Competition Committee Recommends That Goodell Shorten Draft

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--The NFL's competition committee has recommended to Commissioner Roger Goodell that he take steps to shorten the draft, Goodell said here today.

Goodell discussed the possibility with the franchise owners during today's meeting here but took no action. During his post-meeting news conference, Goodell said he plans to decide by early in the fall whether to act on the issue. He would not need to take a vote of the owners to shorten the draft; the matter is under the commissioner's control.

Last month's draft had the longest first round in history, at 6 hours 8 minutes. The competition committee made its recommendation after Goodell sought its input.

It's possible that Goodell will cut the amount of time that each team has to make its first-round selection from 15 minutes to 10 minutes. That could be a precursor to eventually moving the first round from Saturday to prime time Friday night.

Goodell said he must balance the teams' competitive interests with the fans' interests.

"That is something I'm balancing now: What is in the best interests to continue to grow what has become an extraordinary offseason event?" Goodell said.

Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney said he would favor shortening the draft.

"I don't think you need 15 minutes for the first choice," Rooney said.

By Mark Maske |  May 22, 2007; 8:34 PM ET  | Category:  League
Previous: Goodell Says He's "Very Concerned" About Vick Allegations But Not Ready to Decide About Discipline | Next: T. Johnson Ruling Could Come Soon

Posted by: John | May 22, 2007 10:10 PM

The comments to this entry are closed.