NFL narrows future 2019, 2020 Draft host cities to five

The NFL has narrowed its list to five finalists to host the 2019 and 2020 drafts, the league announced on Thursday.

Denver, Cleveland/Canton, Las Vegas, Nashville and Kansas City are in the running to host the NFL Draft, marking the first time for each of those respective cities.

"It's a competitive process, and we're excited to move one step closer to bringing the NFL Draft to Denver," Broncos president and CEO Joe Ellis said. "Working alongside VISIT DENVER and the Denver Sports Commission, we're confident that Denver would be a tremendous host to showcase the draft and the NFL in a great football environment."

Ellis was not alone in his excitement.

The 2019 draft would celebrate the league's 100th season, or its centennial in 2020. The league was formed in Canton, Ohio, home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, on Aug. 20, 1920 -- and that is of great interest to Browns executive vice president Dave Jenkins.

"Being selected as one of five finalists to host either the 2019 or 2020 NFL Draft in Cleveland and Canton is a great testament to our fans and the immense passion for football in Northeast Ohio," Jenkins said in a statement. "(Owners) Dee, Jimmy (Haslam) and our entire team are excited to move forward in the bid process with the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, and hopefully, create another great opportunity to showcase our region throughout the NFL and the country."

The Raiders are set to begin their first season in Las Vegas in 2020. Tennessee has been home to the Titans since 1997, after the franchise relocated from Houston.

"We are thrilled that Nashville is one of the finalist cities for the 2019 or 2020 NFL Draft," said Amy Adams Strunk, the Titans' controlling owner. "We are so proud of Nashville and all that it has to offer. This city has a number of unique qualities to showcase and of course it knows how to put on a show. We look forward to making that case to the NFL owners in May."

The NFL is expected to announce the host cities for both the 2019 and 2020 drafts during the league meetings in Atlanta from May 21-23.

This year's 2018 NFL Draft will be held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on April 26-28. It marks the first time the event will take place inside an NFL stadium.