ESPN has revealed its coverage plans for the 2024 NFL Draft, which will see Alabama icon Nick Saban make his debut as a full-time broadcaster.
The former Crimson Tide coach joined the network as an analyst for College GameDay after retiring earlier this year.
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Saban, 72, will be busy in Detroit, Michigan, where this year’s draft will take place April 25-28.
On Thursday, April 25, he will be part of the College GameDay panel as part of ESPN’s five-hour live studio schedule before the start of the first round.
The show will air at 5pm ET, between NFL Live and NFL Draft Countdown.
Once the draft begins at 8 p.m., Saban will join ABC’s coverage alongside Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Field Yates, Laura Rutledge, Pete Thamel and College GameDay host Rece Davis.
The next day, the seven-time national champion college football coach will be back on College GameDay to preview rounds 2-3 at 4 p.m.
He will then return to his seat at the ABC table once the draft resumes at 7 p.m.
Booger McFarland, Louis Riddick, Molly McGrath, Adam Schefter and host Mike Greenberg will lead the event’s presentation on ESPN on Thursday and Friday.
ESPN and ABC, two sister companies owned by Disney, have offered NFL fans two draft broadcast options since 2019.
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This year, the network is adding a third option – The Pat McAfee Show Draft Spectacular.
The special broadcast will air on YouTube, TikTok, ESPN App and ESPN+ on Thursday at 8 p.m.
McAfee and his team will also host The Pat McAfee Show live from Detroit on Friday.
NEW BEGINNINGS
Saban left Alabama after 17 years at the helm of the team.
ESPN announced the hiring of the legendary college football coach as an analyst in February.
“Well, you know, hopefully I can add some experience with experience, especially the eight years of being in the NFL,” the West Virginia native said recently about his new job.
“Being behind the scenes at the Draft, knowing what happens in it, knowing how (the NFL) evaluates players, knowing how to do a mock draft and trying to figure out who will be available when we pick.
“Because I think most people think you choose who you choose.
“No, you have to pick and choose who is available when you pick and you have to try to figure that out so you can put some guys in the right spots for you and what your needs are on your team.”
The Chicago Bears will pick first during the 2024 NFL Draft.
They will almost certainly make former University of Southern California standout and Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams their new franchise quarterback.
Four QBs are expected to be selected with the top four picks this year for the first time.
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