NFL announced record viewership for the first round of the league’s first-ever fully-virtual draft
The first round of the 2020 NFL Draft was a complete success. The NFL announced earlier today that the first round of the virtual draft was the most-watched draft telecast in league history. More than 15.6 million people tuned in to watch the Draft. The previous record was 12.4 million viewers during the 2014 NFL Draft.
It is also worth noting that the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft did not present any technical or broadcasting issues. This comes after the league held a mock virtual draft on Monday that featured a wide variety of issues like communications difficulties and bandwidth problems.
The first three picks went as predicted. LSU QB Joe Burrow was selected with the first overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals. After that, the Washington Redskins chose Ohio State DE Chase Young with the number two overall pick. Lastly, the Lions picked Ohio State CB Jeff Okudah with the third pick in the first round. The three became the first three former teammates ever selected with the first three picks in the NFL Draft. Okudah, Young, and Burrow were all members of the 2017 Ohio State Buckeyes’ football team.
The SEC also set a new draft record. On Thursday night, 15 SEC players were selected in the first round of the draft. ESPN Stats and Info is saying that this is an NFL common draft record. The previous record for first-round picks from a single conference was 12 by the ACC in 2006 and 12 by the SEC in 2013 and 2017.
Four Quarterbacks were drafted in the first round yesterday. Joe Burrow was chosen by Cincy, Tua Tagovailoa was picked by Miami, Justin Herbert was selected by the Chargers, and the Packers traded up to the 26th spot from 30 to draft Utah State QB Jordan Love. The Packers’ GM said, “I haven’t connected with Aaron yet, but obviously he’s been through this and he’s a pro and it’s something that’s a long-term decision… the way the board fell, this was just the best decision for the Packers. Aaron has been around a long time, and he understands what we’re playing for.” Aaron Rodgers will be turning 37 this coming December.
The Miami Dolphins ended up using three first-round selections last night. They had the most first-round picks of any team in this year’s draft. The following teams did not have a first-round pick last night: the Rams, the Texans, the Bills, the Bears, the Colts, and the Steelers.
The NFL Draft continues later tonight with the second and third rounds. The second round of the draft is scheduled to begin at 7 PM EST on ESPN, ABC, and the NFL Network.
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