{"id":20654,"date":"2026-04-25T11:51:21","date_gmt":"2026-04-25T11:51:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/news\/20654\/"},"modified":"2026-04-25T11:51:21","modified_gmt":"2026-04-25T11:51:21","slug":"the-best-boldest-and-most-wait-what-nfl-draft-fits-from-kadyn-proctors-purple-plaid-to-francis-mauigoas-samoan-lei","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/news\/20654\/","title":{"rendered":"The best, boldest and most ‘wait, what?’ NFL draft fits \u2014 from Kadyn Proctor’s purple plaid to Francis Mauigoa’s Samoan lei"},"content":{"rendered":"

Indiana University’s Fernando Mendoza went to the Raiders as the No. 1 draft pick \u2014 and immediately updated his LinkedIn bio<\/a>. The Los Angeles Rams made an eyebrow-raising quarterback pick<\/a>, and Super Bowl victors the Seattle Seahawks (a distinction that gives them last dibs) snatched up Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price. OK, enough about the stats, sports and side deals swirling around the NFL draft<\/a>: Let’s talk about the suits.<\/p>\n

As with last week’s parade of WNBA rookies in sequins, fur and polished pinstripes,<\/a> the three-day NFL draft always delivers on big fashion statements. It’s where\u00a0blazers open up\u00a0<\/a>to reveal family photos, artwork, and \u2014 in this era of sponsorship deals \u2014 corporate logos (see:\u00a0Arvell Reese’s tribute to, ahem, Reese’s<\/a>). The suits are big, bold and often in all shades of the rainbow. The bow ties are out \u2014 and so is the bling. And while not everyone finds a team in the first round, they can all dress the part anyway. Behold, the players in Pittsburgh who caught our eye \u2026 on the fashion field, at least.<\/p>\n

Most mad for plaid: Kadyn Proctor\"Alabama<\/p>\n

Alabama defensive lineman Kadyn Proctor went for purple plaid.<\/p>\n

(ASSOCIATED PRESS)<\/p>\n

Purple is close to our heart here at Yahoo, but purple plaid? Groundbreaking. Newly minted Miami Dolphin Kadyn Proctor made quite a splash in his checked suit, paired with a hefty gold and diamond-encrusted \u201cProc\u201d medallion that probably weighs as much as the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Not pictured here? His sparkling teeth<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Best peekaboos: Um, everyone?\"Tennessee<\/p>\n

Tennessee defensive back Colton Hood poses on the red carpet.<\/p>\n

(ASSOCIATED PRESS)\"Ohio<\/p>\n

Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles shows off.<\/p>\n

(ASSOCIATED PRESS)\"Miami<\/p>\n

Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. offers a peek.<\/p>\n

(ASSOCIATED PRESS)\"Ohio<\/p>\n

Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs left no fabric untouched.<\/p>\n

(ASSOCIATED PRESS)<\/p>\n

Open wide! Multiple players couldn\u2019t resist using their jacket lining as a canvas of sorts, revealing photos, comic books and other special keepsakes.<\/p>\n

Best vibe: Carnell Tate\"Ohio<\/p>\n

Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate wore a “Chill” necklace.<\/p>\n

(Cooper Neill via Getty Images)\"Tate<\/p>\n

Tate wore a cropped cream suit jacket and traded his “Chill” for a cross.<\/p>\n

(Cooper Neill via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

On the red carpet in Pittsburgh, Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate channeled a no-stress mentality with a \u201cChill\u201d message on his gold chain necklace. It must have paid off; by night\u2019s end, he\u2019d scored a deal with the Tennessee Titans and had swapped his bling for a diamond cross.<\/p>\n

Best purple haze: Mansoor Delane\"LSU<\/p>\n

Mansoor Delane wowed in head-to-toe purple.<\/p>\n

(Cooper Neill via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

You can take the boy out of LSU, but you can\u2019t take his purple. Cornerback Mansoor Delane \u2014 now headed to the Kansas City Chiefs \u2014 was a vision in violet.<\/p>\n

Most likely to get a grass stain: Dillon Thieneman\"Dillon<\/p>\n

Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman opted for a cream suit.<\/p>\n

(Jason Miller via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

This classic (and classy!) cream ensemble looked mighty dapper on the Pittsburgh red carpet. We just hope the new Chicago Bear safety managed to dodge any Gatorade sprays.<\/p>\n

Best taste of home: Francis Mauigoa\"Miami<\/p>\n

Giants pick Francis Mauigoa celebrated his Samoan culture.<\/p>\n

(Cooper Neill via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Miami offensive lineman and New York Giants rookie Francis Mauigoa paid homage to his Samoan roots by wearing a traditional Samoan lei. The back of his suit jacket<\/a> also featured a painting of ferns, a boat and the American Samoa flag.<\/p>\n

Best stripes: Makai Lemon\"Southern<\/p>\n

Southern California wide receiver Makai Lemon stunned in stripes.<\/p>\n

(Cooper Neill via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

USC standout wide receiver Makai Lemon stepped out in a sharp gray pinstripe suit with a burgundy tie, finishing it with shades and a draft cap \u2014 and in one of the night\u2019s more dramatic moments<\/a>, he\u2019s now headed to Philadelphia.<\/p>\n

Most prom-ready: Keldric Faulk\"Auburn<\/p>\n

Auburn’s Keldric Faulk went all out.<\/p>\n

(Cooper Neill via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Auburn\u2019s Keldric Faulk traded pads for polish in a burgundy tux with black lapels and a statement chain. It\u2019s a bold, confident look for a first-rounder now headed to the Titans.<\/p>\n

Best brooch: Kayden McDonald\"<\/p>\n

Kayden McDonald of Ohio State put a pin in it.<\/p>\n

(Jason Miller via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Ohio State\u2019s Kayden McDonald didn\u2019t go in the first round, but he\u2019s our pick for best brooch thanks to his supersized \u201cKM\u201d initials on the lapel of his dark red suit. <\/p>\n