Latest News About Nfl Draft Start Time

Here’s the latest on NFL Draft start times.

• The first round for the 2026 NFL Draft is expected to begin at 8:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, with rounds 2-3 following at 7:00 p.m. ET on Friday, and rounds 4-7 at noon ET on Saturday. This plan has been reported in recent coverage and reflects the league’s intent to shorten the first round compared to prior years. [Source: Bleacher Report coverage published April 18–19, 2026][1]

• In 2025, the draft similarly started with Round 1 at 8:00 p.m. ET on the opening Thursday, then 7:00 p.m. ET for Rounds 2-3 on Friday, and noon ET for Rounds 4-7 on Saturday, with Green Bay as a typical venue in recent years. If you’re looking for exact venue and any schedule tweaks, those are typically announced closer to the event. [Source: Sporting News and CBS Sports style schedules from 2025–2024 coverage][2][3]

• For comparison purposes, several outlets provide start times and TV details. In past years, coverage has been split among major networks (ABC/ESPN/NFL Network in the U.S.), with streaming options available through network apps and services. Always verify the official NFL Draft page for the final, exact start times and broadcast plan. [Sources: 2024–2025 draft coverage summaries][3][6]

If you’d like, I can narrow this to:

• the exact start time for your preferred year (2025 vs 2026),
• the broadcast networks in your region (Dallas-area specifics),
• or a quick one-page schedule as soon as the NFL posts the official times.