2021 NFL Draft OFFICIALLY set to kickoff in Cleveland

Last year at this time, the league officially announced the 2020 NFL Draft would not be taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada. Instead, NFL coaches, scouts, and general managers would gather remotely to decide what’s best for their franchise’s future.

It was a strange and unique time.

But not something NFL teams, prospects, and fans should become accustomed to.

Because as we learned a short time ago, the 2021 NFL Draft will officially take place April 29th-May 1st in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. Here are some of the main takeaways from today’s announcement.

The main stage of the NFL draft will be set against the backdrop of Lake Erie and serve as the central hub of this year’s festivities. It is there where NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will make the pick announcements and greet top selections once their names are called. Although the league will be able to continue its ongoing tradition of the draft this year, the NFL is building on the success of last year’s virtual draft with additional prospects participating remotely from their homes around the country.

Club personnel involved in the selection process will be permitted to gather in a draft room at a location of their choosing, whether that be their facility or elsewhere while following appropriate protocols.

The Draft Theatre will act as a prime viewing zone of the main stage and seat invited guests, including individuals selected for the exclusive “Inner Circle presented by Subway.” Fans selected to this “Inner Circle” will be chosen by each of the 32 NFL clubs and they will serve as the team’s draft ambassadors. Furthering the NFL’s efforts in promoting the importance of getting the COVID-19 vaccine when available, fans selected to sit in the “Inner Circle” must be fully vaccinated.

Fans attending the event will be required to wear masks and adhere to physical distancing.

All of the details on the 2021 NFL Draft can be found here.