Despite the lockout, a total of 10 incoming rookies have accepted invitations to attend the 2011 NFL draft.
The latest? Georgia receiver A.J. Green.
“I’m going to New York,” Green recently told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I know I’m going to have a great time.”
Green is expected to be the first receiver taken. He could be the first player taken. If both Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert go in the first three picks, Green’s floor likely will be No. 4, to the Bengals.
The other nine players to accept invitations to the draft are Virginia Tech running back Ryan Williams, UCLA linebacker Akeem Ayers, Iowa defensive end Adrian Clayborn, Alabama receiver Julio Jones, Purdue defensive end Ryan Kerrigan, Illinois defensive tackle Corey Liuget, Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller, LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson, and USC offensive tackle Tyron Smith.
The league originally invited 20 players. More invitations apparently have been issued as some of the players have declined. Washington’s Jack Locker and Colorado’s Nate Solder are among those who have said “no thanks.”