The NFL Draft is one of my favorite times of the year. I listen to draft coverage all of April. I make my own mock draft. I’m even wearing a suit and Chicago Bears hat to work today (don’t judge me). Even if you aren’t as extreme as me, there are still plenty of reasons to watch the NFL Draft on Thursday night. Here’s a list of the top 5 reason to watch:

5. Draft “Experts”

Unlike other league’s drafts, the NFL Draft is extremely unpredictable outside of the top couple picks. Teams do a great job of disguising who they are targeting, and the draft is full of trades. This recipe makes it almost impossible for the best draft experts to get even 50% of their mock draft correct. Want to feel better about your last place March Madness bracket? Print off a few mock drafts from several experts and get your red marker ready.

4. Mispronounced names

Just like last year, the 2^nd round of the 2012 NFL Draft will have former NFL Players announcing their team’s selection. With NFL alumni like Terrell Davis, Barry Sanders and Eddie George reading off their past team’s pick, there are sure to be some brutal pronunciations. Early favorites to have their name butchered on Friday night are Kelechi Osemele, Amini Silatolu, and Alameda Ta’amu.

3. Fashion Nightmares

Bow ties and draft hats are an amazing combination. Unfortunately the only events that these two are an acceptable combo are drafts. The NFL Draft always has its fair share of questionable fashion choices. The NFL draft will make everyone feel better about their wardrobe.

2. Watching the Last Player Left in the Green Room

I like to refer to this as the “train wreck pick”. You can’t help but feel bad for the player that is left staring at his phone waiting for it to ring. Aaron Rodgers is the most memorable individual to go through this painful experience. With 26 players invited to this year’s green room, there’s sure to be a few players left at the end of the first round.

1. Watching Dreams Come True

This is by far the best part of the draft. The real emotion that is displayed when these young men embrace their family members when they get that phone call saying they’ve been selected. The countless hours of training and sacrifice made by each player, and their supporting cast, culminates in this one moment. In my opinion the NFL Draft is the best reality television in existence.

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What an amazing past 2 months filled with NHL and NBA Playoff action! Almost every night had a game that came down to the final shot or overtime. In the end, the Boston Bruins and Dallas Mavericks took home the titles. Here’s a quick look back on some of the best of the 2011 NHL and NBA Playoffs.

NHL

Best Series: Vancouver Canucks vs. Chicago Blackhawks

Any time a team comes back from being down 3-0 to force a game 7, you know it’s a great series. Add in the two clubs’ recent rivalry, and that both games 6 & 7 went to overtime, and you have the recipe for the best series of the 2011 playoffs.

Breakout Performance: Brad Marchand

This rookie put up 19 points in 25 games! Not enough for you? In game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals, he posted 2 goals and an assist!

Biggest Surprise: The Capitals get swept in the Conference Semi’s

A year removed from being upset after having a 3-1 series lead, the Capitals again earned the #1 seed only to be swept by the Lightning.

Most Memorable: Tim Thomas’s hit on Henrik Sedin

A defining play by the Finals MVP. Thomas put a huge hit on the Canucks superstar. Henrik Sedin will never live this down. Check out the hit here.

NBA

Best Series: Oklahoma City Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies

This terrific series highlighted two up & coming teams in the West. The 7 game showdown was extra special for the reason that it showcased two small market teams with astonishing fan support. This match up should be a reoccurring series for many years to come.

Breakout Performance: JJ Barea

It’s great for the game when a guy who looks like he could be your neighbor delivers under pressure. Barea had 7 double digit point games including 17 & 15 in the last two games of the NBA Finals.

Biggest Surprise: LeBron James’ Finals performance

This will go down as one of the most puzzling events in NBA history. The 2x NBA MVP only averaged 17.7 ppg, which was the largest drop off in points from a regular season to an NBA Finals in history.

Most Memorable: Dirk Nowitzki’s Playoff performance

His playoff performance catapulted his resume from NBA superstar to NBA legend.

Congratulations again to the Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins and NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks. Make sure to head to FansEdge for all your championship gear!