As the entire world slowly treks through this long process of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Many major parts of life have either slowed down or come to a halt. In an effort to follow social distancing guidelines and rules currently in place across the United States and the world the NFL is also doing things differently this time of year. The months of April through June for the NFL usually include major events including the NFL Draft, as well as OTA’s. Recently the NFL has announced and been preparing for new ways to proceed with such events in ways that keep with the goal of not requiring much face-to-face interaction and large social gatherings.
In just 9 days from today the 2020 NFL Draft will begin on schedule. The draft will go from the 23rd to the 25th of this month. Unfortunately for all those (myself included) who had been planning to go experience the draft in Las Vegas, Nevada where the NFL draft was originally planned to be held, players, NFL team personnel, and fans will all have to enjoy a more virtual experience for this draft. For this draft all the calls, meetings, etc.. will all be done over the internet. Even NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will be announcing the picks from his home basement, rather than doing so in person from a podium like normal.
“NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported, per sources informed of the agreement. The virtual period of the program can begin next week, but no on-field work is allowed until all 32 club facilities can reopen.
Club facilities will only open in accordance with NFL protocols and federal, state and local rules and regulation, Pelissero added. Only if all 32 facilities can open will any of them open; otherwise, all will remain closed during the period.
The virtual period will consist of three consecutive weeks of classroom instruction, workouts and non-football educational programs using videoconferencing technology. An extra voluntary veteran camp will be available for new coaches, with the virtual period ending no later than May 15, per Pelissero.
Teams are permitted to send players workout equipment and monitoring devices -- e.g. kettlebells, resistance bands, Apple watches, etc. -- provided the cost for any individual player doesn't exceed $1,500, Pelissero added.”