FSU Football: Who Could Noles Lose Early to 2018 NFL Draft?

FSU football is watching several former stars get picked in the 2017 NFL Draft – but who might they lose early to the 2018 selection meeting.

Like almost every major college football power, FSU football has dealt with their share of early defections from Tallahassee of the NFL Draft over the years. Names like Jameis Winston, Devonta Freeman and even Dalvin Cook this year have all gone pro while still having some eligibility left with the Seminoles.

At the same time, the Noles have also had some players – such as DeMarcus Walker last year and Derrick Nnadi this coming season – decide they want to finish their time at Florida State before heading to the next level and getting a paycheck for their services.

While the 2017 NFL Draft is still ongoing and several former FSU football stars will hear their names called over the next two days, it’s also not too early to take a look at what the 2018 Draft has in store – and how much the Seminoles could lose due to early entries.

We all ready know several seniors and redshirt seniors – names like Matthew Thomas, Ermon Lane, Trey Marshall, Jacob Pugh and Nate Andrews – could hear their names called with solid 2017 seasons…but what underclassmen could decide to head pro before all their eligibility is up. Let’s take a look.

Florida State Seminoles Football

Redshirt Juniors

This is a group with not a lot of big names, but plenty of role players and starters who will help decide if the Seminoles can win the 2017 national championship. On offense, players such as center Alec Eberle and tight end Ryan Izzo could both become draft commodities if they can have high profile years. On defense, the one real threat for early entry would be defensive tackle Demarcus Christmas.

Juniors

These players, part of the 2015 recruiting class, were vital to keeping the 2016 season from falling apart when things got tough. On offense, Nyqwan Murray – who will take over the starting role and be the receiving leader – could parlay a big year into a pro paycheck. The defensive side of the ball could take a major hit if defensive backs Tarvarus McFadden and A.J. Westbrook, along with defensive end Josh Sweat, head to the next level.

Redshirts Sophomores

While this will be just the second season of football on the field, it will be their third year in school and that makes them draft eligible. The two biggest names on this year’s team – quarterback Deondre Francois and safety Derwin James – are part of this group and could head to the NFL if they live up to expectations…especially if FSU football wins a championship.

The names mentioned above, arguably the best players on this year’s team at almost every position on the field, are the reason why there is so much pressure being placed on this year’s team. While head coach Jimbo Fisher has shown he can recruit and create great players, the amount of talent that could leave early might even be a little much for him to take care of in one offseason.