The 2020 NFL Draft looked different from the previous years. The Covid-19 pandemic brought a lot of changes to this event. Teams were left with no choice but to meet their prospects remotely. Also, team doctors did not have the opportunity to check those with injuries or concerns.
If you have made your NBA picks, you may also take a look at the events in the NFL.
The NFL Draft 2020 began on April 23, Thursday, and ended on April 25, Saturday. The first round happened on April 23 while the second and third rounds took place on April 24. Finally, the last four rounds were conducted on April 25.
The first round of the NFL Draft was aired from 8:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. ET. The Friday draft started at 7:00 p.m. ET while the last day of the draft began at noon.
Three different TV networks- ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network broadcasted the whole NFL Draft 2020. In Canada, the event was live-streamed on DAZN.
The 2020 NFL Draft was originally planned to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada to correspond with the arrival of the Las Vegas Raiders in the city. However, the draft was done virtually because of the coronavirus.
Since most of the NFL crew were under stay-at-home arrangements, the league ordered that all teams do the NFL Draft 2020 from their locations. From his home, the NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced the first-round draft picks. NFL teams also selected their prospects at home making this year’s draft fully virtual.
The presentation of the NFL Draft 2020 was a challenge for everyone. Over 600 cameras were used from homes across the U.S.
The Draft-A-Thon LIVE, a huge fund-raising campaign for Covid-19 relief operations, gained over 5.4 million viewers each day. NFL players, legends, and celebrities participated in the fund-raising event. Kevin Hart, DJ Khaled, and Jeff Daniels were some of the stars seen in the Draft-A-Thon LIVE.
The effort resulted in more than $100 million for Covid-19 relief. The money would be donated to the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels, Feeding America, CDC Foundation, and the United Way. The NFL auctioned signed off souvenirs as well.
The Cincinnati Bengals had the worst record last season with 2-14. With this, the Bengals had the first pick in all seven rounds.
Here are three takeaways in the NFL Draft 2020 First Round:
Baltimore Ravens Were Geared Up
Baltimore suffered in the playoffs with a disappointing loss in the divisional round amid a great regular season. The Ravens used the NFL Draft to make their team stronger.
The Ravens got linebacker Patrick Queen in the first round which allowed them to stand out in coverage. The team also added linebacker Malik Harrison and defensive lineman Justin Madubuike to assist their front seven.
The newly drafted players were expected to help the Ravens deal with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Green Bay Packers Made a Puzzling Decision
The Green Bay Packers needed an inside linebacker and wide receiver. Many believed that the team would use the NFL Draft 2020 to address this issue. However, the team’s decision to trade up for quarterback Jordan Love left everyone in disbelief. Also, the picks on the second and third days were absurd.
The Packers had the opportunity to create a roster capable of reaching the Super Bowl, but it appeared that general manager Brian Gutekunst assembled a lineup for 2022.
New England Patriots Showed Full Confidence to Jarrett Stidham
The New England Patriots’ coaching staff have absolute trust in Jarrett Stidham. After an upsetting season, the team got Stidham as their fourth-round pick in 2019.
The coaching staff showed high hopes that Stidham is ready to be the team’s lead player.
The NFL Draft 2020 was a success amid the huge changes that happened due to the coronavirus.
