Missouri defensive back Martez Manuel declares for the NFL Draft

Missouri defensive back Martez Manuel has declared for the 2023 NFL Draft. He announced the decision in a post on Twitter.

Keep going, keep growing❤️🐅
Forever MIZ… pic.twitter.com/9gMuObiwmW

— Tezo (@martezmanuel13) November 30, 2022

Martez Manuel came to Missouri in the Class of 2019, where he was a three-star recruit. He spent four seasons with the program but still had eligibility remaining had he chosen to use it.

As a defensive back, Martez Manuel had 194 total tackles, 25 of which were tackles for loss. However, he only had one interception during his career.

It will be interesting to see where Martez Manuel is taken in the NFL Draft. He’s not expected to be a Day 1 pick, but could easily work his way up draft boards.

More on the 2023 NFL Draft

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.