What to know about the 2027 NFL Draft in Washington, D.C.

AFC EastBillsDolphinsJetsPatriotsAFC NorthBengalsBrownsRavensSteelersAFC SouthColtsJaguarsTexansTitansAFC WestBroncosChargersChiefsRaidersNFC EastCommandersCowboysEaglesGiantsNFC NorthBearsLionsPackersVikingsNFC SouthBuccaneersFalconsPanthersSaintsNFC West49ersCardinalsRamsSeahawksScores & ScheduleStandingsFantasyNFL OddsNFL PicksNFL DraftPodcastsScoop City NewsletterNFL Draft UpdatesThe BeastConsensus RankingsTop 300 Rankings7-Round Draft Order2026 NFL Draft The 2027 NFL Draft will take place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Alex Brandon / Associated Press Share articleOnce the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh wraps on Saturday, attention will turn to next year’s event in Washington, D.C. In 2027, the NFL Draft will return to the nation’s capital for the first time in 86 years. President Donald Trump announced Washington as the host in May 2025, adding that the plan is for the event to happen on the National Mall in front of the U.S. Capitol building. “It’s going to be beautiful, it’s going to be something that nobody else will ever be able to duplicate,” Trump said during a news conference in the Oval Office. Although attendance from prospects can be unpredictable, attending the draft has become increasingly popular among fans. More than 700,000 fans attended the 2024 draft in Detroit, which set an attendance record. Commissioner Roger Goodell, who was at the Oval Office for the D.C. announcement, said he believes the Washington draft will draw “well over a million (attendees).” “The NFL Draft has become a marquee event, uniting fans across the country and around the world,” Goodell said in a news release. “We are excited to bring the 2027 Draft to Washington, D.C., a city rich in history and national pride. With the support of President Trump, the Commanders, Events DC (the city’s official convention and sports authority), and Mayor (Muriel) Bowser we’re looking forward to delivering an unforgettable experience as we celebrate the next generation of NFL stars.” Exact dates for the 2027 draft have not been announced, though the event typically falls on the last weekend of April. “This is a historic occasion for Washington, D.C., and we are absolutely honored to host the 2027 NFL Draft,” said Events DC President and CEO Angie M. Gates in the news release. “The NFL Draft will provide football fans with an unforgettable experience, while showcasing all that makes Washington, D.C., a world-class destination and the Sports Capital. We look forward to working with our partners and community to deliver a world-class event that reflects the dynamic spirit of our city.” The last time the NFL Draft took place in Washington was on Dec. 10, 1940, when the 1941 draft was staged at the Willard Hotel. The Chicago Bears drafted Michigan halfback Tom Harmon with the No. 1 pick. Washington selected Michigan quarterback Forest Evashevski with the 10th and final pick of the first round. The location of the 2028 draft has not been decided. In March, the Minnesota Vikings announced that the team submitted a bid to host. The Vikings began their pursuit in 2019 and have worked in conjunction with Minnesota Sports and Events to pitch their case. The Vikings and Minnesota Sports and Events worked together to bring Super Bowl LII to Minneapolis after the 2017 season. The draft proposal offers multiple site options, many of them centered around U.S. Bank Stadium. “Minnesota is in contention,” Matt Meunier, the bid director for Minnesota Sports and Events, said. “We’re in the game. We’re actively pursuing the right to bring a future NFL Draft to our community.” Last year, The Buffalo News reported that the Bills were throwing their hats in the ring for 2028, hoping to land a high-profile event not long after the 2026 opening of the new Highmark Stadium. NFL owners are next scheduled to meet on May 19 in Orlando, Fla., where they could discuss and possibly announce the 2028 host. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms