In the weeks preceding the NFL draft, prospects invited to the live ceremony are met with a pivotal decision: should they attend the draft under the spotlight, or opt for a more intimate setting to witness the culmination of their lifelong dreams?
The concept of the green room, created in the 1980s, is where the league accommodates players and their families invited to the live ceremony in the draft’s host city. The room began with just the top draft pick being flown out to attend, and soon after grew to about five or six of the highest-ranked prospects attending. Fast forward two decades and the green room has evolved into a space filled with a dozen or two splashy-dressed players and a multitude of cameras fixated on every expression, adding to the tension of the draft and creating elements of a reality TV experience for viewers.
While NFL fans eagerly anticipate the moments of college prospects being selected and celebrating on stage, not every draft night unfolds as predicted. Prospects attending the event may find themselves waiting in the green room longer than anticipated, and hopeful faces turning to visible disappointment can be caught on camera for all to see.
The unpredictability of the draft process was evident last year in Kansas City. Despite 17 prospects accepting invites to the live ceremony, only 13 were selected during the first round. Among the four left waiting in the green room were quarterback Will Levis, defensive end Keion White, cornerback Joey Porter Jr., and defensive back Brian Branch.
The upcoming draft will witness the smallest number of in-person attendees since 2021. Among the confirmed guests are the top three quarterback prospects: Drake Maye, Caleb Williams, and Jayden Daniels. Four wide receivers are expected to be in attendance, Ohio State standout Marvin Harrison Jr., LSU teammates Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr., and Washington’s Rome Odunze. Adding to the lineup are three representatives from Alabama: edge Dallas Turner, cornerback Terrion Arnold, and offensive tackle JC Latham. Additionally, UCLA edge Laiatu Latu, Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, and Missouri defensive end Darius Robinson are also set to attend.
Amidst the roster of confirmed attendees, one notable absence stands out: former Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, a projected early first-round pick. Additionally, other headline players absent from the list include offensive lineman Joe Alt and edge rusher Jared Verse. Last year, only one out of 18 players declined the invitation to attend the ceremony: Titans offensive lineman Peter Skoronski, selected 11th overall. Skoronski’s decision to celebrate with loved ones close to home offers a glimpse into some of the personal considerations that influence players’ choices regarding draft attendance.
For some, attending the draft is an opportunity to celebrate on the big screen with loved ones and embrace the live moment. For others, the decision to decline the ceremony may stem from practical considerations or personal desire. Yet, regardless of their choice, the anticipation and unpredictability surrounding the draft remains unchanged, promising an exciting occasion as we eagerly await Thursday’s round one picks.
