After the 2020 NFL draft was virtual, the 2021 NFL Draft returned to in-person in Cleveland. Select fans were chosen by each team and were allowed to be in the audience. However, these fans were fully vaccinated. 

This year’s draft class was particularly strong in its quarterbacks. Five quarterbacks were taken in the first round pick. Eight were taken in the first three rounds, which is a new record. In total, ten quarterbacks were selected. 

This year’s draft was also a success for the University of Alabama, which had 6 players selected in the first round. Which ties the University of Miami in 2004 for the most players selected in the first round from an individual school.

The first pick was no surprise as Trevor Lawrence was taken by the Jacksonville Jaguars. The next two picks were Zach Wilson who went to the New York Jets, and Trey Lance who went to the San Francisco 49ers. With the fourth pick, the Atlanta Falcons picked Kyle Pitts from Florida who became the highest selected tight end in NFL history.

The 2020 Heisman Winner, DeVonta Smith, was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles with the tenth pick. 

While this year’s draft was different to say the least, it brought a sense of normalcy back to professional sports.