Draft weekend is an exciting event as it is, but this year's is extra special.
While NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has a hold on announcing the first round of draft picks, some very notable guests will reveal the Los Angeles Chargers' second through seventh-round picks.
As a member of the NFL Legends Community, former Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman will announce the Bolts' second-round selection. A 2005 first-round draft pick, Merriman earned AP and Pro Football Writers of America Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. He was a three-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro during his tenure with the team..
The third-round of draft announcers will be composed of past recipients of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award presented by Nationwide. The Charger announcing the 2017 third-round selection from Philadelphia is 2016 team winner, Jerry Attaochu. As a 2014 second-round draft pick, Attaochu was nominated by the Chargers for his outstanding work not only in the local community, but also for his foundation's efforts to fight Sickle Cell Disease. Attaochu's sister was diagnosed with SCD when she was a child. He created the Glory's Hope Foundation with his family in effort to "break the sickle cycle."
It will be a family affair for round four. Philip Rivers alongside his son and daughter will announce the team's fourth-round pick live from **DraftFest** at StubHub Center. Rivers will be one of many current and former Chargers attending the Bolts' draft event.
"It will really be our first time at StubHub with fans," Rivers said. "Being (at the stadium) for an L.A. Chargers event will be very exciting."
Fans will be able to mingle with these players as well as take photos and receive autographs. If you still want to focus on the draft itself, you're in luck. Live draft coverage will be broadcast on screens throughout the venue.
Also live from DraftFest, the team's 2017 first-round draft pick will take over announcing duties for the fifth round.
For the first time in NFL Draft history, round six's special announcers will feature youth football teams. Carson High School's head football coach Arnold Ale and members of the Carson High School football team and Carson Ravens Pop Warner league will help announce the Bolts' pick from StubHub Center. Ale is a Carson High, UCLA and Chargers alumnus.
Finally, the seventh-round pick will be read by Chargers season ticket member Todd Welke. Welke has been a STM since 1993 and will be participating in the NFL Draft Season Ticket Member Experience in Philadelphia.
The Los Angeles Chargers will celebrate day three of the 2017 NFL Draft at StubHub Center on Saturday, April 29.*** DraftFest**** is free and open to the public. A long list of current and former Chargers players will also be in attendance signing autographs, taking pictures and mingling with fans. Chargers confirmed to attend include Philip Rivers, Hunter Henry, this year's first-round pick and many more.*
