NFL Draft To Be Semi-Virtual This Year
For the second consecutive year, the NFL Draft will be altered due to the restrictions of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
The 2021 NFL Draft will be slightly more eventful, with select events taking place around Cleveland. The 2020 NFL Draft, held at the outset of the pandemic, was entirely virtual.
This year will feature in person announcements, with a few prospects appearing on stage.Â
As well as that, certain vaccinated fans will be allowed to attend as special guests for each franchise.
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The main stage will be outside, in the surrounds of Lake Erie. Other events will be held at the Great Lakes Science Center, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the FirstEnergy Stadium.
Draftees who won’t attend in person will take part via a remote call.
“While we know this event will look different than in the past, we are thrilled about what the NFL Draft will mean to our community coming out of this pandemic,” President and CEO of Greater Cleveland Sports Commission David Gilbert said in a statement.Â
“It will showcase Cleveland’s beauty and resilience to a large audience, both safely in-person and worldwide.”
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The event will be broadcast by NFL Network, ESPN and ABC. All eyes will be on Clemson Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who is a projected first round pick.
He will likely be drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars, who own the number one pick in the draft. Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, Justin Fields, DeVonta Smith, Ja’Marr Chase and Kyle Pitts are the other 2021 highlights.
