Search
Make wrtv.com your home page

Concerns loom over NFL Draft as technical glitches at mock draft cause problems

FILE - From left is a Feb. 27, 2020, file photo showing LSU quarterback Joe Burrow at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, a Jan. 29, 2020, file photo showing NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaking at the Super Bowl in Miami, and an Oct. 18, 2019, file photo showing Ohio State defensive end Chase Young laughing on the sidelines during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Northwestern in Evanston, Ill. Goodell, who ordered all team facilities closed on March 26 and has extended that ban indefinitely, won't be sharing hugs with Joe Burrow or Chase Young or any of the other 32 NFL Draft first-rounders. He will offer congratulations remotely, but otherwise this will be the barest of drafts. (AP Photo/File)
by: WRTV Staff
Posted: / Updated:

Tonight is the first-ever virtual NFL Draft due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

But some concerns are looming over the draft as teams worked on technical glitches that occurred during the virtual walk-through.

On Monday, the NFL Draft’s online test did not go smoothly, as teams like the Oakland Raiders and Cincinnati Bengals suffered glitches right off the bat.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the glitch caused a 2 1/2 minute delay for the Bengals.

According to ESPN’s Dianna Russini, there were also a few mishaps, which led to several general managers voicing their concerns.

“There are early communication issues because 32 of us [general managers] are on a conference call, and we didn’t hit mute. Sounds awful,” one GM reportedly told Russini.

Eventually, the problems were solved, and the event lasted about two hours, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.

Earlier today, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell gave a tour of his basement, where he will be announcing the team’s picks.

To make sure everything runs smoothly tonight, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said the league anticipates there will be glitches but will work to minimize issues.

“We have 200 broadcast feeds coming in from around the country from prospects, coaches, general managers, celebrities, ESPN and NFL Network reporters,” NFL Spokesman Brian McCarthy said. “We have spoken individually to each of the clubs about their set up. The clubs are ultimately responsible for their communication systems among their staff. We have provided best practices. At the league level, we are working closely with our tech partners in an attempt to have a smooth operation throughout the three days.”

The first round of the NFL Draft will begin at 8 p.m. ET and will air on ABC, ESPN, and the NFL Network. It will also be streamed on Sling.

WRTV.com Trending Stories