GAINESVILLE — May 9, 2024 — The annual NFL Draft is looming, and the Florida Gators are looking to add more players to the league. This year’s draft may not see a Gator selected in the first round, a considerable shift from recent years, yet several Florida standouts are still projected to be drafted in the later rounds. This information is based on projections, so keep an eye out for updates.
Gators in the NFL Draft: A Look at Potential Late-round Picks
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Will the Florida Gators continue their streak of producing early-round NFL talent?
For the past five years,the Florida Gators football program has consistently seen a player selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. However, this streak might end this year. According to ESPN’s latest seven-round mock draft, no gator is expected to be picked before the fifth round. If this projection holds true, it would mark the first time since 1993 that a player from florida is not selected within the first four rounds.
While the Gators may lack a top-tier prospect in this year’s draft, ESPN anticipates that several Florida players will be chosen in the later rounds.
Projected Draft Picks
DL Cam Jackson, 5th Round, Pick 147 (San Francisco 49ers)
During his two seasons with the Florida Gators, Cam jackson recorded 69 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. Last season,he started in 11 of the regular season games,amassing 37 combined tackles,four tackles for loss,and 1.5 sacks.
Jackson’s standout performance occurred in 2023 against No. 11 Tennessee, earning him the SEC Co-Defensive Lineman of the Week title with six tackles and one pass breakup.
Gators head coach Billy Napier expressed satisfaction with Jackson’s progress during his time in Gainesville after Jackson’s Pro Day on March 27.
We’re really proud of him. I think Cam made a huge step.I thought he played and used his length this year. The film speaks for itself. Interior player that I think really increased his pass-rush value.
Billy Napier, Gators Head Coach
Before transferring to Florida, Jackson played three seasons at the University of Memphis, earning a Third-Team All-AAC selection in 2022.In his final season as a Tiger, he recorded 41 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and four quarterback hurries.
ESPN’s Jordan Reid highlighted Jackson’s physical attributes in his mock draft, stating, He’s long and plays with extremely heavy hands and an ability to overwhelm single blockers at times.
WR Elijah Badger, 6th Round, Pick 214 (Los Angeles Chargers)
Elijah Badger led the Gators in receiving yards (806) and touchdowns (4) last season, with 39 receptions. Before joining Florida, Badger spent four seasons at Arizona State, catching 142 passes for 1,640 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Gators wide receiver coach Billy Gonzalez praised Badger’s work ethic during spring practices, saying, He’s like the Energizer Bunny. He can just go. He’s an attention-to-detail guy as well, and he has a desire to be great. I think he’s going to do a fantastic job.
At the Combine, Badger posted a 4.43 40-yard dash,the sixth-fastest among the 19 receivers who participated. Reid noted that Badger makes challenging plays look effortless,explaining,The game comes naturally for him. He has above-average ball skills to track throws and win in tight spaces or pluck the ball from outside his frame.
CB Jason Marshall Jr, 6th Round, Pick 215 (las Vegas Raiders)
Throughout his career at Florida, Jason Marshall Jr. totaled 98 tackles, two interceptions, 27 pass break-ups, and 7.5 tackles for loss. After a season-ending shoulder injury, Marshall was limited to seven games in 2024. Coach Napier noted Marshall’s prosperous recovery from a torn labrum in October, stating, To be where he was at in his return, I thought he did really well, and then certainly I thought today was a good step in the right direction to be able to do the position work.
Despite concerns about his run support, Reid offered a positive assessment of marshall’s coverage skills, saying, Outside cornerback with good size, athleticism and experience. Marshall can disrupt the release from press and ride route turns to stay in position to defend the throw.
Other Notable Players
While not featured in ESPN’s mock draft, other Gators have appeared in projections from reputable sources. PFF expects offensive lineman Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson to be the highest Gator drafted (Fourth Round), despite his absence from ESPN’s list. NFL.com projects defensive back Trikweze Bridges and running back Montrell Johnson to be selected in the Seventh Round.
The 2025 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place from Thursday, April 24, 2025, through Saturday, April 26, 2025.
