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How To Watch the NFL Draft in 2024

Prepare to welcome the new kids on the block when the NFL Draft returns this April on ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network.

The 2024 NFL Draft will take over downtown Detroit from Thursday, April 25, to Saturday, April 27. All seven draft rounds will air live across ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network, with exclusive Spanish-language coverage on ESPN Deportes.

As exciting talent moves up from the college ranks, you won’t want to miss a single moment of the NFL Draft—especially when your favorite team is on the clock. Keep scrolling to view the 2024 NFL Draft schedule and which TV providers carry the necessary channels.

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Don’t miss the next NFL Draft

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What channels show the NFL Draft?

You can watch the NFL Draft on ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network. Each channel will present a distinct broadcast, with the ABC and ESPN teams combining for coverage and commentary on the third day.

ESPN Deportes will also air the NFL Draft for those who prefer Spanish-language coverage.

Pro tip: ESPN Radio and the ESPN app are also available as the event’s audio-only and streaming coverage options. Meanwhile, ESPN+ hosts additional NFL Draft content via studio shows and analysis specials.

2024 NFL Draft TV schedule

This year, the NFL Draft runs from Thursday, April 25, to Saturday, April 27, 2024. The draft’s seven rounds are broken up across the three-day event, happening around Detroit’s Campus Martius and Hart Plaza.

Day Date Time (ET) English channels Spanish channels
Day 1 (Round 1) Thursday, April 25 8:00 p.m. ABC, ESPN, NFL Network ESPN Deportes
Day 2 (Rounds 2–3) Friday, April 26 7:00 p.m. ABC, ESPN, NFL Network ESPN Deportes
Day 3 (Rounds 4–7) Saturday, April 27 Noon ABC, ESPN, NFL Network ESPN Deportes

Data effective as of post date.

NFL Draft selection order

The first 18 picks of the 2024 NFL Draft lock in after the regular season. The NFL playoff results—including Super Bowl LVIII—determine the final 14 draft positions. However, approved trades before and during the draft can change the order.

Tap the box below to view this year’s first-round NFL Draft pick order heading into Day One.

Pick Team 2023 record
1 Chicago Bears (from Carolina Panthers) 7–10
2 Washington Commanders 4–13
3 New England Patriots 4–13
4 Arizona Cardinals 4–13
5 Los Angeles Chargers 5–12
6 New York Giants 6–11
7 Tennessee Titans 6–11
8 Atlanta Falcons 7–10
9 Chicago Bears 7–10
10 New York Jets 7–10
11 Minnesota Vikings 7–10
12 Denver Broncos 8–9
13 Las Vegas Raiders 8–9
14 New Orleans Saints 9–8
15 Indianapolis Colts 9–8
16 Seattle Seahawks 9–8
17 Jacksonville Jaguars 9–8
18 Cincinnati Bengals 9–8
19 Los Angeles Rams 10–7
20 Pittsburgh Steelers 10–7
21 Miami Dolphins 11–6
22 Philadelphia Eagles 11–6
23 Minnesota Vikings (from Cleveland Browns via Houston Texans) 10–7
24 Dallas Cowboys 12–5
25 Green Bay Packers 9–8
26 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 9–8
27 Arizona Cardinals (from Houston Texans) 4–13
28 Buffalo Bills 11–6
29 Detroit Lions 12–5
30 Baltimore Ravens 13–4
31 San Francisco 49ers 12–5
32 Kansas City Chiefs 11–6

Data effective as of post date.

Best TV plans for watching the NFL Draft

We recommend YouTube TV as the most comprehensive TV plan for NFL coverage. The live TV streaming service carries every NFL Draft channel and other crucial sports networks for added coverage. YouTube TV costs $72.99 a month, and you can cancel anytime.

If you don’t want to commit to a whole TV plan for a three-day event, we hear you. Instead, purchase a digital antenna to access your local ABC network or check out a free trial from a live TV streaming service. We go into more detail about these two options further down.

Which TV providers offer NFL Draft channels?

Almost every TV provider shows the NFL Draft. However, you may need a higher-tiered plan or add-on package if you prefer tuning in via NFL Network or ESPN Deportes. Our table below covers 14 popular providers and whether they offer NFL Draft channels.

Provider Price ABC ESPN NFL Network ESPN Deportes Details
YouTube TV
Best NFL coverage
$72.99/mo. View plans

Read YouTube TV review
Fubo
Best free trial
$32.99–$99.99/mo. View plans

Read Fubo review
Sling TV
Cheapest ESPN TV plan
$40.00–$55.00/mo. ✔* View plans

Read Sling TV review
Cox $61.00–$152.00/mo.

Read Cox review
DIRECTV $69.99–$159.99/mo. View plans

Read DIRECTV review
DIRECTV STREAM $69.99–$159.99/mo. View plans

Read DIRECTV STREAM review
DISH $84.99–$114.99/mo. View plans

Read DISH review
Hulu + Live TV $76.99–$89.99/mo. View plans

Read Hulu + Live TV review
Optimum $35.00–$125.00/mo. View plans

Read Optimum review
Philo $25.00/mo. View plans

Read Philo review
Spectrum $69.99–$74.99/mo. View plans

Read Spectrum review
Verizon Fios $69.00–$129.00/mo. View plans

Read Verizon Fios review
Vidgo $69.99–$99.99/mo. View plans

Read Vidgo review
Xfinity $20.00–$80.00/mo. View plans

Read Xfinity review

Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*Available only in select markets with Sling Blue. Without ABC, Sling TV subscribers can watch ESPN on ABC broadcasts via ESPN3.

Check TV providers in your area

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How to watch the NFL Draft for free

Get free local channels
Recommended antenna:
Mohu Leaf 50 ($39.99, one-time purchase)
NFL Draft channels:
ABC
Features:
All local broadcast channels

CableTV.com utilizes paid Amazon links. Amazon.com Price; $39.99 (as of 4/23/24 9:00 a.m. CT). Read full disclaimer.

With ABC airing complete live coverage of the NFL Draft, you can watch the entire event for free by tuning in to your local ABC network. However, the only way you can do this without signing up for a TV service is by making a one-time purchase of a digital TV antenna.

A high-quality antenna usually costs between $20 and $60, but it’ll last several years and give you access to every local channel within range. In addition to ABC, you’ll also get channels like CBS, FOX, and NBC—all of which televise major league sports throughout the year.

We recommend the Mohu Leaf 50 antenna because of its 4K capabilities and 60-mile range. Depending on your location, that should get you many local channels. But you can verify precisely how many you’ll get by running your zip code through the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Reception Map.

Stream the NFL Draft for free

If purchasing an antenna is not your jam, you can stream the NFL Draft for free by signing up for a live TV streaming service free trial. Fubo and YouTube TV usually offer free trials.

Just be sure to plan your free trial in line with the NFL Draft schedule and cancel before your time is up to avoid getting charged.

What is the NFL Draft?

The NFL Draft is an annual recruitment event where teams can select players and make trades. Created to maintain competitive balance and financial stability, teams are positioned in the initial draft order based on their previous season record.

Seven rounds make up the NFL Draft. During each round, teams are placed “on the clock” one by one to select a player before time runs out. Teams can also trade their picks with other teams, which can lead to some rounds featuring a team multiple times.

In the end, some draft picks can be predicted months in advance through mock drafts. But the most entertaining aspect of the NFL Draft is when selections or trades come out of left field, surprising even the most seasoned football analysts. In a way, the draft is basically a sport in and of itself.

Still confused about how the NFL Draft works? Here’s a nifty video published by the NFL to walk you through the whole shebang.

Prior to the draft, several events take place where NFL personnel can scout potential draftees. The NFL Scouting Combine and the Senior Bowl are two of the more prolific pre-draft events—both of which air live on NFL Network.

How to watch the NFL Draft FAQ

What time does the NFL Draft start?

Round One of the 2024 NFL Draft starts on Thursday, April 25, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern. The remaining six rounds will take place across Friday, April 26, and Saturday, April 27, as detailed in our complete NFL Draft schedule.

How can I watch the NFL Draft without cable?

You can watch the NFL Draft without cable on NFL+ or through any live TV streaming service that offers ABC, ESPN, or NFL Network.

Who will host the next NFL Draft?

Detroit will host the 2024 NFL Draft at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza, while the Green Bay Packers will welcome the event to Lambeau Field in 2025.

Why you should trust us

Our experts researched the best ways to watch the NFL Draft by comparing the prices and channel offerings of the most popular TV services. Because the NFL Draft is simultaneously televised on several channels, we based our recommendations on provider availability and ease of use.

To learn more about our methods, check out our How We Rank page.

Disclaimer

Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Amazon.com price as of 4/23/24 9:00 a.m. CT. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. CableTV.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

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