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2025 NFL Draft Week is Here: How to Watch Live Without Cable
NFL Draft week has arrived! As anticipation builds for the 2025 NFL Draft commencing this Thursday, all eyes are on the Tennessee Titans, who are widely projected to select quarterback Cam Ward from Miami with the coveted first overall pick. Meanwhile, indications suggest the Cleveland Browns, in search of quarterback talent, may opt to pass on a signal-caller, potentially choosing Travis Hunter from Colorado as their second pick. Hunter, a Heisman Trophy contender known for his dual role as receiver and cornerback, has drawn comparisons from Cleveland’s General Manager to baseball sensation Shohei Ohtani.
Following closely are the New York Giants, another team with quarterback needs, though they are reportedly inclined to reinforce their defense by selecting Abdul Carter, a pass rusher from Penn State. The Giants are also rumored to be receptive to trading the third overall selection to a team eager to move up and draft quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who played under his father, Deion Sanders, at Colorado. However, opinions on Sanders are mixed, and there’s a possibility he might slide to a later pick in the first round or even into the subsequent days of the draft.
In contrast to last year’s draft, which saw six quarterbacks chosen in the first round, the 2025 draft might not feature another quarterback selection after Ward in the opening round. Experts suggest the most robust position groups in this year’s draft are defensive line, running back, and tight end.
The NFL Draft spans three days, kicking off on Thursday with the first round at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT). Here’s your comprehensive guide on how to watch all the draft action without a traditional cable subscription.
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Cam Ward, quarterback from Miami, is anticipated to be the top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Watch the NFL Draft Live: Viewing Options
Free Live Streaming Options
Free Broadcast: ABC will provide live coverage of all three days of the NFL Draft. Viewers with an over-the-air antenna connected to their television can access their local ABC station to watch for free.
The Pat McAfee Show: For Thursday night’s first round, The Pat McAfee Show will offer coverage from Green Bay, accessible on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, the ESPN App, and ESPN Plus.
Subscription Streaming Services
Subscription Channels: The NFL Draft will be televised across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and NFL Network. Live streaming will also be available through the WatchESPN and NFL Mobile apps, as well as ESPN.com and NFL.com. Please note that accessing the live streams on these apps and websites requires authentication through a TV provider subscription (cable, satellite, or live TV streaming service) that includes ESPN or NFL Network.
For individuals who have cut the cable cord, several live TV streaming services present viable alternatives for watching the NFL Draft. Details on these services are provided below.
NFL Draft 2025 Schedule: Start Times and Channels
The 2025 NFL Draft commences with the first round on Thursday, April 24th. Coverage across all three days will be provided by ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and NFL Network.
Here is the complete TV broadcast schedule (All times Eastern Time):
Thursday, April 24th: Round 1
- Round 1: 8:00 PM to 11:30 PM ET on ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network.
Friday, April 25th: Rounds 2-3
- Rounds 2 and 3: 7:00 PM to 11:30 PM ET on ABC, ESPN2, and NFL Network.
Saturday, April 26th: Rounds 4-7
- Rounds 4 to 7: 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM ET on ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network.
On-Air Personalities and Coverage Teams
ESPN’s coverage for the first two nights will be anchored by Mike Greenberg, alongside analysts Mel Kiper Jr., Louis Riddick, Booger McFarland, Adam Schefter, and reporter Molly McGrath.
ABC’s broadcast will be hosted by Rece Davis, featuring analysts Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Nick Saban, and Field Yates. For the final day, Saturday, ABC and ESPN will combine their coverage teams, with Davis, Kiper, Riddick, Yates, and others reporting on rounds 4 through 7.
NFL Network’s broadcast will be led by Rich Eisen, with commentary from Daniel Jeremiah, Charles Davis, Kurt Warner, Joel Klatt, and insider Ian Rapoport.
The destination of Shedeur Sanders remains a key question as we approach the 2025 NFL Draft.
2025 NFL Draft Order: Top 10 Picks
In the 2024 season, the Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, and Cleveland Browns shared the league’s weakest record at 3-14. However, the Titans were awarded the top draft pick due to a less demanding schedule strength. Here is the initial draft order for the first ten selections:
- Tennessee Titans
- Cleveland Browns
- New York Giants
- New England Patriots
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Las Vegas Raiders
- New York Jets
- Carolina Panthers
- New Orleans Saints
- Chicago Bears
Stay updated on all draft selections with ESPN’s DraftCast.
YouTube TV, priced at $83 per month, includes ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and NFL Network for comprehensive draft coverage. Enter your zip code on their homepage to verify local network availability.
Read our YouTube TV review.
Hulu + Live TV, also costing $83 monthly, offers all four channels broadcasting the NFL Draft. Use the “View channels in your area” link on their welcome page to confirm local channel options in your specific ZIP code.
Read our Hulu + Live TV review.
All of the aforementioned live TV streaming services provide the flexibility to cancel at any time and necessitate a stable internet connection. For further details, consult our guide to live TV streaming services.