Watch Live Stream: 2017 NFL Draft In Philadelphia

CHARLOTTE, NC -- Football season inches closer for diehard fans Thursday when the 82nd annual NFL draft begins in Philadelphia, leaving many anticipating how the Carolina Panther’s will lean with their No. 8 overall pick.

Based on 11 mock draft reports, most expect the Panthers to draft a running back, the team said Thursday. “Group think says that running back will be Christian McCaffrey,” the Panthers’ statement said.

Also considered a potential pick is Louisiana State University running back Leonard Fournette. “On Friday, Carolina general manager Dave Gettleman said that while Fournette and McCaffrey each bring unique skill sets to the table, either would fit in the Panthers' offense,” NFL.com said.

The draft runs from April 27 through April 29, and has launched a festival atmosphere in the “City of Brotherly Love,” with the NFL Draft Theater constructed on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

“Philadelphia is a passionate football town and will serve as a tremendous backdrop for the Draft and provide a great atmosphere for our fans and incoming players,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement.

NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter has predicted the following top 5 picks:

1. Mitchel Trubisky, QB, University of North Carolina
2. Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M
3. Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford
4. Leonard Fournette, RB, Louisiana State University
5. O.J. Howard, TE, University of Alabama

The projected first overall pick, University of North Carolina quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, would go to the Cleveland Browns.

Once the event starts, a live stream of the proceedings can be watched here on the ESPN App.

Sign up for our free Daily Newsletters and Breaking News Alerts for the Charlotte, NC Patch

Image via Pixabay