Fans who came to all three days of the 2010 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall received all the pieces to a promotional pin. (Ben Liebenberg / NFL.com)

NEW YORK — In past years, Day 2 of the draft featured a half-empty Radio City Music Hall with limited fan reaction as the players in Rounds 4-7 were selected.

With the change of format this year, the final rounds are taking place on Saturday, and the crowd here is much larger and more lively.

The arena seems filled to capacity, and the fans are loud and energetic. When the trade of LenDale White from the Titans to the Seahawks was announced, for example, the place erupted in a booming chorus of “Whoooaaa”.

One reason why might be because of a new limited edition puzzle pin promotion. As with many big-time sporting events, the NFL decided to hand out the free pins, but in order to get the entire pin, you had to come to all three days of the draft.

Another adjustment this year has been that the teams are announcing fourth-round picks from their team tables, and a few have brought in celebrities to make their choice, such as the Eagles, who had Carl Lewis announce the selection of Trevard Lindley.

Unimpressed Giants fans, in their dislike of the Eagles, still booed Lewis, who responded by saying: “E-A-G-L-E-S, Eagles!”

– Jason Feller

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