The 2025 NFL Draft is a three-day event held from April 24th to April 26th in Green Bay, Wisconsin. It consists of seven rounds, with each of the 32 NFL teams getting one pick per round, unless trades have occurred.

How it works:

The draft order is determined by the reverse order of the previous season’s standings. The team with the worst record picks first, and the Super Bowl champion picks last. Teams with the same record are ordered based on strength of schedule, and further tiebreakers if needed.

Each team has a set amount of time to make their selection:

• Round 1: 10 minutes per pick
• Round 2: 7 minutes per pick
• Rounds 3-6: 5 minutes per pick (including compensatory picks)
• Round 7: 4 minutes per pick

A team can either select a player or trade their pick to another team for other picks, players, or a combination of both. If a team’s time expires without a pick, they can still make a selection later, but another team can jump ahead of them.

Duration:

The draft takes place over three days:

• Day 1 (Thursday, April 24th): Round 1. This typically lasts around four hours, starting at 8:00 PM Eastern Time.
• Day 2 (Friday, April 25th): Rounds 2 and 3. This session begins at 7:00 PM Eastern Time and usually lasts 2-3 hours.
• Day 3 (Saturday, April 26th): Rounds 4 through 7. This is the longest day, potentially lasting around six hours, starting at 12:00 PM Eastern Time.

Stakes for those involved:

• For Draft Prospects: The NFL Draft is a life-changing event. Being drafted determines which team a player will start their professional career with, their initial salary, and their overall platform in the league. Higher draft picks typically receive larger contracts and more guaranteed money. Being drafted also provides significant validation of their skills and potential. Undrafted players can still sign with teams as free agents, but they often face an uphill battle to make a roster and secure playing time.
• For NFL Teams (General Managers, Coaches, Scouts): The draft is crucial for building and improving a team’s roster for both the present and the future. Successful drafting can lead to a competitive team, playoff contention, and ultimately a Super Bowl championship. Conversely, poor drafting can set a franchise back for years. General managers and coaches are often evaluated based on their draft performance, and their jobs can be on the line if they consistently make poor selections. Scouts play a vital role in identifying talent and providing teams with the information needed to make informed decisions.
• For NFL Fans: The draft is an exciting event that offers hope for the future of their favorite teams. It’s a time of speculation, anticipation, and debate about which players will be the next stars. The draft can significantly impact a team’s trajectory and fan enthusiasm.