Why Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields aren’t at the 2021 NFL Draft

NFL players: Just like us!

Well, kind of.

Several of the NFL Draft’s top quarterback prospects won’t be in attendance in Cleveland for the 2021 NFL Draft, with Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence and Ohio State’s Justin Fields both sitting out — and at home — this year. Meaning, Lawrence and Fields, like the rest of us, will be watching from the comfort of their own homes (or draft setup).

This year, just 13 players are attending the NFL Draft in Cleveland, which is still 13 more than we had in 2020 (coronavirus), with 58 players participating in the festivities overall.

Still, two of the league’s top draft targets won’t be in attendance. Here’s why:

Is Trevor Lawrence at the 2021 NFL Draft?

While the Clemson passer is the presumptive No. 1 overall pick, he won’t be in attendance for the 2021 NFL Draft. Instead, Lawrence will be at Clemson, watching the draft on TV like everyone else, with family and friends.

Lawrence’s absence from the draft is not abnormal, though: It will be the fifth time since 2015 that the No. 1 overall pick won’t be in attendance at the NFL Draft. 

The prior four: Jameis Winston (2015), Myles Garrett (2017), Baker Mayfield (2018) and Joe Burrow (2020). Burrow was the only one who didn’t have a choice, with the in-person event axed due to the coronavirus.

Is Justin Fields at the 2021 NFL Draft?

While there’s no indication where the Ohio State product may be on draft night, there’s one place he won’t be: Cleveland, Ohio.

The NFL’s official listing of draft attendees omits Fields’ name, meaning he will not be crossing the stage when he is selected on April 29 during the first round. He’s widely expected to be a top-five selection and the second- or third-ranked passer in the draft.

Expect Fields to take in the draft virtually with family and friends at his side, as is custom for NFL Draft attendees on the virtual side of things.

NFL Draft 2021 attendees

While there are 58 players participating virtually for the 2021 NFL Draft, 13 players will be on-site in Cleveland:

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