As the world slows down in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19, the sports world has ground to a halt. Major league baseball’s opening day, scheduled for today, did not take place. The NBA and NHL hit the pause button on their seasons, and the XFL shut its inaugural season down.
However, with the benefit of time in front of them the National Football League has gone forward roughly as scheduled. Free agency began and actually served as a nice distraction for both fans and media members alike. With the 2020 NFL Draft looming, and the league deciding not to proceed with the big event scheduled for Las Vegas, many were wondering if the league would postpone the draft.
In a letter to all 32 teams from Commissioner Roger Goodell, it was announced on Thursday night that the draft would proceed as scheduled, at the end of April:
In the letter, Commissioner Goodell writes that “Everyone recognizes that public health conditions are highly uncertain and there is no assurance that we can select a different date and be confident that conditions will be significantly more favorable than they are today. I also believe that the Draft can serve a very positive purpose for our clubs, our fans, and the country at large, and many of you have agreed.”
Goodell also indicated that the draft will have a different feel. “Because of the unique circumstances in our country today, the 2020 Draft will obviously need to be conducted in a different way. Already, we have canceled all public events, we will not be bringing prospects and their families to the Draft, and the Draft itself will be conducted and televised in a way that reflects current conditions.”
While questions might remain about the logistics, as well as how teams will be able to bring players in for events such as rookie mini-camps and OTAs, at least there is certainty that for now, the draft will proceed as scheduled.
What does this mean? More mock drafts, of course!
