The NFL Draft continues to increase in popularity every year. 32 million people tuned in last May, giving the event a viewership on par with the first round of the NFL playoffs. Football season, or at least football talking season, is now year round.
“I would say no sporting event has come further than the NFL Draft,” said :SportsCenter” anchor Steve Levy. “With all the glitz and glamour and red carpet, the way I understand it, it started in a conference room in a bad hotel with just general managers in the room. That was it and you read about it the next day in the newspaper.”
Chicago is breaking new ground in hosting the event for the first time in decades. For the first time ever, the third day of the draft will be held outdoors. In addition, the Draft Town festival is attracting thousands of fans.
RedEye put some of them to the test by asking how certain prospects would help their favorite team. Thing is, none of the “prospects” were real. We tried to include as many draft analyst cliches as possible. And don’t worry, we let them in on the joke at the end.
Phrase: WE MADE HIM UP
Name: Wade Pummhi Jr.
Position: QB, 6-4, 230
College: Miami
Bio: Has all the measurables, aced the scouting combine. He can make all the throws but has some character issues.
Phrase: MR. UNREAL
Name: Len Arrum
Position: DE, 6-6, 270
College: Michigan State
Bio: Pure edge rusher, suited for both the 3-4 or 4-3. Plays well in space, but can be effective as a hand-in-the-ground player too. High character guy.
Phrase: TRICKED YOU
Name: Tre Yodick
Position: WR, 6-1, 195
College: USC
Bio: Tremendous upside, great ball skills, plays faster than his tape, gets all the 50-50 balls.
Phrase: WHO IS THAT
Name: Hitto Shaw
Position: DT, 6-3, 295
College: Alabama
Bio: Shows great physicality at the point of attack, a space eater and run stuffer, a high motor guy, but he needs to work on his intangibles.
Phrase: PICKED FIRST
Name: Fred Pistick III
Position: RB, 5-9, 215
College: LSU
Bio: SEC speed, true north-south runner, great acceleration in getting to the second level, very coachable, but height is an issue.
Paul M. Banks is a RedEye special correspondent. @paulmbanks
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