Michigan linebacker Junior Colson declares for 2024 NFL Draft
After helping lead the Wolverines to a national championship win on Monday night, Michigan star linebacker Junior Colson has declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, forgoing the remainer of his eligibility according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
Colson has been a staple of Michigan’s defense during his three seasons with the Wolverines, starting in 35 of his 42 game appearances during his time with the program.
In all three of his years with Michigan the Wolverines secured a Big Ten title, capping off his career with a memorable national championship win. But now he’ll look to take his talents to the next level, thanking many who helped him along in his journey in a heartfelt post announcing his departure below.
Colson was a four-star prospect out of Ravenwood High School in Brentwood (TN), ranked the No. 91 overall player and the No. 11 linebacker in the 2021 recruiting cycle according to On3’s Industry Ranking. But now he’s ranked the No. 2 and the No. 3 linebacker of the 2024 NFL Draft class respectively by ESPN analysts Field Yates and Mel Kiper Jr.
In the last two seasons, he’s led the Wolverines in tackles and been named to the Big Ten All-Conference team, ending his Michigan career with 245 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks, and five defended passes.
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.