NFL draft no party for anxious families

NEW YORK — The NFL draft isn't much of a party for anxious families.

Unlike watching a game, when their brother or son could make a play at any moment, there's nothing to do at the draft but wait. And wait.

Until — finally — a phone rings and the moment arrives.

Anita Kerrigan says the draft was hard because it was something she's never been through before. And even though she knew her son, Purdue defensive end Ryan Kerrigan, was as prepared as possible, there was still nothing to do but sit and stare at the phone.

Kerrigan was picked 16th overall by the Washington Redskins.

Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley's sister, Greta King, flew to New York from Mobile to be there for her brother. She had to wait with him while three defensive linemen were taken before the Detroit Lions finally selected Fairley with the 13th pick.