The 2022 NFL draft is over and 262 players have heard their names.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have made Georgia’s Travan Walker their first overall pick in the draft.
Meanwhile, Iowa State quarterback Brock Pardy went to the Los Angeles Rams for the final pick, the so-called Mr. Irrelevant.
The Georgia Bulldogs made history with a draft of 15 players, the most from a school in a seven-round draft format.
But as the teams prepare for their respective training camps, ESPN’s Field Yates shared some interesting news about past drafts.
A “You know what?” NBA Draft Lottery Night:
From 1947-1958, the NFL will provide a bonus pick on draft day which will be the 1st overall pick. It was painted from a hat.
If it still exists today, it will create * madness *. pic.twitter.com/7gFGxPWNSJ
– Field Yates (Field Yates) May 17, 2022
Yates tweeted, “A ‘You know what?’ NBA Draft Lottery Night: From 1947-1958, the NFL will provide a bonus pick on draft day that will be the 1st overall pick. It was painted from a hat. If it still exists today, it will create * madness *. “
Bonus picking today will bring chaos
The NBA draft is more complex than the NFL version.
Non-play-off teams participate in lotteries where they are awarded a four-digit adjustment based on their record at the end of the regular season.
The three worst teams get 140 combinations in each while the best non-playoff teams have five.
Only the top four teams in the draft are selected by lottery.
Once those teams are determined, the rest of the teams are ranked based on their winning-losing record.
In contrast, the NFL automatically provides the top overall picking team with the worst record when the Super Bowl champions are ranked 32nd and final.
In some ways, that bonus pick system can discourage teams from tanking.
After all, there is no guarantee that they will get the top pick.
However, this can create controversy, especially if a play-off team is selected first.