CLEVELAND (AP) — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will be leaving his man cave to announce this year’s rookie draft class within shouting distance of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

The league announced some its plans for this year’s three-day event in Cleveland, which will include some of the prospects being in person after last year’s draft in Las Vegas was held virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some of Cleveland’s iconic downtown locations, including the Rock Hall, FirstEnergy Stadium and the Great Lakes Science Center, will be incorporated into the three-day festivities from April 29-May 1. Most of the events are are outdoors.

Goodell will be on hand to welcome the league’s newest players — but from a short distance. Building on the success of last year’s virtual event, when the commissioner read players’ names from the basement of his home, other draft picks will participate remotely from around the country.

The league said the three-day event will be open to the public, and protocols from the experiences of hosting the Super Bowl in Tampa will be in place.

The league will again partner with state and local public health officials to ensure the safety for fans and participants. Fans will be required to wear face coverings and adhere to physical distancing.

A main stage will be built along Lake Erie to serve as the central hub for draft activities, including unnamed musical acts

“We are thrilled to be heading to Cleveland for the NFL draft, which has become one of the most highly anticipated events in sports” NFL executive Peter O’Reilly said.

The NFL will also use this year’s draft to promote the COVID-19 vaccine.

This year’s draft coincides with the the Cleveland Browns’ 75th anniversary.

CINCINNATI — Peyton Ramsey is confident and grateful as the NFL Draft approaches April 29.

The 2016 Elder High School graduate isn't worried about mock drafts or speculation the next two weeks.

His resume speaks for itself with what he accomplished at Northwestern University and Indiana University.

"He's got that winning DNA, and there is some teams out there that are falling in love with him largely because of those intangibles, for sure," said Chris Martin, Ramsey's agent.

Ramsey, a former captain at IU and Northwestern, is focused on what he can control in order to try to fulfill a lifelong dream of playing in the NFL.

"You can read all the mock drafts you can read, all the articles - whatever you want to read - nobody truly knows anything," Ramey told WCPO Friday morning.

"You've got to sit back and try to relax the best that you can, which is a hard thing to do because you work so hard to get into this situation."

Ramsey said Friday morning he's had Zoom interviews with Minnesota, New Orleans, Arizona, Denver and Tampa Bay.

"It's been cool; it's been unique," Ramsey said.

"Drawing something on a whiteboard here at my house and then flashing it up to the screen, it's kind of a harder way to do things, I think. I know for a fact that these NFL coaches are not a fan of this process right now, but it's all part of it. It's a cool experience for them to try to learn as well, but also for me to try to articulate myself and prove that I can make things work even in a virtual setting."

Ramsey, the Citrus Bowl MVP this past January, discovered similar questions from NFL personnel throughout the handful of interviews.

Northwestern University Athletics

NFL teams had likely already researched Ramsey's film and character entering the virtual interviews. They wanted to know how he communicates and delve into his football IQ.

"When they're getting on an interview logging onto Zoom, it's not about what I did in the past," Ramsey said.

"It's about how in this moment I can articulate a certain play or how I can articulate a defense or a coverage so they just want to get to know me more, and I think that's kind of been the common theme - just drill me with questions and see how I can answer those."

Martin predicts four or five quarterbacks will be taken in the first round.

He said the general consensus is that Ramsey is in the top 10 or 11 quarterbacks of the draft and should be in the mid-to-late round conversation. There are seven rounds of the draft.

"I think the best thing for him is, he's your quintessential leader," Martin said. "When I talk to teams, I'm like, 'This is a guy that won at two places and that's been a captain with a 'C' on his chest at both.'"

Martin said Ramsey is seen as a low-rep quarterback, meaning he can step into a game right away if necessary with few reps in practice.

"He just really gets it," Martin said. "He has great command, great presence. You can tell he can step in and galvanize the huddle and get people ready to play. And I think that's why he was able to help Northwestern turn it around."

Ramsey was a graduate transfer this past season and helped to lead Northwestern to the Big Ten championship game in December 2020. The Wildcats went from a 3-9 season in 2019 to the Big Ten West title during a unique season through the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Winner, gritty, leader, great teammate," Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald said this past season.

"Unflappable, mature, experienced and just a joy to be around, just to name a few."

Northwestern University Athletics

Ramsey, who has nearly all of Elder's career passing records, excelled at the Northwestern pro day March 9 and completed all his pass attempts.

"I think the biggest box that he checked was how well he threw the ball at pro day," Martin said.

Martin said NFL personnel saw Ramsey throw with a lot more velocity than what they could've scouted on film.

"With this profession that I'm trying to get into I think that's all you can do is control the things that you can control, because there is so many things that are out of my reach," Ramsey said.

"I did everything that I could. I walked out of there as happy, as elated, as I possibly could be because I know I did everything."

Elder football coach Doug Ramsey, Peyton's father, said he's trying to stay patient as his son approaches draft weekend.

"It's hard because you know he's put so much time and effort into this to live out a dream," Doug Ramsey said.

"He's wanted to do this for forever and to see him have to wait this out and find out what's going to happen – you know as a parent it's a hard thing. And it's probably going to get even worse."

Peyton Ramsey just returned from Tampa and plans to conduct additional workouts locally in preparation for the draft. While in Florida, he had time to reflect on his football journey.

"To think about all the guys that I've met, guys that I've played against – it's really, really special," Ramsey said.

"And I don't take any of that for granted. Like you said, it's a business. I want to make it. I want to play football for a long, long time. But, I do think you do got to reflect and just be grateful for all the opportunities that you've had throughout the years."

You can watch the 2021 NFL Draft live on ABC, ESPN and NFL Network. The first round starts Thursday, April 29, at 8 p.m. Tune in for the second and third rounds Friday, April 30, at 7 p.m. The draft concludes with rounds four-seven on Saturday, May 1, at noon.

With the 2021 NFL Draft beginning on Thursday, this year's draft will allow a select number of fans, prospects, fans, and media crews to attend.

Last year's draft was held virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic.

This year's draft is taking place in Cleveland, with the first round kicking off at 8 p.m. ET and can be watched on ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network.

"We are thrilled to be heading to Cleveland for the NFL Draft, which has become one of the most highly anticipated events in sports," NFL executive Peter O'Reilly said in a statement back in March. "Just months after executing a safe and successful Super Bowl LV, we look forward to bringing the excitement of our draft traditions to fans in collaboration with the Browns, Destination Cleveland, Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, the City of Cleveland, and all of our local Cleveland partners."

The NFL will set the main stage of the draft against the backdrop of Lake Erie.

Fans will be able to participate in free events in accordance with state and local public officials to ensure a safe and successful draft.

The NFL said fans will be required to wear face coverings and "adhere to appropriate physical distancing at draft activities."

The first team to select first overall this year is the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are likely to choose quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

According to most NFL Draft experts, several college stars, including Heisman winner Devonta Smith, Kyle Pitts, and Justin Fields are likely to be selected in the first round.

Here is what to look for this weekend:

The basics

The NFL Draft is being held in downtown Cleveland across from FirstEnergy Stadium, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and the Great Lakes Science Center.

The first round will start Thursday at 8 p.m. ET. Each team will have 10 minutes to make their choice. The second and third rounds are on Friday, and rounds 4-7 are on Saturday.

According to the NFL Draft rules, teams will get seven minutes per selection in the second round, five minutes for regular or compensatory picks in rounds 3-6, and four minutes in round 7.

2021 NFL Draft order

Round 1:

1. Jacksonville Jaguars
2. New York Jets
3. San Francisco 49ers (from Miami via Houston)
4. Atlanta Falcons
5. Cincinnati Bengals
6. Miami Dolphins (from Philadelphia)
7. Detroit Lions
8. Carolina Panthers
9. Denver Broncos
10. Dallas Cowboys
11. New York Giants
12. Philadelphia Eagles (from Miami via San Francisco)
13. Los Angeles Chargers
14. Minnesota Vikings
15. New England Patriots
16. Arizona Cardinals
17. Las Vegas Raiders
18. Miami Dolphins
19. Washington Football Team
20. Chicago Bears
21. Indianapolis Colts
22. Tennessee Titans
23. New York Jets (from Seattle)
24. Pittsburgh Steelers
25. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Rams)
26. Cleveland Browns
27. Baltimore Ravens
28. New Orleans Saints
29. Green Bay Packers
30. Buffalo Bills
31. Baltimore Ravens (from Kansas City)
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The NFL disciplined three teams by taking away single draft picks, according to CBS Sports.

The New England Patriots surrendered a third-round pick for its alleged illegal filming of an opponent's 2019 game, while the Las Vegas Raiders and New Orleans Saints surrendered sixth-round picks for violating COVID-19 protocols last season.

CLEVELAND —

Not much changed on the second night of the NFL draft. Do the letters SEC and QB seem familiar?

The SEC remained the conference of choice with 29 players selected overall, including 17 on Friday night.

Related video above: A past NFL superstar and a current prospect reflect on the NFL draft

Quarterbacks went in clusters, too. Not like 1-2-3 as happened in the opening round with Clemson's Trevor Lawrence to Jacksonville, BYU's Zach Wilson to the New York Jets, and North Dakota State's Trey Lance to San Francisco.

Still, the second round concluded with Florida's Kyle Trask going to Tampa Bay perhaps as the heir to Tom Brady in a decade or so. Then Texas A&M's Kellen Mond was chosen in the second spot of the third round by Minnesota and Stanford's Davis Mills went in the next slot to Houston.

"I'm definitely looking forward to it," Trask said of Brady. "He's definitely one of my favorite quarterbacks growing up. So to have that opportunity to learn from one of the greats is a great opportunity for me. I can't wait to get this ball rolling for sure."

Naturally, Alabama was a major destination within the Southeastern Conference. The national champions had a record-equaling six players taken in the opening round. Two more went among the first six picks of Round 2: offensive lineman Landon Dickerson and defensive tackle Christian Barmore, the MVP of the national title game in January on that side of the ball.

Georgia cornerback Tyson Campbell to Jacksonville and Mississippi wide receiver Elijah Moore to the Jets were the top two selections Friday night. Guess what conference they played in.

Campbell, a three-year starter, saw Bulldogs teammate Eric Stokes chosen in the first round by Green Bay. Campbell led Georgia with five pass breakups in 10 starts last season. He also had 29 tackles, including 2½ for loss, and an interception.

He has no qualms about switching to safety if asked.

"I'm versatile and I could learn a new position," Campbell said. "I trust my feet, trust my hips. I feel like I can run with anybody."

Moore's breakout season lifted him to All-America status — and now to a potential regular target for Wilson. The explosive Moore set a school record with 86 catches for 1,193 yards in 2020.

"Oh, man ... he's got a great arm," he said of Wilson. "Get ready to catch a lot of touchdowns."

Not everyone went to SEC schools at the outset of the second round. North Carolina running back Javonte Williams is headed to Denver after the Broncos traded up to the third spot with Atlanta.

Miami went for safety Jevon Holland of Oregon. Then it was back to the SEC — and the Tide.

Dickerson can go at guard or center for Philadelphia, which desperately needs to revamp its O-line. He was injured for the national championship game, yet went onto the field for the final snap of Alabama's romp over Ohio State.

"You can call it leadership or however you want," he said. "I care for every single guy I play with. I love being a part of a team, especially a football team. Everybody at this level has a mindset that not only do they want to be the best athlete, player they can be, but we also want to create the best team, a winning team."

Barmore was the first player at his position taken this year, by the Patriots, who traded up with Cincinnati. Barmore, of course, played with New England's first-rounder, quarterback Mac Jones, at Tuscaloosa.

"It was my favorite team growing up," said Barmore. "They're winners. I love winners."

The Bears, who made waves Thursday night when they traded up to get Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields, also moved up to seventh in the second round to get a protector: Oklahoma State tackle Teven Jenkins. That was the first player drafted from the Big 12, at 39th overall.

Another Big 12 guy, Trevon Moehrig of TCU, went 43rd overall to Las Vegas and was the first safety taken.

Such powerhouses as Auburn, Texas A&M, which finished fourth in the final AP poll, and Wisconsin did not have anyone selected through 64 picks. But A&M quarterback Kellen Mond went second in the third round to Minnesota.

"I think one of the biggest things I learned, whether you're a starter or a backup or anybody, is to treat everything like a national championship or a Super Bowl rep," Mond said. "So that's the type of mindset that I have, whether it's workouts or going into practice. Just wanting to do everything to the best of my ability and just be prefect, and just pretty much wanting to grasp all types of information ..."

Three teams made their initial picks in the second round — and they went consecutively. Seattle took wide receiver D'Wayne Eskridge of Western Michigan, the Rams grabbed Louisville wideout Tutu Atwell, and the Chiefs got Missouri linebacker Nick Bolton.

Houston was the final franchise to join the action, taking Mills 67th overall amid all the turmoil surrounding Deshaun Watson.

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AP Pro Football Writers Dennis Waszak Jr., Dave Campbell, Mark Long, Arnie Stapleton, College Football Writer Ralph D. Russo, Sports Writer Fred Goodall and freelance writer Ken Powtak contributed.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Bengals Friday selected offensive tackle and Fairfield, Ohio native Jackson Carman from Clemson as their second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Carman -- standing at 6 feet, 5 inches and weighing 330 pounds -- is a graduate of Fairfield High School.

BACKGROUND: Former Fairfield HS standout declares for 2021 NFL Draft

The choice came as the 14th pick in Friday's second round and the 46th overall. Later Friday evening, the Bengals were slated to make the fifth choice in the third round, 69th overall.

Carman helped to lead Clemson (10-2) to the College Football Playoff semifinal in the Sugar Bowl. Carman played 70 snaps in that game.

Ohio State defeated Clemson 49-24. It was the sixth consecutive College Football Playoff for the Tigers.

Friday's second-round selection followed the Bengals' first-round pick Thursday, Ja'Marr Chase, out of Louisiana State University.