Why are there only 31 picks in the first round of the NFL Draft?

Draft week is here, and it's a huge time for every NFL franchise, including the Green Bay Packers.

Every team has an opportunity to improve its roster, no matter how last season went. If you had one of the league's worst records, like the Chicago Bears, the draft provides hope. A chance to build. Even for the Super Bowl-champion Kansas City Chiefs, the draft is an opportunity to get even better.

The 2023 NFL Draft begins on Thursday, April 27, and runs through Saturday, April 29.

On Thursday evening, teams will make their first-round selections. The second and third rounds take place on Friday evening, followed by the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh rounds on Saturday.

If you tune into the broadcast on Thursday night, you may notice only 31 selections will be made in the first round. Why is that?

Why are there only 31 picks in the first round of the NFL Draft?

The Miami Dolphins won't make a pick in the first round.

Following an investigation from the NFL, the Dolphins were forced to forfeit their 2023 first-round and 2024 third-round picks. The Dolphins were investigated for allegedly breaking anti-tampering rules.

According to the investigation, Miami "had impermissible communications" with quarterback Tom Brady while he played for the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and also the agent of then-New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton.

Miami's forfeited pick won't impact the Packers in the first round, as the Dolphins were set to own the 21st overall selection. Green Bay's first pick comes before that at 15th overall. However, it does mean that the rest of the picks are moved up one spot. For example, the Packers' second-round choice moves up to 45th overall.

With Miami forfeiting its pick, there will only be 31 selections in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.