According to high-level officials from many NFL teams, the NFL draft will be hosted virtually. Roger Goodell stated, “public discussion of issues related to the Draft serves no useful purpose and is grounds for disciplinary actions.”
The NFL has made it clear that there will be no fans attending the draft. Now, we are waiting for the official statement that the draft will be hosted virtually.
Goodell had ordered all team facilities to be close until April 8th, and it only makes sense to have the draft virtually.
It is unfortunate for all the players in the 2020 draft class to have to miss out on the real life experience of a draft, but it is a safe precaution. However, the fact that the draft will not be pushed back gives us optimism that all NFL events, like the season and training camp, will proceed as scheduled.
There are many locations where the draft can be hosted with just players, families, and team officials. Though, it brings the possibility of a family member or coach having the virus. Sean Payton is the only reported NFL member to have the corona virus, but he has fully recovered.
In fact, many NFL coaches, and even college coaches have stated that it would be beneficial for the NFL to postpone the draft. Roger Goodell thinks otherwise.
The draft was originally scheduled to be in Las Vegas, with a boat for the first time. The draft was to be on a stage over water, and players would be transported to the stage through boat. However, all of that will have to be pushed back until next year.
Overall, this is a very intelligent move from the NFL and Goodell. Not only does it consider the safety of players, staff, and fans, but it allows everything to schedule as planned.
The draft will still take place from April 23rd to April 25th.
