The 2026 NFL Draft will feature a new, faster pace for first-round selections, with time limits reduced from 10 to 8 minutes.
Rules for Expired Draft Picks
The NFL has a clear protocol for when a team fails to pick on time. If a team does not submit its selection within the allotted time, the next team in the draft order may immediately make its pick. The delayed team can submit its pick at any later point, and the selection becomes official.
2003 Vikings Draft Incident
A notable example of this rule in action occurred during the 2003 NFL Draft. The Minnesota Vikings believed they had traded the No. 7 overall pick to the Baltimore Ravens. Minnesota submitted its trade request to the NFL, but Baltimore did not. As a result, the trade was not valid. When the Vikings failed to pick at No. 8, the Jacksonville Jaguars and Carolina Panthers made their selections. Minnesota eventually selected defensive tackle Kevin Williams at No. 9. Williams later earned six Pro Bowl selections and five All-Pro honors.
2026 Draft Time Limits
The NFL is reducing the time limit for first-round picks to speed up the event. The league reduced first-round pick time from 10 minutes to 8 minutes for the 2026 draft. Other round limits remain unchanged: 7 minutes in the second round, 5 minutes in rounds three through six, and 4 minutes in the seventh round.