Tonight, at 7:30 p.m. ET, the NFL Draft enters a new primetime realm. The thinking, presumably, is that this event is so big now, it simply can't be confined to a weekend afternoon. It needs a bigger stage. Which is understandable, because ESPN and the NFL are in the business of making money. More eyes, means more of that. But is it a better viewer experience?
↵Old Way:
↵Pros: It was an all-day affair. You could set aside that Saturday to do nothing but drink beer, watch the draft, and hang out with friends. Even last year, when it started at 4 p.m., you could really start the festivities much earlier. If you have a disinterested significant other, it made it much easier to tell him/her, "honey, this day is off limits" months in advance. And when you're hungover the next day, at least you weren't at work; you were on the couch watching the late rounds.
↵Cons: It was an all-day affair. By sundown, things can start to get ugly.
↵New Way:
↵Pros: We'll get back to you ...
↵Cons: If you want to watch the first two rounds, you must now set aside two full nights to do so. If you'd like to enjoy adult beverages during tonight's first round, your Friday is going to be hell. You're going to be up way past your normal school night bedtime.
↵So, now that I've presented this in such a fair and balanced manner, it's YOUR TURN. VOTE:
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