- The 2025 NFL Draft begins Thursday night. It will run through Saturday. Miami Hurricanes QB Cam Ward is expected to be the year’s first overall pick. The Tennessee Titans are expected to draft him in the first round.
The Super Bowl was just two-and-a-half months ago, but it’s already time for the NFL to start thinking about the 2025-2026 season.
The 2025 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday night and will run through Saturday, April 26. College football’s brightest stars will begin their journey to the pros and Miami Hurricanes QB Cam Ward is likely to be this year’s first pick.
Not going to be in front of your TV when the picks are made? Don’t worry. There are still plenty of ways to watch.
When does the 2025 NFL Draft take place?
This year’s NFL Draft will begin on Thursday, April 24, and run through Saturday, April 26. Round one picks will be announced Thursday. Rounds two and three happen on Friday. And Saturday will see rounds 4-7.
What time does the 2025 NFL Draft begin?
It varies by night.
Thursday’s coverage will begin at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Friday’s coverage will start at 7:00 p.m. ET.
Saturday’s coverage will begin at 12:00 p.m. ET.
Which network or networks are airing the 2025 NFL Draft?
You’ve got a pretty wide range of options. All three rounds will be televised nationally by ABC, ESPN, ESPN+ and NFL Network.
How can I watch the NFL Draft for free?
As with any network-centric programming, the best way to watch for free on a big screen is with a good HD antenna. Since ABC is airing this year’s NFL draft, you’ll be able to watch even if you don’t have a cable subscription. To ensure you’re getting the most reliable signal, be sure to test the antenna in multiple locations in your home.
Can I watch the 2025 NFL Draft online?
Absolutely. There are a number of options, too. You can always log on to the WatchESPN app, but if you’d prefer to watch on a big screen (or don’t want to bother with adding another app) there are several alternatives.
Disney+
Disney’s bundle of Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ no longer has a free trial, so you’ll have to pay $17 per month for all three combined (or $30 per month for no ads on Hulu).
Including Live TV in the bundle bumps the price to $77 per month ($90 with no ads).
Hulu with Live TV
The free trial on this service lasts three days. Afterward, it will cost you $77 per month.
YouTubeTV
After a free trial, you can expect monthly charges of $83w.
Sling TV
Dish Network’s Sling lower-tiered “Orange” plan will run you $40 per month. Adding the more comprehensive “Blue” plan bumps the cost to $55 per month. The seven-day free trial has disappeared, unfortunately.
DirecTV Stream
Formerly known as DirecTV Now, AT&T TVNow and AT&T TV, this oft-renamed streaming service will run you $80 per month and up after the free trial option. (The package that includes NFL Network will run you $99 per month.)
Fubo TV
This sports-focused cord-cutting service carries broadcast networks in most markets. There’s a seven-day free trial, followed by monthly charges of $80 and up, depending on the channels you choose.
Does the NFL offer any service for me to watch the 2025 NFL Draft?
It does, but there are fewer options than you have during the regular season.
NFL App
The NFL App will let you stream this year’s draft, via the NFL Network.
Can I watch the 2025 NFL Draft on Amazon?
You cannot. The streaming service doesn’t have any broadcast rights for the draft.
What’s the Draft Order for selections in 2025?
The Tennessee Titans had a miserable season in 2024-2025, ending up with a 3-14 record. The team has made it clear it has no intention of giving away its first round pick this year, so expect Ward to be wearing a Titans jersey early on.
The order of the picks will vary by round, but here’s how things are shaping up for Round One:
- Tennessee Titans
- Cleveland Browns
- New York Giants
- New England Patriots
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Las Vegas Raiders
- New York Giants
- Carolina Panthers
- New Orleans Saints
- Chicago Bears
- San Francisco 49ers
- Dallas Cowboys
- Miami Dolphins
- Indianapolis Colts
- Atlanta Falcons
- Arizona Cardinals
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Seattle Seahawks
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Denver Broncos
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Green Bay Packers
- Minnesota Vikings
- Houston Texans
- Los Angeles Rams
- Baltimore Ravens
- Detroit Lions
- Washington Commanders
- Buffalo Bills
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Philadelphia Eagles
After the draft, what’s next?
Once the draft is over, all eyes turn to the 2025-2026 schedule. That will be released on or about May 14, though no exact date has been given. The season will begin on Thursday, September 4 (with the Philadelphia Eagles hosting a yet-unannounced opponent), and conclude on February 8, 2026 with Super Bowl 60.
Tickets will go on sale after each game is announced.
