But just as abruptly as Covid-19 hit the states, the NFL called off the live draft and, just recently, announced it will be held virtually by computer from coaches and general managers all around the country. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will even announce the first-round picks from the basement of his New York home.
Not only is the draft affected, but NFL Draft parties around the country also have to go virtual. So there will not be congregating at bars and pubs, no house parties, no high fives, fist bumps or boos.
The draft is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday night. It can be seen on ABC, ESPN, the NFL Network or streamed on electronic devices.
Most teams around the league have formed virtual watch parties through various platforms, from their websites to social media. Here they are (alphabetical by team)
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals do not have an organized virtual draft party, but fans can go inside the team to watch their moves through their website.
Atlanta Falcons (Join the Party)
The Falcons will hold a virtual draft party at AtlantaFalcons.com, and it will include exclusive interviews from Dan Quinn and Thomas Dimitroff, and live chat with experts.
Baltimore Ravens (Join the Party)
The virtual draft party for Ravens fans will include interviews with Ravens scouts, coaches and picks, as well as many fan engagement activities. Additionally, Ravens reporters Ryan Mink, Clifton Brown and John Eisenberg will host daily live chats to discuss news from around the NFL.
Buffalo Bills
The Bills do not have an organized virtual draft party
Carolina Panthers (Join the Party)
The Charlotte Observer is hosting a virtual draft party through Zoom since quarantine is keeping fans from prowling over to the Whiskey Warehouse to argue over whether or not the Panthers made the right pick. Observer writers will interact with fans, though.
Chicago Bears
The Bears draft party originally scheduled for Soldier Field has been canceled, and those who bought tickets can receive a refund. The Chicago Tribune put together a virtual draft party prep list for fans of Da Bears!
Cincinnati Bengals (Join the Pre-Draft Party - Must RSVP)
In anticipation of the No. 1 overall selection, the Bengals will host a half-hour pre-draft party starting at 7:30 p.m. ET on its website featuring team greats Anthony Munoz and Boomer Esiason. However, you must RSVP ahead of time.
Cleveland Browns (Register for the Party)
The Browns will host a virtual draft party, and those who register will have a chance to win a replica game jersey of Baker Mayfield, the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2018. But you must register.
Dallas Cowboys (Register for the Party)
Fans can celebrate the first night of the NFL Draft with an unparalleled draft experience, hosted by Jamie Foxx and DeMarcus Ware.
Denver Broncos (Join the Party)
The Broncos will host a virtual draft party through their Facebook page, hosted by by Alexis Perry and Matt Boyer, along with player host Courtland Sutton. Click the Party link above, and then follow it to the team’s Facebook page.
Detroit Lions (Join the Party)
Host Tori Petry will have a wide array of guests during the virtual draft party, including Barry Sanders, Chris Spielman, T.J. Lang, T.J. Hockenson, Bob Quinn, Rod Wood and Darrell Bevell. The party can be watched through the team’s website, social media channels or app.
Green Bay Packers (Join the Party)
Following each pick, fans can listen to live conference calls streaming on packers.com, Twitter or Facebook to hear from the newest Packers players, as well as Packers personnel. Plus, personalities from Packers.com.
Houston Texans
The Texans will not have an organized party, but they will have a show on Saturday, April 25, to introduce draftees from the first two rounds here.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts will not have an organized virtual draft party.
Jacksonville Jaguars (Join the pre-draft Party)
The Jaguars will have a pre-draft virtual party from 7-8 p.m. ET, featuring local entertainer Eric V. Dunn, and special guests head coach Doug Marrone, Pro Bowl WR DJ Chark Jr., former running backs Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones Drew, and others. There will be prizes available.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Super Bowl champs do not have an organized virtual draft party during the Covid-19 pandemic, but Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas wants the city to “tailgate unlike any before seen in Kansas City and throughout the country.” He encourages ordering from local grocery stores and partying at home, according to The Kansas City Star.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders lost a golden opportunity on hosting the draft in their new home, and they don’t have an organized virtual draft party. Maybe their actual draft will go better.
Los Angeles Chargers (Register for the Party)
The Chargers plan to play in a new stadium this season—if the season is played. Their virtual draft party will be across a wide array of platforms, and there will be a plethora of prizes, including signed jerseys, hats, tickets to the first home game, a football and a chance to be on the team’s first video conference call with their first pick. Must click and sign in, though.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams do not have an organized virtual draft party.
Miami Dolphins (Register for the Party)
The Dolphins began promoting their virtual draft party a few weeks ago, which will be held through the team’s Facebook page. And although the beaches in Miami are shut down for now, this might be a party worth watching anyway. Must register early, though.
Minnesota Vikings (Join the 2nd-Day Party)
This one is interesting. The Vikings will not hold a party on Thursday, but rather Friday. It will be a chance to interact with team analysts and players, and a chance to win one of 50 draft boxes that include a portable cooler filled with cups and gear, a limited edition Vikings 2020 NFL draft hat and autographed memorabilia. Must be 21 to win, though.
New England Patriots
The Patriots no longer have quarterback Tom Brady, nor will they have an organized virtual draft party.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints do not have an organized virtual draft party, but the team’s coaches planned to draft from a local brewery. Does that count?
New York Giants (Join the Party)
The “Big Blue Draft Night Live presented by Van Heusen” can be steamed through the team’s website, app and YouTube channel. There will be reactions to the picks, and then interviews with the new football Giants.
New York Jets (Join the Party)
It’s hard to fathom a draft night without fans clad in green jerseys and screaming “J-E-T-S JETS, JETS, JETS!” But it will not happen this year. However, the team organized a virtual draft party through all of its online properties (websites to apps and social media). Fans can ask the host questions throughout the evening. You must register, though, through the link above.
Philadelphia Eagles
There is no organized virtual draft party for the Eagles, but bleedinggreennation.com offers tips on how to host your own party while staying safe.
Pittsburgh Steelers (Join the Party)
The Steelers will livestream a virtual draft party through its YouTube and Facebook channels on Thursday and Friday, beginning at 6:45 p.m. each night, hosted by Missi Matthews and Billy Gardell. The party will feature appearances by Steelers President Art Rooney II, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Jerome Bettis, Willie Parker, Alan Faneca, Max Starks, Tunch Ilkin and Craig Wolfle.
San Francisco 49ers (Join the Party)
The NFC champions from a year ago will host a virtual party on its website, app, YouTube channel and Facebook Live. The pre-draft tailgate will begin at 4 p.m. PT with interviews from the GM, head coach and other personalities.
Seattle Seahawks (Join the Party)
The Seahawks will host a three-day virtual draft party through its website and social media channels, including Twitter. Guests include Seahawks legends. The pre-draft party will begin at 4 p.m. PT on Thursday.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Register for the Party)
Since Tom Brady joined the Buccaneers last month, ticket sales have surged, fan groups have soared and odds of winning the Super Bowl have gotten better. Now that Gronk is on the team, it’s only gotten stronger. The Bucs will have a party on their Facebook fan page. But you better put that request in early.
Tennessee Titans (Register for the Party)
Nashville last year made all other draft parties look like a JV squad. The virtual draft party on Thursday won’t be too shabby, either, with actors, comedians, country singers and even legendary running back Eddie George. There will also be cool prizes, but only if you register at the party link.
Washington Redskins (Register for the Party)
The Redskins began hyping their virtual draft party more than three weeks ago. It will include interviews and exchanges between old Redskin greats, and their will be prizes given away. But, before you virtually sing “Hail to the Redskins” with you fellow fans, you must first register.
