What Is 2014 NFL draft early entrants

Overview

The 2014 NFL Draft saw a significant number of college football players enter early, forgoing their remaining NCAA eligibility to pursue professional careers. These underclassmen, primarily juniors, submitted their names by the January 15, 2014, deadline set by the NFL to be eligible for selection.

Early entry into the draft has become increasingly common as top prospects aim to capitalize on rising stock before potential injuries or performance declines. The 2014 class included future NFL starters and several players who made immediate impacts at the professional level.

• 98 underclassmen declared for the 2014 NFL Draft, the highest number since 2012, reflecting growing confidence among young players in their draft prospects.
• Of these, 73 were juniors who had completed their third year of college football and were eligible under NFL rules to enter early.
• The January 15, 2014 deadline was strictly enforced, after which no additional underclassmen could submit paperwork to enter the draft.
• 13 early entrants were selected in the first round, including stars like Blake Bortles, Sammy Watkins, and Jadeveon Clowney.
• Notable names such as Zach Mettenberger from LSU and Marqise Lee from USC declared early despite mixed draft projections.

How It Works

Entering the NFL Draft early is a process governed by strict league rules, requiring underclassmen to formally declare their eligibility and withdraw from college competition.

• Eligibility Rule: Players must be at least three years removed from high school to qualify. This allows juniors to enter, but not true freshmen or sophomores mid-season.
• Declaration Deadline: The cutoff for early entry was January 15, 2014, after which players could no longer submit applications to the NFL.
• Advisory Board: The NFL’s College Advisory Committee provided draft projections to 150+ players in 2013–2014, helping them decide whether to stay or enter.
• Withdrawal Option: Unlike later years, in 2014, underclassmen who declared could not return to college football, making the decision irreversible.
• Agent Representation: Once a player declared, they could hire an agent, forfeiting NCAA eligibility and ending their college football career permanently.
• Draft Exposure: Early entrants gained access to the NFL Scouting Combine, pro days, and direct team evaluations, boosting their visibility among scouts.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2014 early entrant class compared to recent years:

The 2014 draft marked a spike in early declarations, likely influenced by strong performances in the 2013 college season and optimistic draft stock. The increase from 64 in 2013 to 98 in 2014 was the largest year-over-year jump in five years, signaling a trend of younger players accelerating their NFL timelines.

Why It Matters

Early entrants play a crucial role in shaping NFL drafts, often becoming cornerstone players for franchises. The decisions made by underclassmen can influence team strategies, draft positioning, and long-term roster construction.

• Jadeveon Clowney, the #1 overall pick, became a key defensive asset for the Houston Texans and validated his early entry decision with Pro Bowl potential.
• Teams drafting early entrants assume higher risk due to limited game film and developmental uncertainty compared to senior prospects.
• Early declarations impact college programs, as teams lose star players before their senior seasons, affecting team performance and fan engagement.
• For players, entering early means securing multi-million dollar contracts sooner, but also increased pressure to perform immediately in the NFL.
• The advisory board’s role grew in importance, as inaccurate projections could lead players to leave college prematurely with falling draft stock.
• From a league perspective, high-profile early entrants boost draft viewership and media attention, enhancing the NFL’s marketing and broadcast appeal.

Ultimately, the 2014 early entrant class exemplified the evolving relationship between college football and the NFL, where talent transitions faster than ever, driven by financial incentives and professional aspirations.