National Football League commissioner Roger Goodell will reveal the selections of the 2020 NFL Draft first round from his home in Westchester County, New York, as part of a “fully virtual” event.
The April 23-25 draft was originally scheduled to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada but it was moved due to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
It will now originate from ESPN’s headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut, where staff will “adhere to proper social distancing guidelines and local workplace rules.” A number of hosts and commentators will work from the ESPN studios, while others will contribute from their homes.
ESPN and the NFL Network will produce a broadcast that will air on both networks over all three days. ABC will air a separate draft broadcast on April 23 and 24 before simulcasting the ESPN/NFL Network feed on April 25.
The 2020 NFL Draft will also be streamed live across a number of NFL and ESPN digital and social media properties.
According to NBC Sports, a virtual montage of 15 fans of the team next in the selection process will be the backdrop behind the home-bound Goodell, with those fans reacting to the commissioner and the team pick. The US national anthem will also be performed by a well-known artist from their home.
The league, meanwhile, has dispatched 58 cameras to the homes of top prospects, and a few to college coaches, to secure their reactions on being picked and subsequent interviews.
The NFL Draft is also serving as a virtual fundraiser to benefit six charities that will be selected by the NFL Foundation and are working to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and provide relief to impacted communities.
Louisiana State University quarterback Joe Burrow is widely expected to be the No. 1 pick, with that pick held by the Cincinnati Bengals.