USC cornerback Mekhi Blackmon declares for 2023 NFL Draft

USC cornerback Mekhi Blackmon has declared for the 2023 NFL Draft, according to a message he shared on social media Monday. Blackmon finished his Trojans career on the field for his team in the Cotton Bowl in a tough 46-45 loss to Tulane, ending with a team-leading eight tackles on the day and a pass deflection.

In his decision announcement, Blackmon thanked USC and Colorado both for their assistance in his development on his way to the professional level.

Blackmon transferred to USC last season after four years with Colorado prior, where he recorded a career-best three interceptions and 11 pass deflections coming into the final game of the season.

More on the 2023 NFL Draft, Mekhi Blackmon timeline

The 2023 NFL Draft is set to take place from Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. The event will be held at the plaza just outside of Union Station.

Round 1 of the NFL Draft is set to begin at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, Apr. 27. Rounds 2-3 will begin at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Apr. 28, and Rounds 4-7 will begin at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, Apr. 29. The draft will be broadcasted throughout the weekend on both 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. 100 underclassmen were approved for last year’s draft. 73 of those 100 underclassmen were granted special eligibility while 27 of them were underclassmen who had completed their college degrees.

The 2023 NFL scouting combine will take place from Feb. 28 through March 6 in Indianapolis.