Lockout or not, one thing that will continue as planned is the 2011 NFL Draft. The schedule for the event was announced yesterday. It will again span three days with two prime time broadcasts, continuing the ratings bonanza for the NFL.
The first kicks off on Thursday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m. ET, but it could get bumped back to 8 p.m. to get more prime time. Rounds two and three continue on Friday afternoon at 6 p.m. ET. Rounds four through seven start at 10 a.m. ET on Saturday, April 30. Have fun with that 7 a.m. start time West Coasters. The event will be broadcast on ESPN and the NFL Network.
A potential combine boycott was nixed, but the draft might not have much in the way of star power if the NFL lockout is happening at that time. Draftees will probably not attend the event as a sort of protest. That won't be the only thing missing at the draft in the event of a lockout. Trades will not be allowed without a CBA. Teams will not be allowed to sign undrafted rookie free agents without a CBA in place either.