NFL Draft 2024: Everything You Need to Know - Start Time, Draft Order, and How to Watch

April 25, 2024, 4:30 p.m. Sports

NFL Draft 2024: Everything You Need to Know - Start Time, Draft Order, and How to Watch

The NFL Draft is one of the most highly anticipated events in American sports, as it holds the key to the future of all 32 NFL teams. With players from college football programs around the country looking to take the next step in their careers, the NFL Draft serves as the gateway to realizing their dreams of playing professional football. As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, fans, coaches, and front office personnel are buzzing with excitement and anticipation, eager to see which players will be selected to join their favorite teams. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the upcoming NFL Draft - from the start time and draft order to how you can tune in to watch all the action unfold.

Start Time

The 2024 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place on Thursday, April 25th, through Saturday, April 27th, at a yet-to-be-determined location. The first round of the draft will kick off on Thursday evening, with the remaining rounds being held on Friday and Saturday. While the exact start time for each day of the draft has not been announced yet, fans can expect the first round to begin in the early evening, typically around 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The subsequent rounds usually commence earlier in the day, so make sure to check the NFL's official website or your preferred sports news outlet for the most up-to-date information on start times.

Draft Order

The draft order for the 2024 NFL Draft is determined by the reverse order of teams' records from the previous season, with the team that finished with the worst record receiving the first overall pick. Additionally, trades between teams can alter the draft order, as teams may trade picks or players in exchange for improving their position in the draft. As of now, the Jacksonville Jaguars hold the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft after finishing the 2023 season with the worst record in the league. However, it is common for teams to trade up or down in the draft order, so the actual order of selections may vary as the draft approaches. Fans can stay informed about the draft order by visiting the NFL's official website or following updates from reliable sports news sources.

How to Watch

For fans eager to follow all the excitement of the 2024 NFL Draft, there are several options available to tune in and watch the live broadcast. The NFL Draft is typically televised on major sports networks such as ESPN, NFL Network, and ABC, offering comprehensive coverage of each pick and analysis from expert commentators. In addition to traditional television broadcasts, fans can also stream the draft online through various platforms, including the NFL's official website, ESPN's streaming service, and the NFL mobile app. These streaming options provide viewers with the flexibility to watch the draft from anywhere, whether they are at home, on the go, or even at work.

Furthermore, social media has become an increasingly popular way to stay updated on the NFL Draft, as teams, players, and sports news outlets frequently share real-time updates and reactions on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Fans can follow their favorite team's official accounts or sports journalists for instant updates on draft picks, trades, and breaking news throughout the draft weekend. Additionally, many NFL teams host live streams or virtual events during the draft, providing fans with behind-the-scenes access and exclusive content as the action unfolds.

In conclusion, the NFL Draft is a momentous occasion that offers fans a glimpse into the future of their favorite teams and the next generation of NFL stars. With the 2024 NFL Draft just around the corner, anticipation is building as teams prepare to make crucial decisions that will shape their rosters for years to come. By staying informed about the start time, draft order, and how to watch the event, fans can ensure they don't miss a moment of the excitement and drama that is sure to unfold during the draft weekend. So mark your calendars, set your reminders, and get ready to witness history in the making as the 2024 NFL Draft unfolds before your eyes.