The NFL Draft currently consists of seven rounds. Each of the 32 NFL teams receives one pick per round, barring any trades or compensatory picks
. This seven-round format has been in place since 1994, after the league reduced the number of rounds from a previous higher count (which was as many as 30 or more rounds in earlier decades)
. The draft order in each round is determined primarily by the reverse order of the teams' finish in the previous season, with the team with the worst record picking first and the Super Bowl champion picking last, except for some adjustments due to tied records and playoff results
. Compensatory picks are awarded at the end of rounds three through seven, which can slightly increase the total number of picks in those rounds
. In summary:
- Number of rounds: 7
- Teams per round: 32 (one pick each, subject to trades)
- Compensatory picks: Added at the end of rounds 3-7
- Format established: Since 1994
This structure balances competitive parity and player recruitment efficiency in the NFL draft process
