NFL seeking normalcy with virtual draft

TEXARKANA, Ark. - Depending on where you may live, you've probably been in your home going on the better half of two weeks now.

The NFL draft was scheduled to be held Thursday, April 23 through Saturday, April 25, in Las Vegas, the new home of the Raiders.

The brass at the NFL have elected to continue the draft, only this time virtually.

"This decision reflects our foremost priority, the health and safety of all fans and citizens," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. "While this outcome is disappointing both to the NFL and to the Las Vegas community, we look forward to partnering with the Raiders, the City of Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority for a future NFL Draft as well as evaluating opportunities for other major NFL events in Las Vegas in the future, including the Super Bowl."

I wholeheartedly agree with the NFL's decision to go along with this year's draft in some capacity. I will follow the guidelines and restrictions placed on us by health professionals, but we can't continue to be afraid of our shadow. Football has become America's pastime.

Football this fall on all levels is what's going to make our country turn again.

Over 50 NFL hopefuls will participate in virtual interviews that will be aired during the draft and also on other social media platforms.

Draftees and their families will receive "draft packages" to compensate the unusual circumstances surrounding the 2020 NFL draft.

Raiders owner Mark Davis released a statement following Monday's news from the league offices.

"After careful consideration, the Las Vegas Raiders, the NFL, the NFLPA and the LVCVA have decided to cancel the 2020 Las Vegas NFL Draft celebration," Davis said. "Health and safety has always been our top priority, so despite it being a major disappointment, this was the right decision. Although Las Vegas lost this chance to shine, there will be many more opportunities to show the world just what Las Vegas is made of. Whether it be the Draft, the Pro Bowl or the Super Bowl, the Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World is ready!"

Top NFL prospects such as Joe Burrow and Chase Young elected not to go through the combine process but chose to invite scouts to their pro days on their campus to allow their other draft eligible teammates a chance to be seen. Most pro days across the country were canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. In the end, it's great those guys, who have worked their entire lives for this moment, get an opportunity to have that moment.

Albeit virtually, but I'm pretty sure when they get their signing bonus, it will all spend the same.

Upcoming Events