The story of the NFL draft, from extravaganza to unadorned

FILE - In this March 14, 1967, file photo, NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle works at on a blackboard at a New York City hotel during the first round of the combined National Football League (NFL) - American Football league (AFL) football player draft. This brand new TV entity called ESPN approached NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle in 1980 offering to broadcast the proceedings from the New York Sheraton. Rozelle couldn't fathom why ESPN boss Chet Simmons made the offer. (AP Photo/Jacob Harris, File)

FILE - In this Feb. 13, 1957, file photo, NFL Commissioner Bert Bell gestures in his office in Philadelphia. His creation, the NFL draft, has become an industry unto itself and the league's third-most popular annual event behind the Super Bowl and opening weekend. (AP Photo/Warren M. Winterbottom, File)

FILE - In this Dec. 1, 1958, file photo, from left, Dan Rooney, son of Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney, George Allen, assistant coach of the Chicago Bears and Pete Rozelle, general manager of the Los Angeles Rams, prepare to uncover coins determining picking order at the NFL Draft, in Philadelphia. The NFL draft has become an industry unto itself and the league's third-most popular annual event behind the Super Bowl and opening weekend. (AP Photo/Sam Myers, File)

FILE - In this April 18, 1943, file photo, Fred Mandel, foreground, president of the Detroit Lions, and Charles "Chile" Walsh, assistant coach of the Cleveland Rams, look over prospects at the player draft of the NFL in Chicago. The number of rounds fluctuated through the years, in part because of competition from the All-America Football Conference in the 1940s, but also because college football grew and more players were available. (AP Photo/Harry L. Hall, File)

FILE - This Nov. 26, 1964, file photo shows a general view of the National Football League draft meeting in New York. The NFL draft has become an industry unto itself and the league's third-most popular annual event behind the Super Bowl and opening weekend.(AP Photo/John Lindsay)

FILE - This April 26, 2018, file photo, shows a general overall view of AT&T Stadium as Georgia's Roquan Smith is selected by the Chicago Bears during the first round of the NFL football draft, in Arlington, Texas. The NFL draft has become an industry unto itself and the league's third-most popular annual event behind the Super Bowl and opening weekend. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)