NFL Draft 2024: when is it, where to watch it from the United States and how it works

It is one of the most important moments in the league, since the new members of each team will be defined, who could help them grow during the next season

The scene of the NFL Draft, this Wednesday in Detroit (USA).Adam Hunger (AP)

Apr 25, 2024 - 19:46CEST

This year’s NFL Draft has generated unprecedented expectations, as the league gives more and more importance to this event that now welcomes fans eager for excitement and surprises. With headquarters in Detroit, the focus is on the 32 NFL teams, each with its seven selections for a total of 257 players who will find their new professional home.

As usual, the first round is the most important. This year, the Chicago Bears lead the No. 1 overall pick after trading positions with the Carolina Panthers to claim the top spot. With a record of 7 wins and 10 losses in the previous season, the Bears will bet big on Caleb Williams, the talented quarterback from USC, who could become one of the most successful quarterbacks of the decade. But, as is often the case, not all college players with brilliant records manage to translate their success to the professional level, making the pick a risky bet for Chicago.

Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders and New England Patriots, both with a 4-13 record last season, have picks two and three respectively. For the Patriots, a team accustomed to greatness during the Brady and Belichick era, this is a crucial opportunity to rebuild after a disappointing season. With their eyes set on the third overall pick, they seek to revitalize their team and compete again at the league's elite.

The draft typically changes every few years as the league has grown and become more popular, with the league having to alter the rules to make the process fair for all teams.

The event is a roller coaster of emotions and surprises, where franchises are willing to risk everything for a chance at success. From the lowest level teams to the most successful, everyone is looking for the next star that will lead them to victory. This is what you should know about the 2024 NFL draft.

When is the 2024 NFL draft?

First round: Thursday, April 25.

Time: 8 p.m. E.T.

Second and third round: Friday, April 26.

Time: 7 p.m. E.T.

Fourth to seventh round: Saturday, April 27.

Time: 12 p.m. E.T.

Where to watch the NFL draft live?

All rounds will be broadcast in Spanish on ESPN Deportes. In English, it can be followed through ESPN and ABC, in addition to the NFL Network, and their respective online applications.

How the NFL draft works

The 32 teams can select one player in each of the seven rounds of the draft. The selection order begins with the last-place team from the previous season and continues ascending to the Super Bowl champions.

The top 20 spots are assigned to teams that did not qualify for the playoffs in ascending order based on their place at the end of the regular season. Those who advanced to the playoffs take the 21st through 32nd spots following the same ascending order based on their postseason record, with the Super Bowl champion, the Kansas City Chiefs, in last place.

If there are teams that have the same number of points, their draft position is determined by the total winning percentage of a team's opponents. Whoever played the schedule with the lowest winning percentage will get the best position in the draft.

Teams can “climb up” to a lower pick by trading with other teams for players or draft picks.