NFL Draft 2021: How To Watch, What To Expect

Arguably the most anticipated event of the football offseason, the 2021 NFL Draft begins tonight following the strangest season in decades for both the NFL and college football. While this past season had its fair share of challenges, several players from outside the P5 have the chance to make the jump over the next few days.

Had the chance to listen to our NFL Draft preview podcast? Check it out before you watch.

Here are the key details you need to know:

How To Watch:

Round 1 begins at 8 PM ET on Thursday, April 29.

NFL Network, ABC, and ESPN will all air coverage of the entire draft with different broadcasts teams on each. If you’re looking for Mel Kiper and Adam Schefter, tune into ESPN. Rich Eisen, Daniel Jeremiah, Charles Davis and David Shaw will lead the NFL Network crew. On ABC, you’ll see ESPN’s CFB usual suspects with Rece Davis, Maria Taylor, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Todd McShay, Jesse Palmer and David Pollack.

ESPN Deportes will also have a Spanish language broadcast available.

What To Expect On Day One:

There are three names from outside the P5 (or Notre Dame) that can be considered locks for the first round: BYU QB Zach Wilson, North Dakota State QB Trey Lance, and Tulsa linebacker Zaven Collins. Beyond that, we’ll most likely have to wait until the other rounds to hear some G5 or FCS names called.

For more on Wilson, check this out from our friends at Vanquish The Foe.

For more on Collins, here’s one from our own Joe Broback.

What To Expect On Day Two:

Rounds 2-3 will begin at 7 PM ET on Friday, April 30.

On Friday night, expect a decent amount of Collins’ AAC counterparts to have their names called. Notably, Payton Turner of Houston, Kenny Gainwell of Memphis, and Patrick Johnson of Tulane.

Western Michigan wide receiver Dwayne Eskridge will also be amongst the picks on this day. For more on the MAC picks, go follow our friends at Hustle Belt.

What To Expect On Day Three:

Rounds 4-7 will begin at Noon on Saturday, May 1.

Here’s where the C-USA guys could start getting picked up. Louisiana Tech defensive lineman Milton Williams is arguably the league’s strongest prospect after a season where he was an all-conference selection and a third-team all-American.

We’ll also most likely see Appalachian State QB Zac Thomas get picked up on day three after an illustrious career with the Mountaineers.