After the rough year period brought on so far from the world turned upside, we’ve seen our sports in a different matter. The draft staged from Thursday to Saturday in Cleveland is allowing some prospects and fans to attend along the shores of Lake Erie. Here are the highlights:

• The one from 2020 was mainly virtual and while it was successful, it just wasn’t the same. Commission Roger Goodell had a “come join me” approach to make it a bit more personal feeling even when not joined in a real-life setting.
• Goodell will have some of that this year for the draft, but you’ll most likely see him engaging with some prospects in person this go around.
• Despite all of the shortcomings, the league was able to do things on schedule and still have a Super Bowl even with limited attendance. The draft will be close to the real McCoy. 
• Jon Barker, head of NFL live event productions says, that we need to get people back to live events and the draft can be a great example of that. 
• Despite Covid protocols in place, it’s very possible all the clubs will be back at their facilities to go through the selections. The league mandate will allow some individual tables to set up and people have to wear masks. The group that isn’t allowed inside will be connected to Microsoft teams so they’re still able to participate virtually. 
• One thing that remains unchanged is the focus on the quarterback position. 
• One of the top picks is Ja’Marr Chase of LSU, who opted out of the 2020 college season. He has 3 years of college football experience and Duke Tobin (director of player personnel for the Cincinnati Bengal), is looking to put him in his system to create a stronger team