Last weekend, the NFL draft took place, culminating with 257 players being selected. The Florida Gators had one of the highest totals, with seven players getting drafted. In the previous article, our prediction held true. The belief was that somewhere between six and nine Gators would hear their name called. However, there were some surprises, including some talented players who did not hear their name. The NFL Draft is a great weekend for countless players and their families. Dreams are realized during this celebratory weekend. With seven Gators getting the magic call, Florida showed recruits that they can produce NFL talent. Now, let’s take a look at the seven new Gators in the National Football League.
The Seven Drafted Gators
First Off the Board
Coming into day three of the NFL draft, zero Gators had been selected. This was widely expected as no Gators were seen as blue-chip draft prospects. However, fans did not have to wait long on Saturday to hear a familiar name being called. Wide receiver Chimere Dike was selected with the first pick of the fourth round. The Tennessee Titans decided to add him to their bare receiver room. Now with quarterback Cam Ward the starter, Dike should be an early contributor. A weapon in the return game, he could be looked at as the possible punt returner. A veteran player, Dike was well-respected in Gainesville and should have no trouble acclimating to the pros.
Defensive Standouts
After the selection of Dike, the Gators saw three defensive players drafted in a span of 12 picks. Cam Jackson, Jason Marshall Jr., and Shemar James were all selected in the fifth round. Jackson came off the board first, as the Carolina Panthers selected him with the 140th overall pick. A mammoth on the interior of the defensive line, Jackson had a strong senior season for the Florida Gators. Fans should not be surprised if he makes this roster. The Panthers’ defense struggled mightily last season, and all jobs should be up for grabs. Jackson could line up nicely next to the stellar Derrick Brown.
Jason Marshall Jr. was selected by the Miami Dolphins with the 150th overall pick. Originally from Miami, he gets to return home to live out his dream. The former 5-star improved every season while at Florida. Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending injury halfway through the season. Had he not been injured, he may have heard his name much earlier. With Jalen Ramsey possibly departing the Dolphins, Marshall should be in line for some serious playing time.
Two picks later, the Dallas Cowboys selected linebacker Shemar James. James declared early for the draft after three seasons in the Orange and Blue. A day one contributor, he has been a standout linebacker since his freshman year. Although another year may have helped his draft stock, he still heard his name called. A true leader, he has displayed professional traits for years. Being a fifth-round selection, he is most likely fighting for a roster spot. Contributing to special teams will be key to his roster spot.
Feel Good Story
Quarterback Graham Mertz was selected with the 197th overall pick by the Houston Texans. Mertz suffered a torn ACL in the game against the Tennessee Volunteers. Missing the majority of the season, he never wavered and helped with the development of DJ Lagway. A great presence in the locker room, coaches raved about his leadership skills and character. Now getting the chance to realize his dreams, Gator fans were ecstatic to see his name called. Although the Texans have CJ Stroud entrenched as the starter, Mertz could fight for the backup spot. Davis Mills has been a great backup for a few years, filling in nicely for Stroud. Look for Mertz to make this roster, even if it is as the third-string quarterback.
Special Teams Ace
The Florida Gators sent yet another special teams player to the National Football League. Punter Jeremy Crashaw was selected with the last pick of the sixth round by the Denver Broncos. When a punter or kicker is selected, they are usually viewed as a day-one starter. Crashaw had a successful career for the Gators, using his leg as a weapon. Currently, the Broncos’ starting punter is Matt Haack, a solid player. This should be an open competition during training camp. Crashaw has the ability and the experience to win this starting job.
Surprise Selection
With the second-to-last pick of the NFL Draft, the Chargers selected Gators defensive back Trikweze Bridges. Bridges contributed greatly to this revamped Gators defense. To the surprise of many fans, he was not invited to the NFL Combine. A solid player, the former Gator earned the right to be drafted this weekend. The former Oregon Duck was a leader in Gainesville despite only being there for one season. As a seventh-round pick, he has an uphill battle to climb if he wants to earn a roster spot. Bridges needs to excel in the special team’s department if he hopes to avoid the practice squad.
Main Image: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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