Colorado LB Derrick McLendon declares for NFL Draft

Colorado Buffaloes linebacker Derrick McLendon has made a decision on the 2024 NFL Draft. He has officially decided to take his talents to the NFL.

Prior to playing for the Buffaloes in 2023, McLendon spent time with the Florida State Seminoles. He shared the news on X (formerly known as Twitter), penning a heartfelt letter. Check it out below.

Make A Way or Take A Way 🙏🏾 #SkoBuffs pic.twitter.com/O7zU8cIFlt

— HIM (@DMAC1513) December 13, 2023

Over the course of his five seasons of college football, the linebacker amassed 78 total tackles, 8.5 sacks and one forced fumble.

Time will tell where Derrick McLendon ends up at the NFL level, but he’ll have some fans from Boulder and Tallahassee rooting for him to succeed.

More on the 2024 NFL Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Michigan, with the first round on Thursday, April 25, the second and third rounds on Friday, April 26, and the fourth through seventh rounds on Saturday, April 27.

Players will have the opportunity to solidify their draft stock at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, to be held in Indianapolis, Indiana from February 26 through March 4.

The three-day event will be broadcasted throughout the weekend on ESPN and NFL Network.

To be eligible for the NFL Draft, players must be at least three years removed from their final year of high school while having used up their collegiate eligibility. Underclassmen are able to request league approval to become eligible for the draft, as are players who have graduated prior to using up all of their collegiate eligibility.

Last season, 69 players were granted special eligibility for the 2023 NFL Draft. 13 underclassmen who had completed their college degrees were also deemed eligible to be selected.

The deadline to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft is on January 15. NFL teams will receive a full list of eligible players in the class on January 19.