NEW YORK (KKMOX) - A Missouri Tigers defensive lineman is among the record 73 underclassmen who were approved for the NFL draft, on Saturday.

Some experts say Gateway Tech alumnus Sheldon Richardson of St. Louis is projected to be a first round pick if he performs well at the scouting combine.

Richardson is leaving Mizzou after his junior season. So is Illinois defensive tackle Akeem Spence.

Spence was a three-year starter for the Fighting Illini.

Six All-American underclassmen were certified for the draft, including: Matt Elam (S, Florida); Zach Ertz (TE, Stanford); Luke Joeckel (OT, Texas A&M); Bjoern Werner (DE, Florida State); Jarvis Jones (LB, Georgia); and Dee Milliner (CB, Alabama).