The first round of the NFL Draft still put up strong numbers Thursday night, but could not match last year’s record.
ESPN earned a 3.8 U.S. rating and 6.003 million viewers for first round coverage of the 2011 NFL Draft Thursday night, down 17% in ratings and 18% in viewership from last year (4.6, 7.290M), but up 12% and 19%, respectively, from 2009 (3.4, 5.058M).
Prior to last year, the first round of the NFL Draft took place on Saturday afternoon.
Though down from last year overall, ratings for the NFL Draft actually increased slightly among men 18-34, one of the most prized demographics. Among adults 18-49, ratings were down only 4%.
Cleveland was the top market for the first round, with an 8.0 rating. Interestingly, the 8.0 rating actually marks a 13% decline from last year (9.2) — when the first round aired directly opposite a Cavalier playoff game. This year’s coverage had no such competition.
Kansas City (7.6), Columbus, OH (7.0), Detroit (7.0) and Buffalo (6.8) rounded out the top five.
(Numbers from ESPN)
