It’s been a dark couple of months for NFL fans. No games. No action. And no chance to grumble about camera cuts to Taylor Swift during Chiefs games.
That particular drought will continue for a little bit longer, but the NFL will start ramping up for the 2024-2025 season over the next few days, as the 2024 NFL Draft gets underway. The first picks will be announced Thursday night and the draft will run through Saturday, April 27.
The NFL Draft the launching pad for college football stars to go pro—and none is currently hotter than USC’s Caleb Williams, who is the odds-on favorite for this year’s first overall pick.
While the draft is, in some ways, an NFL version of the NYSE’s trading floor, it’s still riveting viewing. Here’s how to catch all the action.
When does the 2024 NFL Draft take place?
This year’s NFL Draft will begin on Thursday, April 25 and run through Saturday, April 27. Round one picks will be announced Thursday. Rounds two and three happen on Friday. And Saturday will see rounds four through seven.
What time does the 2024 NFL Draft begin?
It varies by night:
Thursday’s coverage will begin at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Friday’s coverage will start at 7:00 p.m. ET.
Saturday’s coverage will begin at 12:00 p.m. ET.
Which network, or networks, are airing the 2024 NFL Draft?
On Thursday, ABC, ESPN, and the NFL Network will cover the first round.
Friday coverage will air on ABC, ESPN2, and The NFL Network. And Saturday, you can watch the draft on ABC, ESPN, and The NFL Network.
How can I watch the NFL Draft for free?
The best way to watch non-cable exclusives for free on a big screen is with a good HD antenna. Since ABC is airing the NFL draft, you’ll be able to watch even if you don’t have a cable subscription. To ensure you’re getting the most reliable signal, be sure to test the antenna in multiple locations in your home.
Can I watch the 2024 NFL Draft online?
Certainly! You can always log on to the WatchESPN app, but if you’d prefer to watch on a big screen there are several alternatives.
Disney+
Disney’s bundle of Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ no longer has a free trial, so you’ll have to pay $15 per month for all three combined (or $25 per month for no ads on Hulu).
Including Live TV in the bundle bumps the price to $77 per month ($90 with no ads).
Hulu with Live TV
Like Disney+, the free trial on this service is no longer offered. It will now cost you $77 per month.
YouTubeTV
After up to a two-week trial, you can expect monthly charges of $73. YouTube is also now the home of Sunday Ticket. Prices on that service currently range from $300 to $439 for the season, with the current discounts.
Sling TV
Dish Network’s Sling—and more specifically, its lower-tiered “Orange” plan—will run you $40 per month. Adding the more comprehensive “Blue” plan bumps the cost to $55 per month. The seven-day free trial has disappeared, but the cord-cutting service is offering 50% off of the first month’s bill.
DirecTV Stream
Formerly known as DirecTV Now, AT&T TVNow, and AT&T TV, this oft-renamed streaming service will run you $75 per month and up after the free-trial option.
Fubo TV
This sports-focused cord-cutting service carries broadcast networks in most markets. There’s a seven-day free trial, followed by monthly charges of $75 and up, depending on the channels you choose.
Does the NFL offer any service for me to watch the 2024 NFL Draft?
It does, but there are fewer options than you have during the regular season.
NFL App
The NFL App will let you stream this year’s draft, via the NFL Network.
Can I watch the 2024 NFL Draft on Amazon?
You cannot. The streaming service doesn’t have any broadcast rights for the draft, but it will carry a wild-card game during the 2024–25 season.
What’s the Draft Order for selections in 2024?
Chicago held onto its first-round pick this year (after trading it to the Carolina Panthers last year for the Panthers’ first-round pick this year). This will be the first time since 1947 the team has made the first selection—and it also has the No. 9 pick, which should set it up for some solid picks.
The order of the picks will vary by round, but here’s how things are shaping up for Round One:
- Chicago Bears (From Carolina Panthers)
- Washington Commanders
- New England Patriots
- Arizona Cardinals
- Los Angeles Chargers
- New York Giants
- Tennessee Titans
- Atlanta Falcons
- Chicago Bears
- New York Jets
- Minnesota Vikings
- Denver Broncos
- Las Vegas Raiders
- New Orleans Saints
- Indianapolis Colts
- Seattle Seahawks
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Los Angeles Rams
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Miami Dolphins
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Minnesota Vikings
- Dallas Cowboys
- Green Bay Packers
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Arizona Cardinals
- Buffalo Bills
- Detroit Lions
- Baltimore Ravens
- San Francisco 49ers
- Kansas City Chiefs
Which players are first-round favorites in the 2024 NFL Draft?
Quarterbacks should be in high demand this year. Caleb Williams from USC is expected to be scooped up first, but several other teams are looking for field generals as well. Other expected high-ranking picks could include:
- Jayden Daniels, LSU – Daniels is a Heisman trophy winner and passed for 40 touchdowns last season. He’s expected to be one of the hottest picks in the draft.
- Drake Maye, UNC – Maye could easily be the second pick of the year, though it’s neck-and-neck with Daniels. Don’t be surprised if the Vikings try to maneuver an early trade to nab him, as Josh McCown was Maye’s coach in high school.
- Marvin Harrison Jr, Ohio State – Taking a quick break from the QB shuffle, Harrison is a wide receiver who likely won’t have to wait long to find a home in the NFL. He was widely considered the best receiver in college football last year.
- J. McCarthy, Michigan – After leading the Wolverines to a national championship last year, McCarthy is certain to be an early pick.
What comes after the draft?
Once the draft is over, the 2024-2025 schedule is next on the agenda. That will be released in May. The season will begin on Thursday, September 5, wrapping up with Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9.
Tickets will go on sale after the schedule is announced.
