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When is Round 4 of the NFL Draft? The Exact Timeline & Hidden Rules [/JUDUL]

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The NFL Draft’s fourth round is where teams snag hidden gems—but when does it happen? This guide breaks down the exact date, time, and insider strategies for when is round 4 of the NFL draft, including historical shifts, drafting mechanics, and how teams exploit late-round value.
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NFL Draft 2025, NFL Draft schedule, NFL Draft rounds explained, NFL Draft timeline, NFL Draft strategy, NFL Draft rules, NFL Draft history, NFL Draft FAQ
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Sports & Leagues
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The NFL Draft isn’t just a three-day spectacle—it’s a chess match where every round carries its own weight. By the time teams reach round 4 of the NFL draft, the spotlight dims for the casual fan, but the stakes remain high. This is where franchises pivot from high-ceiling prospects to high-upside gambles, where a 120th overall pick can transform a roster. The question isn’t just when it happens, but why it matters: how teams exploit late-round inefficiencies, how scouts spot undervalued talent, and how the draft clock’s rhythm shifts from the first to the seventh round.

The NFL Draft’s fourth round has evolved from a sleepy afterthought into a tactical battleground. In the 1970s, teams often used late rounds to clear cap space or draft regional stars. Today, it’s a goldmine for analytics-driven picks—think of the 2023 draft, where the Bears took Illinois QB Caleb Williams at 124 overall, a move that redefined their franchise’s future. The round’s timing, however, remains a fixed ritual: a Tuesday evening slot that separates the draft’s high drama from its high-stakes gambles.

But the real intrigue lies in the mechanics. How does the draft order work in round 4? Why do some teams tank for these picks while others load up on cap space? And what happens when the clock strikes midnight on draft day? The answers reveal a system where preparation meets chaos—and where the difference between a bust and a steal hinges on a single decision.

when is round 4 of the nfl draft

The Complete Overview of When Is Round 4 of the NFL Draft

The NFL Draft’s fourth round unfolds on Tuesday evening, a deliberate scheduling choice by the league to balance live coverage with the demands of teams still evaluating prospects. Unlike the first three rounds—where networks like ESPN and NFL Network dominate airtime—the fourth round often slips into the background, yet it’s where the draft’s strategic depth becomes most apparent. Teams with late-round capital (thanks to trades or poor first-round performances) suddenly find themselves in the driver’s seat, able to target niche positions or developmental projects that first-rounders ignore.

This round also marks the transition from "proven talent" to "potential." By 2024, the NFL had already seen 100 players selected, meaning the remaining picks skew toward project players—quarterbacks, offensive linemen, or defensive backs with raw tools but unproven ceilings. The question when is round 4 of the NFL draft isn’t just about the clock; it’s about the opportunity. Teams like the Jets or Lions, burdened by cap constraints, often use these picks to address glaring weaknesses without committing first-round resources. Meanwhile, franchises with deep pockets might trade down to accumulate more picks, knowing that late-round value is where they can outmaneuver competitors.

Historical Background and Evolution

The fourth round of the NFL Draft has undergone a quiet revolution. In its earliest iterations (pre-1970), late rounds were little more than a formality—teams drafted local high school stars or cleared cap space by selecting players they’d never sign. The 1978 NFL Draft, for instance, saw the New England Patriots take future Hall of Famer Ray Gramling at 105 overall, but such picks were rare exceptions. It wasn’t until the 1990s, with the rise of the salary cap and more scientific scouting, that late rounds became strategic tools.

Today, the fourth round is a microcosm of the NFL’s modern drafting philosophy. The league’s shift toward analytics has made late-round picks more valuable: teams now rely on advanced metrics to identify players with high floor, low ceiling—think of the 2020 draft, where the Giants took guard Andrew Thomas at 56 overall (round 2) and the Cowboys took OT Tyler Smith at 103 (round 4), both of whom became Pro Bowlers. The round’s timing, too, has adapted. In the past, teams might have used these picks for practice squad players; now, they’re often starters in waiting.

Core Mechanisms: How It Works

The fourth round operates under the same rules as the rest of the draft, but with critical differences in execution. The order is determined by the previous season’s standings, with the worst team picking first (104th overall), the second-worst second (105th), and so on. However, trades can scramble this order—teams often move down to accumulate picks, knowing that the fourth round offers a higher floor than later rounds.

The clock mechanics are also worth noting. Each team has 10 minutes to make its pick, but the pressure mounts as the round progresses. By round 4, many teams have already exhausted their first-round resources, leaving them with limited cap space or a need to address specific roster holes. This creates a market for creative trades: in 2022, the Cardinals moved up from 122 to 115 to select CB Jalen Pitre, a move that paid dividends when he became a key special-teamer.

Key Benefits and Crucial Impact

The fourth round of the NFL Draft is where the league’s long-term strategy meets short-term necessity. Teams with limited cap space can address positional needs without overcommitting, while franchises with deep pockets can stockpile talent for future contenders. The round’s flexibility makes it a favorite among general managers who prioritize roster construction over short-term wins.

This round also serves as a proving ground for scouting departments. A successful late-round pick—like the 2019 draft, where the Chiefs took QB Patrick Mahomes II at 10 overall—can elevate a franchise’s draft reputation. Conversely, a string of busts (see: the 2017 Browns’ late-round misfires) can lead to front-office overhauls. The question when is round 4 of the NFL draft isn’t just about the date; it’s about the moment—the point where teams either reinforce their identity or gamble on the next big thing.

"The fourth round is where you find the diamonds in the rough. It’s not about the pick—it’s about the process." — Former NFL scout (anonymous)

Major Advantages

  • Cost Efficiency: Late-round picks come with lower signing bonuses, allowing teams to allocate cap space elsewhere.
  • Positional Flexibility: Teams can target undersized linemen, niche defensive backs, or developmental QBs without first-round commitment.
  • Trading Leverage: Picks in rounds 4–7 are often used as trade bait for higher-round selections.
  • Developmental Upside: Players like Saquon Barkley (2018, round 2) or Justin Jefferson (2020, round 1) were late-round steals with franchise-changing potential.
  • Cap Space Management: Teams with salary cap constraints can clear space for free-agent targets by drafting and cutting late-round picks.

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Comparative Analysis

Round 4 Round 7 (Final Round)
Tuesday evening, 7:00 PM ET Wednesday afternoon, 12:00 PM ET
Higher floor, lower ceiling picks Pure speculative gambles (e.g., practice squad players)
Teams often trade down to accumulate picks Teams trade up to avoid the final round
Average draft capital: $1M–$3M signing bonus Average draft capital: $50K–$200K signing bonus
The fourth round of the NFL Draft is poised for further evolution, driven by analytics and international scouting. As teams increasingly rely on data to project player development, we’ll see more late-round picks based on advanced metrics rather than traditional scouting. The rise of the "positional specialist" (e.g., slot receivers, nickelbacks) will also reshape how teams allocate fourth-round capital.

Additionally, the NFL’s global expansion may lead to more international players being selected in later rounds. In 2023, the Dolphins took OL Tyler Guy at 118 overall—a developmental project with high potential. As the league’s international pipeline grows, expect to see more non-QB skill players drafted in rounds 4–6, where teams can afford to take risks on unproven talent.

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Conclusion

The fourth round of the NFL Draft is often overlooked, but its impact is undeniable. Whether it’s a team like the Eagles using it to address depth or the Cowboys trading down to load up on picks, this round separates the franchises that think long-term from those that chase short-term fixes. Understanding when is round 4 of the NFL draft isn’t just about memorizing a date—it’s about grasping the strategic calculus behind every pick.

As the league continues to evolve, so too will the fourth round. The key for teams will be balancing analytics with instinct, cap management with roster needs, and the thrill of the unknown with the reality of NFL football. For fans, it’s the moment where the draft’s hidden gems emerge—and where the next franchise-changer might be waiting.

Comprehensive FAQs

Q: When is round 4 of the NFL draft scheduled in 2025?

The 2025 NFL Draft’s fourth round will take place on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET at the draft venue (typically a major U.S. city). The exact date is announced by the NFL in January, but the round’s timing remains consistent: Tuesday evening, following round 3.

Q: Do teams have the same amount of time to make picks in round 4?

Yes. Each team has 10 minutes to make its pick in round 4, the same as all other rounds. However, the pressure differs: in later rounds, teams often rush decisions to avoid overpaying for speculative talent.

Q: Can teams trade picks in round 4?

Absolutely. Round 4 picks are highly tradable, especially if a team is desperate to move up or accumulate more capital. For example, in 2021, the Bears traded their 120th overall pick to the Cardinals for a second-rounder, a move that paid off when they later drafted QB Justin Fields.

Q: Are round 4 picks more valuable than round 5?

Generally, yes. Round 4 offers a better balance of risk and reward: players selected here have a higher chance of contributing than those in round 5 or later. However, the value depends on position—an offensive lineman in round 4 is far more valuable than a wide receiver in round 5.

Q: What’s the best way to predict round 4 picks?

Follow these three factors:

  1. Team Needs: Check cap space and roster holes (e.g., a team with a weak O-line may target linemen early in round 4).
  2. Draft Trends: Monitor which positions are being targeted in rounds 1–3 (e.g., if QBs are flying off the board, round 4 may see more edge rushers).
  3. Scouting Reports: Players with "high-floor, low-ceiling" profiles (e.g., developmental linemen) often go in round 4.
Tools like NFL Draft Tracker and MockDraft provide real-time updates.

Q: Have any round 4 picks become NFL stars?

Yes, several. Notable examples include:

  • Saquon Barkley (2018, round 2—but his development mirrors round 4 potential).
  • Justin Jefferson (2020, round 1, but his draft capital was comparable to late-round picks).
  • Derrick Henry (2016, round 2, but his late-round equivalent was RB Dalvin Cook in 2017, round 2).
  • Andrew Thomas (2020, round 2, but his profile fits round 4 OT targets).
For a true round 4 star, look at CB Jalen Ramsey (2014, round 1—but his draft capital was round 4-level). The closest pure round 4 success story is CB Jalen Pitre (2022, round 4, 115th overall), who became a key special-teamer.

Q: What’s the worst-case scenario for a round 4 pick?

The worst-case scenario is selecting a player who never develops—either due to injury, poor coaching, or lack of talent. For example:

  • The 2017 Browns drafted CB Jabrill Peppers (round 1) and CB Denzel Ward (round 1), but their round 4–5 picks (e.g., WR Johnnie Dixon) failed to contribute.
  • The 2019 Rams took WR Deontay Burnett (round 4) and OL Jalen Reid (round 2), but Burnett was a bust.
To mitigate risk, teams often target players with high upside and low draft capital—think of CB Trevon Diggs (2018, round 3), who was a round 4-level talent before his breakout.

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