The NFL Draft is one of the biggest annual sporting events in the United States, where top college football talent is selected by NFL teams. The 2025 NFL Draft was especially notable, held at the iconic Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. In this post, you’ll find a comprehensive breakdown of the 2025 NFL Draft schedule, including key dates, times, locations, how to watch, and highlights from the first round. Each section is clearly headed for easy reading.
NFL Draft 2025: Dates and Location
Dates:Thursday, April 24 – Saturday, April 26, 2025
Location:Lambeau Field and the Titletown District, Green Bay, Wisconsin
This was the first time Green Bay hosted the NFL Draft, adding a historic touch to the event. Previous drafts have been held in cities like New York, Chicago, Las Vegas, and Detroit.
Draft Format and Rounds
The NFL Draft consists of seven rounds. Each team typically has one pick per round, though trades can alter the order and number of picks.
Rounds and Timing (Eastern Time):
| Round | Date | Day | Start Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | April 24 | Thursday | 8:00 PM |
| 2-3 | April 25 | Friday | 7:00 PM |
| 4-7 | April 26 | Saturday | 12:00 PM |
Round 1:Teams have 10 minutes per pick.
Rounds 2-3:7 minutes per pick.
Rounds 4-6:5 minutes per pick.
Round 7:4 minutes per pick.
How to Watch the NFL Draft
TV Broadcast:NFL Network, ESPN, ABC, ESPN Deportes
Online Streaming:Available on each network’s website and mobile apps
Live Updates:NFL.com and various sports news websites provided real-time coverage
Draft Order and Top Picks
Who Had the First Pick?
The team with the worst record from the 2024 season, the Tennessee Titans, secured the first overall pick based on tiebreakers (strength of schedule) with the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants.
Top 10 Picks from Round 1:
| Pick | Team | Player (College) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Titans | Cam Ward (Miami, QB) |
| 2 | Jaguars | Travis Hunter (Colorado, WR/DB) |
| 3 | Giants | Abdul Carter (Penn State, Edge) |
| 4 | Patriots | Will Campbell (LSU, OT) |
| 5 | Browns | Mason Graham (Michigan, DT) |
| 6 | Raiders | Ashton Jeanty (Boise State, RB) |
| 7 | Jets | Armand Membou (Missouri, OT) |
| 8 | Panthers | Tetairoa McMillan (Arizona, WR) |
| 9 | Saints | Kelvin Banks, Jr. (Texas, OT) |
| 10 | Bears | Colston Loveland (Michigan, TE) |
Day-by-Day Draft Schedule
Day 1: Thursday, April 24
Round 1:The most high-profile picks are made.
Start Time:8:00 PM ET
Each team has 10 minutes to make their selection.
Day 2: Friday, April 25
Rounds 2 and 3:Many hidden gems are picked in these rounds.
Start Time:7:00 PM ET
Each pick has a 7-minute clock.
Day 3: Saturday, April 26
Rounds 4 through 7:Teams add depth and special teams players.
Start Time:12:00 PM ET
Rounds 4-6: 5 minutes per pick; Round 7: 4 minutes per pick.
The draft concludes with the 257th pick.
What Made the 2025 Draft Special?
Location:The historic Lambeau Field provided a unique and electric atmosphere for fans and players alike.
Player Attendance:Many top prospects attended in person, adding to the excitement.
Team Strategies:Several teams traded picks, leading to unexpected changes in the draft order.
Multi-Platform Coverage:Fans could watch or follow the draft on TV, online, or via live updates, making it more accessible than ever.
How Is the Draft Order Determined?
All 32 teams are slotted in reverse order of their previous season’s record.
The team with the worst record gets the first pick; the Super Bowl champion picks last.
Trades can result in teams having multiple or no picks in a given round.
Conclusion
The 2025 NFL Draft once again proved to be a landmark event for players, teams, and fans. Hosting the draft at Green Bay’s Lambeau Field added a historic flavor, and over three days, 257 players saw their NFL dreams come true. The draft not only shapes the future of the league but also brings fans together in celebration of football’s next generation.
Whether you’re a die-hard NFL fan or just love big sporting events, the NFL Draft is a must-watch every year—it’s where the future of the game begins!