National Football League

NFL Draft is back in business

Published Apr. 25, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

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The buildup has been a blast but the actual countdown – one through 253, the number of players who will be formally welcomed into the NFL today through Saturday – makes the annual NFL Draft a fan’s dream and a ratings bonanza for those covering all minutiae surrounding this mega event.

The first round begins at 8 p.m. ET, but the early minutes don’t figure to be drama-filled: For the first time since 1999, quarterbacks will be drafted first and second overall.

By most accounts, the Indianapolis Colts can’t go wrong drafting Andrew Luck No. 1, nor will the quarterback-starved Washington Redskins make a mistake selecting Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III with the second overall pick.

Of course, it was widely assumed the Cleveland Browns nailed it in ’99 with Tim Couch as the top overall selection, but the Philadelphia Eagles can’t really complain about what No. 2 pick Donovan McNabb delivered to the franchise from 1999 to 2009 — well, everything except that elusive Super Bowl victory.

But the real beauty of the draft is that for three days, we can either agree that our teams uncovered the best possible picks or insist they made all their choices blindfolded. You’re either the unabashed believer that the road to the Super Bowl begins here, or the red-faced, spittle-spewing New York Jets fan in the balcony at Radio City Music Hall, shouting his displeasure with every selection.

So what are the staples you need to fully digest every morsel of tasty draft goodness between now and Saturday?

It all starts here

The NFL Draft takes three days, but it's a year-round passion. Keep up with all the latest news and features. | NFL Draft Central

Mock it up

It's a staple of every draft season. Who is going where? Do you agree? Read and enjoy! | Peter Schrager's seven-rounder | Check out Taylor Jones' mock

Authoritative analysis

FOXSports.com knows the draft. But who knows more than a Super Bowl-winning coach? Brian Billick is here to keep you educated with his personal point of view and inside access. | Billick's World

What to watch

You want highlights? You want interviews? You want in-depth knowledge? You got it. Grab your popcorn and go through our vast collection of draft content. | Video Central

What's the lineup?

Great, the draft is here, but you still need to know where your favorite team is picking. Relax, we have the complete order right here. | Draft Tracker

Wheeling and Dealing

The most trades in the first round since 1970? Fifteen. Believe it or not, 2012 has the potential to leave that record in the dust. Why? Find out here. |  John Czarnecki explains

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