NFL scouts get more access to college underclassmen

The NFL and the American Football Coaches Association have agreed to let pro scouts have more access to underclassmen who might apply for special eligibility for the pro draft, both organizations announced Monday.

Starting in February 2017, each FBS school can choose up to five such underclassmen to participate in the school's pro day, which is normally reserved for draft-eligible players.

Scouts are also allowed to evaluate and ask about those student-athletes throughout the season as if they were in their final year of school.

The decision's intended to help the NFL’s College Advisory Committee get more information about players and give students considering leaving school early a better understanding of where they might be drafted.

"The more information our College Advisory Committee has, the better evaluations they can make for student-athletes who are at a critical juncture of their lives," NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent said in a statement.