Some say the Pro Bowl draft, conducted by legends Cris Carter and Michael Irvin, is just as important as the game.
On Wednesday in sunny Arizona, a group of the NFL's best players sat among their peers and found out where exactly they stood in terms of excellence.
The Cleveland Browns measured up.
Joe Thomas was the second offensive linemen picked off the board at No. 18 by Irvin, and Donte Whitner was the second safety nabbed at pick No. 25 by Carter. Joe Haden was named a captain of Irvin's squad and helped the former Dallas Cowboy make his selections.
Stud players who were drafted after Cleveland's trio included Packers wide receivers Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb, Denver's Emmanuel Sanders and Detroit's Golden Tate. On defense, it was Chargers safety Eric Weddle, Ravens linebacker Elvis Dumervil, Redskins running back Alfred Morris and quarterbacks Matthew Stafford, Matt Ryan and Andy Dalton.
"I'm really enjoying the time with some of the other Pro Bowl players," Thomas said, wearing a fresh pair of aviator sunglasses.
All three Browns are penciled in the starting lineup, according to NFL.com.
Thomas, Haden and Whitner spent the day at a local Arizona high school volunteering their time for the Special Olympics Punt, Pass and Kick competition.
"You see kids running around, players throwing the football, the weather is beautiful – it couldn't be a better day," Whitner said.
Check out this video of the Browns in Arizona here. We'll have more coverage throughout the week.
