The 2022 USFL Draft is reportedly going to operate similarly to the 2019 XFL Draft in that the teams will pick from the same position pool in each round. The draft will use a modified snake format to ensure that each team will receive the top choice in two of the position-specific rounds. That will ideally create competitive balance in the league.
How will the rounds be broken up? Below is a breakdown of each phase of the draft. The XFL was subdivided into six phases while the USFL Draft is a bit more complex.
Day 1
- Round 1: Quarterbacks
- Rounds 2-4: Edge rushers/defensive ends
- Rounds 5-7: Offensive tackles
- Round 8-11: Cornerbacks
- Round 12: Quarterbacks
Day 2
- Rounds 13-17: Wide receivers
- Rounds 18-19: Safeties
- Round 20: Centers
- Round 21: Inside linebackers
- Rounds 22-23: Offensive guards
- Rounds 24-26: Defensive tackles and nose tackles
- Rounds 27-28: Running backs and fullbacks
- Rounds 29-31: Outside linebackers
- Round 32: Kickers
- Round 33: Punters
- Round 34: Tight ends/H-backs
- Round 35: Long snappers
In total, 280 players will be selected during the inaugural USFL Draft. They will fill 35 of each team's 38 roster spots, so teams will each have to add 10 players after the draft. Three to fill out the roster and seven for the practice squad.
