NFL Shortens Draft Time

The NFL announced Tuesday that teams will have only 10 minutes between picks in next year’s first round draft instead of the usual 15 minutes. The new rule comes after the latest owners meeting in Philadelphia.

The NFL announced Tuesday that teams will have only 10 minutes between picks in next year’s first round draft instead of the usual 15 minutes. The new rule comes after the latest owners meeting in Philadelphia.

The first round of drafting will start at 3 p.m. instead of 12 noon on Saturday, April 26. The second round will also take place that Saturday, but has decreased its time from 10 minutes, to 7 minutes between picks. The third round will be significantly shorter, as it will be held the following Sunday and begin at 10 a.m. instead of 11 a.m. All times are Eastern.

In the past, all three rounds were held on Saturday and lasted roughly all day. Last year’s first round holds the record for the longest time at 6 hours and 8 minutes.

When asked why the league made the change for next year, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell replied,