What time is the 2025 NFL Draft?

Football fans, mark your calendars! The highly anticipated 2025 NFL Draft is just around the corner, and the excitement is building as teams gear up to select the next generation of gridiron stars. Knowing exactly when to tune in is crucial, whether you’re a die-hard supporter of a specific team, a fantasy football enthusiast, or simply a lover of the sport. In this comprehensive guide we will provide you with all the essential information regarding the 2025 NFL Draft start times, ensuring you don’t miss a single pick.

When Does the 2025 NFL Draft Start?

The 2025 NFL Draft is a three-day event, with each day featuring a different set of rounds. Here’s a breakdown of the start times for each day in Eastern Time (ET), the standard time zone for NFL broadcasts in the United States:

• Round 1: Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 8:00 PM ET
• Rounds 2-3: Friday, April 25, 2025 at 7:00 PM ET
• Rounds 4-7: Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 12:00 PM ET (Noon)

It’s important to note these times are in Eastern Time. If you are in a different time zone within the United States, be sure to adjust accordingly:

• Central Time (CT): Subtract 1 hour from the ET times.
• Mountain Time (MT): Subtract 2 hours from the ET times.
• Pacific Time (PT): Subtract 3 hours from the ET times.

For our international viewers, you’ll need to convert the Eastern Time start times to your local time zone. A quick online search for a time zone converter will be helpful.

Where is the 2025 NFL Draft Being Held?

The 2025 NFL Draft will be hosted in Green Bay, Wisconsin, a city synonymous with football tradition thanks to the legendary Green Bay Packers. This marks the first time that Green Bay will host the NFL Draft, and the festivities will center around the iconic Lambeau Field and the adjacent Titletown District.

This move to Green Bay follows Detroit hosting the event in 2024, continuing a trend of the NFL bringing its premier offseason event to passionate fan bases across the country. The atmosphere in Green Bay is expected to be electric, with fans eager to celebrate football and welcome the newest NFL talent.

How to Watch the 2025 NFL Draft Live

There are numerous ways to catch all the action of the 2025 NFL Draft live, whether you prefer traditional television or streaming options:

Television:

• ESPN: The long-time home of college football and a major broadcaster of the NFL, ESPN will provide in-depth coverage and analysis of every pick.
• ABC: For those with access to local television, ABC will also broadcast the NFL Draft, offering a more network-style presentation.
• NFL Network: The league’s own channel, NFL Network, will offer comprehensive coverage, with insights from their team of analysts and on-the-ground reporting from Green Bay.
• ESPN Deportes: For Spanish-speaking viewers in the US, ESPN Deportes will provide coverage of the draft.

Streaming:

• NFL+: The NFL’s official streaming service is expected to offer live streaming of the draft.
• ESPN App: If you have a cable or satellite subscription that includes ESPN, you can likely stream the draft through the ESPN app.
• ABC App: Similar to ESPN, you may be able to stream ABC’s coverage through their app with a valid TV provider login.
• NFL Game Pass International: For fans outside of the United States, NFL Game Pass International is a great option to watch the draft live.
• Fubo: This streaming service, which focuses on live sports, typically includes ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network, making it a viable option for watching the draft. Many providers offer a free trial.
• Hulu + Live TV: This service also includes ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network in its channel lineup.
• YouTube TV: Another popular live TV streaming service that carries the channels broadcasting the NFL Draft.
• Sling TV: Depending on the Sling TV package you choose, you can access ESPN and NFL Network. Check your local listings for ABC availability.
• CBS Sports HQ: CBS Sports’ 24/7 streaming channel will likely provide pre-draft, during-draft, and post-draft analysis and coverage.

Radio:

• ESPN Radio: For those who prefer to listen, ESPN Radio will provide audio coverage of the NFL Draft.
• SiriusXM: Satellite radio subscribers can tune into NFL-specific channels for live draft coverage and analysis.
• Westwood One Sports: This network often carries live coverage of major NFL events, including the draft.

What to Expect During the 2025 NFL Draft

The NFL Draft is more than just teams picking players; it’s a strategic event filled with anticipation, excitement, and sometimes, surprising decisions. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect over the three days:

Round 1 (Thursday, April 24th – 8:00 PM ET): This is the main event, where the top-rated prospects hear their names called. Each team has a set amount of time to make their selection, and trades are common as teams maneuver to secure their desired players. The first round often sets the tone for the entire draft and features the most highly touted athletes.

Rounds 2-3 (Friday, April 25th – 7:00 PM ET): Day two continues the selection process with Rounds 2 and 3. While the hype might be slightly less than the first round, these rounds are crucial for teams to find valuable starters and build depth. Many players selected on day two go on to have significant NFL careers.

Rounds 4-7 (Saturday, April 26th – 12:00 PM ET): The final day of the draft features Rounds 4 through 7. These rounds are often about finding potential sleepers, special teams contributors, and developmental prospects. While not every pick will become a star, teams can often find hidden gems in the later rounds. The very last player selected in the NFL Draft each year is famously known as “Mr. Irrelevant.”

Throughout all three days, expect expert analysis from former players, coaches, and draft specialists. They will break down the picks, discuss team strategies, and evaluate the potential impact of each player. Interviews with draftees and team personnel will also provide insights into the decision-making process.

Why the NFL Draft Time Matters

Knowing the exact times of the 2025 NFL Draft is essential for several reasons:

• Live Viewing: If you want to experience the excitement of each pick as it happens, knowing the start times allows you to plan your schedule accordingly.
• Social Engagement: The 2025 NFL Draft is a major social event, with fans discussing and reacting to picks in real-time on social media. Knowing the times ensures you can participate in these conversations.
• Fantasy Football Preparation: For fantasy football enthusiasts, the 2025 NFL Draft provides crucial information about where rookies will be playing, which can significantly impact their potential value in the upcoming season.
• Staying Informed: Following the draft live allows you to stay up-to-date on your favorite team’s moves and the overall landscape of the league.

Conclusion

The 2025 NFL Draft promises to be an exciting event, full of surprises and potential game-changers. Make sure you have the dates and times noted: Thursday, April 24th at 8:00 PM ET for Round 1, Friday, April 25th at 7:00 PM ET for Rounds 2-3, and Saturday, April 26th at 12:00 PM ET for Rounds 4-7. With numerous ways to watch live on television and through streaming services, you won’t have to miss a single moment as the future of the NFL takes shape in Green Bay. Get ready for three days of thrilling player selections and the dawn of a new era for many NFL franchises!