Photo: Instagram/nfldraft
(Podcast length 4:40 mins)
From features on the “Today Show” to concerts and red carpets, the NFL Draft has come a long way since first being televised in 1980. Here's what you need to know.
Transcript
1. Until a few years ago, the draft had always been in New York. This year is the first time Las Vegas has hosted the draft (they were supposed to host it in 2020), and they're blowing out all the stops for the expected 600,000 fans. As part of the opening festivities on day one of the draft, prospects will walk a floating red carpet in the Bellagio fountains. Weezer, Ice Cube and Marshmello will all take to the stage separately for the 2022 NFL Draft Concert Series. ONLY IN VEGAS
2. Typically quarterbacks dominate the first pick but not this year. The worst team in the league last season, the Jacksonville Jaguars, have the No. 1 pick for the second year in a row. Projections have a defensive player as the first draft pick, an honor that seems to go to a quarterback more often than not. PICK ME
3. A few notable players to watch for include Colorado State star Trey McBride, who is poised to become the first NFL player with same-sex parents. Then there's Malik Willis, quarterback from Liberty, who made headlines for donating gear right out of his suitcase to a homeless woman when he was in Indianapolis for the NFL Combine. (Combine is the 'tryout' for draft prospects). Willis didn't know, but a fan recognized him and caught his act of kindness on video. He could be the first quarterback selected in the draft. RAISED 'EM RIGHT
4. It's tradition for the fans at the draft to boo NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell every time he walks out on the stage to announce first-round draft picks' names. In an attempt to quiet the boos for Goodell, the league introduced notable guest pickers. They include kids from Make-A-Wish and fans from the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), the National Gay Flag Football League and more. The first special guest at the podium is Sam Prince, who is fulfilling his Make-A-Wish request when he announces pick No. 5 on behalf of the New York Giants. THE MORE THE MERRIER
5. The Jags may have the first selection, but it's all about the last pick, at least to some. Mr. Irrelevant is the title given to pick No. 262, the last person drafted. Why irrelevant? Because of the multitude of players chosen before them, they are not likely to make the team roster. Making a negative into a positive, one Mr. Irrelevant established Irrelevant Week, celebrating that last player. The week, which has turned into a big event with a charitable element, preaches that it's not a negative to be picked last in the NFL Draft; instead, it's an honor to be drafted at all. FINDING THE SILVER LINING
The NFL Draft begins on Thursday in Las Vegas, and it runs through Saturday.
Sports Curious, presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
LIKE US? SHARE US WITH YOUR FRIENDS.
