The deadline for underclassmen to declare early for the 2017 NFL draft isn’t until January, but another top prospect is making his intentions known early.

Auburn edge defender Carl Lawson will take part in Senior Night activities on Saturday and declare after the season for next year’s draft, according to AuburnTigers.com.

After recording 7.5 tackles for loss in his true freshman season in 2013, Lawson missed the entire 2014 season due to injury. In 2015, he returned and was named to the 2nd team all-SEC.

This season, Lawson has already accumulated 13 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. Lawson is projected to be one of the top edge rusher in this draft and a future first round pick.

http://draftwire.usatoday.com/2016/1...or-2017-draft/