There have been a handful of notable college players that have declared for the 2021 NFL Draft instead of playing this season and another name can be added to the list. Rather than play his senior season at Stanford, top NFL Draft prospect and college football dynamo, Walker Little, is opting to prepare for the NFL.

A season ago, Little was a preseason All-American for Stanford as he prepared for his junior year. The 6-foot-7 offensive tackle would unfortunately tear his ACL after one game, preventing him from playing in 2019.

As a result of his injury, it has been over a year since scouts last saw Little play in a meaningful game. Given that, Little could see his draft stock decline, especially since he won't be suiting up for the upcoming season.

During his freshman year in 2017, Little would be named a Pac-12 Co-Offensive Freshman of the Year. Just a year later, he would earn First-Team All-Pac-12 honors after a stellar season with Stanford in 2018.

Heading into next year's draft, Little could find himself as one of the top tackle prospects available. At the same time, teams could pass on him due to not having any film of him since the 2018 college football season.

With concerns surrounding COVID-19, some college football players have elected to turn their attention to the NFL Draft. Even Ja'Marr Chase, one of the top wide receiver prospects, opted out of his final season at LSU.

Seeing that they aren't paid, it makes a ton of sense to avoid any risks this season. While Little is making a decision that is best for himself, it will be interesting to see how he fares during the pre-draft process next offseason.