With the college football season at an end, and the draft approaching, it’s the time of year for big decisions from the best players in the country. Those who are eligible must choose whether to return to school for another year or to go ahead and make the leap to the NFL. A lot of things play into it, including family, draft projection, and money. Inevitably some will make the right decision, while some make the wrong one. These are the early entrants who made the smart decision to go ahead and enter the 2014 NFL Draft.
Teddy Bridgewater, Quarterback
Bridgewater’s decision should have been a no-brainer. The Louisville quarterback, though a Junior, has already graduated, so staying would have been just to play football. However, he’s already projected as the top overall pick, so his stock couldn't get any higher by staying. One of the few concerns with him is his build and injury risk because of it, so it was the correct decision to go ahead and start his professional career.
Jadeveon Clowney, Defensive End
Like Bridgewater, Clowney had an easy choice. He’s a once in a generation talent who was arguably physically ready for the NFL straight out of high school. He had some nagging injuries this year and didn't’t have a dominating season, but he’s almost certain to be a top seven pick. With nothing left to prove at the collegiate level, there is no question where he should be playing this coming football season.
Blake Bortles, Quarterback
Playing at a non-traditional power like Central Florida makes this decision difficult. Bortles isn't a polished quarterback like Bridgewater, but he has all of the tools to succeed. He could return and get some of that polish, but UCF may not have the kind of season they did in 2013, and he may not get the same attention. Also, with Marcus Mariota and Brett Hundley returning to school, he moves up draft lists this year. Coming out now probably gets him into the top ten selections.
Ryan Shazier, Linebacker
Shazier is another player whose stock just might not get any higher. After a great 2013 season, he is a likely first round pick. Returning to school at Ohio State, where the spotlight could get stolen by any one of a number of talented players would have been a risky decision. Shazier is an NFL talent, and striking while the iron is hot was the right thing to do.
Mike Evans, Wide Receiver
This year’s class of receivers is talented and deep, but Evans is widely considered a lock for the first round and a possible top 15 selection. In addition, his quarterback, Johnny Manziel, will probably be leaving Texas A&M as well. Evans could still shine next year, but with his stock soaring, there’s no reason to take that chance.
Bishop Sankey/Lache Seastrunk, Running Backs
No position in football has a shorter shelf life than at running back. NFL teams don’t place as much value on them in general and injuries are much more likely, especially as the number of carries mounts. Sankey and Seastrunk are both possible second round picks, but more importantly, they made the smart decision to get declare before NFL teams can worry about the mileage on their legs in the pre-draft process.
Sammy Watkins, Wide Receiver
The Clemson receiver has been projected as the top player at his position for most of the season, and has been considered a top ten pick by many. After his performance in the Orange Bowl, where he posted 16 receptions for 227 yards and a couple of touchdowns, he might be a top ten lock. There couldn't be a better final image to leave in the minds of scouts.