Introduction
The NFL Draft, officially called the Annual Player Selection Meeting, is the league’s primary method for recruiting new players. Teams select players in reverse order of their performance from the previous season, giving the worst team the first pick and the Super Bowl winner the last. If teams have identical records, their order rotates in later rounds
During each round—including NFL Draft Round 2—teams can either pick a player or trade their spot for another draft position, a player, or a combination of both. The draft began in 1936 and has taken place every year since, evolving over time but keeping its core format.
Today, the NFL Draft consists of seven rounds, NFL Draft Round 2, which is crucial for teams to land high-potential talent that may have been overlooked in the first round. Originally created to promote competitive balance, the draft has grown into a major televised event. In early years, players were selected based on limited scouting, but by the 1940s, teams began hiring full-time scouts, improving player evaluation. The draft was held in New York City for decades until 2015, when the NFL began rotating host cities. NFL Draft Round 2, like all rounds, now plays out in front of a large audience and carries major implications for team building.
History
In the early 1930s, standout University of Minnesota running back Stan Kostka sparked major changes in the NFL. After leading the Gophers to an undefeated season in 1934, Kostka became a highly sought-after free agent, capitalizing on the league’s lack of a draft by holding out for the best offer. Despite an unsuccessful bid for mayor of Inver Grove Heights during his holdout, he ultimately signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1935 for a record $5,000, becoming the NFL’s highest-paid player.
The costly bidding war over Kostka, along with questionable team-to-team player deals involving franchises like the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants, led the NFL to introduce a waiver system and, eventually, the NFL Draft later rounds such as NFL Draft Round 2—to ensure fairness in player distribution.
The costly bidding war over Kostka, along with questionable team-to-team player deals involving franchises like the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants, led the NFL to introduce a waiver system and, eventually, the NFL Draft later rounds such as NFL Draft Round 2—to ensure fairness in player distribution.
Bert Bell, co-owner of the Philadelphia Eagles, championed the draft idea after repeated failures to attract top talent and compete financially with more successful teams.
Elite players were consistently signing with dominant franchises like the Bears, Packers, Giants, and Redskins. Bell’s inability to sign Kostka convinced him that a system promoting competitive balance was necessary.
On May 18, 1935, he proposed a draft where teams would select college players in reverse order of their prior season’s record—a structure that continues today and includes crucial stages like NFL Draft Round 2. The proposal was adopted unanimously, and the first NFL Draft took place the following offseason, with the Eagles securing the first overall pick after finishing last in 1935.
NFL Draft Round 2 Highlights from Green Bay 2025
The 2025 NFL Draft Round 2 took place in Green Bay, Wisconsin, marking the first time the event was held in the city and the second time in the state. The draft was hosted inside and around the iconic Lambeau Field and the adjacent Titletown District, transforming the area into a vibrant hub for football fans.
The event attracted approximately 600,000 attendees over three days, showcasing Green Bay’s ability to manage a large-scale event despite its smaller population. The festivities included the NFL Draft Experience, a free interactive football festival featuring skill challenges, exhibits, and photo opportunities with the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
The Packers’ draft strategy emphasized size, speed, versatility, and familiarity, with five out of eight picks having visited the team beforehand. One notable selection was defensive player Barryn Sorrell, chosen 124th overall. The team’s performance earned them an A-minus grade from NFL.com. The draft’s success solidified Green Bay’s reputation as a capable and spirited NFL host city.
The 2025 NFL Draft Round 2 also garnered significant television viewership, with Friday night’s second and third-round coverage averaging 7.4 million viewers, marking a 40% increase from 2024 and ranking second-highest in Day 2 draft history. This surge in viewership was partly due to the unexpected fall of quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who was projected as a top-five pick but was selected 144th overall by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round.
Overall, the 2025 NFL Draft Round 2 in Green Bay was a resounding success, highlighting the city’s rich football heritage and its capacity to host major events.
NFL Draft Round 2 Selection Order Rules:
- Teams are ranked in reverse order of their win–loss record from the previous season.
- Non-playoff teams are prioritized, with the team having the worst record picking first.
- If two or more teams have the same record, the following tiebreakers are applied:
- Strength of schedule: The team whose opponents had fewer total wins (weaker schedule) receives the earlier pick.
- If teams are in the same division, division-specific tiebreakers are applied.
- If teams are in the same conference, conference-specific tiebreakers are applied.
- If teams are from different conferences, the following are considered in order:
- Head-to-head results (if applicable)
- Win percentage in common games
- Strength of victory
- Prior to 2020, interconference ties were settled by a coin flip.
- Playoff teams are ranked based on how far they advanced in the playoffs (wild card, divisional round, etc.).
- Within each playoff tier, the team with the worst regular-season record picks earlier.
- The order is followed in every round, NFL Draft Round 2, with consistency throughout the draft.
NFL Draft Selection and Time Limits NFL Draft Round 2
Team Representatives: Each team has representatives attend the draft. During the draft, one team is always “on the clock.”
Time Limits:
- First round: Teams have 10 minutes to make their selection.
- Second round (NFL Draft Round 2): Teams have 7 minutes to make their selection.
- Third through sixth rounds: Teams are given 5 minutes for each selection.
- Seventh round: Teams are allotted 4 minutes to make their pick.
Historical Changes:
- Until 2007, teams had 15 minutes in the first round, 10 minutes in the second round, and 5 minutes in all subsequent rounds.
- In 2015, the time limit for seventh-round selections was shortened from 5 minutes to 4 minutes.
Late Selections:
- If a team doesn’t make its decision within the allotted time, it can still submit its pick after time expires. However, the next team is free to make a selection, which could potentially result in another team “stealing” the player.
- This situation occurred in the 2003 draft, when the Minnesota Vikings were late with their selection at #7 overall. The Jacksonville Jaguars and Carolina Panthers selected quarterback Byron Leftwich and offensive tackle Jordan Gross, respectively, before the Vikings could submit their pick of defensive tackle Kevin Williams.
- A similar situation took place in 2011, when the Baltimore Ravens were negotiating a trade with the Chicago Bears. Their time expired, allowing the Kansas City Chiefs to select ahead of them
NFL Draft Eligibility Rules NFL Draft Round 2
- Eligibility Criteria:
Players must be at least three years removed from high school graduation to be eligible for the NFL draft. This means that a player must have either finished their high school education or been out of school for at least three years before they can declare for the draft. - College Football:
Although the rules do not mandate that players must attend college, nearly all players selected in the NFL Draft Round 2 have played college football. Most of these players are from NCAA programs in the United States, but some players from Canadian universities are also eligible and occasionally selected. In rare cases, players are drafted from non-college football leagues, such as:- Arena Football League (AFL)
- Canadian Football League (CFL)
- German Football League (GFL) Some players may also be selected from other sports in college, though this is much less common.
- Redshirt Eligibility:
A redshirt year is a common practice in college football, where players sit out a year without participating in games, but still retain eligibility for future seasons. A redshirt year counts toward the three-year eligibility requirement for the draft. Even though redshirt players don’t participate in games during that year, it still counts as part of their college experience.- Therefore, players who have completed their redshirt sophomore year (second year after redshirting) are eligible to enter the draft. This rule allows athletes to develop for an extra year before declaring for the NFL Draft Round 2
- NFL Draft Round 2 process
Once a player is eligible, they can declare for the draft, and if selected, they enter the NFL Draft process. The selection order follows a reverse ranking based on the previous season’s standings. The first round has a set time limit for each team to make a pick, with NFL Draft Round 2 following soon after. In Round 2, each team has 7 minutes to make their pick. As the draft continues, the time allotted decreases: 5 minutes for rounds 3-6 and 4 minutes in the 7th round. - Other Football Leagues and Non-College Players:
Occasionally, players from other football leagues such as the CFL, AFL, or GFL can be selected if they have the required experience and skill level. While less common, this broadens the pool of eligible players beyond traditional college football programs. - Exceptions and Special Cases:
In rare cases, players who did not play college football but have played in other professional leagues may enter the draft. There are also cases of athletes from different sports (such as track and field or basketball) being drafted based on their athleticism and potential to transition to football
AFC (American Football Conference)
AFC East
- Buffalo Bills (Founded: 1960) – Based in Buffalo, New York. Known for reaching four straight Super Bowls in the early 1990s.
- Miami Dolphins (Founded: 1966) – The only team to have a perfect season (1972), winning every game including the Super Bowl.
- New England Patriots (Founded: 1959) – Based near Boston, Massachusetts. Won six Super Bowls with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.
- New York Jets (Founded: 1960) – Known for winning Super Bowl III with quarterback Joe Namath.
AFC North
- Baltimore Ravens (Founded: 1996) – Won two Super Bowls (2000, 2012). Known for strong defenses.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Founded: 1968) – Reached three Super Bowls, most recently in 2022 with Joe Burrow.
- Cleveland Browns (Founded: 1946) – Based in Ohio, known for a loyal fanbase. Returned to the NFL in 1999 after a brief absence.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Founded: 1933) – One of the most successful franchises, with six Super Bowl wins.
AFC South
- Houston Texans (Founded: 2002) – The youngest NFL franchise, based in Houston, Texas.
- Indianapolis Colts (Founded: 1953) – Originally the Baltimore Colts. Won two Super Bowls (1970, 2006).
- Jacksonville Jaguars (Founded: 1995) – Known for a passionate Florida fanbase and recent playoff success.
- Tennessee Titans (Founded: 1960) – Formerly the Houston Oilers. Lost Super Bowl XXXIV in a close finish.
AFC West
- Denver Broncos (Founded: 1960) – Three-time Super Bowl champions, last winning in 2015 with Peyton Manning.
- Kansas City Chiefs (Founded: 1960) – Currently a dominant team; Super Bowl champions in 2019, 2022, and 2023.
- Las Vegas Raiders (Founded: 1960) – Known for their rebellious image. Moved from Oakland to Las Vegas in 2020.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Founded: 1960) – Known for great QBs like Philip Rivers and Justin Herbert.
NFC (National Football Conference
NFC East
- Dallas Cowboys (Founded: 1960) – Nicknamed “America’s Team.” Five-time Super Bowl champions.
- New York Giants (Founded: 1925) – Four Super Bowl wins, known for strong defense and historic rivalries.
- Philadelphia Eagles (Founded: 1933) – Won their first Super Bowl in 2017 under QB Nick Foles.
- Washington Commanders (Founded: 1932) – Based in D.C., three-time Super Bowl champions (1980s–90s).
NFC North
- Chicago Bears (Founded: 1919) – One of the NFL’s oldest teams. Known for legendary defense.
- Detroit Lions (Founded: 1930) – Based in Michigan. Recently revived with playoff wins in 2024.
- Green Bay Packers (Founded: 1919) – Smallest city with an NFL team. Won 13 championships, including 4 Super Bowls.
- Minnesota Vikings (Founded: 1961) – Reached four Super Bowls, though still seeking their first title.
NFC South
- Atlanta Falcons (Founded: 1966) – Reached two Super Bowls; lost famously to the Patriots in 2017.
- Carolina Panthers (Founded: 1995) – Reached two Super Bowls (2003, 2015), still seeking their first win.
- New Orleans Saints (Founded: 1967) – Won their only Super Bowl in 2009 with Drew Brees.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Founded: 1976) – Won two Super Bowls (2002, 2020), the latter with Tom Brady.
NFC West
- Arizona Cardinals (Founded: 1898) – Oldest professional football team, though championships have been rare.
- Los Angeles Rams (Founded: 1936) – Won Super Bowls in 1999 and 2021; known for frequent city changes.
- San Francisco 49ers (Founded: 1946) – Five-time Super Bowl champions, dominant in the 1980s with Joe Montana.
- Seattle Seahawks (Founded: 1976) – Won Super Bowl XLVIII and known for the “Legion of Boom” defense.
2025 NFL Draft Schedule
- Round 1: Thursday, April 24 at 8 p.m. ET
- Rounds 2–3: Friday, April 25 at 7 p.m. ET
- Rounds 4–7: Saturday, April 26 at 12 p.m. ET
How to Watch the 2025 NFL Draft
The draft will be broadcast on the following networks
- ESPN
- ABC
- NFL Network
- ESPN Deportes (for Spanish-language coverage)
For streaming, you can watch the draft live on platforms such as fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV
2025 NFL Draft Order Highlights
The draft order is determined based on the teams’ performance in the previous season, with the worst-performing teams picking earlier. Notable picks include:
- No. 1 Overall Pick: Tennessee Titans
- No. 2: Cleveland Browns
- No. 3: New York Giants
- No. 4: New England Patriots
- No. 5: Jacksonville Jaguars
- No. 32 (Last Pick): Philadelphia Eagles (Super Bowl LIX champions)
For a complete list of all 257 picks across seven rounds, refer to the official draft order.
Why Kings Limo is Your Best Car Service During the NFL Draft
As fans flock to the exciting NFL Draft Round 2 each year, whether it’s in Green Bay or other cities, Kings Limo is your go-to car service to make sure you get to and from the event in luxury, style, and comfort. If you’re attending the NFL Draft Round 2, you deserve the best experience from start to finish, and Kings Limo provides that with punctuality, professionalism, and first-class service.
Unmatched Comfort & Luxury
Kings Limo’s fleet is designed to accommodate all types of travelers attending the NFL Draft Round 2. Whether you’re going solo or traveling with a group of friends, we’ve got you covered:
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Each vehicle is stocked with premium amenities such as chilled water, phone chargers, and climate control to ensure your ride is as comfortable as possible.
On-Time, Every Time
When it comes to the NFL Draft Round 2, timing is everything. From arriving early to securing your spot in the venue to attending exclusive events, Kings Limo prioritizes punctuality. Our chauffeurs are experts in real-time traffic navigation, allowing you to avoid any delays and ensuring you arrive on time—every time.
Flexible Hourly Service
If your draft experience goes beyond just attending the rounds, Kings Limo offers flexible hourly services to accommodate your schedule. Whether you need to make a stop for food or drinks before or after attending the draft, our drivers can tailor the trip to fit your needs.
This option is perfect for fans attending the NFL Draft Round 2 or those traveling in larger groups.
24/7 Booking & Customer Support
You can book Kings Limo 24/7, whether it’s to get to the NFL Draft Round 2 in the morning or for a late-night celebration after your team’s big pick. Our responsive customer service team is always available to help, whether you need to update your pick-up time or have any questions about our fleet.
Family-Friendly & Group Services
Planning to take the whole family to the NFL Draft Round 2? No worries—Kings Limo has vehicles with ample space for kids, strollers, and more. We also offer child safety seats upon request, making it easy for you to enjoy the draft without any worries about safety or comfort.
Eco-Friendly Options
For eco-conscious travelers, Kings Limo offers hybrid and electric vehicles, allowing you to make the most of your trip to the NFL Draft Round 2 without compromising on luxury. Your ride to the draft will be stylish, efficient, and eco-friendly.
Book Your Ride Today
The NFL Draft Round 2 is more than just a sports event—it’s a celebration of the future of football. Arrive in style, comfort, and luxury with Kings Limo. Whether you’re attending Round 1, Round 2, or any of the exciting draft events, our professional chauffeurs will ensure your experience is smooth and unforgettable.
Book your NFL Draft Round 2 car service today and enjoy the best ride to the biggest event of the year!