LIONS FANS: Five things you need to know before the NFL Draft kicks off

DETROIT (WXYZ) - It's almost time for the 2012 NFL Draft Lions fans! The first round kicks off Thursday, April 26 and we'll have special coverage starting at 7 p.m. Here are five things you need to know before then:

1.) Start using the hashtag #LionsDraft now on Twitter to share your thoughts and opinions with Tom, Brad all of our analysts and experts as well as other Lions fans.

2.) Our WXYZ Lions Draft Special, 'Before the Snap' runs Thursday from 7-8 p.m. It will be hosted by WXYZ Sports Anchor Tom Leyden and former Lions tight end and NFL analyst Rob Rubick.

3.) The Lions are throwing a Thursday night NFL Draft party at the Fillmore in downtown Detroit where sports reporter Brad Galli will be. It will feature commentary from an expert panel including NFL broadcast veterans Matt Shepard from WDFN, Mike Valenti from 97.1 The Ticket and with Detroit Lions color analyst Jim Brandstatter. The party runs from 5-11 p.m.

4.) On Friday, April 27, the Lions, for the second-straight year, will hold the Welcome to Primetime Draft Party on Day 2 at the Hard Rock Cafe Detroit from 5-8 p.m. where fans could have the opportunity to welcome the Lions’ first round pick.

5.) Enter the Belle Tire Detroit Lions Draft Contest on the team's Facebook page. Fans who correctly choose the Lions first draft pick will be entered to win a Detroit Lions 2012 Draft Hat, Detroit Lions Player Autographed Item and Belle Tire gift card.