SBN exclusive: Goodell insists lockout not overlooking incoming rookies

As much news and information as there has been regarding the 2011 NFL Draft thus far, it all feels overshadowed by the NFL lockout.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell disagrees. In an exclusive interview with SB Nation today, Goodell stressed that the incoming class isn’t being overlooked in the ongoing squabble between the NFL and its players.

“I don’t think anybody has been overlooked in the context of this dispute and the negotiations,” Goodell said. “The incoming class of NFL players is important. They were all at the Combine a couple of weeks ago. Our clubs were obviously in contact with them during that period of time. And we’re excited about the draft as we are only a few weeks away from what is one of our biggest offseason events. I don’t think anyone is being overlooked in this case. We know those players are going to be great NFL players and a big part of the success of the league. I can assure you nobody is being overlooked.”

The impact collective bargaining agreement talks will have on the incoming players is a gray area. Although players like

and Nick Fairley aren’t a part of the players union yet. Still, the former NFLPA reportedly doesn’t want the top players this year to attend the NFL Draft.Whenever a new CBA is reached, though, it’s likely there will be a new wage scale. Nobody really knows for sure yet if that will be a new clause or not. So the incoming players shouldn’t feel overlooked, but they should maybe feel caught in the crossfire.

Find more of the SB Nation interview with Goodell here and several other places around the network.