The experiment by the NFLPA to film and stream some NFL Draft prospects at their homes is a "substantial step" in the development of the union's ACE Media arm, according to Emily Kaplan of SI. The NFLPA is "helping organize personal draft experiences for three top prospects who decided to forgo the greenroom." Myles Garrett, who has been projected by many to go first overall, will have ACE Media "host an intimate gathering at his home in Arlington, Texas, where it will surprise Garrett with appearances by two of his football idols." ACE also will "bring the celebration" to K.C. for former Missouri DE Charles Harris, who "wanted to be with his mother," as she has multiple sclerosis and cannot travel. Former Ohio State S Malik Hooker "felt restricted by the NFL's two-guest restriction, so he's hosting a bash in his hometown, New Castle, Pa., for 50 of his nearest and dearest friends, with cameras and food provided by ACE." ACE launched in '15, "aiming to portray the off-field lives of players while helping them build their own brands." Having the union handle the presentation of these Draft prospects may be helpful to them, as the league's greenroom optics "can be unflattering." Last year, as pundits "debated the authenticity of the footage" showing Dolphins OT Laremy Tunsil smoking through a gas mask, he fell to the 13th overall, "losing millions on the way." When cameras honed in on Tunsil, who was sitting next to his mother, he was "on the verge of tears." NFLPA Exec Dir DeMaurice Smith said, "We want our players to understand (that while) their position in the NFL is a wonderful opportunity, they also have a brand and an identity that's separate from it" (SI, 5/1 issue).
