As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no draft-related events of any kind in Las Vegas next month. Although the draft remains scheduled for April 23-25, Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times reports that the selections will be broadcast from a studio setting with cut-ins from the headquarters of the teams on the clock.
We heard last week that the league had canceled public events in Las Vegas, but it was unclear whether the draft would still proceed in some smaller scale fashion in Sin City. We speculated that the process would take place remotely via video conferencing, and that now seems to be the case.
Of course, one of the most exciting parts of the draft, for players and fans alike, is commissioner Roger Goodell‘s announcement of each first-round selection, followed by that player’s walk to the stage — assuming that player was invited to the event and elected to attend — to greet Goodell and receive his new jersey. As no one knows what travel restrictions will look like next month, it remains to be seen if the league will attempt to bring in this year’s top prospects in an effort to simulate the usual pomp and circumstance.
Farmer obtained a memo from Goodell to league employees with respect to the decision, which reads in part as follows:
“Planning for the Draft is a good example of how we need to think differently, embrace technology and collaborate. We will also use the Draft to help support fans and those people impacted in our communities. While there have been changes to the way we work and some of our plans, we have an unwavering commitment to upholding the NFL’s legacy of unifying and lifting the spirit of America, and bringing out the best in our fans and in our communities around the world. You’ll hear more from us in the days and weeks ahead about how we intend to demonstrate that commitment well beyond our fields.”
the draft shouldn’t be a public event anyway. so silly.
Over a million people who were planning on going to Vegas disagree with you
I enjoy it, the reaction of the crowd, the excitement of the prospect who was drafted. Not silly at all
I and millions of NFL, College Football Fans agree with you . Especially this year with all the doom and gloom facing us everyday ..
Like me, spent $1000 3 days 1 room at Luxury suites International @The Signature. Non Refundable.
Your alone on this one DarkSide
Yeah, no one would want people to come together to celebrate college student athletes being selected for their next roles. In the immortal words of Bugs Bunny, “What a maroon!”
I mean it is ridiculous if you look at it in practical terms.
When it comes to silly public events, nothing tops the player combine in my view. The college prospects that get invited are going to be drafted and there is a ton of film on them, so why bother with this pointless circus act where meaningless drills are conducted to amuse GMs and owners?
I think the NFL will do something, even if there are a lot of satellite hookups. The WWE has committed to performing WrestleMania from its Performance Center in Orlando without a crowd, so I couldn’t see the NFL letting the draft pass by without doing anything.
They should use the technology Supponor provided to the NHL to make a “virtual crowd” in the background for WrestleMania.
I like the idea of a “virtual” Roger Goodell (which would undoubtedly be an improvement on the real one).
I hope Mel K isn’t available for any thoughts.
they could literally do nothing but a black screen with a timer and the team selection and it will be the most watched event (not named Super Bowl) of the year.
Same here
I do not know what some of these fans think about the NFL draft but I am with the fans who likes it matter in fact I love it
It was great when it was on just Saturday and Sunday. Now its spread out too long.
Anyone who watches more than 10 minutes of the draft really needs to get a life!
Hope they do it in LV next year since this year is a wash.
“Of course, one of the most exciting parts of the draft, for players and fans alike, is commissioner Roger Goodell‘s announcement of each first-round selection”
what?!! LMAO, more likely the least part we like, except to boo the crap out of the fool.