Eddie Goldman Declares for 2015 NFL Draft: Latest Details and Reaction

Florida State defensive lineman Eddie Goldman will forgo his final year of eligibility in Tallahassee in favor of declaring for the 2015 NFL draft.

ESPN's Joe Schad reported the news of Goldman's decision.

Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher talked about the talented lineman and his contributions to the program, via Schad:

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Eddie was a tremendous leader, student-athlete and, most importantly, a tremendous person for FSU. I can't thank him enough for his contributions over the last three years on the field and for his leadership by example. I expect Eddie to have a tremendous professional career and I'm very excited for him and his family.

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The Seminoles star figures to be a first-round pick when the draft commences on April 30. CBSSports.com's Rob Rang is one of several analysts projecting him in the top 32 selections. Just where Goldman goes remains to be seen, because he is an athletic marvel who can bolster his stock with a strong showing at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Nolan Vasan of USA Today isn't quite sold on Goldman despite his immense natural talent:

Pro Football Focus' Steve Palazzolo also noticed Goldman's presence, or lack thereof, in FSU's 59-20 loss to Oregon in the Rose Bowl:

Goldman was a 5-star prospect by 247Sports.com when he arrived at FSU yet didn't quite live up to expectations until this year, as he and Mario Edwards Jr. combined to wreak havoc on opposing offenses.

ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. (subscription required) weighed in on Goldman, slotting him No. 22 overall on his big board as of November 19:

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Another interesting draft decision. Hasn't been in the backfield a lot but has been effective taking on blocks and creating the occasional push. A known commodity since he was a five-star talent in high school -- a 300-pounder who has run in the 4.8-4.9 range and destroys O-linemen with his quickness off the snap -- Goldman is putting it all together. He has a strong build, plays with leverage, and holds the point well, but he's getting better as a hand fighter. At his best, he can create space for himself and make plays in the backfield.

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Goldman filled the void left by now-Baltimore Raven Timmy Jernigan well as the Seminoles continued to find ways to win, leaning on their defense while Heisman winner Jameis Winston turned it over often in 2014.

An outstanding combination of size and speed gives the 314-pound Goldman the flexibility to line up on the inside or even as a 3-4 defensive end. His schematic versatility should make him a more attractive first-round option for teams nearer the top of the order.

Even with NFL-caliber cornerbacks in P.J. Williams and Ronald Darby to help on the back end of the Florida State defense in addition to Edwards in the trenches, Goldman has managed to shine and stand out in 2014.

If Goldman were to fall into the latter half of Round 1, he could help a fringe playoff contender in a big way and prove to be one of the best value picks of the entire draft.