Home / Closetconfessionsvip

When Does The NFL Draft Start? Get Ready For The 2025 Event!

Jermain Jakubowski

Detail Author:

  • Name : Jermain Jakubowski
  • Username : norwood08
  • Email : nwolf@rempel.net
  • Birthdate : 1992-07-01
  • Address : 132 Gibson Wells Adanborough, UT 12593
  • Phone : 1-220-771-0627
  • Company : Kunde LLC
  • Job : Molding and Casting Worker
  • Bio : Nihil molestiae alias velit sint et nemo. Fuga placeat dicta distinctio veniam. Non nisi assumenda voluptates consequatur. Fugiat voluptatum officiis aut inventore.

Socials

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/reingerh
  • username : reingerh
  • bio : Velit id quibusdam aliquid quo. Consequatur voluptatum corporis distinctio modi nostrum adipisci.
  • followers : 6580
  • following : 1851

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/hipolito_reinger
  • username : hipolito_reinger
  • bio : Modi sint eum deleniti sint natus. Et ut tempora dolores sint esse qui in. Eum consequuntur quaerat dignissimos explicabo consectetur aut illum molestiae.
  • followers : 3657
  • following : 1596

linkedin:

facebook:

  • url : https://facebook.com/reinger1986
  • username : reinger1986
  • bio : Voluptate inventore quo nisi assumenda quam quos consectetur rem.
  • followers : 5655
  • following : 2453

Are you feeling that buzz in the air, that exciting anticipation for a fresh wave of talent to join your favorite football teams? So, too it's almost time for the annual NFL Draft, a truly big moment for football fans everywhere. This is where the future stars of the league get their chance to shine, and where teams really look to build up their rosters for the seasons ahead. Knowing when this huge event kicks off is pretty important for anyone who loves the sport, especially if you're planning to watch all the action unfold live.

The NFL Draft is, in a way, more than just a selection process; it's a spectacle, a gathering where dreams come true for many young athletes. People talk about these prospects for months, really, wondering where they'll land and what kind of impact they'll make. It’s a chance to see how your team will try to improve, maybe even finding that one special player who could change everything. That, is that, why getting the exact dates and times down is so helpful, so you don't miss any of the drama.

For the 2025 NFL Draft, there are some very specific times and days you'll want to mark on your calendar. We're going to break down all the details, from the very first pick of Round 1 to the final selections on the last day. This way, you'll be fully prepared to experience every single moment, whether you're watching from home or just keeping up with the news. Basically, we've got you covered for when the big event begins.

Table of Contents

The Big Kickoff: Round 1 Details

When does the NFL Draft start? Well, for the 2025 event, the very first day of the draft is set to begin on Thursday, April 24. This is when all the excitement really gets going, as the teams make their initial selections. The first round is always a huge deal, with a lot of attention on those early picks and who will be the very first player chosen overall. It's a rather thrilling time for everyone who follows football, as the anticipation builds for each team's turn.

The first round of the 2025 NFL Draft will begin at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. This is the moment when the first team, which for 2025 is the Tennessee Titans, will make their selection. It's a very specific time, so if you're planning to be glued to your screen, you'll want to make sure you're ready by then. The first day is usually packed with surprises and big decisions, as teams try to grab the top talent available. So, naturally, you won't want to miss a second of it.

This initial round, the first one, is where a lot of the biggest names and most talked-about players usually get picked. It's also where you see some of the most dramatic moments, like trades happening right on the spot or a player going higher or lower than people expected. Knowing that it starts at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 24, gives you a clear point of reference. It’s a pretty important detail for your draft viewing plans, actually, so you can plan your evening around it.

Day Two Action: Rounds 2 and 3

After the first round wraps up on Thursday, the draft continues with more picks on Friday. The second day of the 2025 NFL Draft, featuring the second and third rounds, begins at 7 p.m. Eastern Time. This day is also very important, as teams continue to fill out their needs and find players who can contribute right away. While the first round gets a lot of the spotlight, there's still a ton of talent available in these middle rounds, and teams often find some real gems here. In a way, these picks can make a big difference for a team's future.

The pace on Friday is a bit different from the first night. Teams still take their time, but the overall flow feels a little quicker as more selections are made. You'll see a lot of interesting choices, as teams might try to address specific positions or go for players who have a lot of potential but maybe need a little more development. It’s a rather busy day for the team general managers and scouts, who have to make quick decisions. So, basically, it’s another full evening of football action to look forward to.

Keeping track of the 7 p.m. ET start time for Friday is just as crucial as knowing the Thursday start. If you're following a particular team or a group of players, you'll want to be ready to see where they land. The second and third rounds often produce players who become long-term starters and even Pro Bowlers, so paying attention to these picks is very worthwhile. This is, in some respects, where teams really build their depth and find players who can make an impact for years to come.

The Final Sprint: Rounds 4 Through 7

The NFL Draft wraps up on Saturday, with the final rounds taking place. The fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft are all scheduled for this day. The final rounds of the draft begin at noon Eastern Time on Saturday, April 26. This is when teams really dig deep to find players who can fill out their rosters, contribute on special teams, or even develop into surprising starters down the road. It's a much faster pace on Saturday, with teams getting less time to make their choices. So, you'll see a lot of picks happen in a shorter amount of time.

While these later rounds might not get as much attention as the first few, they are incredibly important for building a complete team. Many undrafted free agents also emerge from this day, players who weren't picked but still get a chance to sign with a team. It's a day for finding hidden talent and adding depth to every position. For example, a lot of teams find key contributors in these later rounds who become beloved by the fans. You know, sometimes the best stories come from these later picks.

The Saturday session is also a chance for fans to see their team finalize their draft class for the year. By the end of the day, every team will have made all their selections, and the focus will then shift to how these new players will fit in. The noon ET start time means it's an earlier start than the previous days, so you'll want to be ready if you plan to watch the entire final day. This is, after all, the conclusion of a very big weekend for the league and its fans.

Watching the Draft: Coverage Times

When you're looking to watch the NFL Draft, it's good to know when the coverage itself begins, not just when the first pick is made. For the 2025 NFL Draft, ESPN's coverage will begin at 7 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, April 24. This means you'll have an hour of pre-draft analysis, discussions, and predictions before the actual selections start at 8 p.m. ET. It’s a good way to get ready for the main event, with all the experts sharing their thoughts. Basically, it helps set the stage for all the action.

For the second day, Friday, April 25, the coverage will also likely start a bit before the first pick of the evening. Since the second and third rounds begin at 7 p.m. ET, you can expect the broadcast to kick off around that time or slightly earlier to give you some lead-in. These pre-shows often offer valuable insights into team needs, player profiles, and what might happen next. So, you might want to tune in a little early to catch all the commentary and analysis.

On Saturday, April 26, when the final rounds begin at noon ET, the coverage will also start around that time. The networks will be ready to bring you all the picks from the fourth through the seventh rounds. This is a very fast-paced day, so having the commentators guide you through it can be helpful. It’s a long day of football, but it’s really the last chance to see new players join the league through the draft. For instance, sometimes these later rounds are where surprising stories unfold.

Time Zones and the First Pick

Understanding when the NFL Draft starts can be a little tricky depending on where you live. All the times we've talked about, like 8 p.m. for Round 1, are given in Eastern Time (ET). This means if you're on the West Coast, in Pacific Time (PT), you'll need to adjust. For example, 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 24, means the first pick will be made at 5 p.m. PT. That's a pretty big difference, so it's good to keep that in mind when you're planning your viewing party. You know, you don't want to miss the very start.

If you're in the Central Time (CT) zone, the 8 p.m. ET start means 7 p.m. CT. And for those in the Mountain Time (MT) zone, it will be 6 p.m. MT. It’s very important to make this time zone adjustment so you don't accidentally tune in too late or too early. The first pick of Round 1, which for 2025 is scheduled to be made by the Tennessee Titans, is a huge moment, and you'll want to be there for it. So, just a little bit of planning can really help you catch it live.

For fans who might be in different parts of the world, the time difference can be even more significant. For example, 8 p.m. ET means 1 a.m. in London, England. This shows just how early or late some international fans have to stay up or wake up to catch the live action. It’s a global event, really, and people from all over the world follow it closely. So, wherever you are, make sure to do that quick time zone conversion to get the exact start time for your location.

How Much Time Do Teams Get to Pick?

During the NFL Draft, teams don't have an unlimited amount of time to make their selections. There's a clock ticking for each pick, which adds a lot of drama and pressure to the event. In the first round, each team has ten minutes to decide and submit their pick. This might seem like a good amount of time, but with all the last-minute discussions, potential trades, and scouting reports, those ten minutes can fly by. It's a very intense period for the team's decision-makers, as they try to make the best choice for their franchise. So, you'll often see them cutting it close.

As the draft moves into later rounds, the time limit for each pick actually gets shorter. For the second and third rounds, teams typically have seven minutes per pick. This speeds up the pace of the draft considerably. Then, for the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh rounds, the time per pick drops even further, usually to five minutes or even four minutes. This is why the final day of the draft moves so quickly, with picks coming in rapid succession. It’s almost a sprint to the finish line, actually, as teams try to get their final players.

The pressure of the clock can lead to some really interesting moments, like teams scrambling to get a trade finalized before their time runs out, or a team making a surprising pick because they couldn't get the player they wanted. It's all part of the excitement of the draft. For example, if a team owns the 103rd selection in the draft, they'll be tasked with making that pick within the allotted time for that specific round. It's a key part of the draft's structure and adds a lot to the viewing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About the NFL Draft Start Times

What time does the NFL Draft start?

The 2025 NFL Draft will begin on Thursday, April 24. The first round is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. This is when the very first pick will be made, and all the draft action truly gets underway. It's a pretty specific time, so make sure to mark it down. Learn more about the history of the NFL Draft on our site, too.

What time does NFL Draft start today?

If "today" refers to Thursday, April 24, the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft will begin at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. If "today" refers to Friday, April 25, the second and third rounds begin at 7 p.m. Eastern Time. And if "today" refers to Saturday, April 26, the final rounds (fourth through seventh) are set to begin at noon Eastern Time. It really depends on which day you're asking about, obviously.

What time is the NFL Draft on Saturday?

The final rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, which include the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh rounds, begin at noon Eastern Time on Saturday, April 26. This is the last day of the draft, and it moves at a much faster pace than the previous two days. You can find more details about how teams prepare for the NFL Draft here.

When Does The NFL Draft Start? - HERO Sports

When Does The NFL Draft Start? - HERO Sports

When Does Nfl Draft Start 2025 - Jan Campbell

When Does Nfl Draft Start 2025 - Jan Campbell

When does NFL draft start? What to know, how to watch 2024 NFL draft

When does NFL draft start? What to know, how to watch 2024 NFL draft