Nobody will argue that a projected first-round NFL draft pick should take a pass. In other sports, that could happen.

In a game like football in which players have such a short shelf life, it shouldn’t.

So let’s just assume that underclassmen like Joey Bosa, Maliek Collins, Jack Conklin, Ezekiel Elliott and Mike Thomas are gone.

But there are a few other prospects in the B1G that have some major decisions to make at season’s end. Jan. 18 is the date for underclassmen to declare for the NFL draft, which means we’ll hear about a slew of prospects declaring before too long.

Without assuming anything about a player’s financial background, let’s take a look at four B1G players and whether or not they should stay or go based on how they project at the next level.

Christian Hackenberg (Jr.), Penn State QB — Go

Despite his wishes, Hackenberg’s draft stock will be debated until he makes a decision. The three-year PSU starter won’t get a realistic projection of his stock because of how many varying opinions of him are out there. If he declares, it’s because he believes that he’ll show the attributes at the combine that made the McShays and Trent Dilfers suggest he’s the top 2016 quarterback prospect. He obviously still has issues (accuracy, pocket presence) but as a three-year starter, NFL scouts likely aren’t changing their minds about Hackenberg with another season under a third offensive coordinator.

Vonn Bell (Jr.), Ohio State S — Go

One of the nation’s top defensive back prospects played in plenty of big games in his career at Ohio State. Perhaps that’s why he received preseason and postseason All-American honors in his second season as a starter. Physically, Bell might not be a can’t-miss prospect. Still, it’s impossible to deny his playmaking talent. The former five-star recruit can be an imposing tackler anywhere on the field, and his instincts prevent elite receivers from taking the top off of defenses. He also has a nose for the ball that will likely go overlooked in his draft combine workouts. That will make Bell an attractive option for whoever snatches him up in the first two rounds.

Corey Clement (Jr.), Wisconsin RB — Stay

After starting as the obvious breakout candidate of the year in the B1G, Clement finished with more question marks than touchdowns. Sports hernia surgery plagued his first season as a starter, and a midseason assault case hurt his hand and reputation. The physical talent was evident in his limited action in 2015. But Clement did too much to put his draft stock in question, and he plays a position that doesn’t warrant itself to a team taking a risk in the early rounds. Perhaps that’s why Wisconsin running backs coach John Settle advised Clement — even if he’s projected to be selected in the top three rounds — not to declare early. He could be a B1G Offensive Player of the Year candidate — and a first-round pick — if he rebounds in 2016.

Desmond King (RS Jr.), Iowa CB — Go

I know, I know. He said he’s leaning toward returning to Iowa City for his senior year. As much as it might seem like a risk for King to declare for the NFL, it’s even riskier for him to come back. The guy just won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s best defensive back, after which he admitted he doesn’t know why quarterbacks still throw at him. You know what they won’t do in 2016? Throw at him. The chances of King returning and leading the nation in interceptions again isn’t likely, simply because he won’t get 50-50 balls in his direction. His stock is soaring right now, especially after the performance he turned in against Connor Cook in the B1G Championship. He definitely has NFL instincts. Whatever he lacks in foot speed, he makes up for with his ability to read quarterbacks. Iowa fans might not want to hear it, but now is the time for King to cash in.