The lure of starting a pro career early apparently isn’t quite as tempting for underclassmen now as it was in the days before college stars could profit off their name, image and likeness. This month’s draft features 58 early entrants, the lowest number of players to enter the draft with college eligibility remaining since 2011. That includes 54 underclassmen who were granted special eligibility by the NFL and four others (Miami defensive back Kamren Kinchens, Alabama defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry, Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy and Clemson running back Will Shipley) who earned their degrees in three years. That represents a dramatic shift, considering at least 100 underclassmen entered the draft ever year from 2016 to 2022. The 2021 draft had a record 100 underclassmen selected. “I wouldn’t be surprised if those numbers drop even more next year,” Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes said. |
Furious villagers hit out at plans to build 'megaThird temporary channel opens for vessels to Baltimore port after bridge collapseTaylor Swift and Matty Healy's turbulent relationship timeline: A look at the onSarah Nurse scores in OT to lift Toronto over Montreal 3North Carolina's Harrison Ingram opts to enter the NBA draftDuplantis sets a pole vault world record in the opening Diamond League meet of the seasonCan US cities fine homeless people for sleeping outside?Rybakina ends Swiatek's Stuttgart reign in 3Morning sickness? Prenatal checkTwo teams blowing everyone else away in NASCAR Cup. Can the others catch up at Talladega?