By Pat Harty

IOWA CITY, Iowa – Three gone, and one to go.

That's where it now stands with the Iowa football team's early departures to the 2019 NFL Draft as junior defensive end Anthony Nelson announced on Twitter on Monday that he plans to enter the draft.

"The past four years competing alongside my teammates for the state of Iowa in front of the best fans in country will be something I will never forget," Nelson said. "After a great deal of consideration and discussion with my family, I have decided to declare for the 2019 NFL Draft."

Nelson, a fourth-year junior, went on to thank his parents, along with the Iowa coaches, support staff and his teammates.

The Waukee native came to Iowa as a three-star recruit and quickly blossomed into a pass-rushing force off the edge. The 6-foot-7, 271-pound Nelson finished with 23 sacks in 39 games for Iowa. He often used his length to be disruptive in the pocket.

He is the third member of the 2018 Iowa team to declare for the 2019 NFL Draft, the others being junior tight end Noah Fant and junior defensive back Amani Hooker.

Sophomore tight end T.J. Hockenson is also expected to soon share his plans about entering the 2019 NFL Draft. Hockenson is expected to declare for the draft after  having won the John Mackey Award, which goes to the nation's top collegiate tight end.