FROM AP: PHILADELPHIA -- The NFL on Tuesday cut from 15 minutes to 10 the time between picks in the first round of its draft after a 2007 record round of 6 hours and 8 minutes. It also moved the starting time of the draft from noon ET to 3 p.m. and limited the first day to two rounds instead of three. "We believe this will make for a more streamlined and efficient draft," commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement issued during the league owners meetings. The change also applied to the second round, which will go from 10 minutes to seven between choices for next year's draft, which will be held April 26-27 at Radio City Music Hall in New York. In recent years, teams have often used most of the 15 minutes in the first round, entertaining trade offers or making them. The time between picks will stay at five minutes for the last five rounds, which will take place on Sunday. That session will start at 10 a.m. instead of 11. Both draft days will be televised by ESPN and the NFL Network.
Well it will be a lot shorter in length but it is pushed back three hours in the day...so I guess that gives ESPN more time to get in all the stats and info they haven't stated in the previous month leading up to the draft.
I'm alright with this, as I never really had ample time to get liquored up and cook the usual smorgasboard. Screw what Brady Quinn would have preferred...I needed this last year as I had class on Saturday afternoon and had to Tivo the first half.
I liked the idea the commissioner had of having the first round in prime time from 7-10 on Friday night. Rounds 2-4 on Sat afternoon and 5-7 on Sunday. The 1st thing he said would have to happen for it to work is a shorter 1st round, so I suspect this will be a trial run to see just how long the 1st round will last now. it makes perfect economic sense. why make money 2 days when you can make money for 3 days.
Anyone hear anything on the fact that the Draft might be looking to move other places? I heard something a few months ago that New Orleans was looking to try and get the draft in a few years.
Man, it's going to be hard to wait until 2 (Central) for the draft to start. At least it won't be nearly as grueling to sit through as it has in the past.
I agree it has been hell sitting through the first round the past few years...but like someone said earlier, the later start gives us plenty of time to get some steaks on the grill and some beer in the stomach.
