When did the National Football League’s annual draft circus in New York City become “must-see TV”?
Beats me. But I’m betting a lock of Mel Kiper Jr.’s hair that there will be football junkies who will watch every minute of the two days of the pick-and-choose, starting at 10 a.m. Saturday on ESPN and NFL Network.
What’s the attraction? John Wildhack, ESPN senior vice president, said in a teleconference call earlier this week, “The reason it draws the attention that it does, there are so many variables to the draft – rumor, mystery, intrigue.” Just like a Victorian novel.
Wildhack, who has been involved with draft coverage since ESPN’s first in 1980, said, “It is a confluence for the football fan, college and NFL.”
New on ESPN this year is the “crawl” at the bottom of the screen during commercials to keep fans updated.
Also new is a first-time challenge from NFL Network, the league’s official mouthpiece, with Mike Maycock as its “expert.” ESPN is not alarmed. “We’re going to focus on what we do best,” Wildhack said.
ESPN television coverage runs 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. (on ESPN2) Saturday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. NFL Network is on the job from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. The first three rounds – with the marquee names – take place on Saturday.
Both networks offering pre-draft shows and analysis in the run-up to the big moment.
NHL back on Dish
Moderately good news for hockey junkies: Dish Network and OLN have kissed and made up, ending their season-long feud just in time to air the NHL playoffs.
The downside: You’ll see the games at Channel 151 only if you’re signed up for Dish’s Top 180 or higher packages.
Tonight’s OLN coverage features Ottawa at Tampa Bay and Detroit at Edmonton, starting at 5 p.m.
Around the dial
NFL Network on Wednesday announced it has landed Bryant Gumbel and Chris Collinsworth as its broadcast duo when it begins carrying NFL games this fall. The pair’s first game will be Denver-Kansas City on Thanksgiving Day. Gumbel, who hasn’t covered the NFL since 1981, said at the announcement, “I will give it my best.” … Zahir Raheem battles Acelino Freitas in a 12-round lightweight bout to launch the 10th year of “HBO Boxing After Dark” from Mashantucket, Conn. I like writing Mashantucket (8:15 p.m. Saturday, HBO). … Former Chatfield High School and USC running back LenDale White, expected to be a high pick in the NFL draft, guests on “SportsCenter Special” (10:20 p.m. today, ESPN). … Quotable: “When it’s third and 10, you can take the milk drinkers and I’ll take the whiskey drinkers every time.” Max McGee, former NFL receiver.
Dick Kreck’s column appears Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. He may be reached at 303-820-1456 or dkreck@denverpost.com.
