TORONTO — While we don’t yet know if the start of this fall’s NFL season will be impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2020 NFL Draft is going ahead this week — but with a major difference, which will make the broadcast much more challenging.
The new class of gridiron stars will be at home during the historic remote production of the NFL’s 2020 draft, which airs live on TSN from April 23 to 25. All 32 NFL teams will conduct draft-night war rooms from remote locations (in coaches and general managers’ homes, for example) and send their picks in to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who will introduce the picks from his own home.
A total of 58 top-rated NFL draft prospects (including expected first overall pick Joe Burrow, pictured) will be equipped with remote production capability, allowing them to join the draft broadcast when their name is called. The action kicks off with the first round this Thursday, April 23 at 8 p.m. ET on TSN.
TSN will deliver both prime-time coverage from ABC as well as co-production from ESPN and NFL Network. Originating from ESPN’s studios in Bristol, Conn., the broadcasts will adhere to social distancing guidelines and local workplace rules due to Covid-19, says the news release. Hosts and a limited number of commentators will be in-studio, while a majority of the networks’ analysts, reporters and other experts will contribute remotely from home.
Fans can turn to TSN for in-depth analysis throughout all three draft days, with up-to-the-minute news and analysis from NFL Live and special draft-focused editions of both College Gameday and NFL Countdown. Leading up to the draft, TSN’s SportsCentre will present profiles of key players on the draft board, including Canadians Chase Claypool and Neville Gallimore, as well as previews from football analyst Jesse Palmer.
Fans can also follow the 2020 NFL Draft on TSN digital and social media platforms, with written and video analysis and recaps on TSN.ca, as well as a draft-day preview and pick-by-pick draft tracker, and highlights on TSN’s Digital SportsCentre.
This year’s draft will serve as a three-day virtual fundraiser supporting six charities, selected by the NFL Foundation, which are battling the spread of Covid-19 and delivering relief to millions in need.
