The NFL Draft will go on as scheduled from April 23 through April 25. It was originally set to take place in Las Vegas, with fans in attendance like any normal draft of the last several decades. However, with the current coronavirus pandemic sweeping the nation, the league was forced to come up with an alternative plan on how to get coverage to the masses.
As the dates approach, it’s becoming more and more apparent that there will be hardly anything normal about this year’s process, and thus the league and the teams are now at the point of finalizing what the procedure will be. The government is mandating that groups be no more than 10 people and recommended less than that. For anyone who’s witnessed a War Room Cam, they know how difficult that will be. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports officials from some NFL teams are coming to grips with the new reality and preparing for a virtual draft away from team facilities.
High-level officials from multiple NFL teams are now preparing to do the April 23-25 draft virtually, from home, away from their team facilities, league sources tell ESPN. Awaiting final decision from NFL on an unprecedented draft.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 4, 2020
Not every organization is completely on board as some are still considering hosting limited staff at team facilities, per Josina Anderson of ESPN. There’s no indication on what route the NFL will take going forward but it’s clear that the well-being and safety of the staffs league-wide is the main concern.
The rules are being put in place to prevent personnel from being forced into a dangerous position.
These are very trying and uncertain times right now for the NFL as they try to conduct business as normal as possible under the current circumstances. As more and more information about this virus comes forth, the league will continue to adapt accordingly.
[vertical-gallery id=642436][lawrence-newsletter]