Georgia DB Tykee Smith declares for 2024 NFL Draft

Georgia defensive back Tykee Smith declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, according to a statement on his Instagram. That came after Georgia’s dominant victory over Florida State in the Orange Bowl.

Smith started his career at West Virginia before he transferred to Georgia after two years with the Mountaineers. Over the last three seasons, he steadily improved, particularly in 2023.

Overall, Smith finished with 212 total tackles, 140 solo tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, eight interceptions, 12 pass deflections, two forced fumbles and one defensive touchdown.

As a member of the Class of 2019, Smith was a three-star recruit out of Philadelphia (Pa.) Imhotep Institute, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 9 overall prospect in the state, the No. 53 safety in the class and the No. 557 overall prospect in the class.

His statement can be read below.

Tykee Smith, a fifth-year senior, will not use his extra year of eligibility. So Georgia loses its third defensive back starter from this season. pic.twitter.com/P3oqxdONAM

— Seth Emerson (@SethWEmerson) December 31, 2023

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.