The newest group of football prospects hope to make a name for themselves, and it starts at the 2022 NFL draft. A handful of draftees are turning heads before playing a single down in the league because of their draft-day outfits.
Distinctive wardrobe selections often make an appearance during the draft. In 2016, Dallas Cowboys first-round pick Ezekiel Elliott garnered attention with his crop-top shirt and suit look. Denver Broncos pass-rusher Bradley Chubb, San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa and Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa showed personalization and creativity with special graphics printed on the inner lining of their suit jackets for their respective drafts.
In 2018, soon-to-be NFL MVP Lamar Jackson rocked Gucci from head to toe while Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander donned a three-piece suit with leopard print shoes. And who could forget the memorable fits worn by Pro Football Hall of Famers Brett Favre and Deion Sanders?
The 2022 class showed out on the draft day red carpet with sleek suits, flashy jewelry, fresh kicks and more eccentric attire.
How to watch Round 1 of the NFL draft
The draft starts at 8 p.m. ET and can be watched on ESPN, ABC and NFL Network. It can also be streamed using the ESPN app.
His nickname might be “Sauce,” but former Cincinnati Bearcats cornerback Ahmad Gardner brought major drip to the draft. The projected first-round pick rocked two flashy chains brandishing his famous monicker. One of the pendants is a sauce bottle, a fitting addition to Gardner’s wardrobe. He also donned a blue suit that pairs well with the ice around his neck.
Brrrrr 🥶#Bearcats | #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/1YGTTJ2ISq
— Cincinnati Football (@GoBearcatsFB) April 28, 2022
Jameson Williams wore red for the Alabama Crimson Tide, and again for draft night. He complimented the vibrant suit with a very large pendant that hung from a necklace.
Jameson Williams had to pull out the TD celly on the red carpet. @bigsgjamo | @AlabamaFTBL
📺: 2022 #NFLDraft — 8pm ET on NFLN/ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/EiwKrRKhuy
— NFL (@NFL) April 28, 2022
Offensive lineman Ikem Ekwonu arrived at the draft in a white suit that has hints of green throughout. The patterns on the lapel and wrist of his jacket pay homage to Nigeria’s flag. His mother and father both lived there before coming to the United States. He also showed off a necklace that featured his nickname “Ickey.”
.@BigIck79 has arrived ⭐️🇳🇬 @NFLAfrica
📺: 2022 #NFLDraft — Tonight at 8pm ET on NFLN/ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/u4Quh4XlCg
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) April 28, 2022
.@BigIck79 with the Big Chain ⛓️@PackFootball | @Invisalign
📺: 2022 #NFLDraft — 8pm ET on NFLN/ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/wlYULKnuPr
— NFL (@NFL) April 28, 2022
Jordan Davis won the College Football Playoff National Championship with the Georgia Bulldogs this past season, and he made sure to bring his championship ring to the draft. The defensive lineman wore a black and red suit, which are his alma mater’s colors.
Flex that championship ring, @jordanxdavis99. 💍
📺: 2022 #NFLDraft — 8pm ET on NFLN/ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/91pVDXXH8T
— NFL (@NFL) April 28, 2022
Oregon alum Kayvon Thibodeaux didn’t play around with his draft day fit. He wore Dolce and Gabbana with red stones adorning the jacket. He also sported some sleek black shoes that “just came straight in from Italy” according to the projected first-round pick.
.@kayvont‘s Red Carpet fit. 🔥
📺: 2022 #NFLDraft — 8pm ET on NFLN/ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/sId8DfqHX8
— NFL (@NFL) April 28, 2022
Former Ohio State Buckeyes wide receivers Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson showed up to the draft in some sleek suits. Olave went with an all-black look, while Wilson opted for a two-toned ensemble.
Those @OhioStateFB WRs came through looking their best. 😎 (by @Invisalign)@chrisolave_ | @GarrettWilson_V
📺: 2022 #NFLDraft – 8pm ET on NFLN/ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/GhBU43wNcF
— NFL (@NFL) April 28, 2022
Florida State Seminoles prospect Jermaine Johnson II chronicled his scholastic journey with his draft day outfit. His yellow and black suit jacket featured all of the schools he’s attended on the inner lining, from Eden Prairie High School in Minnesota to Florida State. The piece was custom-made by menswear company Gentleman’s Playbook.
.@ii_jermaine looking like a million bucks out here 😎💰
📺: 2022 #NFLDraft — 8pm ET on NFLN/ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/7vPvFsI9xl
— NFL (@NFL) April 28, 2022
Liberty Flames alum and first-round hopeful Malik Willis donned some eye-catching attire. From his spiked Christian Louboutin shoes to his shiny necklace, Willis put together an impressive fit.
It’s @malikwillis‘ time to shine now. ✨ @LibertyFootball
📺: 2022 #NFLDraft — 8pm ET on NFLN/ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/p1iMteLnA5
— NFL (@NFL) April 28, 2022
Evan Neal used the inner lining of his suit to pay homage to his hometown of Okeechobee, Florida. The former Crimson Tide offensive lineman topped off the look with some stylish shades.
Evan Neal is repping his hometown on the biggest stage. ❤️🤍
📺: 2022 #NFLDraft — 8pm ET on NFLN/ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/Nyq4fs1MQ7
— NFL (@NFL) April 28, 2022
Former USC Trojans receiver Drake London also had some jewelry on, wearing a chain that featured his initials and the peace sign.
Peep the ✌️ in the chain. #FightOn@DrakeLondon_ | @USC_FB
📺: 2022 #NFLDraft — 8pm ET on NFLN/ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/BsDHkOoWE8
— NFL (@NFL) April 28, 2022
Sometimes keeping it simple is best. Former Ole Miss Rebels quarterback Matt Corral took that approach with a sharp navy blue suit.
Matt Corral has arrived.
Which team is drafting the @OleMissFB QB?
📺: 2022 #NFLDraft — 8pm ET on NFLN/ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/lGU1bSLZzd
— NFL (@NFL) April 28, 2022
Source: www.espn.com