NFL Network, ESPN to reduce draft tip-offs
 

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d...headline_stack

Let's fast forward to next Thursday, opening night of the NFL draft. With the Indianapolis Colts on the clock, time ticking away, the speakers crackle to life: "The pick ... is in."

Before we hear a peep from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, the camera cuts to Andrew Luck, huddled over a phone, smiling from ear to ear.

In this case, nobody is surprised, but as we move through the first round, these tip-offs affect the drama of the event.

Sports Illustrated's Richard Deitsch first reported Wednesday that the NFL, NFL Network and ESPN are discussing ways to avoid revealing top draft picks to viewers before they're announced.

The NFL subsequently confirmed it won't show draftees on the phone in the green room before the announced pick on the first night of the draft.

"It's also in effect for NFL Network and ESPN, which may broadcast from other locations such as a player's house or an agent's office," league spokesman Brian McCarthy told NFL.com on Wednesday.

It's a start, but problems extend to the draft's later rounds as well.

"Every team, scout, GM, etc. has access to the NFL draft's pick database, which is updated once a card is turned in. Much earlier than on TV," tweeted Rotoworld's Josh Norris, who also served time as a scouting intern for the St. Louis Rams. "As soon as you read, 'The pick is in,' (teams) already know who is selected. Amazing how far behind TV gets on the 2nd and especially 3rd days."

Issues remain, but it's a start.

This is a great idea. I really hate knowing who my team is picking before the commish reads the card. I'm going to be far away from Twitter during the first round this year.

Also ESPN has said that they will have only one commercial break during the first round of the NFL Draft.

That is one juicy weiner.

Wanna Bet it happens during the 11th pick

Chris Berman usually gives it away before the pick comes in as well. I usually watch NFL Network because of this...
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It's all a commercial for twittermania
The draft already happened

sweet

now get everyone not named Kiper off the set too...I want Mel and nothing but Mel for 100 hours...

instead I get yammering self-loving idiots like Gruden and Young

I switched to watching the NFL Network's coverage years ago because I HATED how ESPN would have Adam Schefter come on just before the pick "Team X will be taking so & so" Ahhhh. A-hole thanks for ruining all the suspense.

This is great news.

Not a big fan of Kiper's anymore but would be happy if they got rid of Berman. His schtick has gotten real old. Replace him with Suzy Kolber.

I agree, it's like you have X-Ray glasses you use on Christmas day. I want to be suprised.

YAY Thank You NFL!!!!

We have been asking for this for a few years.

they could also speed this crap up....you are on clock...you got three minutes...go

The draft coverage on both networks (though ESPN is worse) has gotten so bad over the last few years. Instead of talking about the draftees, the talking heads will just yammer on and on about some side story (like Favre a couple of years ago). I have found it much more entertaining to have it on in the background and spend my time on CP's mega draft thread. :)