Weekend At The Draft

Weekend At The Draft

David Bergman/SI

Think about it: How many people will be able to say they were at the draft when the Houston Texans passed on Reggie Bush for a guy named Mario Williams?

David Bergman/SI

The NFL season doesn't start until September, but you couldn't have convinced the throngs outside Radio City Music Hall on Saturday that the draft isn't just as big as game day, if not bigger.

David Bergman/SI

Many came, but not everyone got into Radio City Music Hall for Saturday's draft -- especially those who didn't have tickets.

David Bergman/SI

Neither Vince Young nor Matt Leinart nor Reggie Bush went first in the draft. Nonetheless, they all enjoyed their visit to the Big Apple.

David Bergman/SI

Today cohosts Katie Couric and Matt Lauer, standing, had a spirited interview with Reggie Bush, Matt Leinart, Vince Young and Vernon Davis.

David Bergman/SI

They came, they saw and they left New York as future millionaires: (from left) Reggie Bush, Mario Williams, Vernon Davis, Vince Young, Matt Leinart and D'Brickashaw Ferguson.

David Bergman/SI

Reggie Bush took in the sights and sounds of Rockefeller Center in the days before the draft, and very well could have become a New York Jet if the team had made an offer enticing enough to the New Orleans Saints.

David Bergman/SI

What's not to like about Leinart, a guy who stayed in school when he could have jumped at the NFL's millions after winning the Heisman Trophy and a national title in the 2004 season?

David Bergman/SI

Outgoing NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue shares some time in his office with USC running back and Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush.

David Bergman/SI

Though they weren't exactly on top of the world, the six players invited to the NFL draft did get a unique view of New York City.

David Bergman/SI

Vince Young and Matt Leinart made like stand-up comedians while waiting for yet another predraft event.

David Bergman/SI

The NFL draft moved from Madison Square Garden to the Jacob Javits Center in 2005, and to Radio City Music Hall in '06, because the NFL was mad at Garden officials for opposing a new stadium for the New York Jets on the west side of Manhattan.