The NFL Draft is an event so increasingly popular that tonight, ESPN will be broadcasting it on its main channel, while an NBA Playoff semifinal game featuring the world’s most polarizing athlete, LeBron James, will be televised on ESPN2.
It comes as no real surprise. The NFL, of course, is the most popular sport in the country, and outside of the Super Bowl, the draft’s first round is the league’s most celebrated day. And it is finally here.
The NFL Draft’s first round begins tonight at 8 p.m. E.T. from Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The Houston Texans have the No. 1 pick. We’ll be live blogging throughout the evening, so be sure to refresh this page as the night goes on.
8:00 p.m. E.T.–The 2014 NFL Draft is officially open and the Houston Texans are on the clock. And of course, commissioner Roger Goodell was booed by the fans at Radio City Music Hall.
My favorite NFL tradition is booing Roger Goodell at the draft.
— Good Bull Hunting (@GBHunting) May 9, 2014
8:15 p.m. E.T.–Surprised? Most aren’t. The No. 1 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft is South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.
No surprise there. Jadeveon Clowney to Houston.
— Kristen Rodgers (@KristenERodgers) May 9, 2014
crying? oh no. HE IS SHOWING WEAKNESS YOU MADE A MISTAKE. RT @RapSheet: The #Texans take Jadeveon Clowney No. 1 overall. He is crying.
— Lana Berry (@Lana) May 9, 2014
The Texans take Clowney. Will be very interesting to see how RAC uses him in a 3-4. Clowney and Watt can be an explosive tandem.
— Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) May 9, 2014
8:18 p.m. E.T.–Meanwhile, Johnny Manziel appears to be enjoying an adult beverage in the Green Room.
Have a beer while you wait, Johnny. pic.twitter.com/mDQiu62Av2
— SB Nation GIF (@SBNationGIF) May 9, 2014
8:24 p.m. E.T.–The St. Louis Rams use their final pick gained in the 2012 Robert Griffin III trade with the Washington Redskins to select Auburn offensive tackle Greg Robinson.
Sam Bradford has to be smiling right now. Greg Robinson and Jake Long protecting him up-front.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) May 9, 2014
8:26 p.m. E.T.–Manziel wasn’t drinking a beer. Everyone is disappointed, except for NFL teams.
I am heartbroken. RT @CorkGaines: Funny photoshop. But Maziel was not drinking a beer pic.twitter.com/Qo10AWyVac
— Adam Kramer (@KegsnEggs) May 9, 2014
8:29 p.m. E.T.–Now this is a surprise. Jacksonville has selected Central Florida quarterback Blake Bortles.
Blake Bortles is Jax pick at 3. Wow.
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) May 9, 2014
The place goes bananas. The #Jaguars select Blake Bortles.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 9, 2014
8:37 p.m. E.T.–We have our first trade. Cleveland moves its No. 4 pick to Buffalo, who then selects Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins.
Sammy Watkins to the Bills! No. 4 overall! He will play with CJ Spiller after all. Wow!
— Roy Philpott (@RoyPhilpott) May 9, 2014
Sammy Watkins will play for his childhood favorite team, the Buffalo Bills. Ties for Clemson’s highest NFL Draft pick in school history.
— Aaron Brenner (@Aaron_Brenner) May 9, 2014
Omg, the first NFL Draft selfie pic.twitter.com/Pcy0kjkIyR
— Luke Zimmermann (@lukezim) May 9, 2014
8:42 p.m. E.T.–Oakland stays put at No. 5 and takes Buffalo linebacker Khalil Mack, who “had the best game tape against Ohio State by any player I’ve ever seen,” says NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock . “I think he’s going to be an All-Pro,” Mayock said.
Oakland Raiders select LB Khalil Mack (Buffalo) w/ No. 5 pick in the 2014 #NFLDraft. Rep’ed by Joel Segal (Lagardere Unlimited).
— Sports Agent Blog (@SportsAgentBlog) May 9, 2014
8:49 p.m. E.T.–Matt Ryan gets some protection. There have now been two offensive tackles selected within the first six picks. Atlanta goes with Texas A&M big man Jake Matthews.
Jake Matthews goes to the Falcons with the sixth pick: http://t.co/kOmBxAzYWI pic.twitter.com/6Ij7kZPDdQ
— USA TODAY Sports (@USATODAYsports) May 9, 2014
8:59 p.m. E.T.–Wide receiver No. 2 is off the board, and the Manziel wait continues. Tampa Bay selects Texas A&M wide out Mike Evans.
Love seeing Mike Evans cry. Cool to witness true emotion and happiness after a long journey.
— jeffpearlman (@jeffpearlman) May 9, 2014
9:04 p.m. E.T.–Another trade. Cleveland moves up from No. 9 to No. 8, swapping places with Minnesota while giving up a fifth round pick. And the Browns go not with a quarterback, but with cornerback Justin Gilbert.
Joe Haden and Justin Gilbert? Can’t be mad at that, Browns fans. Remember Hanford Dixon and Frank Minnifield? #NFLDraft
— Michael Smith (@michaelsmith) May 9, 2014
9:06 p.m. E.T.–Let’s check in on some Browns fans:
WTF!!!!!!!!
— Andy Bartos (@ABartos_89) May 9, 2014
LOL
— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) May 9, 2014
The Browns, I guess, are trying to be the Seahawks. Now we just have to wait and see who our Russell Wilson is.
— Jeff Svoboda (@JeffSvoboda) May 9, 2014
Passed on Manziel twice. Just unreal. Inexcusable.
— Kyle Rowland (@KyleRowland) May 9, 2014
9:12 p.m. E.T.–The draft is beginning to speed up. Minnesota selects UCLA linebacker Anthony Barr. Detroit goes with tight end Eric Ebron, who got engaged atop the Empire State Building earlier Thursday.
Anthony Barr forced three fumbles against Nebraska. He’s the real deal.
— Sean Callahan (@Sean_Callahan) May 9, 2014
The #Lions select TE Eric Ebron. Offense all the way. From interest in Watkins to Ebron, who visited them, as well.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 9, 2014
9:17 p.m. E.T.–The Johnny Manziel Slide has begun.
Can @JManziel2 get drafted already? #Damn
— Jay Williams (@RealJayWilliams) May 9, 2014
If Johnny Manziel goes to the Cowboys, ESPN 2 should rename itself ESPN Manziel. Because that’s what you’ll be getting there for months.
— Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) May 9, 2014
Johnny Freefall?
— Dennis Dodd (@dennisdoddcbs) May 9, 2014
9:23 p.m. E.T.–Tennessee gets some protection for its quarterback, Jake Locker, and selects Michigan offensive tackle Taylor Lewan, who becomes the third offensive lineman taken.
The #Titans take former #Michigan OT Taylor Lewan. Marks the third tackle off the board in the first 11 picks. Strong.
— Rand Getlin (@Rand_Getlin) May 9, 2014
Michigan LT Taylor Lewan first B1G player off the board at 11 to Tennessee
— ESPN Big Ten (@ESPN_BigTen) May 9, 2014
9:26 p.m. E.T.–One of these is surprising, the other is not.
Alabama has no top-10 pick for the 1st time since 2008.
— Jon Solomon (@JonSolomonCBS) May 9, 2014
Big Ten goes without a top-10 NFL pick for 6th straight year.
— Jon Solomon (@JonSolomonCBS) May 9, 2014
9:30 p.m. E.T.–Odell Beckham Jr. to the Giants.
Odell Beckham with a l’il Honey Badger flavor.
— Dennis Dodd (@dennisdoddcbs) May 9, 2014
9:34 p.m. E.T.–St. Louis adds to an already impressive defensive line by snagging Pittsburgh defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who was not expected to be there at No. 13.
St. Louis Rams defensive line: Chris Long (DE) Kendall Langford (DT) Aaron Donald (DT) Michael Brockers (DT) Robert Quinn (DE) That’s filthy
— Jason McIntyre (@jasonrmcintyre) May 9, 2014
9:43 p.m. E.T.–Virginia Tech cornerback Kyle Fuller goes to Chicago at No. 14. And Ohio State linebacker Ryan Shazier to Pittsburgh at No. 15.
Virginia Tech puts out DBs like crazy.
— Sean Callahan (@Sean_Callahan) May 9, 2014
Ohio State linebacker Ryan Shaizer drafted by Pittsburgh Steelers at pick 15: http://t.co/7NtnMLp1Rc
— Land-Grant Holy Land (@Landgrant33) May 9, 2014
Shazier to Steelers is perfect. Great kid, great franchise. Buckeye coaching a Buckeye.
— BEAU BISHOP (@BeauBishop) May 9, 2014
9:51 p.m. E.T.–Many wanted this to be Johnny Manziel, but Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys go with Zach Martin, a guard from Notre Dame.
With the 16th pick in the 2014 @nfl draft, the Dallas Cowboys select Zack Martin OL from Notre Dame
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) May 9, 2014
9:55 p.m. E.T.–Manziel appears to be tired of waiting.
pic.twitter.com/RRnUdmq1ym
— Land-Grant Holy Land (@Landgrant33) May 9, 2014
10:00 p.m. E.T.–The first Alabama player is off the board. Linebacker C.J. Mosley goes to a place that is pretty good at developing defensive players. Baltimore selects the two-time All-American with pick No. 17.
The Ravens got C.J. Mosley. That’s not even fair.
— Andy Staples (@Andy_Staples) May 9, 2014
I can’t tell you how many scouts joked about #Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome taking an Alabama player. And duh, it’s CJ Mosley. Soooo Ravens.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 9, 2014
C.J. Mosley to the Ravens. Last 3 LB/DE drafted in 1st round by the Ravens: Terrell Suggs, Peter Boulware and Ray Lewis #BALpick
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 9, 2014
Mosley is a perfect Raven. Exactly what they needed.
— Greg A. Bedard (@GregABedard) May 9, 2014
10:04 p.m. E.T.–Now the NFL is trolling Manziel. What did he ever do to you, Goodell?
#SadManziel???
— NFL (@nfl) May 9, 2014
10:08 p.m. E.T.–The first safety is off the board 18 picks in. The Jets go with Calvin Pryor out of Louisville. Many wanted New York to go with an offensive player, though.
I’m ok with Calvin Pryor, a hitting machine, but … uh, offense? Secondary is weak, so not terrible.
— Jason McIntyre (@jasonrmcintyre) May 9, 2014
The #Jets stay put, decline to take a WR and take #Louisville S Calvin Pryor. Rex likes defense.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 9, 2014
Jets take defense. Water is wet.
— Andy Glockner (@AndyGlockner) May 9, 2014
10:19 p.m. E.T.–It’s been a pretty good night for offensive linemen. Miami goes with an offensive tackle at No. 19.
The @MiamiDolphins select OT Ju’Wuan James from #Tennessee with the 19th overall pick. #NFLDraft
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) May 9, 2014
10:23 p.m. E.T.–The third trade of the evening has New Orleans trading up to No. 20 and get a nice weapon for Drew Brees, selecting Oregon State wide receiver Brandin Cooks.
Damnit. Was holding out hope Cooks would be available at 23. Drew Brees will enjoy throwing him the football.
— Raphielle Johnson (@raphiellej) May 9, 2014
I’m a big fan of Brandin Cooks. All the dude does is get open and run by people. He’s a college fantasy football stud.
— Tony Gerdeman (@GerdOzone) May 9, 2014
10:23 p.m. E.T.–It’s OK, Johnny. Dan Marino was once passed on by a lot of teams, too. And Aaron Rodgers.
Remember u guys this same thing happened with the great @AaronRodgers12 and the legendary @DanMarino Worked ok for them!!
— Darius Rucker (@dariusrucker) May 9, 2014
It’s ok Johnny everyone passed on @DanMarino too.
— James Wisniewski (@jameswisniewski) May 9, 2014
10:34 p.m. E.T.–The man most considered to be the best dressed prospect at the draft goes to the Green Bay Packers at No. 21. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix will be playing his professional football in Wisconsin. “He’s got some swag,” Marshall Faulk said.
#Packers are going best player available. But I was told if a safety was available, well, they wouldn’t be upset. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is it
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 9, 2014
Clinton-Dix looks awesome. Roll Tide.
— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) May 9, 2014
Alabama DB Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and his mother Nicole on the Red Carpet. #NFLDraft #RollTide #BuiltByBama pic.twitter.com/ZuAjQttKEV
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) May 8, 2014
10:41 p.m. E.T.–The slide has stopped. Johnny Manziel to the Browns, who trade up into Philadelphia’s spot at No. 22 to get him.
The #Browns trade up and take Johnny Manziel. Wow.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 9, 2014
Cleveland takes Johnny Football….
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 9, 2014
Awww yeah pic.twitter.com/9vkKiDikOj
— Kmarko (@Kmarkobarstool) May 9, 2014
Johnny Manziel’s draft card at the podium pic.twitter.com/o6mCTLHYMh
— darren rovell (@darrenrovell) May 9, 2014
10:52 p.m. E.T.–Kansas City adds Auburn defensive end Dee Ford with pick No. 23.
The Chiefs took a player from the SEC? No way!
— Andrew DeWitt (@AndrewRDeWitt) May 9, 2014
10:58 p.m. E.T.–Cincinnati gets a cornerback many expected to be drafted higher. Michigan State’s Darqueze Dennard goes to the Bengals at No. 24.
The #Bengals, looking CB the whole way, take Darqueze Dennard
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 9, 2014
Yeah that’s definitely a Marvin pick right there
— Michael Smith (@michaelsmith) May 9, 2014
11:03 p.m. E.T.–Back-to-back cornerbacks selected, as Jason Verrett from TCU goes to San Diego with pick No. 25.
The @chargers select CB Jason Verrett from #TCU with the 25th pick. #NFL
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) May 9, 2014
11:10 p.m. E.T.–Four consecutive defensive players after the Manziel pick. Philadelphia goes with linebacker Marcus Smith from Louisville.
The #Eagles select OLB Marcus Smith from #Louisville. Edge player.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 9, 2014
Too bad for Trent Cole.
— Greg A. Bedard (@GregABedard) May 9, 2014
11:15 p.m. E.T.–Arizona adds to its already impressive secondary, going with Washington State safety Deone Bucannon, who should have fun playing with Tryann Mathieu and Patrick Peterson. And yes, they play football at WSU.
A Wazzu guy in Round 1???
— Andy Glockner (@AndyGlockner) May 9, 2014
The dude from Washington State (who knew they still play football there?) sporting a Reds hat, love it
— Steve Helwagen (@SteveHelwagen) May 9, 2014
11:19 p.m. E.T.–Cam Newton has another weapon to throw to. The Panthers select Florida State wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin. “Reminds me a lot of Brandon Marshall,” Michael Irvin said. “This could be one of the biggest steals in the draft.”
Look at that shot of Kelvin Benjamin celebrating!! Either his family is very tiny… or he’s HUGE
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 9, 2014
Don’t hurt your leg again jumping up and down in celebration, Cam.
— Michael Smith (@michaelsmith) May 9, 2014
11:26 p.m. E.T.–Rarely do the Patriots actually make their first round pick, but they stayed put here, foregoing any trade options, and selected defensive tackle Dominique Easley.
Had heard Dominique Easley would slip into the first round, given immense talent — even with injury history. #Patriots grab him.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 9, 2014
Belichick and Florida. A marriage made in draft mediocrity.
— Peter King (@SI_PeterKing) May 9, 2014
11:29 p.m. E.T.–San Francisco surprises some and goes with safety Jimmie Ward from Northern Illinois. The 49ers went with a safety last year, too, in Eric Reid from LSU.
#49ers go safety at No. 30 by grabbing Northern Illinois’ Jimmie Ward. … A bit of a surprise. Mayock says he thought he may be a 3rd rnder
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 9, 2014
11:37 p.m. E.T.–It’s been basically all defense at the end of the first round, and that trend continues with Denver, who selects Ohio State cornerback Bradley Roby. The former Buckeye has had some trouble with the law over the past year.
Two Buckeyes in the first round. Not a bad day’s work for Ohio State.
— Matt Brown (@MattSBN) May 9, 2014
11:42 p.m. E.T.–And the first round ends with some excitement. Minnesota trades with Seattle to get the No. 32. They take Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.
Teddy! Teddy!
— Teddy Greenstein (@TeddyGreenstein) May 9, 2014
There it is. The #Vikings select Teddy Bridgewater at No. 32. And this place went nuts
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 9, 2014