2012 NFL Draft: Dressing the Players at the Top of the Draft

I have always wondered who makes the clothes for the NFL Draft.

I see these giant men walking onto the stage after their name gets called and I think to myself, "where did he find a suit that fits him and how does it look so good?" It has to be impossible to find something like that just hanging on a rack.

I went digging to find out the answer to precisely that question. And I found a man who is responsible for dressing some of the best. He is Clarence Jones of CJ Custom Clothiers in Memphis, Tennessee.

Did anyone see Patrick Peterson in December of 2010 at the Home Depot Awards Show? Did anyone not think he looked remarkable? Jones was responsible for dressing Peterson in 2010 and 2011, and to say he did a good job is an understatement.

This year Jones will be custom making clothes for Michael Brockers, Melvin Ingram, Fletcher Cox, Michael Floyd and Justin Blackmon. I am very interested to see how stylish these guys look on Thursday night.

When I found out about Clarence, known as CJ, I wanted to talk to him about the process behind putting these players in clothes that make them look so good on what could be one of the biggest days of their lives.

He told me that most of his clients came from referrals from past players or from a sports agent who wanted his services for a client. He said ultimately, what got him new business was the relationship that he formed in the past with players and agents. He explained what his mentality was in working with a player.

"I'm not out there just trying to make money.  I'm trying to build a relationship, a rapport with the player [and a] trust with the agency. You know, um, it's just a lot of different things that I do with the player.  You know, I help him pick his shirt. I pick his tie. I pick his socks. You know, I measure him.  I even bring the clothes back because most important thing to me in the making a suit is the fit."

He told me so many things that were interesting. He told me that most of his clients don't really care to wear suits simply because they have never worn a suit that fit them. He also said that included in his service was a life lesson on why they should dress well. He teaches them that the way they dress sends a certain perception and that perception is critical.

“I want all players to look like they are going in for a job interview. They are trying to get a high playing job and their look is vital to their success.”

I asked him what kind of relationship he ended up having with the players that he has taken care of.

"We have a great relationship because of the personal service I provide to my guys. There is nothing left for them to do once they are dressed, other than wear that suit on their big day."

I saw Michael Brockers on ESPN as he was being interviewed, and he was wearing some of CJ’s clothes. He looked comfortable and really professional. The photo of how he looked is included in this article.

This year, when you see the players I listed above walking across the stage, you will know who is responsible for custom making their clothes. You will also know that they have been educated as to why they should dress so well.

Scott Bischoff is a Contributor for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes were obtained first-hand or from official interview materials.