After a busy free agency period, NFL teams will turn their attention to shoring up their rosters through the draft. This year’s NFL draft takes place April 24-25 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
The first round kicks off Thursday at 8PM with each pick lasting 10 minutes. Rounds 2-3 take place Friday night and Rounds 4-7 are Saturday at noon with each pick lasting 5 minutes.
Teams are able to trade picks prior to the draft and even during it, which creates some drama for fans and makes for exciting television moments. Once a team decides on a player, they communicate that information to representatives at their table in the draft venue (Selection Square) who write the player’s name and position on a card that is then submitted to an NFL staff member (known as a runner) to make it official.
The 2025 draft features a lot of intriguing prospects, including Florida State quarterback Cam Ward, who was deemed to be the best overall player by several analysts. Ward threw for 38 touchdowns and 2,311 yards last season while also showing excellent mobility in the pocket and on the run.
Other big names to keep an eye on include Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham and pass rusher Abdul Carter. Jeanty, the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, is seen as a potential generational talent with his combination of speed to evade blockers and strength to overpower offensive linemen.