The 2024 NFL draft has begun, and football fans are buzzing with excitement. This year’s draft class is packed with talented players who are ready to take the league by storm. The Chicago Bears hold the first pick.
All eyes are on them as they prepare to select the next generation of football stars. So, grab your favourite snack, gather your friends and family, and get ready to watch the future of football unfold.
When and Where is the 2024 NFL Draft?
The 2024 NFL draft will take place from April 25 to 27 in Detroit, Michigan. The first round will be held on Day 1, followed by Rounds 2-3 on Day 2, and Rounds 4-7 on Day 3.
The draft will be held in the downtown area surrounding Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza.
This venue offers a unique and exciting experience for fans, with plenty of opportunities to meet players, coaches, and other football personalities.
Mark your calendars:
- Round 1 begins on Thursday, April 25 at 8 p.m. ET
- Rounds 2-3 begin on Friday, April 26 at 7 p.m. ET
- Rounds 4-7 begin on: Saturday, April 27 at noon ET
How to Watch the 2024 NFL Draft
This year’s NFL draft will be broadcast on NFL Network, ABC, ESPN, and ESPN Deportes. Fans can also stream the draft on YouTube TV, Hulu+ Live TV, Fubo TV, and Sling TV.
If you have an over-the-air antenna, you can catch all three days of the draft on ABC for free. In addition to the broadcast, the NFL will also offer a live stream of the draft on NFL.com/watch and mobile app, which will provide an opportunity to watch the draft from anywhere, at any time.
The NFL will also offer a draft tracker, which will provide real-time updates and analysis of each pick. Plus, catch additional live coverage in Detroit on the NFL Channel’s “NFL Draft Center,” available for free on platforms like the NFL App, Roku Channel, Peacock, and NFL.com/nflchannel.
Here is a complete list of NFL broadcast partners:
TV
- NFL Network
- ABC
- ESPN
Connected TV
- NFL+
- ABC
- ESPN
- STREAMING EN VIVO
Phone and Tablets
- NFL+
- ABC
- ESPN
- ESPN Deportes
International
- NFL Game Pass
NFL Draft Order
The draft order is determined by the reverse order of every teams’ standing in the previous season. The team with the worst record will pick first, and the Super Bowl champions will pick last. Here is the order for the top 5 draft picks in 2024:
- Chicago Bears (from Carolina Panthers)
- Washington Commanders
- New England Patriots
- Arizona Cardinals
- Los Angeles Chargers
For more information, see the complete NFL draft order.
Predictions and Mock Drafts
NFL experts and analysts have been busy predicting the outcome of the draft. Dan Parr’s 2024 NFL mock draft 2.0 is just one of many mock drafts that have been published in recent weeks.
These predictions give fans an idea of what to expect on draft day and which players are likely to be selected by which teams. In Parr’s mock draft, the Bears selected Caleb Williams with the first pick, followed by the Commanders selecting Jayden Daniels.
The Patriots select Drake Maye, and the Cardinals select Marvin Harrison Jr. The Chargers round out the top 5 by selecting J.J. McCarthy. Let’s learn more about these top picks:
1. Caleb Williams
The Bears need a quarterback, and Caleb Williams is a top contender. His impressive stats and leadership skills make him the best choice for the Bears’ starting quarterback position.
However, they may also consider other top prospects like Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye. The USC quarterback sensation has been dubbed the “next big thing” by many experts.
Williams has already made a name for himself in college football, leading the Trojans to a national championship appearance last season.
2. Jayden Daniels
The Washington Commanders are looking for a quarterback, and Jayden Daniels is a good choice for the Patriots’ starting quarterback position.
The LSU quarterback who’s got the speed, arm strength, and charisma to dominate the league. Daniels is a dual-threat quarterback who can make plays with his legs and his arm.
3. Drake Maye
The New England Patriots are seeking a quarterback, and Drake Maye is a top prospect for the Patriots’ starting quarterback position.
The North Carolina quarterback, who’s been compared to Tom Brady for his accuracy and pocket presence.
Maye has already shown impressive skills in college, leading the Tar Heels to a bowl game victory last season.
4. Marvin Harrison Jr.
The Arizona Cardinals want a wide receiver, and Marvin Harrison Jr. is a potential player for the Cardinals’ receiving corps.
However, they may also consider other top prospects like Jaxon Smith-Njigba or Jordan Addison. The Ohio State wide receiver, who’s got the speed, agility, and hands to be a top NFL receiver.
Harrison Jr. has already made a name for himself in college football, leading the Buckeyes in receiving yards last season.
5. J.J. McCarthy
The Los Angeles Chargers need a quarterback, and J.J. McCarthy is a top contender for the Chargers’ starting quarterback position.
The Michigan quarterback who’s got the leadership skills, arm strength, and mobility to be a top NFL quarterback. McCarthy has already shown impressive skills in college, leading the Wolverines to a Big Ten championship appearance last season.
What to Expect on NFL Draft Day
Get ready to score big off the field too! Alongside the nail-biting draft action, Detroit’s Campus Martius Park is hosting the NFL Draft Experience.
Here fans can enjoy interactive games, can meet NFL players and legends for autograph sessions. They can also grab a photo opportunity with the iconic Vince Lombardi Trophy—all for free!
Here’s what you can get more on 2024 NFL Draft Day:
- Free Entry
Join the excitement without spending a penny! Just download the NFL OnePass app or register online to secure your spot.
- Food
Indulge in Detroit’s diverse culinary scene with food and beverage vendors. They will offer local specialties like soul food, Greek, Mexican, Middle Eastern, and East African cuisine.
- Dance and music
On Day 3, get ready to enjoy some special dance moves and music at Campus Martius Park! Fan participation is highly encouraged.
- Safety
Expect airport-level screening and follow the NFL Clear Bag Policy for a secure event.
- Transport
Plan for parking or use convenient transportation options like fan shuttles, the QLINE, or buses.
FAQs – 2024 NFL Draft
What are some ways to stream the NFL Draft for free?
You can watch the entire NFL Draft over three days for free on ABC. If you have access to a local ABC station through an over-the-air antenna, then you are good to go.
What are the options for viewing the 2024 NFL Draft on TV?
You can catch the 2024 NFL Draft, on channels like NFL Network, ABC, ESPN, and ESPN Deportes. For exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage in Detroit, you can tune in to NFL Network. Here’s the schedule:
- April 25 (Thursday) on NFL Network, ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes (Spanish) at 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT
- April 26 (Friday) on NFL Network, ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes (Spanish) at 7 PM ET / 6 PM CT
- April 27 (Saturday) on NFL Network, ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes (Spanish) at Noon ET / 11 AM CT
What is the duration of each round in the draft?
In the 2024 NFL Draft, teams get 10 minutes for their first-round pick. Then, it’s a quicker pace: 7 minutes for round 2, 5 minutes for rounds 3 through 6. Whereas, there will be just 4 minutes for the seventh and final round.
Conclusion
The 2024 NFL draft kicked off, and football fans are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the next generation of NFL stars.
The NFL Draft is also a time for teams to rebuild and retool for the future. With the salary cap increasing and free agency in full swing, teams are looking to fill holes in their rosters and build a championship contender. The draft is a crucial part of this process.
With a talented pool of players and a new era of football talent on the horizon, this year’s draft promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.
