FSU's Xavier Rhodes declares for NFL draft

[DaKCMan AP]

http://espn.go.com/nfl/draft2013/sto...2013-nfl-draft

Florida State cornerback Xavier Rhodes said he will enter the NFL draft, shortly after the Seminoles' 31-10 victory over Northern Illinois in the Discover Orange Bowl.

A redshirt junior, Rhodes said he has been projected as a late first- or early second-round pick in April's draft.

"I'm gone," Rhodes told ESPN on Tuesday. "I did all I could in college. If I was to come back, I don't think my status would be getting any better."

The 6-foot-2, 217-pound Rhodes recently was rated as the fourth-best junior cornerback by ESPN NFL draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. The Miami native had three interceptions this season.

Very high on this kid. Great size for a CB. He'll probably jump to a 1st round pick, but if he's there in rd 2 I think he should receive strong consideration.