The 2025 NFL Draft is just around the corner, and fans are buzzing with excitement. Scheduled for April 24-26, this event will be held at the iconic Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. With teams ready to make their picks, it’s essential to know the start times, how to watch, and what to expect. Here’s everything you need to know about the NFL Draft start time and more.
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 NFL Draft kicks off on April 24 at 8 p.m. ET.
- The first round will be followed by rounds two and three on April 25, starting at 7 p.m. ET.
- Rounds four through seven will take place on April 26, starting at noon ET.
- You can watch the draft on ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network, with streaming options available.
- The Tennessee Titans have the first overall pick in the draft.
What Time Does The 2025 NFL Draft Start?
It’s a big question for football fans: when does the draft actually kick off? Here’s a breakdown of the times you need to know so you don’t miss a single pick.
First Round Start Time
The first round of the 2025 NFL Draft is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM Eastern Time on Thursday, April 24th. That’s 5:00 PM for those on the West Coast. Make sure you’ve got your snacks ready and your TV tuned in before then!
Subsequent Rounds Schedule
The draft spans three days, so here’s the schedule for the later rounds:
- Friday, April 25th: Rounds 2 and 3 will start at 7:00 PM Eastern Time.
- Saturday, April 26th: Rounds 4 through 7 will begin at 12:00 PM Eastern Time.
It’s a marathon, not a sprint, so pace yourself!
Time Zone Considerations
It’s easy to get mixed up with all the different time zones. Here’s a quick reference:
- Eastern Time (ET): As mentioned, the first round starts at 8:00 PM ET.
- Central Time (CT): That’s 7:00 PM CT for our friends in the Midwest.
- Mountain Time (MT): 6:00 PM MT.
- Pacific Time (PT): 5:00 PM PT. Don’t forget to check out the draft dates for the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show!
When Is The NFL Draft?
So, you’re wondering when the 2025 NFL Draft is happening? Let’s get right to it. It’s a pretty big deal for football fans, and knowing the dates is key to planning your watch parties or just making sure you don’t miss out on the action.
Draft Dates Overview
The 2025 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26. That’s a Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Mark your calendars! Thursday night is usually the big one, with the first round getting all the hype. Friday covers rounds two and three, and Saturday wraps things up with rounds four through seven. It’s a whole weekend dedicated to football futures.
Significance of Draft Dates
Why do these dates matter? Well, for teams, it’s their chance to snag the best up-and-coming talent. For fans, it’s exciting to see where their team will improve. Plus, the draft order can shift based on trades, making it even more unpredictable. The dates also impact team strategies leading up to the event. Teams spend months scouting players, and the closer we get, the more the NFL Draft picks become clear.
Historical Context
The NFL Draft has been around for ages, and it’s changed a lot over the years. Originally, it was a way to make sure the stronger teams didn’t just keep getting all the best players. Now, it’s a huge media event. Think about it: from a simple meeting to a televised spectacle held near Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers. Each year builds on the last, creating a legacy of players and teams hoping for a shot at greatness. It’s cool to see how the draft has evolved and become such an integral part of the NFL season. The Tennessee Titans will have the first selection.
What Channels Will Broadcast The NFL Draft?
Television Networks
The 2025 NFL Draft is set to be broadcast across multiple television networks. You’ll be able to catch all the action on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, and of course, the NFL Network. Each network usually has its own dedicated show, complete with different analysts giving their takes on each pick. It’s cool that ESPN and ABC (both owned by Disney) will have separate broadcasts, offering different perspectives. ESPN will probably focus on the players’ performance, while ABC might highlight the stories behind the draftees.
Streaming Options
If you’re not near a TV, don’t worry! You can stream the draft through various platforms. Most streaming services that carry the channels mentioned above will also stream the draft live. Keep an eye out for options like NFL+ and Fubo TV, which often provide access to live sports content. Plus, many of the networks themselves have apps where you can stream their broadcasts if you have a cable subscription.
International Coverage
For fans outside the US, international coverage will vary. Check your local sports channels and streaming services for listings. Some international networks often partner with US broadcasters to carry the NFL Draft. Also, the NFL Game Pass International service sometimes offers live streaming of the draft, so it’s worth checking out their offerings closer to the date. It’s always a good idea to confirm the broadcast details with your local providers to make sure you don’t miss any of the action.
Where Is The NFL Draft Taking Place?
Location Details
Okay, so the 2025 NFL Draft is heading to Green Bay, Wisconsin! For years, New York was the go-to spot, but the NFL decided to mix things up a while back and move the event around. We’ve seen it in places like Chicago, Vegas, and Kansas City. Last year, Detroit got the honors. This time, it’s all about Green Bay.
Significance of Lambeau Field
Let’s be real, Lambeau Field is like a football mecca. It’s not just a stadium; it’s a piece of NFL history. Hosting the draft near such an iconic location adds a whole different vibe to the event. You can just feel the energy and tradition in the air. It’s way more special than some random convention center, that’s for sure.
What Is The Draft Order For 2025?
The NFL Draft order is always a hot topic, and 2025 is no different. It dictates which teams get the first crack at the top prospects, and it’s all based on team records from the previous season. The worse your record, the higher your draft pick (with tie-breaking procedures in place, of course).
First Overall Pick
The Tennessee Titans have the coveted first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. This is huge for them, as it gives them the opportunity to select who they believe is the best player available, regardless of position. It’s a chance to potentially change the trajectory of their franchise. Other teams that had a rough season and are near the top of the draft order include the Cleveland Browns and the New York Giants. These teams will be closely watching to see who the Titans select, as it will influence their own decisions.
Team Selection Strategies
Teams approach the draft with different strategies. Some prioritize filling immediate needs, while others focus on drafting the best player available, regardless of their current roster. Some teams might be looking for a quarterback, others might need help on the offensive or defensive line, and some might be searching for a game-changing wide receiver. It really depends on the team’s specific situation and their long-term vision. Here are some common strategies:
- Best Player Available (BPA): Drafting the highest-rated player on their board, regardless of position.
- Need-Based Drafting: Targeting players who fill specific holes in their roster.
- Trading Up/Down: Moving up in the draft to select a specific player or accumulating more picks by trading down.
Potential Trade Scenarios
Draft day is always full of surprises, and trades are a big part of that. Teams are constantly evaluating their options and exploring potential deals to improve their draft position. A team might trade up to snag their quarterback of the future, or a team might trade down to acquire more picks and build depth. It’s all about finding the right value and making the moves that will benefit the team in the long run. Keep an eye out for these potential trade scenarios:
- Teams with multiple early-round picks packaging them to move even higher.
- Teams with a surplus at a particular position trading down to acquire picks and address other needs.
- Teams on the cusp of contention trading future assets for immediate impact players.
How To Watch The NFL Draft Live
Viewing Options
Okay, so you’re hyped for the 2025 NFL Draft and wanna catch every single pick, right? You’ve got options, my friend. The most straightforward way is tuning into the good ol’ television. Networks like ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, and NFL Network will be broadcasting the whole shebang. Each network usually has its own crew of analysts and commentators, so you can pick your poison based on who you like listening to.
But hey, it’s 2025, and maybe you’ve ditched cable. No sweat! Streaming is your friend. ESPN+ and NFL+ are solid choices if you’re already subscribed. Plus, some streaming services offer free trials, which is a sweet deal if you just wanna watch the draft and then cancel. Just remember to set a reminder to cancel, or you’ll be paying for another month!
Free Streaming Services
Speaking of free trials, let’s dig into those a bit more. Fubo is often mentioned as having a free trial that includes access to the channels broadcasting the draft. Keep in mind that these trials sometimes have restrictions, so read the fine print before you sign up. For example, some trials might not be available in certain areas, or they might limit the devices you can stream on. Still, if you’re careful, you can totally watch the draft without spending a dime.
Mobile App Availability
On the go? No problem! Most of the streaming services I mentioned have mobile apps. NFL+, ESPN, and Fubo all let you watch on your phone or tablet. This is awesome if you’re stuck at work (don’t tell your boss I said that!) or traveling. Just make sure you have a decent data plan or Wi-Fi connection, because streaming video can eat up your data pretty quickly. Nothing’s worse than your stream cutting out right before your team makes a pick!
What To Expect From The 2025 NFL Draft
Top Prospects
Okay, so everyone’s buzzing about the top prospects for the 2025 draft. We’re talking about potential game-changers, the kind of players who could seriously shift the balance of power in the league. Names like Jaxson Dart (QB from Ole Miss) and Tyler Shough (QB from Louisville) are getting a lot of attention. These guys are projected to be high picks, and their performances in college have scouts drooling. It’s not just quarterbacks, though; there are some seriously talented wide receivers, linemen, and defensive players who could make an immediate impact.
Team Needs and Strategies
Each team has got its own set of problems to solve, right? Some need a quarterback, others are desperate for a solid offensive line, and some are hunting for defensive stars. The draft is where they try to fill those holes. You’ll see teams trading picks, trying to move up or down the draft order to snag the player they want. It’s like a giant chess match, with each team trying to outsmart the others. For example, the Tennessee Titans have the first pick, so everyone’s watching to see what they’ll do. Will they go for the best player available, or will they trade the pick to a team that’s desperate for a quarterback?
Fan Engagement Activities
The NFL Draft isn’t just for the teams; it’s a huge event for the fans too! In Green Bay, you can bet there will be tons of activities around Lambeau Field and the Titletown District. Think live music, food trucks, interactive games, and opportunities to meet former players. Plus, with the draft being broadcast on TV and streamed online, fans all over the world can get in on the action. It’s a chance to celebrate football and get excited about the future of the league. Here’s a few things you might see:
- Tailgate parties galore
- Opportunities to get autographs
- Chances to test your football skills in interactive zones
Wrapping It Up
So there you have it! The 2025 NFL Draft kicks off on April 24 at 8 p.m. ET, and it’s going to be a big deal. With the first round happening that night, followed by more rounds over the next couple of days, fans will want to mark their calendars. You can catch all the action on ABC, ESPN, and the NFL Network, or stream it if that’s your thing. Whether you’re rooting for your favorite team or just excited to see where the top college players land, it’s sure to be an exciting event. Don’t forget to check back for updates and analysis as the draft approaches!
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2025 NFL Draft start?
The 2025 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, April 24, at 8 p.m. ET.
What is the schedule for the NFL Draft?
The draft runs from April 24 to April 26, with the first round on the 24th, rounds two and three on the 25th, and rounds four through seven on the 26th.
Which channels will show the NFL Draft?
You can watch the draft on ABC, ESPN, and the NFL Network.
Where will the 2025 NFL Draft be held?
The draft will take place at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
How can I watch the NFL Draft online?
You can stream the draft on platforms like ESPN+ and NFL+.
What should I expect from the 2025 NFL Draft?
Expect to see top college players selected by NFL teams, along with lots of excitement and fan activities.
