The 2021 NFL Draft in Cleveland will be like no other.
The 86th annual NFL Draft marks the first time Cleveland will host the event. …
The 2021 NFL Draft in Cleveland will be like no other. The 86th annual NFL Draft marks the first time Cleveland will host the event. The NFL confirmed its 2021 draft location in May 2019 when commissioner Roger Goodell praised Cleveland for its “passionate fan base” and “iconic locations and attractions.” When the NFL announced Cleveland as its 2021 draft location, the city’s mayor Frank G. Jackson foreshadowed what a Cleveland-based draft would look like. “Visitors will find Cleveland has an unmatched ability to provide Midwestern warmth and hospitality coupled with the amenities found in other major cities,” Jackson said. “We look forward to hosting the Draft and once again showcasing Cleveland’s ability to organize successful, world-class events.” And the draft being held in-person is another return to normalcy after Goodell was giving air hugs from his basement a year ago. The 2020 NFL Draft was initially scheduled for Las Vegas — however, that was around the same time when the COVID-19 pandemic started in the United States. At the time, all 32 league and club facilities were closed indefinitely for health and safety protocols. Now, one year later, Goodell will shake hands, hug, or whatever he comes up with on stage. The NFL confirmed ahead of the draft that the commissioner is fully vaccinated. While the draft will look somewhat normal, only about a dozen prospects will be in attendance. Top quarterback prospects including Zach Wilson (BYU), the presumed No.2 pick to the Jets, Mac Jones (Alabama), the projected No.3 pick to the 49ers, and buzzed-about Trey Lance (North Dakota State) will be in attendance at the draft. Other prospects who will take the stage in-person include: Alabama WR DeVonta Smith, Alabama WR Jaylen Waddle, LSU WR Ja’Marr Chase, Florida TE Kyle Pitts, Northwestern OT Rashawn Slater, Alabama DL Christian Barmore, Miami EDGE Gregory Rousseau, Penn State LB Micah Parsons.
