Guide Note
The NFL Draft is an annual spring event where teams from the National Football League select from a pool of eligible new players.
Fast Facts
- 2008 draft was held on April 26 and 27
- 2008 first pick: Jake Long
- TV coverage: ESPN and NFL Network
- Held annually since 1936
- Location: Radio City Music Hall, New York City
- First ever selection: Jay Berwanger
- First televised on ESPN in 1984
Draft process
The draft order is decided by a team's record in the previous season. The team with the worst record makes the first selection, the team with the second worst record makes the second selection, and so on until the defending Super Bowl champions make the final pick in the round. There are seven rounds in the draft, which spans a two-day period.
Eligibility
Prospective draftees must be out of high school for at least three years. Many prospects attend the NFL Scouting Combine, which is held in February each year. Players at the combine are evaluated on several levels, including mental and physical abilities. Prospects go through a series of drills, interviews and drug tests. NFL coaches, scouts and managers observe the invitation only three day event.
Fan favorite
The draft, also known as the NFL Annual Selection Meeting, has become the signature off-season event for football fans. Each year, fans of various teams pack full the draft selection venue in New York and cheer or boo the picks. Tickets to the draft are free and available the morning of the draft, but only a limited number of tickets are distributed.
