Trevor Lawrence will participate in this year's NFL Draft remotely. Handout Photo-USA TODAY Sports

Trevor Lawrence declines invite to 2021 NFL Draft in Cleveland

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Vincent Frank | Last updated 3/28/21

Unlike last year when the NFL Draft was held remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, players and fans are going to be on hand in Cleveland late next month. Consensus top pick Trevor Lawrence from Clemson won't be among them.

“Presumptive No. 1 pick Trevor Lawrence is declining the chance to attend the draft in Cleveland and is instead choosing to watch it at Clemson with a few family members and friends,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Sunday. “Despite NFL’s invite, Lawrence never wavered in his desire to watch draft at Clemson.”

It’s going to be interesting to see if other top prospects follow suit. One of the interesting backdrops to last year’s event was the raw emotion prospects displayed when their names were called. Joining a tight group of friends and family made it all that much more important to those prospects. Lawrence obviously doesn’t want to give that up for a chance to party in Cleveland.

With whom will Lawrence be celebrating during NFL Draft night?

Expected to go No. 1 overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Lawrence will be wearing a Jags hat when the cameras make their way to his residence.

He’ll likely be joined by his fiancée, Marissa Mowry. The two got engaged a year ago. For his part, Lawrence just recently held his bachelor party in Las Vegas. His parents, Amanda and Jeremy Lawrence, will also likely be on hand. It’s obviously going to be a banner night for the Lawrence family in South Carolina once the draft comes calling.

How is the 2021 NFL Draft going to look in Cleveland?

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will take to the stage with Lake Erie as a backdrop. A select number of prospects will be able to attend the event with others taking part remotely.

If club personnel in war rooms are fully vaccinated, no masks or strict social distancing will be necessary. However, each room will be limited to 10 individuals.

As for the fans making that trek to Cleveland, the NFL Draft Experience will be free and open to the general public near FirstEnergy Stadium. Meanwhile, the league will invite a number of musical artists to perform, with the theme being Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: