It is perhaps the most anticipated draft around these parts in some time.
The Giants and Jets are slotted to pick at Nos. 2 and 3, respectively, with both needing a franchise quarterback of the future. The draft also could represent a defining moment for the networks that cover it.
ESPN is the standard-bearer, covering the draft for four decades as it grew from niche event to traveling spectacle. The NFL Network has broadcast the event for more than a decade, but was never a serious threat in terms of viewership. That could change with the NFL's Network coverage being simulcast on FOX this season.
"I'd be lying to you if I said there is no concern about the ratings because there's no question adding a network broadcast is going to affect us in some way," ESPN executive producer Seth Markman said.
"We are much more focused on what we're doing. We've done it for 39 years. We've done it the same way. We think we are the best at it. We added some new touches this year. For four decades viewers have come to us for the draft. For me, I am sort of hoping the loyal viewers we've had for all those years will stick with us."
Those who do will be greeted with some new looks. With Jon Gruden leaving to coach the Raiders, ESPN's top college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit will join the coverage. Herbstreit will forgo NFL projections — leaving that to the other analysts — and concentrate on how the top players performed in college.
ESPN also will have its entire "College Gameday" crew in Arlington, Texas to cover the event from a unique perspective.
"It seemed like a natural fit for him," Markman said of Herbstreit. "We don't need three guys on the same topic. I'd rather see these guys stay in their lane that they are experts in. … This is the best set we've put together in terms of everyone having a specific expertise."
The NFL Network's coverage will include Stanford coach David Shaw and have FOX lead analyst Troy Aikman as part of its outside set. Aikman's lone responsibility will be breaking down the five quarterbacks expected to go in the first round.
"As our coverage has expanded, we've done a better job specializing what our announcers will say and Troy makes a ton of sense to talk about the quarterbacks," NFL Network producer Charlie Yook said of the ex-Cowboy and Hall of Famer.
"There's no need for him to talk about Bradley Chubb if he goes fourth because we've got many guys that can do that.
Specialization is what's going to set him apart and set us apart [on] our broadcast."
The decision to simulcast the event on FOX came shortly after the network's "Thursday Night Football" deal with the league.
It could help add viewers after 2.5 million watched it on NFL Network last year, compared to 6.7 million on ESPN.
Yook said that realistically the network does not expect to pilfer viewers from ESPN, instead picking up those who are flipping through the channels.
Four of the quarterbacks — Josh Allen, Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen and Lamar Jackson — will be in Dallas for the draft. Nevertheless, with a week to go both networks are still trying to secure a camera at Baker Mayfield's off-site draft party.
Both Markman and Yook were excited about the heavy New York interest in the event and Mayfield has been linked closely to the Jets. The Jets likely will take one of the quarterbacks, while it's unclear which direction the Giants will head: Quarterback, trading down, Saquon Barkley and Chubb all appear legitimate possibilities.
"The true domino is going to begin at No. 2 with the Giants," Yook said. "That's where the draft really begins. Chaos is a good thing for the draft. So, for us, it'd be great if they traded down."
0 Response to "NFLN/FOX combo challenging ESPN's NFL draft dominance - New York Post"
Post a Comment