NFL reconfirms draft remains a go … The NFL sent out a group memo yesterday confirming that the 2020 draft will go on as scheduled beginning April 23rd despite the worldwide epidemic which has shut down just about all non-essential businesses including the NFL. In the memo signed by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, the league also warned those around the league not to criticize publicly the the NFL’s stance. It was reported earlier this week, that by a large margin, the team’s around the league would prefer to postpone the draft until things calm down so they can complete their due draft diligence. The big issue for the teams is the lack of medical follow-ups on prospects such as Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa, a potential top 5 pick who wasn’t able to workout at the combine after undergoing season ending surgery on a serious hip injury last fall. And its not clear why the NFL is so adamant about forging ahead with the draft, other than the fact it is about the only sports related event that is still on-going and they will have the field all to themselves on the weekend of the 23rd. The NFL did acknowledge, though, that there would have to be significant changes and told teams to prepare to conduct the draft outside team facilities and with a limited number of people. Of course, the top prospects and their families will also not be present at the draft.
