While earlier this week we had a rush of ACC players declaring for the 2011 NFL Draft, Thursday night was all about the SEC, and some of its biggest names in fact. (Georgia Bulldogs WR A.J. Green, DE Justin Houston, and CB Brandon Boykin are reportedly among those, according to a tweet that’s been flying around. More on that later.)
Arkansas Razorbacks QB Ryan Mallett officially announced his decision to enter the draft, a move that looks even smarter now that Stanford Cardinal QB Andrew Luck is out of the picture. Mallett could enter the top half of the first round now that only Cam Newton or Blane Gabbert are likely to be taken ahead of him.
Alabama’s Mark Ingram and Marcell Dareus, co-MVPs of the 2009 BCS National Championship Game, are reportedly set to announce their decision today. Both are expected to be first-rounders, with Dareus a likely top-10 pick.
And Florida Gators CB Janoris Jenkins is reportedly going to announce his early entry as well. Like the others above, he’s a likely first-round pick and could be the third or fourth cornerback taken.