The day that the NFL -- and especially Indianapolis Colts -- fans have been waiting for is finally here, as the NFL Draft is set to kick off on Thursday night.

Here's the low-down on what you need to know prior to the start of round one.

The event can be viewed on both ESPN and NFL Network, with superb analysis and insight available on each. The draft officially begins at 8:00 p.m. EST on Thursday night, with just the first round taking place.

Rounds two and three will go down on Friday, while the final four rounds will be held Saturday.

The Patriots, of course, don't select until pick 27, so count on a late night if you want to see them makes its first of two first-round choices.

It won't take so long to see Boston College Luke Kuechly hear his name called, as he is widely considered a top-half of the first round selection.

For more Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit . For NFL Mock Drafts, visit our stream and check out Mocking The Draft. Prospect profiles can be found at the National Football Post. Visit SB Nation's NFL Draft hub for more coverage.