The NFL draft is the culmination of a lifelong dream for many college players who’ve envisioned hearing their names called by Commissioner Roger Goodell since they were kids.
They’ve made plenty of sacrifices and spent hundreds of hours practicing on the field, exercising in the weight room and studying film. They’ve dealt with injuries — some had to overcome significant ones— and battled adversity along the way.
And the journey is just beginning, especially for the players who aren’t picked in the first round and don’t get a guaranteed multiyear contract.
Prospects had to turn it up a notch in the months leading up to this week’s draft. From training for the scouting combine to preparing for pro days, interviewing with coaches and visiting teams, the process can be overwhelming.
Washington State wide receiver Kyle Williams, USC center Jonah Monheim and Colorado State wideout Tory Horton, who are represented by Excel Sports Management, have spent months getting ready for the big day by training at the agency’s performance center in Irvine, California.