Texas A&M wideout Ainias Smith declares for 2024 NFL Draft
Texas A&M wide receiver and general offensive weapon Ainias Smith will enter the 2024 NFL Draft, he announced on Instagram on Friday. A fifth-year player, he technically could’ve returned for another year of college.
Smith finished the 2023 season with 53 catches for 795 yards and two touchdowns. He finishes his college career with 180 catches for 2407 yards and 19 touchdowns in 50 games played. However, injuries plagued him at points in his career, including a 2022 season that was cut short due to injury — Smith played in just four games last season before returning to play a full slate in 2023.
“As my college journey is coming to an end, I wanted to thank Coach Fisher and the staff for believing in me. I also wanted to thank Texas A&M University, the 12th man, and everyone who has supported along the way. As many of you have heard, I will not be medically cleared to play in this year’s bowl game after a recent surgery. However, I am honored to be asked to help coach the bowl game and excited to be with my team the next few weeks to help in any way possible. With that being said, I will be declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft,” Smith said with his post.
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.