How does the NFL draft work?

How does the NFL draft work?ByBen CollinsBBC Sport journalistPublished9 minutes agoImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward was the first pick of the 2025 NFL draftNFL draft 2026Venue: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Dates: Thursday, 23 April - Saturday, 25 April Start: 20:00 EDT (01:00 BST, Friday)The NFL features more than 2,200 players across the league's 32 teams and most are recruited via the NFL draft each April.Every year thousands of players in the US collegiate system become eligible for the draft but the total number of selections is limited to about 250.Although players who go undrafted can still be signed later, most future stars are picked up during the three-day event.But early draft picks can often flop in the NFL while some chosen late become greats - Tom Brady was selected 199th overall in 2000 yet went on to win a record seven Super Bowls.Get in touchSend us your questionsContact formContact formWhich team gets the first pick?The draft is divided into seven rounds - the first taking place on a Thursday, rounds two and three on Friday and four to seven on Saturday.All 32 teams have one pick in each round, going in the reverse order of the previous season's standings, unless they have agreed trades.There have already been trades for seven first-round draft picks this year, meaning six teams will get two first-round picks and six others will have none.The Las Vegas Raiders had last season's worst record so they will go first with the Super Bowl winners, the Seattle Seahawks, going last.The NFL's next superstar and how mum's struggle inspired rise to top Published1 day agoIs the NFL Draft key to reviving the fortunes of failing franchises?AttributionSoundsHow do trades affect the draft?Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Travis Kelce (left) was selected 63rd overall in 2013 and Patrick Mahomes (right) 10th in 2017, and they have helped the Chiefs win three Super Bowls in the past seven yearsI...