Predraft

Predraft refers to the period between the end of a season and the upcoming professional draft, during which players eligible for the draft and teams preparing to select them engage in assessments, workouts, and planning. It encompasses information gathering, athlete evaluations, and strategic decision making that shapes draft rankings and contract outlooks.

In American football, the predraft process runs from the conclusion of college football through the NFL Scouting Combine and individual pro days. Players undergo medical examinations, athletic testing, and position drills, while teams interview prospects, study film, and conduct private workouts to assess talent, durability, and scheme fit. Agents help manage declarations, negotiations, and publicly reported draft projections.

In basketball, predraft begins after the college season or other entry routes and centers on the NBA Draft Combine, private workouts, and team interviews. Prospects receive feedback from evaluators, showcase their skills in drills, measurements, and scrimmages, and decide how to present themselves to teams. The goal is to improve draft position and secure a favorable contract, while teams evaluate fit and potential development.

The predraft period is a high-information phase that influences draft order, player salaries, and career opportunities. While it provides opportunities to improve stock, it also carries risks such as injury or misreading a player’s potential. Overall, it is a standard part of planning for both players and teams ahead of professional drafts.