Maybe it’s just me, maybe it’s because we know the first overall pick, and likely the next two picks. For some reason though I’m not that excited about the NFL draft this year. A friend of mine summed up the draft like this “it’s a huge deal for the future of our teams, but waiting for your team to draft sucks.” Most years I’d agree, but this year is making me think that the waiting is the fun part. Not knowing who is going off the board, the suspense, is the fun part.
It’s a big deal for everyone reporting on the draft who goes first overall. I guarantee that it’s going to be the number one headline on ESPN, CBS Sports, your local sports section, and every other sports page across the country will be Trevor Lawrence going number one overall. Is it Urban Meyer’s fault for announcing he’s going to be their pick months ago? I don’t think so, everyone knew it as soon as the draft order was set and Lawrence announced he was foregoing his senior season for the draft. However it does take away from the excitement of the event.
When the NFL changed the draft from a two day event to a three day event it made the first round be an even bigger deal than it was before. The focus and excitement has always been the first day, make it be one round and the ensuing rounds fall off from the media hype into a collective of a team’s total draft. Thursday night every pick should be important, most should be unexpected. This year though we know the first pick for sure, the worst kept secret is who the Jets are going to take at number two – Zach Wilson. Now the first bit of suspense comes for the third pick. All the betting is on that pick, we’re basically robbed of 20 minutes of suspense. Turns out, the waiting is fun.
The NFL draft is the gold standard for offseason entertainment. It’s part award show, part competition, and all speculation. The parity of the league makes every team think they’re just one good draft class away from making the playoffs or a Super Bowl run. The parade of star players hearing their name called out and getting the picture with the commissioner makes every fan feel like they’ve won when really nothing’s been decided. It’s a way for fans to add a new bit of arsenal to why their team will be great this year. I’m sure I’ll be joining in that fun come Friday morning. But for now, the leadup to this big event is leaving me a little disappointed.