2016 NFL Draft: Start Time, Live Stream, TV Info and More

As the 2016 NFL Draft is upon us, here are all the start times, live streams, TV info and much more to catch the yearly event.

In the minds of its committed fans, the NFL is a league without an offseason. From free agency and trades to training camps and preseason games, there is always something new and exciting to follow.

Apart from the actual games however, the pinnacle of NFL entertainment is the annual draft. In a matter of hours, the draft will once again be upon us. If you’re new to following the draft, don’t worry. The following guide will provide you with all the information you need in order to tune in and make the most of this robust NFL tradition.

Feb 25, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; (Editor’s Note: Caption correction.) California Golden Bears quarterback Jared Goff speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

The draft will once again be a three day event, running from Thursday, April 28th to Saturday, April 30th. Here’s a brief summary of what to expect for each day.

Thursday, April 28th

Draft Time: 8:00 PM (ET)
How to Watch: ESPN, Watch ESPN, NFL Network
Round(s) Covered: 1st

As usual, the biggest stories on day one will involve quarterbacks. The Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles traded a king’s ransom of draft picks in order to acquire the first and second overall picks in the draft, respectively. Quarterbacks Jared Goff and Carson Wentz will be selected with the first two picks, but who will be selected first remains a mystery.

More from The Jet Press

Concerning the New York Jets, the team would be wise to avoid reaching for raw quarterback prospect Paxton Lynch.

While it would be a less exciting move, the Jets would benefit more from using their first round pick to find a starting offensive lineman or pass rushing outside linebacker.

Friday, April 29th

Draft Time: 7:00 PM (ET)
How to Watch: ESPN (ESPN 2 after 8 PM), Watch ESPN, NFL Network
Round(s) Covered: 2nd/ 3rd

Since only 31 players will be selected in the first round (New England Patriots forfeited their pick over Deflategate), there will be a litany of talented players left going into the second day of the draft. Successful teams will find a way to acquire those players.

On that note, here’s a not so fun fact for Jets fans. Although the franchise has drafted many great players throughout its history, Jets management has traditionally made atrocious use of its second round picks. The last Jets second-rounder to make a Pro Bowl as a position player was Mark Gastineau in 1979.

Ouch. If its any consolation, Justin Miller made a Pro Bowl appearance as a special teams player in 2005.

Saturday, April 30th

Draft Time: 12 PM (ET)
How to Watch: ESPN, Watch ESPN, NFL Network
Round(s) Covered: 4th-7th

Only the most devout NFL fans will be glued to their TV’s on a Saturday afternoon to watch the draft. Many of the players taken during the final rounds will never make a significant impact in the league; some of them will never make it beyond a practice squad.

Just the same, there are always diamonds in the rough to be found. While the Jets and every other team in the league dreams of unearthing another Tom Brady (2000 NFL Draft – 6th round), Jets fans would be thrilled if their team could even find another Jeremy Kerley (2011 NFL Draft – 5th round), Bilal Powell (2011 draft – 4th round), or Jerricho Cotchery (2004 NFL Draft- 4th round).

More jets: Exclusive Interview with Rich Cimini

As we approach the draft, what are your thoughts, Jets fans? Who should the team draft? And are you excitedly getting your popcorn ready or are you preparing to boo? Please leave your comments below!

As the 2016 NFL Draft is upon us, here are all the start times, live streams, TV info and much more to catch the yearly event.

More from The Jet Press

Schedule