing their picks from his home. All picks will be communicated digitally to the draft’s broadcast partners and will be displayed virtually on screens in the broadcast and on the NFL’s social media platforms.

Consequently, teams will be operating from their own homes as they make their picks in the first-ever virtual draft. Representatives from each team will communicate their picks through virtual meetings, using an MVP (Most Valuable Pick) system that the league has created. The MVP system grants each team a level of safe access to one phone line, laptop, tablet, and television that is connected to a secure NFL network.

What is the Draft Order for the 2020 NFL Draft?

The NFL Draft order is determined by a variety of factors including the team’s regular season record, playoffs, and the number of games played. The order is finalized to reflect the exact order of selection for each team. This year, the draft order was officially announced on March 26th.

In the first round of the NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals have the number one pick, followed by the Washington Redskins, the Detroit Lions, and the New York Giants. The Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers, Carolina Panthers, and the Arizona Cardinals round out the top ten picks.

Who Will be Participating in the 2020 NFL Draft?

The 2020 NFL Draft is still scheduled to take place as originally planned and there are several notable players expected to join the league. Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa, Chase Young, and Justin Herbert, are among the few names likely heard called in the first round, with plenty of others making their way on to the NFL stage as well.

Overall, with the 2020 NFL Draft being conducted via virtual means, many football fans will be watching from the comfort of their own home. While the format may be different, there is excitement in the air as fans tune in to watch some of the most talented players in the game develop into the next generation of NFL stars.