CHARLOTTE, N.C. — One of the most popular events in sports kicks off tonight.
Before the annual draft, players were free to sign with any team.
This tended to make the stronger teams even stronger, creating an imbalance across the league.
The first draft happened back in 1936 and had nine rounds. That was expanded to 10 rounds, and then to 20.
The draft became the battleground between the National Football League and American Football League.
The rival leagues held separate drafts through 1966 before merging together.
In the decades since the draft has evolved into what we see today: three days, seven rounds and 224 picks.
Now one of the most popular events on the NFL calendar, the draft attracts huge audiences — both on television and online — and has proven its value in building and sustaining successful franchises.
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