In a surprising move, Florida State Seminoles' wide receiver Johnny Wilson has officially announced his decision to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft. The news, reported by ESPN's Pete Thamel, has created a stir among football enthusiasts as Wilson aims to take his talents to the next level.

Having spent four seasons with the Florida State program, Wilson has been a key contributor to the Seminoles offense during his time in Tallahassee. In the 2023 season alone, the towering receiver showcased his skills by hauling in 41 passes for 617 yards and two touchdowns. Although he trailed behind Keon Coleman in these categories, it is notable that both receivers are expected to declare for the NFL Draft.

At an impressive 6-7 and weighing over 235 pounds, Wilson's physical attributes make him a formidable matchup for any cornerback in the league. His towering height and robust frame will undoubtedly make him an enticing target for teams in specific situations. Thamel also revealed that Wilson is already projected to be a top-100 pick in the upcoming draft, further fueling speculation about his potential in the professional ranks.

While declaring for the draft is a crucial step for Wilson, it is just the beginning of a process that will require him to impress scouts in various settings. First on his agenda is the highly-regarded Senior Bowl, where Wilson will have the opportunity to showcase his skills alongside other experienced college football players in a camp-like environment.

Following the Senior Bowl, Wilson's next chance to impress will come at the NFL Combine, an event that holds significant weight in evaluating prospects. Additionally, Florida State's Pro Day will provide further opportunities for teams, scouts, and general managers to assess Wilson's abilities, solidifying his chances of being one of the standout receivers in this draft class.

Looking ahead, the 2024 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place in Detroit, Michigan. The first round is set for Thursday, April 25, followed by the second and third rounds on Friday, April 26, and the fourth through seventh rounds on Saturday, April 27. With these dates marked on the calendar, Wilson and other prospects have a clear understanding of the timeline leading up to their potential NFL careers.

To be eligible for the NFL Draft, players must have been at least three years removed from their final year of high school and have used up their collegiate eligibility. Underclassmen, like Wilson, can request league approval to enter the draft, as can players who have already graduated before utilizing all of their collegiate eligibility.

Last season, a total of 69 players were granted special eligibility for the 2023 NFL Draft, while 13 underclassmen who had completed their degrees were also deemed eligible. The deadline for declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft is set for January 15, with NFL teams receiving the full list of eligible players on January 19.

As the countdown to the 2024 NFL Draft begins, all eyes will be on Johnny Wilson as he embarks on his journey to impress scouts, make a lasting impact, and potentially emerge as one of the top receivers in this highly anticipated draft class.