NFL Draft Ratings Take a Hit

Stronger comps put a crimp in ESPN overnights

A tough roster of broadcast competition may have sacked fan interest in the NFL Draft, as preliminary Nielsen data suggests that ESPN took a hit with its Thursday night coverage.

According to Nielsen overnights, ESPN’s presentation of the NFL Draft averaged a 4.4, down 17 percent from the 5.3 it notched during last year’s first round coverage.

A year ago, ESPN set a record with its draft opener, averaging 7.29 million viewers on April 22 from 7:30 p.m.

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