NFL Draft

First held in 1936 with nine teams picking 81 players over nine rounds, the NFL Draft looks much different today.

Easily the highlight of the offseason, the NFL Draft has become an event in itself and has taken place in bigger and bigger venues as time has gone on to accommodate more fans.

The NFL Draft now consists of seven rounds, and win-loss records from the previous season determine the selection order. The team with the worst record is positioned first in each round, while the Super Bowl champion is positioned 32nd.

Of course, teams can choose to trade their respective picks, which happens often. Some franchises are also awarded compensatory picks, given to teams that lost more (or better) free agents than they acquired. Those picks are positioned from Round 3 to Round 7.

Jerry Jones and Dallas Cowboys draft pick Morris Claiborne during a press conference.
NFL
Jerry Jones Once Wasted the Sixth Overall Draft Pick on a Bust Who Blew Off the Wonderlic Test

In 2012, Jerry Jones traded up to draft a player who blew off his Wonderlic test. Needless to say, it didn’t work out for the Dallas Cowboys.

Joe Kozlowski  •  29 Apr 2021
Justin Fields should hear his name called in the NFL draft Thursday.
NFL
Justin Fields ‘Still Messed Up’ Heading Into 2021 NFL Draft Says Cris Collinsworth

Cris Collinsworth said he’s heard former Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields is “still messed up” as he enters the 2021 NFL draft.

Mike Thomas  •  29 Apr 2021
Mac Jones may be the guy the 49ers want, but they may not take him.
NFL
Cris Collinsworth Insists 49ers Want Mac Jones but Says They May Make an ‘Un-Shanahan-like’ Move

Cris Collinsworth believes the San Francisco 49ers want Mac Jones but isn’t so sure they will draft him.

Mike Thomas  •  28 Apr 2021
DeVonta Smith warms up before a game against the Steelers.
NFL
DeVonta Smith Sends Strong Message to NFL Teams Doubting Him Because of Size Concerns: ‘We’re Not Bodybuilders’

Alabama WR DeVonta Smith is dropping in mock drafts because of his unimpressive size, but he just assured NFL teams it won’t be an issue.

Jack Dougherty  •  28 Apr 2021
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle ahead of a matchup with the Dolphins in October 2020
NFL
49ers Tight End George Kittle Was Mere Minutes From Catching Passes From Russell Wilson With the Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks were ready to trade up to draft George Kittle before the San Francisco 49ers nabbed him.

Luke Norris  •  28 Apr 2021
Mel Kiper Jr., Chris Mortensen, and Steve Young of ESPN
NFL
Mel Kiper Jr. Eats the Same Decadent Dessert for Breakfast Every Morning and Devours Pizza in the Most Bizarre Way Imaginable

It’s amazing ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. is able to maintain his television figure considering his bizarre dietary habits.

Jack Dougherty  •  28 Apr 2021
NFL draft prospect Quarterback Trevor Lawrence running through drills during Jordan Palmer's QB Summit NFL draft prep in a park on January 25, 2021
NFL
Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, and Mac Jones Could Make History Together in the 2021 NFL Draft

Quarterbacks will go Nos. 1, 2, and 3 in the 2021 NFL draft. This has happened before but if one is picked fourth, it will make history.

Tim Crean  •  28 Apr 2021
Ohio State QB and NFL draft prospect Justin Fields
NFL
NFL Draft: Ranking the New England Patriots’ Best Options For the 15th Pick

The New England Patriots are faced with an interesting decision at No. 15 in the NFL draft. What are the best options for Bill Belichick?

Jack Dougherty  •  28 Apr 2021
Alabama wide receiver and NFL draft prospect DeVonta Smith
NFL
NFL Draft: Ranking the Philadelphia Eagles’ Best Options For the 12th Pick

The Philadelphia Eagles need a ton of help on both sides of the ball, but who should they be targeting with the 12th pick in the NFL draft?

Jack Dougherty  •  28 Apr 2021
New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick complains to officials during a 24-3 Los Angeles Rams victory at SoFi Stadium on Dec. 10, 2020.
NFL
How Many Picks Do the New England Patriots Have in the 2021 NFL Draft?

New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick will me making 10 picks during the 2021 NFL draft.

John Moriello  •  28 Apr 2021