Sport Style: Grading the NFL Draft Top 10
Alison Pegg
It’s no joke, the NFL draft has become as much of an event as any entertainment award show out there.
Red Carpet? Check.
Screaming Fans? Check.
Terse audience moments waiting to announce winners? Check.
Fashion? Double Check.
With the draft being the first opportunity for these rookies to get their name out there AND showcase their brand new endorsements, it’s also the first opportunity for these newly minted NFL players to showcase their style (and their stylists). Basically, to get noticed. And for some of these guys, get noticed they did. Here’s round up of my style grades for this Top 10 picks of the 2016 NFL Draft.
See this Instagram photo by @nfl * 67.8k likes
No. 1: Jared Goff
Grade: B+
Jared looks like every clean cut quarterback there is out there. And I’m 100% okay with that. You want a guy who’s going to run your offense to look trustworthy, and his blue suit screams “Mom approves”. Kudos on the fit and the fabrics though, this isn’t your everyday blue suit, and it suits him perfectly (haha) for this year’s number one pick. I expect as his career blooms he’ll start to play a little more with fit (see: Aaron Rodgers) but for now sometimes safe is the best way to go.
No. 2: Carson Wentz
Grade: D
Sometimes when trying to play it safe, too much style is forgotton and you end up looking like a giant nerd. Listen, I get that Carson is honoring his alma mater by dressing in his team colours, he wouldn’t be the #2 pick without his school behind him. But the grid outline on his shirt isn’t doing him any favors, and the mismatched tie and pocket square are cringe inducing. But I get it, be true to your school.
See this Instagram photo by @jbbigbear * 16k likes
No. 3: Joey Bosa
Grade: B+
For those of us that know Bosa (shoutout to Buckeye Nation!) we know that this look and haircut are quite a departure from the player we’ve seen the last three years. And he almost gets it right. The suit is cut perfectly to fit his linebacker frame and I love the sheen on its fabric, it’s exactly the perfect amount. But there’s something about his black shirt that doesn’t feel right, but then again I’m not a fan of black buttons-ups in general (unless they’re style without a tie). While it’s not my favorite homage to Ohio State, those of us that bleed scarlet and gray are so proud. (Note: Joey is styled by Columbus’ own Pantheon Custom Clothiers)
No. 4: Ezekiel Elliott
Grade: C
ZEEEEEKE! (sorry, I had to)
If Zeke was going for the most talked about look at the draft, he definitely nailed it. GQ deemed his look “brought NFL draft style to a new low” and I might have to agree that the colours of his look are better suited at an event like the Kentucky Derby. But I do kind of love the crop top. A nod to his college days (and a dig at the NCAA), it showcased Zeke’s personality, which after his skill, is the best thing about him. Pantheon also styled Zeke here, repping Cbus’ fashion scene on one of its most beloved athletes.
No. 5: Jalen Ramsey
Grade: A-
I love a man who appreciates a good pair of shoes. And Jalen Ramsey definitely knows how to rock a great pair of them. This look is also a great example of how to incorporate school colours into your look, without literally wearing them. The white shirt/gold tie combo totally works with the dark suit and the bling on the earrings and shoes are far enough away from each other that both totally work. I wish this was tailored just a tiny bit better, but all in all it’s a great NFL draft look.
No. 6: Ronnie Stanley
Grade: A
Ronnie knows what the ladies know about shoes, you really can’t go wrong with Christian Louboutin. These white studded loafers are a perfect fit for the flash of the NFL draft, as is the rest of his of his draft ensemble. The texture on his ivory jacket keeps him from looking like a cater waiter, and his his bowtie and pocket square coordinate perfectly to keep his ensemble looking fresh. You can’t really go wrong with a classic colours elevated to the next level – looking great Ronnie.
No. 7: DeForest Buckner
Grade: A
Any player who chooses to stay home with his friends and family to celebrate on draft day gets an A in my book. Kudos DeForest.
No. 8: Jack Conklin
Grade: B
This guy has teddy bear written all over him. And you can’t complain about that. His pattern game is on fire here, with the tie and suit complementing really well, all anchored by his white shirt. My only gripe here is that we’ve seen this look 87,000 times (see anytime Chris Evans hits the red carpet). The gray is safe and he looks great, I just wanted a little bit more.
No. 9: Leonard Floyd
Grade: A
See No. 7. Nothing beats a live shot of mob of excited friends and family.
See this Instagram photo by @eliapple13 * 3,923 likes
No. 10: Eli Apple
Grade: B-
First of all, Eli Apple playing in the Big Apple? Someone get this guy the new apple phone. (I kid). Eli’s look has the makings of something great, but it’s falling short on all of the important details. The jacket is cut great and the wide black tie works, but the collar on his button up is just too big. And while I appreciate the scarlet pocket square as an homage to the Buckeyes, it’s overshadowed by the brown belt peeking out. But one thing is for sure, how great does his Mom look?