By Bill Smith
Since the
draft has become a major television event, the league has invited the 5 to 6
players considered to be the first few choices.
Others invited to attend include DT Glenn Dorsey—LSU, DE Chris
Long—Virginia, OT Jake Long—that team up north, RB Darren McFadden—Arkansas and QB Matt Ryan—Boston College.
The NFL
likes to have the top picks available for pictures with the draft team of the
franchise that selects them. However,
just because a player is a consensus top pick does not guarantee he will be
among the top 8 selections. Last year,
Brady Quinn was invited to the draft because he was expected to be picked in
the first few selections. After hours of
trying to act as if he not concerned about dropping, the Cleveland Browns
traded picks with the Dallas Cowboys and selected Quinn with the 22nd
pick in the first round.
According
to reports from the NFL Channel and ESPN, the Miami Dolphins who hold the top
pick in the draft have already begun negotiations with the agent for Jake
Long. They will likely talk to several
of top potential picks to see what kind of contact they can work out. In recent years, teams in the top spot have
considered signability as important as talent.
The first contracts of the top rookies in the draft have risen so much
that a team must be certain they have at least an outline of a deal before
making the 1st pick.