Here's When The NFL Draft Will Come To Cleveland

CLEVELAND — The 2021 NFL Draft will be held in Cleveland from April 29 through May 1, the league announced on Tuesday. The event will be held downtown, near FirstEnergy Stadium and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Las Vegas was slated to host the 2020 NFL Draft but the event was held entirely online because of social gathering restrictions in place because of the new coronavirus. Rather than shift plans in 2021, Nevada will get the 2022 NFL Draft. Cleveland will still host the event in 2021.

"We're excited for Cleveland to 'Rock The Clock' as the host of next year's NFL Draft and NFL Draft Experience - assuming large gatherings can take place without compromising the well-being of participants," said David Gilbert, President and CEO of Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and Destination Cleveland.

The 2021 event will only go forward if social gathering restrictions have been lifted at that time.

Historically, the NFL Draft has received some of its highest rankings in Northeast and Southwest Ohio — home to two of the league's most beleaguered franchises and fanbases, the Browns and Bengals. Hope springs eternal for both teams and the draft has often represented the high point of the season (and the actual games the nadir).

Still, if the COVID-19 pandemic has receded in a year, expect a raucous showing from Ohio football fans, particularly the hometown Dawg Pound.

"We, along with our partners at the NFL, the Cleveland Browns and the City of Cleveland, are steadfast in our commitment to ensuring the health and safety of all spectators and participants. We're working tirelessly to make this the best Draft event yet - for the NFL and its fans as well as for the Cleveland community," Gilbert said.