A Newbie’s Guide to The NFL Draft- Understanding The Rules and Format 2024

Thousands of college football athletes become eligible annually, but only about 250 are selected in total over the three-day event.

While some players go undrafted, many future stars are discovered during these crucial days. It's a stage where early picks can either excel or falter, contrasting with late-round surprises who often go on to achieve greatness. Take Tom Brady, for example, who was famously chosen 199th overall in 2000 but has since won a record seven Super Bowls.

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Keep reading to discover our beginner's guide to the NFL draft.

NFL Combine Week

Before the NFL Draft can commence, another key event takes place, the NFL Combine Week. Held just after the Super Bowl, this event allows over 300 athletes to showcase their talents through drills, tests like the 40-yard dash and interviews with industry scouts and coaches.

Due to their college football reputations, these players are generally already on NFL teams’ radars, with some already in talks to join prospective teams. However, the Combine symbolizes many players' last chance to truly demonstrate their abilities to the league.

Once the Combine Week concludes, each of the 32 NFL teams must finalize their picks, backup picks, and any potential trades they might want to execute ahead of the Draft. NFL teams can trade future draft picks to avoid transfer fees or simply improve their position in the draft. For example, in 2017, the Kansas City Chiefs traded away three picks to secure the position to select their current star, Patrick Mahomes.

How Does It Work?

The NFL Draft is a seven-round event spread over three days. The first round begins on a Thursday, followed by rounds two and three on Friday. Rounds four to seven are then concluded on the final day, Saturday. Each of the 32 NFL teams gets one pick per round, with the selection order based on the previous season's standings—teams with worse records pick first. However, this sequence often changes due to trades.

Teams can trade draft picks right up to and during the Draft with league officials' approval. Once the Draft starts, each team is on the clock. In the first round, they have 10 minutes to make their selection, with less time allocated in subsequent rounds. Teams communicate their picks to the league, and a league official, often Commissioner Roger Goodell, announces the selection. The drafted player then joins the official onstage for a brief celebration. Though many early-round picks are pre-arranged, surprises can still happen.

Do The Players Have A Say?

Players have some influence over who drafts them, especially in the top rounds. Conversations and informal agreements between players and teams often happen well before the Draft. Teams want players who are eager to join them, and players prefer teams where they feel comfortable. This mutual interest helps avoid bad picks. However, there are instances where players have publicly clashed with teams intending to draft them, like John Elway and Bo Jackson.

If a player is drafted by a team they don't want to play for, they have options. They can request a trade after signing, or they can refuse to sign the contract. If they don’t sign, they can re-enter the Draft the following year or enter free agency if they are still unsigned. While rare, these situations do occur, adding another layer of drama to the Draft.

Top 2024 Draft Picks

The 2024 NFL Draft was filled with anticipation and excitement as teams selected some of the most highly touted prospects in recent memory. The Chicago Bears made a bold move by picking Caleb Williams, a quarterback known for his exceptional arm strength and mobility, as the first overall pick.

The Arizona Cardinals followed suit by selecting wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., whose precise route running and strong hands make him a promising target. The Houston Texans focused on their defense by drafting edge rusher Will Anderson Jr., a player celebrated for his explosive speed and power. Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks added defensive end Jared Verse, known for his agility and pass-rushing skills, to their roster.