NFL Announces Prospects, Fans to Attend Draft In-Person

The National Football League announced Monday that the upcoming NFL Draft would feature in-person draft selections. In addition, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will be announcing picks in-person and a limited amount of fans will be allowed to attend the event. All participating parties, whether it be prospects, NFL team officials, or even behind-the-scenes assistants will be following COVID-19 guidelines.

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As part of the NFL’s push for COVID-19 relief, the league will encourage fans attending to be fully vaccinated. As for media coverage, the NFL revealed that the traditional covering networks - ESPN, ABC, and the NFL Network - will have full access to cover the event.

The NFL Draft, which will be held from April 29 - May 1, will take place in Cleveland, Ohio. While the draft has historically been held in indoor venues in New York City and Chicago, the NFL made a transition to outdoor areas around the country in the 2010s, even before the pandemic started. This year will feature an open-air stage on Lake Erie for the first two days of the draft. Like previous years, the third day of the event will be more remote.

The NFL made strides as one of the biggest leagues to adapt to COVID-19 guidelines when the league held the 2020 NFL Draft virtually on Zoom. Instead of the future NFL stars walking across the stage to meet Goodell, players watched the event from their homes.

To close the 2020 season, the NFL allowed around 20 percent capacity in Raymond-James Stadium in Tampa, Florida for Super Bowl LV last month.

The Alabama Crimson Tide is expecting at least 10 players to be drafted in this year’s event.

The 2021 NFL Draft will begin on Thursday, April 29th and will be televised on ESPN, ABC, and the NFL Network. For more draft coverage, stay tuned into Tide1009.com.