This year’s NFL Draft will be held at Auditorium Theatre in Chicago from April 30 to May 2. The first round is Thursday, April 30. The second and third rounds are Friday, May 1, and the draft will conclude on Saturday, May 2 with rounds four through seven.
The draft has been held in New York City since 1963, which was the last time Chicago hosted the annual event, but the NFL elected to move it back to the Midwest for 2015. The draft is also at a new date — one week earlier than the 2013 draft and one week later than its traditional late April time slot.
NFL DRAFT 2015: Mock draft | Top-ranked seniors | Best first overall picks
Although he has not yet announced whether he will declare for this year’s draft, Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota is expected to be selected first overall by the Buccaneers, who finished the 2014 season with a 2-14 record.
Last year’s No. 1 pick, former South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, recorded only four tackles for the Houston Texans in seven games of an injury-shortened season.
Other offensive stars from the college ranks in this year’s draft include Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston, Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper and Georgia running back Todd Gurley.
For teams considering defense with its highest pick, the draft features USC defensive tackle Leonard Williams, Nebraska defensive end Randy Gregory and Missouri outside linebacker Shane Ray.
NFL Draft 2015: Date, time and new location
Date: Thursday, April 30 (Round 1); Friday, May 1 (Rounds 2-3); and Saturday, May 2 (Rounds 4-7)
Location: Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre
Draft Order:
Buccaneers
Titans
Jaguars
Raiders
Redskins
Jets
Bears
Falcons
Giants
Rams
Vikings
Browns
Saints
Dolphins
49ers
Texans
Chargers
Chiefs
Browns (via Bills)
Eagles
Bengals
Steelers
Lions
Cardinals
Panthers
Ravens
Cowboys
Broncos
29-32. TBD
