NFL Draft: Everything you need to know

By Kerry Flynn, CNN

Updated 1139 GMT (1939 HKT) April 27, 2022

Ja'Marr Chase poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected fifth by the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2021 NFL Draft.

(CNN)Over the past three years, the NFL Draft has attracted an average viewership of between six and eight million people throughout the three-day event.

Its popularity trumps that of any other major league sports draft in the United States, becoming a signature event for the NFL over the course of its 87-year history by offering fans a first glimpse at the league's future stars.With all eyes on the teams and potential franchise-altering players on the line, it is useful for fans to understand how the draft works, how picks are awarded and the rules that govern everything from player eligibility to how long teams have to decide on their selections.This year, the 2022 NFL Draft begins on April 28 and ends on April 30 and will be broadcast on the NFL Network, ABC, ESPN and ESPN Deportes. Here's what you need to know.How does the draft work?Read MoreThe draft is seven rounds, with each of the 32 NFL teams receiving an automatic pick in each round. The event spans three days, with the first round taking place on Thursday, the second and third rounds on Friday and the remaining fourth through seventh rounds on Saturday.Each team is assigned a table at the designated venue — this year at the home of the Las Vegas Raiders, Allegiant Stadium — where team selection representatives sit. The representatives stay in contact with executives making the final decisions back at team headquarters and communicate each selection to NFL staff before officially announcing them to the world. Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis poses during a