From the nonstop speculation, wheeling and dealing of transactions and dizzying real-time updates, the NFL Draft is an all-out blitz that hits viewers from all angles. We pinpointed the five most crucial social media accounts to follow for your draft fix, and here's how to watch the 2016 NFL Draft, which kicks off Thursday evening, before wrapping up Saturday night live from Chicago's Auditorium Theatre.
Thursday: First Round, Where Potential Franchise Cornerstones Roam
What: Can the 2016 NFL Draft produce back-to-back quarterbacks with the first two picks? Hey, it's possible. Or at least that's the way ESPN sees it with the Los Angeles Rams tabbing Jared Goff out of the University of California and the Philadelphia Eagles grabbing North Dakota State's Carson Wentz. Don't sleep on a pair of Ohio State Buckeyes, though, in outside linebacker Joey Bosa and running back Ezekiel Elliott, who should both be Top 10 selections as well.
When: 8 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN and NFL Network
Stream: Watch ESPN and NFL Network Online
Friday: Second and Third Rounds, Where Teams Get Built Into Contenders with Plenty of Serviceable Players Still Available
What: The meat and potatoes of the draft could see underrated players such as Boston College safety Justin Simmons or Georgia Tech defensive end Adam Gotsis prove to be just as valuable — if not more valuable — than first-round selections.
When: 7 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN until 8 p.m. ET and ESPN 2 from 8 p.m. ET onward and NFL Network
Stream: Watch ESPN and NFL Network Online
Saturday: Rounds Four Through Seven, Where General Managers Can Pinpoint Buried Treasure and Look Like Geniuses
What: It's the longest draft day of them all ... and the most painful to watch as a fan. Sitting through the fourth, fifth, six and seventh rounds is like watching molasses race, as all the familiar names are long gone and teams are trying to desperately fill holes with the best of the prospects left. Only the most hardcore football fans can sit through all eight hours of the third and final day of the draft. Consider this, though — Tom Brady was a sixth-round pick back in the 2000 NFL Draft, so don't sleep on these rounds.
When: Noon
TV: ESPN and NFL Network
Stream: Watch ESPN and NFL Network Online
