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RECAP: 2022 NFL Draft Day 1 on the Las Vegas Strip

Roger Goodell
NFL Draft main stage
NFL Draft Main Stage
NFL Draft 2022 red carpet setup at Bellagio Fountain
Posted at 1:14 AM, Apr 28, 2022
and last updated 2022-04-28 23:52:36-04

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The eyes of the sporting world will be firmly on Las Vegas starting today through Saturday as the NFL Draft takes place on the Strip.

KTNV is your home for everything related to the big spectacle, providing coverage on your TVs, your digital devices — anywhere and everywhere you are.

Here is what you need to know (check back throughout the day for the latest).

DAY 1 IS IN THE BOOKS! (8:40 p.m.)

The first day of the Draft is complete ... but there's plenty to come.

Stick with ABC 13 for full coverage on air, online ... anywhere and everywhere you want us to be.

2022 NFL Draft Order: First Round Picks

SEAHAWKS DRAFT LT CHARLES CROSS AT NO. 9, FILLING NEED [7:55 p.m. update]

The Seattle Seahawks filled a need at left tackle by selecting Mississippi State’s Charles Cross with the No. 9 pick in the first round of the NFL draft.

Charles Cross
Mississippi State offensive lineman Charles Cross poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

STEELERS TAB PITT QB KENNY PICKETT AS BIG BEN'S SUCCESSOR [7:50 p.m. update]

Kenny Pickett is staying in Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh Steelers grabbed the former University of Pittsburgh star with the 20th overall pick in the NFL draft.

Mock Draft Football
FILE - Quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) goes through passing drills during Pittsburgh's football pro day , Monday, March 21, 2022, in Pittsburgh. Pickett is expected to be taken in the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)

SAUCE GARDNER WORKS AT CANE'S DRIVE-THRU IN LAS VEGAS AHEAD OF NFL DRAFT [7:17 p.m. update]

Instead of spending time at the slot machines or poker tables while in Las Vegas, Cincinnati cornerback Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner worked at a Raising Cane's drive-thru. Gardner was selected by the New York Jets fourth overall in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Sauce Gardner, Jameson Williams surprise fans at Cane's drive-thru ahead of NFL Draft

LATEST SIGHTS [6 p.m. update]

Check out the latest pictures taken at the NFL Draft here.

APTOPIX NFL Draft Football
Rapper, actor, and Las Vegas Raiders fan Ice Cube attends the first round of the NFL football draft Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong )

THE DRAFT IS UNDERWAY [5:15 p.m. update]

The NFL Draft is underway. Follow along by reading 2022 NFL Draft Order: First Round Picks for pick-by-pick updates in real-time.

HELICOPTERS FLY OVER LAS VEGAS STRIP [5:10 p.m. update]

Roughly 19 military helicopters flew over the Las Vegas Strip ahead of the NFL Draft to aid with medical emergencies and homeland security, check out the footage below.

FLYOVER: NFL Draft Las Vegas Strip 2022

WHAT ARE THE ATHLETES THINKING NOW? [4:30 p.m. update]

With 30 minutes before the NFL Draft, you might be wondering what players are thinking. Tina Nguyen had the chance to speak with former NFL QB Jay Schroeder about his experience when he was drafted.

100-Yards with Tina Nguyen: Former Raiders' QB Jay Schroeder

Tina also spoke with Cleveland Browns LB Tony Fields about his memories of playing football at Desert Pines High School.

AT 5 P.M. — Draft coverage starts on KTNV and ABC13. Here's who's picking in the First Round.

NOON — Gov. Sisolak and Commissioner Roger Goodell mark the official start of the Draft celebration on the Las Vegas Strip.

Gov. Sisolak kicks off the NFL Draft with Commissioner Goodell

A portion of Las Vegas Boulevard was named "Draft Drive" to mark the occasion.

HOW TO WATCH THE DRAFT

Here's the simple answer: Turn on ABC 13 on your television sets right now and just leave it there.

Thursday — The draft kicks off at 5 p.m. 13 Action News will be live on the strip with newscasts starting at 2 p.m., followed by the Raiders Draft Special at 3 p.m. ABC World News will be on at 4 p.m. and a special edition of 13 Action News at 4:30 p.m.

Stay with us after ABC's coverage of the first round of the draft ends at 8:30 p.m. for extended coverage live from the Strip.

Friday — Day 2 of the NFL Draft, which includes Rounds 2 and 3, will begin at 4 p.m., with 13 Action News live from the Strip and World News Tonight preceding the coverage starting at 3 p.m.

ABC's coverage is set to wrap up at 8:30 p.m., but 13 Action News will continue immediately afterward with more coverage live from the Strip.

Saturday — The last day of the NFL Draft (Rounds 4 through 7) will begin at 9 a.m. and go until 4 p.m. 13 Action News will wrap up the affair with even more extended coverage beginning as soon as the draft ends.

CHECK OUT THE SIGHTS: Pictures from Day 1 of the NFL Draft

HEADING TO THE DRAFT?

If you want to see the action in person, plan ahead and bring plenty of patience. Anchor Kalyna Astrinos got a preview of the Fan Experience and shows you how to get your NFL OnePass:

Live from the NFL Draft on Good Morning Las Vegas

Before you even think of heading down to the Strip, make sure to download and register for the NFL OnePass. By signing up for the OnePass, fans can:

  • See a schedule of player signings and appearances
  • Access photos and videos from the event
  • Participate in interactive activities
  • Be entered for a chance to win prizes
  • Ask Vince, the NFL's 24/7 concierge any event-related questions
  • Receive alerts on the latest event information

You must be over the age of 18 to register for NFL OnePass. For your safety, all fans registering will be required to accept the waiver to participate in interactive games. During registration, adults will have the opportunity to add up to 5 minors.

There is also a long list of prohibited items. The NFL strongly discourages fans from bringing any bags or purses, but if you have to bring one, make sure it complies with the size requirements first. One thing you can bring with you: an empty, reusable water bottle. Here's the full list.

Live from the NFL Draft on Good Morning Las Vegas

OK, now with that out of the way, here's what you can expect from the weather during the Draft

Weather forecast for the 2022 NFL Draft on the Las Vegas Strip

There are plenty of changes on the road for the Draft, particularly on the Strip. Here is what you need to know.

Looking for an easier way to get around? Zora Asberry has a few suggestions:

RTC, LVCVA offering cheap ways to get to the NFL Draft Experience

WHO YOU'LL SEE AT THE DRAFT

The NFL Draft is about more than just the suits making their picks. Lots of big name college football players will be in attendance as they wait to see which team will pick them.

A total of 21 players received official invites to attend Day 1 of the NFL Draft, and 20 have made their way (Georgia’s defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt did not make the trip). However, don't be surprised to see some other names around town.

A TOUCHDOWN FOR VEGAS BUSINESSES

NFL Draft week is expected to be an economic boon for local businesses, especially on the Linq Promenade. It's a welcome change after a difficult few years during the pandemic. Kelsey McFarland reports:

Local businesses hope for big bucks during NFL Draft in Vegas

Banners and signs are up, the stage at the Bellagio Fountains is ready, and teams have already arrived. The countdown is on, and fans are looking forward to seeing all the action firsthand from the Las Vegas Strip.