The 2021 NFL Draft consists of seven rounds. The annual event has featured this seven-round format each year since 1994.
NFL Draft compensatory picks
However, just because there are seven rounds in each draft, it doesn’t mean 224 players (seven rounds x 32 teams) are selected each season. Each year, the NFL adds a number of “compensatory” picks between the third and seventh rounds. These extra selections are awarded to teams that signed fewer unrestricted free agents than they lost. While the exact compensatory-pick formula has never been revealed, it’s a combination of unrestricted free agent’s salary, playing time, and postseason accomplishments.
How many players get drafted?
Teams may also forfeit picks for a variety of reasons. One of the most common explanations for a forfeited pick is thanks to the Supplemental Draft. If an organization selects a player in this separate event, they’re required to give up the equivalent pick in the following year’s NFL Draft. Teams may also lose draft picks due to discipline. That is the case this year, with the New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings both forfeiting a pick each.
So, because of these caveats, the 2021 NFL Draft will see 259 players selected through seven rounds. The 2020 draft saw 255 players selected across seven rounds, while 2019featured 254 players.
The draft order is based on the team’s win-loss record in the regular season, with postseason success determining picks #20 through #32. Teams make a variety of trades throughout the draft, meaning the draft order today could look a whole lot different come draft day.
Pickswise Guide to the 2021 NFL Draft
A comprehensive guide to all your 2021 NFL Draft questions below:
- When is the Draft?
- Where is the Draft?
- What time does the Draft Start?
- How does the Draft work?
- Where can I watch the Draft?
- How many rounds are there?
- How many picks are there?
- Draft Order from 1-32
- How much time between Draft picks?
- How many picks does my team have?
- Who will be the first pick in the Draft?
- How much do Draft picks make?
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