Tennessee RB Kelly to declare for NFL draft

Dec 29, 2017 - 9:25 PM Tennessee running back John Kelly announced Friday that he will bypass his senior season and enter the NFL draft.

Kelly rushed for 778 yards and nine touchdowns as a junior.

The Detroit native made the announcement on his Instagram account.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to announce that I will be declaring for the 2018 NFL Draft and thank so many that were instrumental in getting me to where I am today," Kelly wrote. "From my time in Detroit to my collegiate career at Tennessee, words can't express my gratitude to everyone that has helped me throughout my journey."

Kelly rushed for 630 yards as a sophomore on just 98 carries.

Kelly projects as a third-round pick who could move higher based on his showing at the NFL combine.

Here is a list of underclassmen who have announced their intention to enter the 2018 draft. The deadline to declare is Jan. 15.



QUARTERBACKS

Josh Allen, Wyoming

Tanner Lee, Nebraska



RUNNING BACKS

Mark Walton, Miami

John Kelly, Tennessee



WIDE RECEIVERS

Antonio Callaway, Florida

Simmie Cobbs, Indiana

Quadree Henderson, Pittsburgh

Richie James, Middle Tennessee

D.J. Moore, Maryland

Courtland Sutton, SMU



TIGHT ENDS

Hayden Hurst, South Carolina



OFFENSIVE GUARDS

Taylor Hearn, Clemson

Maea Teuhema, Southeastern Louisiana



OFFENSIVE TACKLES

Brian O'Neill, Pittsburgh

Connor Williams, Texas



DEFENSIVE ENDS

Breeland Speaks, Ole Miss



DEFENSIVE TACKLES

Taven Bryan, Florida



LINEBACKERS

Frank Ginda, San Jose State

Leighton Vander Esch, Boise State



CORNERBACKS

Jaire Alexander, Louisville

Holton Hill, Texas

JC Jackson, Maryland

Isaiah Oliver, Colorado



SAFETIES

DeShon Elliott, Texas

Derwin James, Florida State

Jordan Whitehead, Pittsburgh



SPECIALISTS

Michael Dickson (P), Texas

Eddy Pineiro (PK), Florida