Honestly, if you haven’t started looking at flights to Wisconsin yet, you’re already behind. Everyone keeps asking about the nfl draft 2025 date, and while the calendar says one thing, the reality of trying to get a hotel room within fifty miles of Lambeau Field says another. It’s happening. The circus is coming to Green Bay.
The official nfl draft 2025 date is set for April 24–26, 2025.
That’s a Thursday through Saturday. If you’ve ever been to a draft—or even watched the sea of humanity in Detroit last year—you know this isn't just a bunch of guys in suits reading names off a card anymore. It’s a three-day festival that essentially shuts down a city. Green Bay, the smallest market in the league, is about to host the biggest event in its history.
The Schedule You Actually Need
Forget the fluff. Here is the breakdown of when things actually go down.
Thursday, April 24, is the big one. Round 1. This is when the Tennessee Titans—who currently hold the keys to the kingdom with the number one pick—will decide if they’re going all-in on a franchise savior or trading back for a king’s ransom. The broadcast starts at 8 p.m. ET. Expect it to run late. NFL teams love to use every single second of that 10-minute clock.
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Friday, April 25, covers Rounds 2 and 3. It starts a bit earlier, at 7 p.m. ET. This is where the "draft nerds" (I say that lovingly) live. You find your starters here. The guys who play ten years but never make a Pro Bowl? They’re Friday night picks.
Saturday, April 26, is the marathon. Rounds 4 through 7. It kicks off at Noon ET. It’s fast, it’s chaotic, and by the time "Mr. Irrelevant" is picked, you’ll probably be on your third bratwurst if you’re actually in Green Bay.
Why Green Bay Is a Massive Deal
Most people don't realize how different this is going to be from Nashville, Vegas, or Detroit. Green Bay is a town built around a stadium. There aren't a million hotels. There isn't a massive downtown core like Chicago.
The league is setting up the "Draft Theater" right next to Lambeau. They’re using the Titletown district and the Resch Complex. Basically, the entire area around 1265 Lombardi Avenue is going to be a "Green Zone." If you aren't wearing a lanyard or a jersey, good luck getting a coffee.
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The Top Names You’ll Hear on the nfl draft 2025 date
It’s weirdly top-heavy this year. Usually, we’re arguing about three different quarterbacks. This time? It’s the "Travis Hunter" show.
- Travis Hunter (CB/WR, Colorado): He’s a unicorn. He plays 100 snaps a game. Does he play corner? Yes. Does he play receiver? Yes. He might be the first player since Charles Woodson to truly make a team wonder where he fits best.
- Cam Ward (QB, Miami): He’s been the biggest riser. The Titans need a signal-caller, and Ward’s ability to extend plays makes him the "it" guy of the spring.
- Abdul Carter (EDGE, Penn State): If your team needs someone to scare the living daylights out of a quarterback, this is the guy. He’s got that Micah Parsons-style twitch.
- Ashton Jeanty (RB, Boise State): Yeah, I know, "don't draft running backs in the first round." Tell that to the guy who watched Jeanty break 50 tackles in a single afternoon. He’s special.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception about the nfl draft 2025 date is that you can just "show up."
Detroit saw over 700,000 people. Green Bay is expecting somewhere around 250,000 to 300,000. That is more than double the population of the city itself. If you're planning to attend, you need the NFL OnePass app. It’s free, but you can’t get into the Draft Experience without it.
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Also, it’s Wisconsin in April.
Could it be 70 degrees? Sure. Could it be snowing? Also yes. Pack layers. The locals will be in shorts regardless, but don't let them fool you. It’s cold by the lake.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you're serious about following the draft this year, don't just wait for the TV broadcast.
- Book Lodging Now: Look in Appleton, Oshkosh, or even Milwaukee if you have to. The "commute" will be better than paying $1,200 for a Motel 6 in Ashwaubenon.
- Download the OnePass App: Do it today. Don't be the person standing outside the fence trying to get a signal while the first pick is being announced.
- Study the Offensive Line: This draft is quietly loaded with tackles like Will Campbell (LSU) and Kelvin Banks Jr. (Texas). If your team’s QB spent all season on his back, these are the names that actually matter.
- Register for the Concerts: The NFL usually brings in huge acts for the Draft Concert Series. Those spots are first-come, first-served.
The nfl draft 2025 date is more than just a player selection meeting; it’s the one weekend where every single fan base—even the ones who went 2-15—can actually feel optimistic. Just make sure you're prepared for the Green Bay madness. It’s going to be a loud, beer-cheese-soaked weekend.
Next Steps for Draft Prep:
Check your team’s current cap space and "needs" list. If you're a Giants or Raiders fan, start watching Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders highlights now, because your Thursday night is going to be very stressful. You can also start mapping out the Titletown area online so you aren't wandering aimlessly come April 24.