The draft
11 questions new fans ask, answered in plain English. Each answer links the rulebook or league page it comes from.
- The basics
- Scoring
- Positions
- Penalties and replay
- Clock, timeouts and overtime
- Kickoffs and punts
- The season and standings
- The draft
- Rosters and money
- Watching a game
- Fan etiquette and fun facts
What is the NFL Draft?
It's the yearly event where teams take turns choosing eligible college and other amateur players. It runs seven rounds, and each of the 32 teams starts with one pick per round.
Source: The Rules of the Draft (NFL Football Operations) · link to this answer
Who picks first?
The team with the worst record. The 20 non-playoff teams pick first, worst to best, then playoff teams by how far they advanced. The Super Bowl champion picks last in each round.
Source: The Rules of the Draft (NFL Football Operations) · link to this answer
Who is eligible to be drafted?
Players who have been out of high school at least three years. Underclassmen who meet that rule can apply for early entry.
Source: The Rules of the Draft (NFL Football Operations) · link to this answer
How long does a team have to make a pick?
Ten minutes in round 1, seven in round 2, five in rounds 3–6 and four in round 7. A team that runs out of time can still pick later, but the next team can take the player it wanted.
Source: The Rules of the Draft (NFL Football Operations) · link to this answer
Can teams trade draft picks?
Yes, before and during the draft, including picks in future years. Both teams report the trade to the league, which approves and announces it.
Source: The Rules of the Draft (NFL Football Operations) · link to this answer
What are compensatory picks?
They're extra picks at the end of rounds 3–7 for teams that lost more good free agents than they signed. Normally up to 32 are awarded (no team gets more than four). The 2026 draft had 33 because of a special pick tied to a minority coaching hire.
Source: The Rules of the Draft (NFL Football Operations) · Trade press (Sports Illustrated): NFL compensatory draft picks explained · link to this answer
What contract does a drafted player sign?
All drafted rookies sign four-year contracts. Pay is set by a rookie wage scale based on draft slot. First-round picks also come with a team option for a fifth year.
Source: Trade press (Sports Illustrated): How rookie contracts work in the NFL · link to this answer
What happens to players who aren't drafted?
They become undrafted free agents and can sign with any team, usually on three-year, non-guaranteed deals. Many make rosters or practice squads.
Source: Trade press (Sports Illustrated): How rookie contracts work in the NFL · link to this answer
Who went first in 2026?
The Las Vegas Raiders took Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza first overall at the 2026 draft in Pittsburgh (April 23–25).
Source: 2026 NFL Draft starts in Pittsburgh (WESA, public radio) · link to this answer
When and where is the next draft?
The 2027 NFL Draft is Thursday, April 29 through Saturday, May 1, 2027, in Washington, D.C. The main stage will be on the National Mall in front of the Capitol.
Source: NFL announces dates for 2027 Draft in Washington, D.C. (NFL.com) · NFL announces important dates for 2026-2027 (Seahawks.com, relaying the league calendar) · link to this answer
What is the Scouting Combine?
It's the pre-draft event where prospects are measured, tested and interviewed. The 2027 combine is March 1–8 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Source: NFL announces important dates for 2026-2027 (Seahawks.com, relaying the league calendar) · link to this answer