The NFL announced several revisions to its annual college draft today to
streamline the selection process for clubs and fans.
The changes were announced by Commissioner Roger Goodell at a league meeting
in Philadelphia.
Beginning with next year’s draft, only Rounds 1-2 will take place on
Saturday (April 26), the first day of the draft. Previously, the first three
rounds of the draft were conducted on Saturday.
The time allocated for each club to make its selection in Rounds 1-2 also has
been changed.
Instead of 15 minutes for each pick in Round 1, clubs will now be allowed 10
minutes. In Round 2, the selection time has been shortened to seven minutes from
10 minutes.
The draft also will begin later on Saturday -- at 3:00 PM ET rather than at
noon.
Round 3 will be moved to Sunday and remain at five minutes per selection.
Rounds 3-7 will be conducted on Sunday, with each selection allocated at five
minutes.
The draft on Sunday now will begin at 10:00 AM ET rather than 11:00 AM ET.
“We believe these changes will make for a more streamlined and efficient
draft,” said Commissioner Goodell.
The 2008 NFL Draft will be conducted on Saturday and Sunday, April 26-27 at
Radio City Music Hall in New York City and televised by NFL Network and ESPN.