With Colorado Buffs Edge Declaring for 2024 NFL Draft, Which College Football Players Have Declared Early

For most eligible NFL players, this is a time of excitement and suspense as the 2024 NFL Draft inches closer. It’s a time for decision-making whether they’ll remain In the NCAA or go pro. Underclassmen who wish to enter the pro league should seek “special eligibility” from the league before January 15th. 

Colorado is proud to produce a 2024 NFL prospect who will be joining the NFL early. Last year, 82 underclassmen declared for the NFL Draft early, out of which 69 players were granted access to the league. Wondering which players are declaring early? Keep reading to find out.

Derrick McLendon declares for the 2024 NFL Draft

In a recent Twitter post, it was revealed that Colorado Buffs edge Derrick McLendon has made his decision to enter the 2024 NFL Draft. A Florida State transfer, he committed to the Buffs just this season. And now, the star edge has decided to join the pro league despite having two more years of eligibility with Colorado.

In his four seasons with Florida State, Derrick McLendon recorded 61 tackles in 38 games, starting 12 games in 2022. This season with the Buffs, he accounted for 17 total tackles (12 solo). And while it’s a bittersweet moment for Colorado to see one of their star players go, McLendon isn’t the only one entering the NFL Draft early. 

College football players who declared early for the 2024 NFL Draft 

From 5-star QB Drake Maye to 5-star EDGE Chop Robinson, the following is the list of players who are entering the 2024 NFL Draft as underclassmen. 

Running Backs

• Braelon Allen, Wisconsin
• Emani Bailey, TCU
• Frank Gore Jr., Southern Miss.
• Bucky Irving, Oregon
• Marshawn Lloyd, USC
• Miyan Williams, Ohio State
• Ray Davis, Kentucky
• Jaden Shirden, Monmouth

Quarterbacks

• Drake Maye, North Carolina
• Spencer Rattler, South Carolina
• Kurtis Rourke

Defensive Lineman

• Evan Anderson, Florida
• McKinnley Jackson,, Texas A&M
• Leonard Taylor III, Miami

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Safety

• Cole Bishop, Utah
• Omar Brown, Nebraska
• Sione Vaki, Utah

Linebacker 

• Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M 
• Cedric Gray, North Carolina
• Marist Liufau, Notre Dame
• Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson Tigers

Offensive tackle

• Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
• Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona

Offensive guard

• Mike Katic, Indiana
• Kenneth Horsey, Kentucky
• Layden Robinson, Texas A&M

Tight end

• Theo Johnson, Penn State
• Tip Reiman, Illinois

Cornerback

• Max Melton, Rutgers
• Quinton Newsome, Nebraska
• Nate Wiggins, Clemson

Wide receiver 

• Johnny Wilson, Florida State
• Brenden Rice, USC
• Ricky Pearsall, Florida
• Devaughn Vele, Utah
• Cam Little, Arkansas

The NFL season 2024 is about to see the skills of these college football players as they enter the professional league. Questions will be answered when the drafting takes place from the 25th to the 27th of April in Detroit. 

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