Goodell: NFL draft to remain April 23-25

With revisions to the three-day event, the NFL decided to keep the draft on
the same dates, April 23-25. Players, fans and media will not be present.

Goodell said in a memo to clubs Thursday that the NFL Management Council's
Executive Committee fully supported the plan despite a league order to close
all team facilities to coaches and scouting staff as of Wednesday.

"Apart from the CEC, I have personally discussed this matter with many other
owners, club executives and coaches, and there is widespread support for the
CEC's conclusion," Goodell said in the memo. "Everyone recognizes that public
health conditions are highly uncertain and there is no assurance that we can
select a different date and be confident that conditions will be significantly
more favorable than they are today. I also believe that the draft can serve a
very positive purpose for our clubs, our fans, and the country at large, and
many of you have agreed.

"Because of the unique circumstances in our country today, the 2020 Draft will
obviously need to be conducted in a different way. Already, we have cancelled
all public events, we will not be bringing prospects and their families to the
Draft, and the draft itself will be conducted and televised in a way that
reflects current conditions.

"Our staff is certainly mindful of the operational issues this presents, and
our top priority is putting in place procedures that allow all clubs to
operate on a level playing field so that the draft is conducted in a way that
is competitively fair to all clubs. All clubs should now be doing the
necessary planning to conduct draft operations in a location outside of your
facility, with a limited number of people present, and with sufficient
technology resources to allow you to communicate internally, with other clubs,
and with draft headquarters."

The NFL shifted pre-draft preparations away from Las Vegas in the wake of the
coronavirus pandemic and will hold the draft in a studio setting. Players will
be interviewed via video conference and other guests -- college coaches and
some NFL coaches and staff -- are expected, using the same technology.

Pre-draft planning has been thrown out of whack by the spread of the
coronavirus. Very few pro day workouts were held and some marquee players --
including presumed No. 1 pick Joe Burrow and Alabama quarterback Tua
Tagovailoa -- aren't expected to be able to work out for scouts and general
managers. Burrow, the Heisman Trophy winner from LSU, opted not to work out at
the NFL Scouting Combine but did formally interview with several teams in
Indianapolis. Tagovailoa's medical exam in Indianapolis lasted nearly 10
hours. He also met with teams on the scene there, but was scheduled to hold
his pro day on April 9 in Tuscaloosa.

Instead of hosting players at team headquarters, NFL teams are visiting with
them over phone and video chat.

--Field Level Media