One of the most highly anticipated events of the NFL year is fast approaching. Due to the various timezones, one question usually remains on draft night: what time does the NFL Draft start?
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In just 2 days, the 86th annual NFL Draft will kick off in Cleveland. The event, which begins on April 29th, spans 3 days and ends on the 1st of May.
After a virtual draft draft last year in response to the COVID pandemic, fans will be returning for this year’s edition. Up to 50,000 fans will be allowed to attend each day, making it the biggest NFL event since the pandemic began.
Although drafts are known to be unpredictable, we can expect one of the most QB heavy first rounds in recent history. With the growing importance of passing offenses and the talent available this year, it’s not much of a surprise.
Prospects like Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, Zach Wilson, Mac Jones, and Trey Lance are all expected to go off the board very promptly.
Also read: NFL Draft 2021: Will Fans Be Allowed to Attend the 2021 NFL Draft in Cleveland?
What Time Does the 2021 NFL Draft Start?
On April 29th, the Draft will get underway in Cleveland. If you’re keen on watching it, the Red Carpet event begins at 6pm EST, while the first round of the draft itself only starts at 8pm Eastern Time.
As promised, here are the starting times for every US timezone, as well as certain international location. (Note: these timings show the beginning of the first round, not the red carpet event.)
Central Daylight: 7pm
Mountain Daylight: 6pm
Mountain Standard: 5pm
Pacific Daylight: 5pm
Alaska Daylight: 4pm
Hawaii-Aleutian: 2pm
Australia: 10am (April 30th)
UK: 1am (April 30th)
Germany: 2am (April 30th)
What Time Does Round 2 of the NFL Draft Start?
As mentioned before, the NFL draft is split into 3 days and 7 rounds. On day 1, only the highly anticipated 1st round takes place. Rounds 2 and 3 take place on the second day, April 3oth.
This year, day 2 of the draft (and hence round 2) begins at 7m EST.
What Time Does Day 3 of the NFL Draft Start?
Finally, rounds 4-7, which generally draw in less viewership, happen on the third day. Coverage of day 3 of the 2021 draft will begin 12pm EST on May 1st.
