NFL Draft: How to Watch – Your Ultimate Guide!
Hey there, football fans! The NFL Draft is just around the corner, and we know you're eager to find out how to watch all the action. We've got you covered with this ultimate guide, so grab a snack, get comfy, and let's dive in! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and nfl draft: how to watch.
What is the NFL Draft?
Before we dive into how to watch, let's quickly recap what the NFL Draft is all about. The NFL Draft is an annual event where NFL teams select eligible college football players. It's a three-day spectacle that kicks off the NFL offseason and sets the stage for the upcoming season. Teams build their rosters by drafting players they believe will help them win games. It's a thrilling time for both teams and players, and it's a must-watch event for NFL fans!
When and Where is the NFL Draft?
The NFL Draft takes place over three days, usually in late April or early May. Here are the dates and location for the 2023 NFL Draft:
- Day 1 (Round 1): Thursday, April 27, 2023 - Day 2 (Rounds 2-3): Friday, April 28, 2023 - Day 3 (Rounds 4-7): Saturday, April 29, 2023
The 2023 NFL Draft will be held in Kansas City, Missouri, at the scenic Union Station. While the draft itself takes place indoors, the NFL hosts several outdoor events and fan experiences nearby.
How to Watch the NFL Draft on TV
If you're wondering how to watch the NFL Draft on TV, you've got a couple of options:
NFL Network
The NFL Network is the official home of the NFL Draft. They provide wall-to-wall coverage, including analysis, interviews, and behind-the-scenes looks at the draft process. You can watch the NFL Draft live on the NFL Network from 8 PM ET on Thursday, April 27, through the conclusion of Day 3 on Saturday, April 29.
ESPN
ESPN will also air live coverage of the NFL Draft. They'll have their own commentary team, analysis, and interviews. You can catch ESPN's NFL Draft coverage starting at 8 PM ET on Thursday, April 27, and continuing through the end of Day 3 on Saturday, April 29.
ABC
For the first time, ABC will simulcast ESPN's NFL Draft coverage. This means you can watch the draft on ABC, ESPN, or stream it on the ESPN app. ABC's coverage will start at 8 PM ET on Thursday, April 27, and continue through Day 3 on Saturday, April 29.
How to Stream the NFL Draft Online
If you prefer to stream the NFL Draft online, there are several options available:
NFL Network App
If you have a subscription to the NFL Network through your cable or satellite provider, you can stream the NFL Draft live on the NFL Network app. The app is available on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.
ESPN App
As mentioned earlier, ESPN will air live NFL Draft coverage. If you have a cable or satellite login, you can stream ESPN's coverage on the ESPN app. The app is available on multiple devices, and you can even watch without a cable login using a live TV streaming service like Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, or YouTube TV.
ABC App
Since ABC is simulcasting ESPN's NFL Draft coverage, you can also stream the draft on the ABC app. You'll need to sign in with your cable or satellite provider credentials to access the live stream. If you don't have a login, you can use a live TV streaming service that offers ABC, such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, or FuboTV.
NFL Draft Radio Broadcast
If you prefer to listen to the NFL Draft instead of watching it, several radio stations and online platforms will provide live coverage. Here are a few options:
- Westwood One: They'll have a national radio broadcast of the NFL Draft, featuring play-by-play commentary and analysis. - SiriusXM NFL Radio: SiriusXM's dedicated NFL channel will provide live coverage and analysis throughout the draft. - Local Radio Stations: Many local radio stations in NFL markets will air their team's draft picks and provide analysis.
NFL Draft Order and Pick Compensation
The NFL Draft order is determined by the previous season's standings, with the team that finished with the worst record getting the first pick. However, teams can trade draft picks, which can significantly change the draft order.
Pick compensation, such as compensatory draft picks, is awarded to teams that lose more or better free agents than they gain. These picks are typically awarded in the third through seventh rounds and are indicated by a "(comp)" next to the pick number.
You can find the latest NFL Draft order and pick compensation information on the official NFL Draft website or various sports news outlets.
NFL Draft Prospects and Mock Drafts
As the NFL Draft approaches, you'll see plenty of coverage on potential prospects and mock drafts. Mock drafts are predictions of how the NFL Draft will play out, based on team needs, prospect evaluations, and trade rumors. Many sports media outlets, including NFL.com, ESPN, and CBS Sports, publish mock drafts leading up to the draft.
To learn more about NFL Draft prospects, check out their college statistics, highlight reels, and scouting reports. Websites like NFL.com, ESPN, and Pro Football Focus offer in-depth analysis of draft prospects, helping you make informed predictions about how the draft will unfold.
NFL Draft Day 3 – The Sleepers and Steals
While the first two days of the NFL Draft focus on high-profile prospects and potential franchise-changing players, Day 3 is where teams often find hidden gems and draft steals. Many successful NFL players were drafted on Day 3, including Tom Brady, who was selected in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft.
Day 3 is an exciting time for both fans and teams, as it's an opportunity to discover the next great undrafted free agent or late-round pick. Keep an eye on Day 3 prospects, as they could make a significant impact on their new teams and potentially become household names in the NFL.
NFL Draft Trades – When and How They Happen
Trades are a significant part of the NFL Draft, as teams often look to move up or down the draft board to select a specific player or acquire more picks. Trades can happen at any time during the draft, but they're more likely to occur during the first two days when high-profile prospects are still available.
Teams can trade draft picks for other draft picks, players, or even future draft picks. To facilitate a trade, teams must first agree to the terms and then submit the trade to the NFL league office for approval. Once approved, the trade is official, and both teams can proceed with their new draft picks or players.
NFL Draft History and Records
The NFL Draft has a rich history filled with memorable moments, legendary players, and record-breaking performances. Here are some notable NFL Draft records and historical facts:
- 1936. - Most Drafted Players by Position: The most drafted position in NFL history is quarterback, with a total of 567 selections. Running backs are the second-most drafted position, with 461 selections. - Highest Draft Pick by a Team: The Cleveland Browns hold the record for the highest draft pick, selecting quarterback Baker Mayfield with the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. - Most Drafted Players from a College: The University of Southern California (USC) has produced the most NFL Draft picks, with a total of 507 selections since the draft began in
- 1936. - Most Drafted Players from a Conference: The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has the most NFL Draft picks, with a total of 1,196 selections since the draft began in 1936.
NFL Draft FAQs
Q: When is the NFL Draft?
A: The 2023 NFL Draft will take place from Thursday, April 27, to Saturday, April 29, 2023.
Q: How many rounds are in the NFL Draft?
A: The NFL Draft consists of seven rounds.
Q: How long does the NFL Draft last?
A: The NFL Draft typically lasts three days. Day 1 (Round 1) usually takes around 3-4 hours, while Days 2 and 3 (Rounds 2-7) can take several hours each, depending on the number of trades and picks.
Q: How can I watch the NFL Draft?
A: You can watch the NFL Draft on TV channels like NFL Network, ESPN, and ABC, or stream it online using the NFL Network app, ESPN app, or ABC app. You may need a cable or satellite login to access some streaming services.
Q: Can I watch the NFL Draft for free?
A: Yes, you can watch the NFL Draft for free using a live TV streaming service that offers a free trial, such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, or FuboTV. These services often provide a free trial period, allowing you to watch the draft without a cable or satellite subscription.
Q: How can I listen to the NFL Draft?
A: You can listen to the NFL Draft on various radio stations and online platforms, such as Westwood One, SiriusXM NFL Radio, and local radio stations in NFL markets.
Conclusion
The NFL Draft is an exciting event that sets the stage for the upcoming football season. With this ultimate guide, you now know how to watch the NFL Draft on TV, stream it online, and listen to it on the radio. You're also up-to-date on the latest NFL Draft news, prospects, and records. So grab your snacks, get comfy, and get ready to enjoy the NFL Draft!
Stay tuned to your favorite sports media outlets and the official NFL Draft website for the latest news, updates, and analysis throughout the draft process. And don't forget to share your thoughts and predictions with fellow football fans on social media!
Happy draft season, football fans! We can't wait to see what this year's NFL Draft has in store.