In the ever-evolving landscape of NFL draft classes, where more underclassmen are declaring early, the question of their quality arises. However, according to Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst, the post-"Covid year" draft classes offer hidden gems in the later rounds.

Out of the 58 players who declared early, a staggering 50 are ranked among the top 126 players on the consensus draft boards' rankings, signaling the talent pool available. Gone are the days when players would declare just for the sake of a signing bonus. Now, the vast majority of these underclassmen are expected to be drafted within the first four rounds, similar to a decade ago.

Gutekunst has been vocal about his belief in the value provided by these draft classes, stating that the backlog of players with remaining eligibility in college football allows teams to uncover more talent. Whether an underclassman or not, the depth of talent available allows teams to find diamonds in the rough, such as cornerback Carrington Valentine, who was selected in the seventh round by the Packers in 2023.

Over the past two years, Gutekunst has proven his prowess in utilizing the draft system, having drafted 24 players. Emphasizing the potential of the post-"Covid year" era, the Packers are expected to have 11 draft choices in 2024, following the trade of cornerback Rasul Douglas to the Buffalo Bills.

The eligibility rules surrounding college football have become increasingly peculiar. As an example, receiver Ajou Ajou, a standout in this draft class, experienced an unconventional journey throughout his college career. Originally signing with the Clemson Tigers in 2020, he transferred first to South Florida in 2022 and then to Garden City Community College in 2023. Ajou is a fourth-year player but is treated as a redshirt sophomore by the NCAA.

This peculiar eligibility situation further highlights the unique circumstances of these post-"Covid year" drafts. It is expected that this trend will continue until the 2026 draft, where sixth-year redshirt seniors are likely to be the last class, on a mass scale, to have received an extra season of eligibility from the NCAA.