About the National Football League Draft
The NFL Draft (or the Player Selection Meeting) is an annual event during which National Football League teams recruit new players from college teams. The right to be selected in the draft can be used not only to select players, but also to exchange them for another number in the line-up. To attract more fans, the location of the draft changes every year.
The National Football League Draft is one of the most significant events in US sports life. In 2017, almost 250,000 fans and 1,800 media representatives attended the event. A preliminary list of contenders is generated before the Super Bowl takes place.
2027 NFL Draft
The 2027 NFL Draft will be held in Washington, D.C., with the National Mall near the Capitol serving as the main venue. Exact dates have not yet been announced, but the draft typically takes place in late April and lasts three days.
All 32 teams in the league participate in the event, selecting young players in seven rounds. The draft has long become not only a sporting event but also a major city festival. It is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of fans and be one of the largest in recent years.
History of the NFL Draft
The first Player Selection Meeting was held on 8 February 1936 in Philadelphia. It lasted 9 rounds, with 90 players participating in the draft. The event itself received no media publicity. Jay Berwanger is the first ever drafted player.
Between 1937 and 1946, the draft was enshrined in the National Football League Constitution.
In the early 1980s, the question arose of showing live broadcasts of NFL drafts. In 1988, the event began to be held on a weekend and then ESPN TV ratings increased significantly.
Players selected at number one in the draft
Several of the players selected at number one in the draft were also elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
| The year | Venue | Results |
| 2026 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA | Fernando Mendoza, Las Vegas Raiders |
| 2025 | Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA | Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans |
| 2024 | Detroit, Michigan, USA | Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears |
2028 NFL Draft
The 93rd National Football League draft will be held, as usual, in April 2028. The exact dates and location will be announced later.
Keep an eye on the dates of football events and other activities on our Sports Events Calendar.
