LSU DL Maason Smith declares for 2024 NFL Draft

One of the top players from the LSU Tigers 2023 roster is leaving the program. On Tuesday, star defensive lineman Maason Smith announced that he is declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft. The former five-star recruit out of the 2021 recruiting class made the announcement from his social media account with this message attached dedicated to Tigers’ Nation.

“First and foremost, I give all glory and honor to God for granting me the privilege of fulfilling my childhood dream of playing D1 college football,” opened Smith. “I want to thank each and every person who has loved, encouraged, and supported me from the days of Terrebonne Parish TPR Football up until this very moment in time…”

“Thank you to Louisiana State University for taking a chance on a kid from a small town like Houma. It has been an honor. With that being said, my family and I have decided that it is time for me to take the next step in my career and declare for the 2024 NFL Draft.”

You can check out Smith’s complete farewell message here in this link.

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.