Isaih Pacheco
FILE -Alabama wide receiver John Metchie III (8) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. This year's NFL draft prospects reluctantly recall their personal COVID-19 experiences. Some consider them inspirational reminders of obstacles already overcame. Others sound more reminiscent of old war stories. And while the stories change, each comes with unforgettably vivid detail and heartfelt emotion about a challenging two-year battle to pursue their dreams.(AP Photo/Vasha Hunt, File)
NFL draft class faced major challenges in COVID-19 battles

By Michael Marot Apr. 28, 2022 03:06 AM EDT

FILE - Fayetteville State defensive back Joshua Williams participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Indianapolis. NFL.com gives the 6-foot-3, 197-pound Williams a grade of 6.18 — an above-average backup who may eventually become a starter _ though it's unclear where that puts him in next week's draft. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
Division II star emerges among NFL's small-school prospects

By Michael Marot Apr. 19, 2022 11:42 AM EDT