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NFL Grants 96 Players Special Eligibility for 2016 NFL Draft
The NFL granted 96 players special eligibility for the 2016 NFL Draft, April 28-30 in Chicago. Each of the 96 players has met the league’s three-year eligibility rule and has submitted a written application forgoing his remaining college football eligibility.
The number of players granted special eligibility for the NFL Draft the past 10 years:
| Year | Players Granted Special Eligibility |
| 2016 | 96 |
| 2015 | 74 |
| 2014 | 98 |
| 2013 | 73 |
| 2012 | 65 |
| 2011 | 56 |
| 2010 | 53 |
| 2009 | 46 |
| 2008 | 53 |
| 2007 | 40 |
Another 11 players are eligible to enter the draft after fulfilling their degree requirements before using all of their college football eligibility. They have met the requirements under NFL rules and officially notified the league office by January 18 that they have fulfilled their degree requirements and are eligible for selection in the 2016 Draft.
| Player | Pos. | College |
| Roberto Aguayo | K | Florida State |
| Travis Blanks | LB | Clemson |
| Zac Brooks | RB | Clemson |
| Eric Enderson | P | Delaware |
| Austin Johnson | DT | Penn State |
| Keith Marshall | RB | Georgia |
| Tyvis Powell | DB | Ohio State |
| Noah Spence | DE | Eastern Kentucky |
| Michael Thomas | WR | Ohio State |
| Corey Tindal | DB | Marshall |
| Vincent Valentine | DT | Nebraska |
NFL Football Operations’ mission is to establish a culture of clarity, consistency and credibility in all aspects of the greatest game. Football is an essential piece of America’s fabric, uniting fans, players and communities with a simple yet powerful bond. We honor the game’s history while continuing to innovate and preserve the sport for future generations of fans, players, coaches, teams and officials.
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