2024 NFL Draft: Rules and requirements for NFL Draft hopefuls, explained

The 2024 NFL Draft is finally happening this week, starting with the first round on Thursday. As top prospects like Caleb Williams prepare in Detroit for one of the league’s biggest events, fans might be wondering: What exactly are the rules and conditions to declare for the NFL Draft?

The NFL Draft is such a joyous occasion for the nation’s top football prospects. Dreams turn into realities, and careers are born as players elevate their game to the professional level. It’s also a really great time for fans to get a behind-the-scenes look at what players experience before they are selected and join their new teams.

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But how exactly does one declare for the NFL draft? According to the NFL, here are the rules for making such a big leap:

• Players must have been out of high school for at least three years and have used their college eligibility before the start of the next college football season. Underclassmen and players who have graduated before using all their college eligibility can contact the league to request approval to enter the draft early.
• Players are draft-eligible only in the year after the end of their college eligibility.
• Underclassmen have until seven days following the national championship game to declare for the draft.
• Once players have become draft-eligible or have declared their intention to enter the draft early, the NFL’s Player Personnel staff will work with teams, agents and schools to clarify the players’ status and set up events, like pro days and private workouts, so that players can be evaluated.