How Will 2024 NFL Draft Coverage Be Different on ABC, ESPN, NFL Network?
Each channel covering the draft will focus on different aspects of player development, and fans can choose the coverage style that suits them best.
The 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit, Michigan will see more than 250 college football players realize their dream of playing on the biggest stage in the world. All 32 NFL teams will walk away from this weekend with a new infusion of talent, and fans can watch it all live on their choice of network. ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network will each cover each of the draft’s seven rounds this year, and each will cover draft prospects from their own unique perspective. Fans can pick and choose which network will offer them the coverage they want, and The Streamable will let you know what you’ll see on each channel and how to stream the draft on each.
- ESPN will focus on a player’s on-field achievements when analyzing their fit with the team that drafts them.
- ABC will spotlight the player’s background, life story, and path to the NFL with its coverage.
- NFL Network will feature red-carpet interviews with players about to realize their NFL dreams.
What Will ESPN’s Coverage of the 2024 NFL Draft Look Like?
ESPN’s NFL Draft extravaganza will feature the network’s top analysts and football minds discussing a player’s greatest on-field accomplishments. The focus of its coverage will be a given player’s football bona fides — his best statistics, his physical attributes, and how his playing style fits with team needs. For fans who prioritize a prospect’s testing numbers and production highly, as well as how they’ll work within a specific team’s system ESPN’s coverage is the best way to go.
Mike Greenberg will join longtime ESPN draftnik Mel Kiper Jr. in leading ESPN’s coverage team, with assistance from Booger McFarland and Louis Riddick. Premier NFL insider Adam Schefter will also be on hand to break the latest news about blockbuster draft-day trades and other rumors that fans won’t want to miss out on. ESPN college football reporter Molly McGrath will interview prospects on the main stage immediately following their selection.
In addition, ESPN will embed six of its most seasoned reporters in team draft rooms around the country. These reporters will be sent to teams who are most likely to draft quarterbacks, and some might have to make big-time moves in order to do so. Courtney Cronin will be stationed with the Chicago Bears, who pick first overall; Jeff Darlington will head to the Minnesota Vikings; Kimberley Martin will report from Washington Commanders headquarters; Sal Paolantonio will be live with the New York Giants; the New England Patriots will welcome Mike Reiss; and Ed Werder will head to the Denver Broncos facility.
What Will ABC’s Coverage of the 2024 NFL Draft Look Like?
It may surprise viewers to know that ABC and ESPN will offer different coverage of the 2024 NFL Draft, considering they’re both owned by Disney. But the company is taking the opportunity to show fans different sides of these prospects with its two networks, and ABC’s draft coverage will focus more on telling a player’s story off the field. Its analysts will give details about the lives of players, and show audiences how they were able to reach the pinnacle of gridiron football competition.
ABC’s team of analysts will be headed up by Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, and Rece Davis. Former legendary Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban will offer a coach’s perspective, and aptly-named draft analyst Field Yates will join the ABC team for the first time. Laura Rutledge will be posted in the green room to interview prospect’s families, and college football insider Pete Thamel will give updates and provide breaking news if needed.
What Will NFL Network’s Coverage of the 2024 NFL Draft Look Like?
NFL Network will offer some elements from both ABC and ESPN’s coverage, attempting to give an all-around view of players as well as their fits with their new teams. “NFL Draft Kickoff” on Thursday, April 25 will feature former first overall pick Cam Newton and NFL Network analyst Kaylee Hartung interviewing prospects on the draft’s Red Carpet as they prepare for the biggest night of their lives.
Longtime draft host Rich Eisen returns to the center chair for the 2024 NFL Draft, and he’ll be joined by expert draft analyst and former NFL scout Daniel Jeremiah. CBS’s Charles Davis and Fox Sports college football analyst Joel Klatt will also be part of NFL Network’s coverage to give viewers all the information the college careers of newly-drafted players. Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner will offer a former player’s perspective on the draft, and insider Ian Rapoport will break down the latest news and rumors. Kaylee Hartung will return to talk with players onstage following their selection.
Where Can You Watch the 2024 NFL Draft?
Fans who don’t want to have to choose between networks to watch the NFL Draft this year will need a live TV streaming service that carries ABC, NFL Network, and ESPN. DIRECTV STREAM comes with a five-day free trial for all new customers, and viewers who subscribe to its CHOICE package ($108.99 per month) will get NFL Network, ESPN, and ABC all at once.
Sling TV only carries ABC in a handful of markets, but it’s the cheapest way to watch the NFL Draft on ESPN or NFL Network for the vast majority of viewers. New customers can take 10 off their first month of Sling service, lowering the price of watching the draft all weekend long to just $30 on these two channels.