When the 2021 NFL Draft kicks off in Cleveland in two weeks, 32 teams will have an opportunity to change the future of their franchise.
With this year’s class featuring some of the most talented quarterback prospects in recent memory and a deep pool of wide receivers, the next Patrick Mahomes or DeAndre Hopkins could be sitting in the green room on April 29.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are on the clock expected to draft Trevor Lawrence at No. 1 overall. Here is everything else you need to know ahead of the draft:
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When is the 2021 NFL Draft?
The 2021 NFL Draft kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 29, when all 32 selections in Round 1 will be made. Rounds 2 and 3 take place on Friday, April 30, beginning at 7 p.m. ET, and Rounds 4 through 7 will be on Saturday, May 1, beginning at 12 p.m. ET.
What is the 2021 NFL Draft order?
After the 2021 NFL Draft order was finalized in mid-March, the San Francisco 49ers traded up to the No. 3 overall pick. The Miami Dolphins then traded the No. 12 pick they got from San Francisco to the Philadelphia Eagles for the sixth overall pick. More trades could shake up the order before the draft begins, but here’s how it stands as of now:
Will this year’s draft be in person or virtual?
After the NFL held a virtual draft in 2020 due to COVID-19, this year’s draft will be held in person in Cleveland. Some of the top prospects will be there to take the stage when they’re selected, while others will appear from their homes. Lawrence declined an invitation to Cleveland and will watch the draft at Clemson.
NFL
Can fans attend the 2021 NFL draft?
Yes, fans are allowed to attend this year. A select group of fans who are vaccinated will be chosen by each of the 32 NFL teams and will be seated in the "inner circle" near the main stage. The league’s main website has more information on NFL Draft tickets and events.
How can I watch the 2021 NFL Draft?
The draft will be broadcast live on the NFL Network, ESPN and ABC on all three days.
How many draft picks do the Eagles have in 2021?
The Eagles have a total of 11 picks in the 2021 NFL Draft. Philly traded out of the No. 6 overall pick to get the Miami Dolphins’ 12th overall pick. In the trade, they also moved up from the 156th pick to the 123rd pick in the fourth round and gained a 2022 first-round pick.
The Eagles traded Carson Wentz to the Colts in February for a 2021 third-round pick.
Here is a list of all the Eagles’ 2021 draft picks:
- First round: No. 12 (acquired from Dolphins in trade)
- Second round: No. 37 (own pick)
- Third round: No. 70 (own pick)
- Third round: No. 84 (acquired from Colts as part of the Carson Wentz trade)
- Fourth round: No. 123 (acquired from Dolphins in trade)
- Fifth round: No. 150 (own pick)
- Sixth round: No. 189 (own pick)
- Sixth round: No. 224 (compensatory pick)
- Sixth round: No. 225 (compensatory pick)
- Seventh round: No. 234 (own pick)
- Seventh round: No. 240 (acquired from 49ers as part of Marquise Goodwin trade
What are the Eagles' biggest needs?
After finishing 4-11-1 in 2020, the Eagles have a number of holes to fill on their roster if they want to compete in the NFC East this year.
Despite drafting Jalen Reagor 21st overall last year, the Eagles will be looking to add another wide receiver to help Jalen Hurts in his sophomore campaign.
Philadelphia also needs to upgrade their secondary, especially at cornerback. Darius Slay has been a solid addition, but after losing Jalen Mills in free agency, drafting a cornerback within the first three rounds will be paramount.
The Eagles already addressed the linebacker position, signing former Viking Eric Wilson to a one-year deal worth up to $3.25 million. But that shouldn’t stop Howie Roseman and company from adding some depth behind Wilson and Alex Singleton.
While Philadelphia recently re-signed Jordan Howard on a one-year deal, adding another running back in the draft will be a point of emphasis. Miles Sanders was the Eagles’ leading rusher last season, tallying 867 yards on the ground on 164 attempts, but he missed four games last year, leaving Boston Scott to shoulder the load.
Eagles’ draft needs: CB, WR, LB, RB