The NFL Draft is one of the most anticipated events of the offseason. It's where college football stars make the leap to the pros and where teams lay the groundwork for their future. The 2025 NFL Draft promises high-stakes decisions, dramatic trades, and intense fan engagement — but behind all the spectacle is a well-defined process guided by specific rules and structure.

Here’s everything you need to know about how the 2025 NFL Draft works, from the format to the rules that govern each round.

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When and Where Is the NFL Draft in 2025?

The 2025 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the home of the Packers. The event spans three days, typically running Thursday through Saturday in late April.

• Day 1 (Round 1): Thursday
• Day 2 (Rounds 2–3): Friday
• Day 3 (Rounds 4–7): Saturday

Each day features a different pace and set of rules for time allowed per selection.

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Draft Format: How Many Rounds?

The NFL Draft includes 7 rounds, and each of the 32 teams has one pick per round by default, though trades often alter that number.

• Total Picks: Around 259–262 (depending on compensatory picks awarded)
• Compensatory Picks: Given to teams who lost high-value free agents, added at the end of Rounds 3–7

The draft order is primarily determined by regular season standings, with the worst-performing teams selecting first. Playoff performance is then factored in.

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Time Allotted Per Pick (2025 Rules)

• Round 1: 10 minutes per pick
• Round 2: 7 minutes
• Rounds 3–6: 5 minutes
• Round 7: 4 minutes

If a team fails to make a pick in the allotted time, the next team can leap ahead — but the original team doesn’t lose its pick, it can still be submitted at any time after.

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How Are Draft Picks Traded?

Teams can trade picks before or during the draft, which makes for some of the most dramatic moments of the event.

Teams can exchange:

• Draft picks (this year or future years)
• Players
• Conditional picks based on player performance or contract terms

Trades must be approved and communicated to league officials quickly to be finalized before the next selection window expires.

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How Are Players Eligible?

To enter the 2025 NFL Draft, players must:

• Be at least three years removed from high school graduation
• Have declared eligibility with the NFL by a set deadline in January
• For underclassmen: forfeit remaining NCAA eligibility upon declaring

Most players are scouted via the NFL Scouting Combine, pro days, and interviews with teams.

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What Are the Rookie Contracts?

Once drafted, players are eligible for the NFL’s rookie wage scale, which sets contract values based on draft position. This ensures predictable salary expectations for both players and teams.

• Top 10 picks receive fully guaranteed four-year deals with a team option for year five
• Later-round picks have lower guarantees and signing bonuses

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Final Thoughts

The NFL Draft blends strategy, scouting, and spectacle into a weekend that can shape franchises for years. With Green Bay hosting in 2025, the tradition continues in one of football’s most iconic cities. Whether you're tracking your team’s rebuild or scouting future stars, understanding the structure behind the Draft makes every pick even more impactful.