Read the opposing argument from Sports Geek.
You have been hearing about the NFL Draft for months now. You’ve been reading scouting reports, the needs of each team, mock drafts, and even debates about mock drafts. You are curious to see where the players from your favorite college team will be drafted. Now, it’s time to get ready for a time honored ESPN tradition, and watch hours of coverage on Saturday and Sunday. What? Come again? The draft starts on Thursday? You cannot be serious? What was wrong with the way it was?
I realize that Thursday night isn’t exactly “Must-See-TV” like it was during its peak run in the mid 1990s, and there really won’t be much on TV except for an NBA playoff game. But the point of my argument is that there was absolutely nothing wrong with the old format of the draft. That was my initial reaction when this change was announced several months ago, and my mind hasn’t changed.
Now, I think I know what Sports Geek is going to write in the opposing side of the debate. The point will be made that more eyes will be watching in prime time on Thursday night. That, in itself, remains to be seen. Personally, I loved having the first round of the draft take place on Saturday (even when it began starting a little later a couple of years ago) because, generally speaking, I had nothing to do on Saturday. I’m not one of those guys who has a big draft day party barbecue. But I certainly do sit my behind on the couch and watch the draft, as I would have nothing else to focus on. That’s a good thing because the draft tends to drag on and on, with the first round usually lasting around five hours.
On Thursday night, I will still watch some of the draft. But it’s going to be hard for me to focus my entire attention on the draft, and it’s doubtful I will be awake for the pick number 32. I personally don’t have kids, but those that have children will be tending to the weekday activities with their children, whether it is helping mini-Sports Geek with his homework or reading Lil’ Bleacher Fan-ette her bedtime story… or something of the like. This tends to not be an issue on a Saturday.
Also, at what point does the draft begin to become overkill, not only the fans, but for the teams as well? Many are saying that the new format will give teams more time to reassess the needs of their team after the first day, and after the second day. Haven’t these needs been assessed in the previous months? Many hours have been spent scouting and identifying targeted players. Is the extra time really going to help? No! All it is going to be is bring self-doubt into the picture, and bring in a large portion of over-analysis to an event that already borders on overkill.
Besides, who really wants to listen to Mel Kiper, Jr. for three days?
