NFL bans all in-person draft prospect visits due to coronavirus concerns

The NFL is taking further measures to prevent spreading the coronavirus. It has already canceled its annual meeting scheduled for later in the month. Many teams have closed down their facilities.

Now the league has announced that it is canceling all draft prospect visits at team facilities or any other in-person meetings. All communication with prospects will be online only, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

NFL has cancelled all college player visits either to the facility or to the school, per source. Only online communication, indefinitely.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2020

The league also reportedly sent out a memo to advise teams of the guidelines for online communication with draft prospects, according to the Houston Chronicle’s Aaron Wilson.

NFL memo: 'Clubs are reminded that they are permitted to conduct interviews via telephone or video conferences through the day prior to the Draft.'

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 13, 2020

'Clubs can schedule no more than three telephone or video conferences with an
individual draft-eligible player per week (Sunday through Saturday).
• Each telephone or video conference can last no longer than one hour'

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 13, 2020

Some restrictions, per NFL memo: 'Clubs can schedule no more than three telephone or video conferences with an individual draft-eligible player per week Each telephone or video conference can last no longer than one hour.' Can't conflict with player's school schedule

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 13, 2020

Essentially, teams can still conduct draft preparation, but they have to eliminate in-person contact for now.

The NFL still plans on having the new league year begin next week, which means the start of free agency. We will see if any more restrictions will be forthcoming.

 

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.

Ep. 261

Ep. 260