All 32 NFL teams will have a clearer picture of the 2024 NFL draft by the close of business on Monday. That is the deadline for college underclassmen to declare for early entry in the draft.
Special Eligibility Deadline. Deadline for college players who are underclassmen to apply for Special Eligibility. A list of underclassmen who have been approved for entry into the 2024 NFL Draft will be sent to clubs on January 19
With the Washington Commanders holding the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, this is an important date. The Commanders are expected to heavily consider taking a quarterback at No. 2 overall, and there are three in contention for that honor:
- Caleb Williams, USC
- Drake Maye, North Carolina
- Jayden Daniels, LSU
Of the three, Williams is the only one who hasn’t — yet — entered his name into the draft. Daniels is a senior, and Maye made his declaration for the draft in December.
It’s expected that Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner, will declare by the deadline. The Chicago Bears hold the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, and the biggest question of the offseason is what the Bears will do with incumbent quarterback Justin Fields. If Chicago plans to keep Fields and build around him, it could auction off the pick to the highest bidder. However, the Bears could choose to restart the rookie clock with Williams, Maye, or Daniels.
The Commanders are guaranteed one of the top three quarterbacks. It’s unknown what their preference is because Washington just hired a general manager on Friday and has yet to hire a head coach.
Monday’s deadline will officially kick off draft season.