The NFL cemented its broadcast plans for the 2020 NFL Draft, running April 23-25, and carried across ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network for a multi-network presentation for all seven rounds. The 2020 NFL Draft will serve as a three-day virtual fundraiser benefitting six charities that are battling the spread of COVID-19 and delivering relief to millions in need. ESPN and NFL Network will combine to offer a singular presentation across both networks, while ABC will present its own distinctive, prime-time telecasts for rounds 1-3, in addition to simulcasting the ESPN and NFL Network telecast of rounds 4-7. The 2020 NFL Draft telecasts will now originate from ESPN’s Bristol campus with proper social distancing guidelines and local workplace rules due to COVID-19. Draft hosts and a limited number of commentators will be in-studio while a majority of the analysts, reporters and other experts will contribute remotely from home studios. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will introduce the picks from his home.
Trey Wingo will host all three days of ESPN’s NFL Draft coverage and will be joined remotely by ESPN analysts Mel Kiper Jr., Louis Riddick and Booger McFarland. NFL Network host Rich Eisen, Draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah and Pro Football Hall of Famers Michael Irvin and Kurt Warner will also contribute remotely all three days. ESPN NFL host Suzy Kolber will conduct remote interviews with NFL draftees from an ESPN studio, and ESPN Senior NFL Insiders Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter will again be part of the three-day telecast, providing updates from their respective homes. ABC sees hosts Rece Davis, Jesse Palmer and Maria Taylor lead ABC’s prime-time presentation of the NFL Draft on April 23-24. Featuring NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay and college football analysts Kirk Herbstreit (third), Desmond Howard, David Pollack and correspondent/feature reporter Tom Rinaldi.
“We recognize the challenging times we are living in, but we are looking forward to presenting the 2020 NFL Draft and providing some hope for football fans everywhere,” said Seth Markman, ESPN vice president, production. “For the past couple of years, ESPN’s NFL and college teams have worked together on our draft coverage, and it has been a win for our viewers. This year, we are further excited to collaborate with the NFL Network creating an All Star broadcast. We are also committed to producing the ESPN/NFL Network and ABC shows in the safest possible environment for our announcers and production teams.”
