By JOE REEDY AP Sports Writer, and staff
CLEVELAND – The first round of the NFL Draft has been jokingly referred to as the biggest day of the Cleveland Browns’ season because they often had early chances at high-profile college stars due to the franchise’s lack of success on the playing field.
The prospects of Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks and other stars joining the teams as rookies sent fans’ hopes soaring, at least temporarily.
But after an 11-5 season and a playoff win for the first time since 1994, the spotlight is on the city for a different reason this year because it is hosting the event, which has become one the the NFL’s biggest, behind the Super Bowl and opening day.
NFL Network host Rich Eisen is eager to see how Cleveland will respond to this year’s festivities.
“I don’t recall ever being to an NFL draft where the Browns being put on the clock was met with anything but sarcastic derision by anyone in the stands,” he said. “I expect there to be a huge moment when they’re on the clock and when the [AFC North rivals] Steelers, Ravens and Bengals are on the clock.
“When we go to cities for the draft, it is different vibes because they have different regional interests. I love it. I absolutely love it.”
The Browns will still pick in the first round, but not until No. 26. The Bengals, who took Heisman winner Joe Burrow of Athens High School and LSU last year, will pick fifth.
Former Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields is projected to be a first-round pick and Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence is expected to be chosen No. 1 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are now being coached by former Buckeye head coach Urban Meyer.
Last year’s event was all virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year, 12 prospects will be waiting to be selected and pose with commissioner Roger Goodell. The NFL has sent 45 camera kits to prospects’ homes with iPhones, lighting, a backdrop and the hats of each team.
NFL Network and ESPN will also have access to all 32 team war room cams after years of competing to see which teams they could get exclusive access.
Lawrence will not be in Cleveland and may not be interviewed immediately after the Jacksonville Jaguars are expected to make him the top pick because the New York Jets are up next.
“It is hard to interview someone who just got selected if they’re not there because this thing continues to move and the narrative shifts. If they’re not readily available to go, you probably won’t see a lot of those interviews,” NFL Network producer Charlie Yook said.
NFL Network, ESPN and ABC will air coverage all three days. ABC will have its own unique broadcast the first two days before having the ESPN simulcast on Saturday.