ESPN and NFL Network will join forces for this year’s NFL draft. They will produce a broadcast that will air on both networks over all three days.
The April 23-25 draft was originally scheduled to be in Las Vegas but has been moved due to the coronavirus pandemic. It will now originate from ESPN's headquarters in Bristol, Conn.
2020 NFL Draft schedule
Round 1, Thursday, April 23
• 8 p.m.-11:30 p.m.: Channel 2 Action News, ESPN, NFL Network, ESPN Deportes, ESPN Radio
Rounds 2-3, Friday April 24
• 7 p.m.-11:30 p.m.: Channel 2 Action News, ESPN, NFL Network, ESPN Deportes, ESPN Radio
Rounds 4-7, Saturday April 25
• Noon-7 p.m.: Channel 2 Action News, ESPN, NFL Network, ESPN Deportes, ESPN Radio
The live videostream will be available across NFL and ESPN digital properties (authentication may be required). Fans can listen to the event on SiriusXM and ESPN Radio. Digital audio will be available via the TuneIn app.
The Atlanta Falcons hold the 16th overall pick. Follow the AJC's D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) for updates.
» MORE: Falcons have a draft-night plan
Draft hosts and a limited number of commentators will be in-studio but will adhere to social distancing guidelines. Other reporters and analysts will report remotely from home. Dianna Russini will provide Falcons updates for the networks.
Commissioner Roger Goodell will introduce first-round picks from his home in Bronxville, N.Y. Fifty-eight prospects — including three former Georgia Bulldogs —will participate remotely.
Channel 2 Action News will air a separate draft broadcast on Thursday and Friday before simulcasting the ESPN/NFL Network feed on Saturday.
ESPN has broadcast the draft since 1980. NFL Network launched in the fall of 2003. Their first two drafts were done remotely from Los Angeles before they started reporting on site in 2006.
This article contains information from the Associated Press.
About the Author
