2024 NFL Draft Team Preview: Florida Gators
The Florida Gators are entering the season with a bitter taste in their mouth. After a disappointing season last year, finishing the regular season 6-6 and losing the Las Vegas Bowl game, making for three straight losses to cap the season, the start of a new season couldn’t come soon enough.
Despite losing their electrifying quarterback to the NFL, the Gators have an immense amount of talent on both sides of the ball. They came into the year unranked in the AP Top-25 poll, and many of their NFL Draft prospects have a lot to prove. Here is who to watch for on the Florida Gators and how their NFL Draft stock sits.
5. #15 QB Graham Mertz
As a recent transfer from Wisconsin, Mertz possesses the highly sought-after physical traits of a quarterback, including good height, arm strength, and a solid build. He can deliver accurate throws with velocity across different areas of the field, particularly excelling in driving the ball into tight spots. While he has demonstrated promise in decision-making, there’s room for improvement as he sometimes forces throws into coverage, leading to interceptions.
Furthermore, he shows potential in progressing through his reads and locating secondary receiving options, but consistency is key. Though not highly mobile, Mertz can maneuver in the pocket and buy time when needed, but improving pocket awareness and footwork under pressure is important. He exhibits leadership qualities on the field, rallying teammates and maintaining composure.
Overall, Mertz has the tools to succeed at the college level, highlighted by his arm strength and accuracy. Further growth in reading defenses, managing pressure, and refining decision-making will be crucial for his development in the NFL.
4. #16 S R.J. Moten
As a safety, Moten possesses a range of skills, including coverage ability, tackling, reading opposing offenses, and providing support in pass coverage and run defense. His athleticism and versatility make him valuable in different defensive schemes, allowing him to cover receivers, help in the run game, and be deployed in blitz packages.
Additionally, his ball skills and playmaking abilities are key, allowing him to intercept passes, disrupt passing lanes, and create turnovers. His speed and agility are a big reason he’s had success covering the field efficiently and making open-field tackles. As a former baseball player, he tracks the ball in the air well, and his timing is on point.
Moten has experience playing various roles in his college football career. However, while his NFL Draft stock isn’t the highest, his versatility will be highly coveted when draft day rolls around.
3. #2 RB Montrell Johnson Jr.
The former Ragin’ Cajun running back, Johnson, is a natural playmaker with a strong presence. His speed allows him to outmaneuver linebackers and gain an advantage in the open field. His physical attributes, including size and toughness, have not only helped in the running game but have made him an asset as a pass blocker. He won’t win with game-breaking speed, but his burst and acceleration prevent him from being easily chased down.
Operating as a downhill runner, he maintains momentum and handles contact well with a physical approach and a low pad level, making him a tough runner to bring down. Johnson is used sparingly in the passing game, leaving a little to be desired in an important aspect at the NFL level. He needs to learn to be more patient at the line of scrimmage to set up blocks and be more efficient as a runner.
Ultimately, as he develops more refinement into his game at Florida, with his size and burst, Johnson could see his NFL Draft stock rise.
2. #1 EDGE Princely Umanmielen
Umanmielen is a prominent defensive presence, possessing a strong physical build and impressive attributes. Standing around 6-foo-4 with significant length, he disrupts passing lanes effectively. Umanmielen’s functional strength helps his block shedding and penetration, supported by various hand techniques. He showcases agility and power in pass rushing, capitalizing on his quick burst off the line. His run defense showcases strength in anchoring and awareness to tackle in traffic.
Furthermore, his versatility allows him to excel both from the inside and the edge, contributing to various schemes. Umanmielen’s high motor, work ethic, and commitment to improvement improve his on-field impact. While a threat in run defense and pass rushing, refining his techniques and situational awareness will further elevate his NFL Draft stock.
1. #3 CB Jason Marshall Jr.
Marshall is a cornerback with all the desirable physical attributes for the position. His height, length, speed, and agility allow him to effectively match up against any receiver. Additionally, his coverage skills are a strong suit, showcasing fluidity, disruption, and versatility in various coverage schemes. Marshall displays promise in ball skills, timing interceptions, and reading the quarterback. While willing to tackle and provide run support, he should focus on improving his consistency in tackling and physicality. His recovery speed allows him to catch up to receivers when initially beaten. He has the instincts to recognize offensive patterns and react to plays, contributing to his overall effectiveness.
Finally, his physicality at the line of scrimmage disrupts timing, and press coverage limits clean releases from the receiver. Marshall’s coverage prowess, ball instincts, and versatility make him valuable in the secondary, but his tackling in the open field and becoming more consistent in the run game will be vital to improving his already high NFL Draft stock.
Honorable Mention
- #1 WR Ricky Pearsall
- #18 TE Dante Zanders
- #58 OT Austin Barber
- #76 OT Damieon George Jr.
- #54 iOL Micah Mazzccua
- #65 iOL Kingsley Eguakun
- #67 iOL Richie Leonard IV
- #99 iDL Cam Jackson
- #20 LB Teradja Mitchell
- #23 DB Jaydon Hill
- #16 DB R.J. Moten
Florida Gator’s 2023 Schedule
| DATE | OPPONENT |
| Thu, Aug 31 | @ Utah |
| Sat, Sep 9 | vs McNeese |
| Sat, Sep 16 | vs Tennessee |
| Sat, Sep 23 | vs Charlotte |
| Sat, Sep 30 | @ Kentucky |
| Sat, Oct 7 | vs Vanderbilt |
| Sat, Oct 14 | @ South Carolina |
| Sat, Oct 28 | vs Georgia |
| Sat, Nov 4 | vs Arkansas |
| Sat, Nov 11 | @ LSU |
| Sat, Nov 18 | @ Missouri |
| Sat, Nov 25 | vs Florida State |
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