Cal draft prospects to be selected in virtual NFL draft

For the first time in NFL history, the 2020 NFL Draft will be held ‘completely virtual’ as NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced via a memo obtained by Adam Schefter.

The response to the coronavirus from the NFL was swift in some aspects but rather delayed in making the call to go completely virtual as they seemingly waited until the last moment to alter their biggest offseason event. Still, as Goodell wrote, this is for the best for everyone involved.

The draft will proceed as scheduled, on April 23, but NFL teams are advised to conduct their 2020 NFL Draft entirely outside of their facilities and in a fully virtual format. The club personnel is advised to also gather in separate locations and communicate with each other either over the phone or via Internet.

The selection process will take place completely virtual and no in-person draft selections will be made nor will in-person meetings and workouts go forth before the draft. That leaves players like Ashtyn Davis in a tough place after he was unable to completely show off his athleticism at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine due to injury.

Still, Davis, Jaylinn Hawkins and Evan Weaver should likely hear their names called, albeit virtually, during the draft but how those are displayed to the public is still unknown. These are completely uncharted waters for all involved and we’ll monitor it closely to ensure we have complete coverage of your Golden Bears as they’re drafted.

One caveat to be held for the entire class of the 2020 rookies, they’re making history just by being selected as they’re set to be the first, and likely only draft class to be selected in a completely virtual setting.

We’re rooting for you three, and the rest of the draft class. Stay safe — and Go Bears!