ESPN, NFL Network ready to tackle challenges of remote draft

The NFL draft is annually one of the most ambitious productions that ESPN does. Next week's coverage might go down as the most ambitious in the network's 40-year history.

With the NFL closing team complexes and canceling plans to hold the draft in Las Vegas, this year's event is shaping up as a logistical challenge.

ESPN Vice President of Production Seth Markham says there are usually 10 remote locations during the first round. On Thursday night, there might be as many as 180.

"Safe to say, we have never had a year like this. It's a great opportunity to bring fans hope and joy and an escape from what we are experiencing," Markham said.

"We do enjoy challenges. We will make it happen, but it is damn complicated."
"The execution of the draft, as far as what we can show with the teams, will be the same. Everyone has the same technology and availability."
"We don't have the competition that we normally have (with the NBA and NHL playoffs). Whether that means more eyeballs and anticipation, I don't know."