Despite labor uncertainty and reports that the NFL Players Association was urging players to skip the draft, a record high number of prospects will be attending.
According to ESPN.com, 25 players will be attending the NFL draft on Thursday night at Radio City Music Hall in New York, the league announced on Monday.
Highlighting the attendees include Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton, as well as other possible top five picks, including Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley, Georgia receiver A.J. Green, Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller, LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson and Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus.
Boston College linebacker Mark Herzlich will also be present, while the Detroit Free Press reported that teammate and offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo turned down the invitation and will not be attending to spend time with family and friends.
The previous record for the number of prospects attending the draft was 17, set in 2010.
