2024 NFL Draft: These 10 college football teams were hit hardest by underclassmen entering draft early

Nearly 100 underclassmen opted to forgo remaining eligibility and declare for the 2024 NFL Draft before the deadline, which passed on Monday. Players have until Thursday to remove their names, but the list is largely set, which allows us to look towards the 2024 season. 

Certain programs — notably Alabama and Georgia — send multiple players into the first round of the NFL Draft every year. This year, the pair is sending five of the top 15 players in the CBS Sports NFL Draft Prospect Rankings. Other programs can’t consistently reload at that level, making early departures a heavier hit. 

Overall, 13 of the top 14 players in the Prospect Rankings are underclassmen departing early from college football. Here are 10 programs that were hit hardest by early entries to the 2024 NFL Draft, including representation from three of this past season’s four College Football Playoff finalists.  

Florida State’s Orange Bowl embarrassment at the hands of Georgia was a good indication of the Seminoles’ depth issues. Five underclassmen opted out for the draft, including superstar wide receivers Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson. Tight end Jaheim Bell and running back Trey Benson were also serious weapons, while defensive end Jared Verse has been arguably been the ACC’s best defender over the past two seasons since transferring from Albany. Coach Mike Norvell has a full-scale rebuild on his hands. 

The Huskies reached the College Football Playoff National Championship after a magical run. Unfortunately, similar to TCU one year earlier, the Huskies relied on some truly special individual talents to get there, most of whom will be gone in 2024. Wide receiver Rome Odunze should be among the first pass-catchers off the board, while tackle Troy Fautanu led a…


Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/2024-nfl-draft-these-10-college-football-teams-were-hit-hardest-by-underclassmen-entering-draft-early/

Author : Shehan Jeyarajah

Publish date : 2024-01-17 15:52:12

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