NEW YORK (AP) — The number of college players granted special eligibility for the NFL draft has dropped from a record 98 last season to 74 this year.
An additional 10 players, including Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota of Oregon, became eligible for the draft after notifying the league that they have graduated.
The record number of underclassmen who declared early for last year’s draft also led to a record 36 early-entry players going undrafted.
Among the early entries this year are Florida State quarterback and 2013 Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston, Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon, Alabama receiver Amari Cooper and Washington linebacker Shaq Thompson.
The NFL Draft is April 30 through May 2 in Chicago.