After a hectic free agency period, the top college talent finds their new NFL homes at the NFL draft. It blends strategy, scouting and spectacle into a weekend that shapes franchises for years to come. But what exactly goes on behind the scenes? The NFL’s draft process begins long before draft day. Top prospects participate in events such as the Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine Bowl. They then visit with interested teams and undergo medical evaluations. Players then work out at the NFL Scouting Combine, pro days and interviews with team officials.
After all of that, the 32 NFL teams have 257 picks to choose from in seven rounds. Each team gets 10 minutes to make its first-round selection, seven minutes in rounds two through five and four minutes in round 7. Teams can also trade picks before or during the draft, which is often the most dramatic part of the event.
The Titans currently hold the No. 1 overall pick and are widely expected to select Miami quarterback Cam Ward. Ward is considered the best overall player in this year’s class and has the potential to be a game-changer for a franchise that is in desperate need of a difference maker at the position.
Another player to watch is Penn State defensive end Brian Carter. He was a big-time contributor on the back end of the Penn State defense last season and has been touted as a generational talent. Carter could slide down mock drafts after a number of high-profile prospects are taken, including Oklahoma offensive tackle Mason Graham and Georgia running back Ashton Jeanty.