The NFL season might be over, but it’s time for some United States Football League action. The league was active for three seasons between 1982 to 1986. While this isn’t an official reboot of the old league, it does bear the same name. With the return of a long-lost league, the USFL Draft will see the eight new teams filling their rosters. When will the unique draft process begin, unlike many see in the 2022 NFL Draft? Keep reading below for everything you need to know about the USFL Draft.
When is the 2022 USFL Draft?
- Date:Â February 22-23, 2022
- Time:Â 7 PM ET (Feb. 22), 10 AM ET (Feb. 23)
How the 2022 USFL Draft works
The USFL has officially coined its inaugural draft as the Player Selection Meeting. Day 1 of the draft begins at 7 PM ET on February 22 and follows a specific structure with position-based rounds.
In the first round, the eight teams will select quarterbacks, with defensive ends and edge rushers following in Rounds 2-4. Then, they will choose from offensive tackles in Rounds 5-7, cornerbacks in Rounds 8-11, and one more round of QBs in Round 12.
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The USFL determined the order for the draft after their lottery on February 17. The Michigan Panthers won the first overall pick. However, the draft will use an analytical modified snake system between positional rounds to give all teams No. 1 overall picks at two positions.
The teams must select at least one player from every position group. Additionally, teams cannot trade draft picks for more selections or players acquired by other teams. Yet, they will be allowed to defer picks to a compensatory pick to be used at the end of a later round.
Draft order for Round 1
Day 2 of the USFL Draft begins at 10 AM ET on February 23. In a format that differs dramatically from the 2022 NFL Draft (for understandable reasons), the USFL will pick up at Round 13. Through Round 17, the franchises will select wide receivers. Then, they draft safeties in Rounds 18-19, centers in Round 20, inside linebackers in Round 21, and guards in Rounds 22-23.
The final block sees the last fill-out take place. Defensive and nose tackles are drafted in Rounds 24-26, followed by running backs and fullbacks in 27 and 28. The outside linebacker position is the last group to receive multiple rounds in 29-31, and the draft ends with rounds featuring other various holes left to fill.
450-500 players have signed with the USFL and are available in the draft pool. The USFL will also provide real-time coverage of the draft through its league and team social media channels and coverage on FOX Sports.
