The 2021 NFL Draft is a date that many prospects have had circled over the past year or so. With the hours counting down, let’s take a look at the start date for the 2021 NFL Draft, the times it begins each day, and who are the names to watch on Day 1.
2021 NFL Draft dates and times
Here is the key information surrounding the 2021 NFL Draft, including the start date, times, and where to watch.
- 2021 NFL Draft dates: Thursday, April 29 (Round 1) — Friday, April 30 (Rounds 2-3) — Saturday, May 1 (Rounds 4-7)
- Where to watch: NFL Network, ESPN, ABC, ESPN Deportes
- Start times: Thursday – 8 PM ET, Friday – 7 PM ET, Saturday – 12 PM ET
The full 2021 NFL Draft order will see a total of 259 prospects drafted. On Thursday, the first 32 prospects will come off the board. Day 2 will see another 73 prospects selected. On the final day, the remaining 154 selections will be made.
Each of the three days is currently set to start with the Jacksonville Jaguars on the clock. Entering the 2021 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles have the most selections (11), while the Seattle Seahawks have the fewest (3).
What time does the 2021 NFL Draft start each day?
The start times of the NFL Draft vary from round to round. On Thursday, Round 1 of the draft begins at 8 PM ET. The start time on Friday is 7 PM ET, and the draft begins its final day at 12 PM ET on Saturday.
The rules of the NFL Draft states that teams have 10 minutes in the first round in which to make their pick. This drops to 7 minutes in Round 2 and 5 minutes in Rounds 3-6. The final round will then see the clock drop to 4 minutes for each team to make their selections.
What happens if a team does not pick within the allotted time?
NFL teams do not have to pick within the time limit that they have. There is no direct punishment for a team that does not submit a selection within the allotted time. However, once the timer expires, the next team is able to make their selection, potentially taking the player the first team was considering.
A team makes a selection by submitting a card indicating their desired player to an NFL staff member known as a runner. At this point, the selection is official.
The selection is then radioed to an NFL Player Personnel representative and is then inputted into a database that notifies all other teams of the selection. The card is then handed to Vice President of Player Personnel Ken Fiore. The name is then reviewed for accuracy before being shared with the NFL’s broadcast partners, the commissioner, and other representatives. The pick is then formally announced.
Where can you watch the 2021 NFL Draft?
There are a number of ways in which to view the 2021 NFL Draft across the three days. NFL Network, ABC, and ESPN will each air their own draft coverage. Meanwhile, ESPN Deportes will present a Spanish version of the broadcast shown on ESPN.
There are a number of options with which to stream the 2021 NFL Draft. Some will require evidence of a cable or satellite account. Others, however, such as YouTube TV, AT&T TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV will be carrying the draft for those who do not have cable or satellite accounts.
Internationally, draft coverage varies from country to country. For example, the draft will be aired on DAZN in Canada, while Sky Sports and NFL GamePass will carry coverage in the UK. Check your local listing for more information.
What were the first 10 picks of PFN’s recent mock draft?
Let’s take a look at how the first 10 selections could play out when the 2021 NFL Draft begins with AJ Schulte’s most recent 7-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft.
1) Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
Entering the 2021 NFL Draft, there appears to be little suspense remaining around the No. 1 pick. The Jaguars appear to be all-in on adding Trevor Lawrence as their new franchise QB.
2) New York Jets: Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
Much like the first overall selection, there appears to be little mystery surrounding the second selection. The Jets recently traded Sam Darnold, clearing the way for Zach Wilson to start immediately. Can Wilson change the fortunes of the Jets in 2021 and beyond?
3) San Francisco 49ers (from Texans via Dolphins): Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
The third pick is where the real intrigue begins. Mac Jones looked set to be the selection here for a while, but now Justin Fields appears to be the favorite. The 49ers have three realistic options with the No. 3 overall selection, and who they select will shape how the first round ultimately plays out.
4) Atlanta Falcons: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
The first domino to potentially fall depending on the 49ers’ selection is the very next spot. Trey Lance is a logical choice for the Falcons, who are tied to Matt Ryan for at least the next two seasons. That would allow Lance time to develop before taking over as the starter once Ryan’s time in Atlanta is done.
5) Cincinnati Bengals: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
Another team that has at least three realistic options is the Bengals. The frailty of the Bengals’ offensive line led to QB Joe Burrow taking a number of hits last season. However, the upside of reuniting Burrow with Ja’Marr Chase is too good to pass up. With A.J. Green’s departure, it makes sense that the Bengals would want another superstar receiver who already has that connection with their franchise quarterback.
6) Miami Dolphins: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
The Dolphins are expected to address their pass-catching talent, regardless of who is on the board at their pick. If Kyle Pitts falls to them, it will be hard for the Dolphins to pass up one of the top potential chess pieces in the draft.
7) Philadelphia Eagles (via DET): Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
With so many offensive weapons and QBs going early in this mock draft, Oregon’s Penei Sewell falls to the seventh pick. The Eagles need to shore up their offensive line so they make the move with Detroit to stop Sewell’s slide.
8) Carolina Panthers: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
Part of the narrative on why Sam Darnold was bad in New York was that he didn’t have any weapons. We’ll know with this pick how true that is. Jaylen Waddle is the closest thing to Tyreek Hill in this draft class. I think that’s all I need to say about him being worth the No. 8 overall pick.
9) Denver Broncos: Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
The Denver Broncos are in the mix for a QB if one falls to them at nine. However, with the big four already gone, they instead decide to upgrade their offensive line with Northwestern’s Rashawn Slater.
10) New England Patriots (via DAL): Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
It would take a lot to move Dallas out of here, but they are certainly open to the idea, according to PFN Chief Draft Analyst and NFL Insider Tony Pauline. A first and two seconds to move down five spots is a nice premium deal to get them to do so.
New England and Mac Jones make too much sense from a precedent standpoint. The Patriots have Cam Newton for one more season, hopefully meaning Jones gets to sit and improve in his weaknesses. New England’s never been afraid to go and get their guy, and they certainly have a type at quarterback. This might be the best spot for Jones overall.
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