The NFL draft blends strategy, scouting and spectacle into one weekend that shapes franchises for years. This year, Green Bay hosts the event, which will feature seven rounds of talent hunting, combining excitement and anticipation with the prospect of creating the next generation of stars in the league.
The first round of the draft takes place on Thursday with teams ‘on the clock’ from 8pm. The second and third rounds take place on Friday, followed by the final four rounds on Saturday.
While there is no consensus on who will be selected first, experts expect Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward to go top of the class as he has all the tools to be a franchise-changing star in the NFL. He has the speed to evade blocks, the strength to overpower offensive linemen and a strong motor to outlast opponents.
Other highly-rated prospects include Florida State defensive end Brian Burns, who has a well-rounded game and is viewed as a potential game-changer on both sides of the ball. Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham, the winner of last year’s Outland Trophy, is also a high-value player who has all the attributes needed for success in the NFL, including the size, power and motor to excel at his position.
Teams can trade picks at any time during or before the draft, and there have been a number of dramatic trades in recent years. Each team must call a league representative to communicate the terms of any trade, which is then approved before the next team can make their selection.