NFL Draft analysis: Andrew Novak grades Carolina Panthers' Round 1 selection
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PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO - APRIL 28: Andrew Novak of United States plays his shot from the 15th tee during the first round of the Mexico Open at Vidanta on April 28, 2022 in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
VIDANTA VALLARTA, Mexico – Andrew Novak was nervous throughout the opening round of the Mexico Open at Vidanta.
Not because of the demands on a windy afternoon at Vidanta Vallarta, which he successfully navigated to the tune of six birdies against a single bogey.
He was anxiously awaiting his beloved Carolina Panthers’ selection with the No. 6 pick in the opening round of the NFL Draft.
In a case of fortuitous timing, Novak signed for a 5-under 66 just minutes before the Panthers selected North Carolina State offensive tackle Ickey Ekwonu.
Novak hung out beside the scoring trailer as he waited for the pick, accompanied by caddie Jeff Hamley and a few colleagues.
The native of Raleigh, North Carolina was instantly enthused. He pumped his fist and graded the selection an “A.”
“Let’s go!” Novak exclaimed as the sun set Thursday evening in western Mexico. “N.C. State tackle. Let’s go! That’s a good day right there.
“It’s great. It’s what I wanted. Ideal situation … that’s as good as you can ask for.”
Novak stands T11 into Friday’s second round of the Mexico Open, aiming to channel the positive vibes from Thursday evening’s draft selection into a strong showing at Vidanta Vallarta.
Kevin Prise is an associate editor for PGATOUR.COM. He is on a lifelong quest to break 80 on a course that exceeds 6,000 yards and to see the Buffalo Bills win a Super Bowl. Follow Kevin Prise on Twitter.