With the NFL and College Football season coming to an end, all eyes now look towards the offseason. For former Gators players, many are looking forward to hearing their name called in the 2025 draft. Despite bringing back plenty of star talent, Florida did lose a few key seniors. With no one expected to be selected in the first round, these next few weeks will be pivotal. The National Combine is fast approaching, and with Pro Days also taking place soon, there will be an opportunity to rise. The Reese’s Senior Bowl and other all-star games have finished, and now it’s all about the players’ workouts. The difference in being selected in the third round or the sixth round could come down to these workouts. Specifically, these former Gators will have the next few weeks to prove why they should be selected early in the NFL Draft.
Which Gators Will Hear Their Name Called?
Underrated Quarterback
A beloved player by Gator Nation, quarterback Graham Mertz unfortunately suffered a season-ending injury early in the year. Tearing his ACL, he never left the team, giving all the guidance he could to freshman DJ Lagway. A real leader in the locker room, fans will be cheering for him to hear his name selected. Still recovering from his injury, his draft grade is up in the air. A veteran who has played a lot of football, he could carve out a role on any NFL franchise. Not viewed as a day-one starter, he could be a valued backup thanks to his experience and poise. Perhaps not being able to fully work out on his Pro Day, the measurables will be the important piece. Viewed as a late-day three pick, given the opportunity, there is no reason to believe that he won’t make a roster.
Every Down Running Back?
Dealing with injuries during his senior campaign, Gators running back Montrell Johnson Jr. became overlooked. Coming back healthy at the end of the season, he made a real impact, especially against the Ole Miss Rebels. An experienced back, he has rushed for over 500 yards in each of his four seasons. Making the change from the Sun Belt (Louisiana Lafayette) to the SEC did not affect his performance. A real weapon in the passing game, that will be his strength at the next level. Not only can he catch the ball out of the backfield, but he was also the Gators’ best pass-blocking back. An unselfish player, he will find a role on an NFL team thanks to his versatility. With a similar play style to that of NFL back Rachaad White, Johnson should be drafted early on day three. He could be the first Gator drafted with a strong workout.
Senior Bowl Standouts
After participating in the Senior Bowl, Shemar James made quite the name for himself. A multi-year starter at the University of Florida, he declared early for the NFL Draft. One of the top linebackers in the SEC, this was a pivotal week for him. Acing his opportunity, he looked comfortable covering running backs and stopping the run game. With two sacks and an interception this season, he showed his versatility. Starting the last three seasons, he has the experience to make an early impact on any NFL team.
Another Senior Bowl participant, defensive tackle Cam Jackson showed off his strength and movement. Transferring over from Memphis, Jackson spent the last two seasons in the Orange and Blue. Steadily improving during his time in Gainesville, Jackson had two sacks and 37 total tackles. Listed at 6 foot 6 and 342 pounds, he is a mammoth in the middle of the line. Hoping to sneak into the back end of day two of the draft, Jackson will almost assuredly hear his name called.
Ball Hawks
Cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. was having a career year before unfortunately going down with an injury. Playing in the first six games of the season, Marshall had four pass deflections and one forced fumble. Showing significant improvement in his coverage skills, the former 5-star began garnering draft buzz. Despite missing time with injury, this won’t hamper his NFL draft stock, as he will be ready to go quite soon. With years of SEC experience, he could hear his name called earlier than expected. As of now, this former Gator should be off the board sometime early on day three of the draft.
Trikweze Briges decided to transfer from Oregon to Gainesville for his final season of college football. After initially struggling, he eventually became one of the Gators’ premier players in the secondary. With two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and five pass deflections, he made his presence felt. A veteran leader for this group, Bridges left a lasting impact on this Gators squad. Now moving towards the draft, he helped his stock tremendously this season. Bridges should expect to hear his name called on day three and has all the tools to make an NFL roster.
Dynamic Receivers
When quarterback Graham Mertz went down, fans knew that the receivers would have to step up for DJ Lagway. Wide receiver Elijhah Badger quickly built up a rapport with Lagway, becoming his favorite target. Catching 39 passes for 806 yards and four touchdowns, he put together quite a productive season. The former Arizona State Sun Devil has now put up three consecutive seasons of over 700 yards receiving. An underrated weapon, he has all the makings of an NFL receiver. There is no doubt that one team will fall in love with him and select him by the middle of day three.
Lastly, receiver Chimere Dike also spent limited time in Gainesville but quickly became a leader for this young team. The former Wisconsin Badger showed off his versatility in the receiving and in the return game. Catching 42 passes for 783 yards and two touchdowns, he proved himself to be a reliable set of hands. With 16 punt returns for 187 yards, he showed that he can carve out a role on special teams. Getting a chance to compete in the Senior Bowl, gave him more exposure for NFL scouts. The former Gator should hear his name called during the back end of the NFL draft.
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