The newest group of football prospects are hoping to make a name for themselves, starting in the 2022 NFL draft. A handful of recruits turned heads before playing a single try in the league because of their outfits on draft day.
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Distinctive wardrobe selections often appear during the draft, like Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott’s short suit look in 2016. The class of 2022 did not disappoint with their own eccentric ensembles. Jewelry was a common theme, as several players wore some impressive chains and pendants to complement their looks.
Other players wore their suit jackets as a fashion statement with bold colors, special designs, and sentimental messages. Firefighting footwear was also on display, with some shoes costing a pretty penny.
Here’s a look at some of the eye-catching fits of the NFL’s newest class of players in the draft:
His nickname might be “Salsa,” but former Cincinnati Bearcats cornerback Ahmad Gardner made a big contribution to the draft. The projected first-round pick rocked two flashy chains brandishing his famous nickname. One of the pendants is a gravy bottle, a fitting addition to Gardner’s wardrobe. He also put on a blue outfit that matches 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 accessorized the vibrant suit with a very large pendant that hung from a necklace.
Jameson Williams had to pull out TD’s cell phone on the red carpet. @bigsgjamo | @AlabamaFTBL
📺: 2022 #NFLDraft — 8 p.m. ET on NFLN/ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/EiwKrRKhuy
— NFL (@NFL) April 28, 2022
Offensive lineman Ikem Ekwonu came into the draft wearing a white suit with hints of green throughout. The patterns on the lapel and wrist of his jacket pay homage to the Nigerian flag. His mother and his father lived there before they came to the United States. He also showed off a necklace with 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 Great Network ⛓️@PackFootball | @Invisalign
📺: 2022 #NFLDraft — 8 p.m. ET on NFLN/ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/wlYULKnuPr
— NFL (@NFL) April 28, 2022
Jordan Davis won the College Football Playoffs National Championship with the Georgia Bulldogs last season, making sure to bring his championship ring to the draft. The defensive lineman wore a black and red suit, the colors of his alma mater.
Flex that championship ring, @jordanxdavis99. 💍
📺: 2022 #NFLDraft — 8 p.m. ET on NFLN/ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/91pVDXXH8T
— NFL (@NFL) April 28, 2022
Oregon alum Kayvon Thibodeaux didn’t play in his draft-day fit. He was wearing a Dolce & Gabbana suit with red stones adorning the jacket. He, too, sported black shoes that “came straight from Italy,” according to the projected first-round pick.
.@kayvont red carpet setting. 🔥
📺: 2022 #NFLDraft — 8 p.m. 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 fancy suits. Olave opted for an all-black look, while Wilson opted for a two-tone ensemble.
Those @OhioStateFB WRs looked 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 alumnus Jermaine Johnson II chronicled his school trip in his draft day attire. His yellow and black suit jacket featured every school he attended on the inside lining, from Eden Prairie High School in Minnesota to the state of Florida. The piece was custom made by menswear company Gentleman’s Playbook.
.@ii_jermaine looking like a million bucks here 😎💰
📺: 2022 #NFLDraft — 8 p.m. ET on NFLN/ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/7vPvFsI9xl
— NFL (@NFL) April 28, 2022
Former Liberty Flames signalman Malik Willis donned a flashy outfit. From his spiked Christian Louboutin pumps to his sparkly necklace, Willis put together a stunning fit.
Now is @malikwillis time to shine. ✨ @FreedomFootball
📺: 2022 #NFLDraft — 8 p.m. ET on NFLN/ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/p1iMteLnA5
— NFL (@NFL) April 28, 2022 Mindy Small/Getty Images
Evan Neal used the inner lining of his suit to pay tribute to his hometown of Okeechobee, Florida. The former Crimson Tide offensive lineman finished off the look with some stylish shades.
Evan Neal is representing his hometown on the biggest stage. ❤️🤍
📺: 2022 #NFLDraft — 8 p.m. ET on NFLN/ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/Nyq4fs1MQ7
— NFL (@NFL) April 28, 2022
Former USC Trojans wide receiver Drake London also had some jewelry, with a chain displaying his initials and peace sign.
Look at the ✌️ on the chain. #FightOn@DrakeLondon_ | @USC_FB
📺: 2022 #NFLDraft — 8 p.m. ET on NFLN/ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/BsDHkOoWE8
— NFL (@NFL) April 28, 2022
Sometimes keeping it simple is better. Former Ole Miss Rebels quarterback Matt Corral took that approach in a sleek navy suit.
Matt Corral has arrived.
Which team is drafting the @OleMissFB QB?
📺: 2022 #NFLDraft — 8 p.m. ET on NFLN/ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/lGU1bSLZzd
— NFL (@NFL) April 28, 2022
Georgia alumna Nakobe Dean’s outfit featured a stunning fedora and a pink suit. Like Davis, Dean also wore the CFP National Championship ring she won with the Bulldogs in January.
He’s ready. 🔥 @NakobeDean
📺: 2022 #NFLDraft on NFLN/ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/Lgc4ZqOM93
— NFL (@NFL) April 29, 2022
Source: www.espn.com