Starting Thursday, players will be working out at the National Football Combine. For the eight former Gators, the Combine provides a chance to improve their draft stock. Not all players will be taking place in the workouts due to various injuries. However, that will only make interviews and personal conversations all the more important. To the casual fan, the Combine is simply about running fast in the 40-yard dash. The Combine is much more than that, as in simple terms, it is a job interview for these players. With interviews, on-field drills, and weightlifting, players will have to show they are well-rounded individuals. Different position groups will compete on different days starting on Thursday with the defensive lineman and linebackers. A weeklong event, the Combine ends on Sunday with the offensive lineman. The question now is, which Gators will have the chance to climb up the draft boards.
Gators Ready for the Combine
Double Trouble
Two different Gators receivers earned invitations to compete at the NFL Combine. Chimere Dike and Elijhah Badger will both look to make an impression on the scouts in attendance. Both Dike and Badger were only in Gainesville for one season, yet they left a lasting impact. Dike, the former Wisconsin Badger, quickly cemented himself as a do-everything player. Contributing to the long and short passing game, he showed off his versatility. Taking over as the main punt returner, Dike’s ability to play all over the field should translate well to the NFL. After compiling a career-high 783 yards to go with two touchdowns, Dike showed real growth. Even with uncertainty at the quarterback position, Dike’s numbers never declined. Right now, labeled as a late-round prospect, a good Combine week could vault him up into the middle rounds.
For Elijhah Badger, he built up a rapport with quarterback DJ Lagway, cementing himself as the go-to target. The transfer from Arizona State came on strongly late in the season during the Gators winning streak. Tallying up 806 receiving yards with four touchdowns, he was a threat at all levels. A true “winner” of jump balls, Badger was a threat in the contested catch department. With three games over 100 receiving yards, he showed consistency down the stretch. A bit of an older prospect at 23, he can utilize this to his advantage. Transferring to the SEC after a few seasons in the Pac-12, he didn’t miss a beat. Florida fans know that he will ace his routes at the Combine, however, his speed is a mystery. If he runs a blazing 40-time, Badger could work his way up to the early stages of day three.
The Trenches
Two former Gators linemen had the privilege of being invited to the Combine. Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson, an offensive tackle, will be participating on Sunday. The former San Diego State Aztec started in eleven games for the Gators. Listed at a whopping 6 foot 7, 322 pounds, he certainly has NFL size. For a lineman of his size, the 40-yard dash is often of less importance. What scouts will be watching is his weightroom workout, and if his bench press is up to par. Garnering significant draft interest, Dickson was a valuable asset to this Florida Gators team. Logging over 650 offensive snaps and allowing zero sacks, he could quickly climb up draft boards. As of now, he is one of the highest-rated prospects for the Florida Gators. There is a real shot that he could hear his name called early on day three.
Joining Dickson is defensive lineman Cam Jackson. The former Memphis Tiger played two seasons for the Orange and Blue. With 37 tackles and two sacks in his senior season, he showed his ability to get after the passer. A bigger player on the interior, he is listed at 6 foot 6 and 342 pounds. Stout against the run, he occupies his gap well and makes the other team earn every yard. Jackson also added two pass deflections, showing off his athleticism. Similar to Dickson, his 40-yard dash time won’t wow any scouts, as he is a bigger prospect. However, he must ace his measurables and weightlifting workout if he wants to make an impression. A leader in the locker room, he has the character that scouts are looking for. Don’t be surprised if Jackson sneaks his way into the back half of the third round.
Offensive Playmakers
The last two players highlighted will be two long-time offensive contributors. Two other players (Shemar James and Jeremy Crawshaw) will also take part in the Combine but were already mentioned in the Senior Bowl article. On offense, fans have good memories of quarterback Graham Mertz and are thankful for his contributions. Tearing his ACL against the Tennessee Volunteers, Mertz missed most of his senior year. Acting as a coach for the young star DJ Lagway, Mertz never walked away from the team. A veteran leader, he was someone coaches could hold accountable, and scouts would only hear good things about his character. Unfortunately, due to the severity of his injury, he will not be able to fully participate in the on-field drills. This makes the interview process even more important for him. If he can show off his knowledge of the game, he could be selected late on day three.
Montrell Johnson Jr. was a big contributor for all three years that he played in Gainesville. The former Louisiana Lafayette running back followed head coach Billy Napier to Florida when he was hired. Although he posted a career low in rushing yards this season, he missed key time with nagging injuries. Still finding the end zone six times, he showed off his value when he stayed healthy. A good run blocker and a threat in the receiving game, he is the type of versatile back that teams love. Florida fans and draft scouts will certainly be monitoring his Combine performance. In a deep running back class, he must find a way to differentiate himself from the rest of the pack. A good way to start would be by killing his speed work, as he showed glimpses of breakout speed during his time with the Gators.
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