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How the draft works
Each spring the 32 teams take turns choosing eligible amateur players over seven rounds. The order runs from worst record to the Super Bowl champion, picks can be traded, and up to 32 compensatory picks are added at the end of rounds 3-7. Drafted players sign four-year rookie contracts (first-rounders also carry a fifth-year team option).
Next draft: Thursday, April 29 - Saturday, May 1, 2027, Washington, D.C. (Draft Theater on the National Mall in front of the Capitol; fan festival on Pennsylvania Avenue NW) (source)
- 01Season ends, order is setThe 20 non-playoff teams get slots 1-20 by record (worst first), and playoff teams fill 21-32 by how far they went. The Super Bowl champion picks last.The Rules of the Draft (NFL Football Operations)
- 02Compensatory picks are awardedTeams that lost more qualifying free agents than they signed receive extra picks at the end of rounds 3-7, up to 32 in total and four per team.Trade press (Sports Illustrated): NFL compensatory draft picks explained
- 03Players declare and are clearedProspects must be at least three years out of high school. Underclassmen may apply for early eligibility, and the league verifies who is eligible.The Rules of the Draft (NFL Football Operations)
- 04Scouting CombineTop prospects are measured, tested and interviewed in Indianapolis. The 2027 combine runs March 1-8 at Lucas Oil Stadium.NFL announces important dates for 2026-2027 (Seahawks.com, relaying the league calendar)
- 05Draft weekendRound 1 is on night one, with 10 minutes per pick. Later rounds move faster (7, then 5, then 4 minutes). Teams can trade picks before and during the draft.The Rules of the Draft (NFL Football Operations)
- 06Undrafted free agents signRight after the draft, players who weren't picked can sign with any team, typically on three-year, non-guaranteed deals.Trade press (Sports Illustrated): How rookie contracts work in the NFL
- 07Rookie contractsDrafted players sign four-year deals whose pay is set by draft slot under the rookie wage scale. First-round picks carry an optional fifth year.Trade press (Sports Illustrated): How rookie contracts work in the NFL