Thursday, the Florida Gators will be hosting their pro day. With a large number of scouts expected to be in attendance, this is a great chance for some exposure. There will be 20 participants at this event, including two former Gators looking to stay on the NFL radar. With many of these players not attending the NFL Combine, this is their chance to impress NFL scouts. A three-and-a-half-hour affair, this is a short window to make a great impression. This event is similar to the Combine, just on a much smaller scale. There is plenty of talent in this Gators class, with many expected to be drafted. Last month, nine of these Gators competed in the combine. This gives the 11 other players their moment to shine on a smaller, more centered stage. Look for these Gators to impress at their Pro Day and showcase their skills.
Former Gators Ready to Shine
Expected Standouts
Naturally, most scouts will be interested in seeing the Gators who have already competed in the combine. The nine combine participants are the highest-rated prospects for this upcoming draft. Thus, these prospects will be the most watched during their workouts. Two names to keep an eye on are the receivers, Chimere Dike and Elijhah Badger. Although neither is viewed as a top pick, both receivers turned heads with their combine workouts. Dike ran one of the fastest 40-yard dash times of any of the receivers in attendance. Clocking in a blazing fast 4.34, scouts are beginning to take notice. Although he only spent one year at Florida, he was a veteran presence in the locker room and a true leader. A weapon as a punt returner, he is a dynamic player who can contribute all over the field. Another strong performance could see Dike rise into the middle rounds.
Not to be outdone, Badger surprised many NFL scouts by his speed. Not considered a track star, Badger was viewed as more of a contested catch receiver. However, running a 4.43 40-yard dash certainly helped his draft stock. Badger also only spent one year in Gainesville, yet he really came along as the season progressed. With DJ Lagway taking over as the starting quarterback, he quickly built a rapport with him as his go-to target. The former Arizona State Sun Devil performed well during his one year in the SEC. If his routes look smooth during the Pro Day, he could be the first Gator selected.
Spurred from the Combine
Despite an impressive nine Gators attending the combine, there were some snubs that came as a bit of a surprise. One name that many expected to see at the combine was defensive back Trikweze Bridges. The former Oregon Duck became a difference maker in this revamped Gators secondary. After struggling early in the year (as did the entire defense), he made some real strides late. Totaling up 38 tackles and two interceptions on the year, the senior defensive back made his presence felt. Spending five years at the collegiate level, Bridges is a veteran who has played against top competition. Many fans as well as scouts will be interested to see how he performs at the Gators Pro Day. He is not viewed as a high prospect, he could shift up some draft boards with a strong showing.
Fan favorite Desmond Watson will also be taking part in his Pro Day on Thursday. The Gators defensive tackle was not invited to the combine last month. A whopping 450 pounds, he totaled 20 tackles last season. His weight has been a major concern during his time in Gainesville. If he stays at his current weight, it is doubtful that he could carve out a role in the NFL. Watson can only compete for a few plays at a time before he has to exit due to his poor conditioning. A mammoth of a man, when he is on the field it is nearly impossible to run the ball. Unlikely to run the 40-yard dash, his strength will be an area to watch. Watson will have to move some serious weight if he wants to improve upon his draft stock.
Former Players Invited
Two former Gators will be taking part in this Pro Day. Former offensive lineman Max Garcia is hoping to put together a complete performance. Leaving Gainesville in 2014, he has spent nine seasons in the NFL. Last playing for the Saints in 2023, he is hoping to resurrect his career. The former fourth-round pick has had a successful career, but he is not yet ready to call it quits. The other former Gator is another offensive lineman, Michael Tarquin. Last playing for the Gators in 2022, he transferred to USC and then Oklahoma. He will be taking part in hopes of boosting his stock up. Not viewed as a draftable prospect, a good workout could lead to an undrafted free-agent contract. The Gators Pro Day is a unique experience and provides some former players with a chance at success in the league.
Final Thoughts
Many players will be eager to put their best foot forward on Thursday. With the NFL Draft taking place late next month, time is moving quickly. This will be the last chance for these players to work out in front of these scouts. A good Pro Day could be the difference between being drafted for some of these players. The nine Gators who competed at the Combine already showed off their skills. For those who did not receive the invitation, this is their first and only chance. This year, the Gators do not have any prospects who are being viewed as a first-round pick. Because of this, the workouts are all the more important. No one has locked themselves up as a top prospect, and this workout could make or break their chances. The pressure arrives on Thursday, and these Gators are all ready for the challenge.
Main Photo: Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK
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