Manning was tabbed second overall in the draft by New Orleans after a sterling career at Ole Miss, so his anxiety level was eased by an early selection. Just 27 drafts later, Archie s son, Peyton, was selected first overall by the Colts. The choice was made on nationwide television via ESPN in a ballroom at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The news of Peyton s selection was known worldwide in a matter of seconds. He completed 90 minutes of national interviews in New York City before stepping aboard Colts Owner and C.E.O. Jim Irsay s private plane and jetting to Indianapolis to meet awaiting fans and media.
Fans can, if they so choose, spend two entire days viewing the process via television.
What was known as the Draft Room in the business for many years is now called, almost exclusively by NFL fans thanks to television, the War Room . On the team level, draft day is one of the landmark events that helps chart a club s future. It is the culmination of a year s worth of work that encompasses countless man hours and thousands of dollars. Under the stewardship of Jim Irsay and the direction of Bill Polian, the Colts employ a football operations staff that includes 15 people who scour the country for talent. Scouts attend college games, watch hours of tape, travel via plane or car through specifically-designed geographic regions and report back to the office in person or via computer.