Every year, the NFL Draft becomes the epicenter where all 32 franchises look to revitalize their rosters by selecting the most promising college football talents, sparking collective excitement.
Over three days and seven rounds, teams strategically battle for the best college prospects in an event that blends excitement, analysis and a touch of drama, as there have been disastrous picks in the past.
But how does this process actually work? From the draft order to the rules governing trades, this is much more than just a list of names called to the stage—it’s an event that shapes the future of the iconic league every year.
What is the NFL Draft?
The NFL Draft is an annual event where all 32 teams select eligible college football players to join their rosters. It serves as the primary method for teams to acquire new talent and build for the future. Held every spring, the draft consists of multiple rounds where teams take turns picking players based on a predetermined order.
A general view shows the stage during the during the 2008 NFL Draft on April 26, 2008. (Source: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Beyond simply selecting new talent, the draft is also a key moment for franchises to make trades, strategize for the upcoming season, and address weaknesses in their lineups. It is one of the most important dates on the NFL calendar, as it shapes the composition of teams and can significantly impact their success in the years to come.
How many rounds are there?
It consists of 7 rounds, during which teams select a total of more than 250 players. The number of picks can vary slightly due to compensatory selections, which are awarded to teams that have lost key free agents in the offseason.
- Round 1: Held on the first night, featuring the most high-profile selections.
- Rounds 2-3: Take place on the second day, often producing key starters.
- Rounds 4-7: Conclude the draft on the third day, where teams look for depth and potential late-round surprises.
While first-round picks receive the most attention, history has shown that great players can be found in any round. Therefore, it’s important to pay attention until the very last moment of the event, as anything can happen.
How is the draft order determined?
The draft order is based on the reverse standings of the previous NFL season. The team with the worst record picks first, while the Super Bowl-winning team picks last in each round. This system is designed to help struggling teams improve by giving them earlier access to top prospects.
A detail of the New York Jets during the last pick of round seven of the 2024 NFL draft at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza on April 27, 2024. (Source: Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
If two or more teams finish with the same record, the order is determined by tiebreakers such as strength of schedule (favoring the team that faced the easier opponents), followed by head-to-head results and conference rankings if necessary.
Unlike the NBA, the NFL does not use a lottery system, meaning teams at the bottom of the standings are guaranteed high draft picks. However, this has led to speculation that some teams may deliberately underperform late in the season to secure a better draft position.
How do trades work during the draft?
Teams can trade draft picks before or during the draft, allowing them to move up or down the selection order. These trades often involve teams exchanging multiple picks or including veteran players to negotiate a better position.
Trades are common when a team is targeting a specific player and wants to ensure they can select them before another team does. Conversely, some teams trade down to acquire more picks and build depth.
Each trade is carefully analyzed, as moving up in the draft often requires giving up valuable future assets. While some deals turn out to be game-changing moves, others can result in missed opportunities or overpaying for a single player.
