Underclassmen can compete in all-star games in 2024, per reports. What that means for NFL draft

Draft-eligible underclassmen will be allowed to participate in college all-star games, according to ESPN and NFL Media.

According to reports, the NFL informed its teams Wednesday in a memo signaling the significant change to the pre-draft schedule for 2024. The all-star games impacted by this decision include the East-West Shrine Bowl, Senior Bowl and HBCU Legacy Bowl. Previously, only seniors were allowed to compete at those events, though the Senior Bowl had allowed fourth-year juniors who completed their college degrees to participate in the event.

Previously, underclassmen eligible for the draft only had the NFL scouting combine, pro days and private workouts to demonstrate their abilities for teams and scouts. The all-star games add a new and important element to the pre-draft process for underclassmen prospects. On the flip side, allowing underclassmen could result in fewer fringe prospects and players from smaller colleges getting a look in the all-star game environment.

The top 10 projected picks in USA TODAY Sports' latest mock draft are all underclassmen, a list that includes USC quarterback Caleb Williams, North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye, Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., Georgia tight end Brock Bowers and Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman.

Last year, there were 69 underclassmen players who were granted special eligibility for the draft.

What is the pre-draft schedule for 2024?

• Jan. 15 — Deadline for underclassmen to apply for special eligibilty for 2024 NFL draft

• Feb. 1 — East-West Shrine Bowl

• Feb. 3 — Senior Bowl

• Feb. 24 — HBCU Legacy Bowl

• Feb. 27-March 4 — NFL scouting combine

When is the 2024 NFL draft?

The 2024 draft will be held April 25 (Round 1), April 26 (Rounds 2-3) and April 27 (Rounds 4-7).

Where will the 2024 NFL draft be held?

Detroit will host the 2024 draft, with the event being held in the area around Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza.

Which teams are in contention for the first pick in the 2024 NFL draft?

If the season today, the Arizona Cardinals would own the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft.

Here is the top 10 order heading into Week 10:

1. Arizona Cardinals (1-8)

2. Chicago Bears, from Carolina Panthers (1-7)

3. Chicago Bears (2-7)

4. New York Giants (2-7)

5. New England Patriots (2-7)

6. Los Angeles Rams (3-6)

7. Green Bay Packers (3-5)

8. Denver Broncos (3-5)

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-5)

10. Tennessee Titans (3-5)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2024 NFL draft: Underclassmen can participate in all-star games