NFL Draft (Cont'd.)

Haven't seen the television ratings numbers yet for the new (and improved?) NFL draft, but the league is expecting monster numbers; certainly bigger than for any previous first-day ratings. Last night's first round, which was again televised live by NFL Network and ESPN, got a boost because it moved so quickly. Usually, the first round drags on for several hours, but perhaps aware of their new prime time role, NFL executives rolled through all 32 picks in a little over 3 hours.

While the NFL and its fan base will certainly celebrate a successful night, not everyone is so happy. The decision to put the first two nights of the draft in prime time (tonight's second round starts at 6pm EST) pushed all other cable sports off the front pages, including some interesting games in the NBA and NHL playoffs. Even though its early in the NBA playoffs, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban doesn't like the idea of playing second fiddle to the NFL draft.

But hey, Mark ... it's an NFL world and we're just living in it. In many ways, the NFL draft has become perhaps the premier sports event that doesn't actually involve competition. (Unless you count the Lingerie Bowl). My guess is the ratings numbers will be strong enough to convince the league to keep its Thursday-Friday-Saturday TV format.