With another 1,000-yard season under his belt to go along with 20 touchdowns this year, Pitt running back James Conner has decided to take his talents to the NFL a year early:
— James Conner (@JamesConner_) December 10, 2016
Conner leaving early for the pros is hardly a surprise. There was a chance he would come back given some early projections hadn't been all that favorable and that the running back group is surprisingly strong this year. That second part could make it more difficult for him to be a high pick, particularly since running backs have become a bit devalued in the Draft with teams finding good ones in later rounds.