It really is amazing to see the current evolution of the NFL draft coverage on ESPN and NFL Network. These are mega productions with countless moving parts.

For a little perspective, it’s always good to see how ESPN covered the NFL draft in 1981. Thanks to Bob Ley for noting it was ESPN’s second draft.

It was all so primitive. Check out the guy who had to turn on Pete Rozelle’s microphone.

A favorite part is a young Chris Berman getting reaction from a restaurant in New York, complete with the checkered table cloth.

All in all, the whole thing seemed like a pointless exercise. Who would want to watch coverage of something as boring as the NFL draft? Right?