Hype train for Florida Gators star begins early as he enters first round of way too early 2026 NFL Mock Draft

The Florida Gators have had a relatively successful team over the course of the last few years. One area they have been consistent is producing high level NFL Draft picks. This year, the Gators didn't see a pick until day three, but they had five picks in the first round in the last four NFL […]

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Apr 12, 2025; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Eugene Wilson III (3) makes a catch before the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

The Florida Gators have had a relatively successful team over the course of the last few years. One area they have been consistent is producing high level NFL Draft picks. This year, the Gators didn't see a pick until day three, but they had five picks in the first round in the last four NFL Draft's combined.

The first pick for the Gators was at wide receiver in Chimere Dike, who went to the Tennessee Titans with the first pick of the fourth round. Wide receiver has been a popular pick for the Gators over the last few years:

  • 2025: Chimere Dike (4th round)
  • 2024: Ricky Pearsall (1st round)
  • 2023: Justin Shorter (5th round)
  • 2021: Kadarius Toney (1st round)
  • 2020: Van Jefferson (2nd round)
  • 2020: Freddie Swain (6th round)
  • 2020: Tyrie Cleveland (7th round)
https://www.instagram.com/p/DI6o-e8Rd7j/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading

Gators WR makes first round of 2026 NFL Mock Draft

It's a little early to be talking about the 2026 NFL Draft, but there is some value in looking forward. It's not a guarantee that players will be first-round picks at this point next year, but it does give us a semblance of what players we should watch next season.

The Gators had one player make A to Z Sports Film Room's mock draft and it's not one of the many trench players that could easily go in the first round, but rather wide receiver Eugene Wilson.

youtube placeholder image

Wilson missed most of the season last year with multiple injuries, but his profile is incredibly intriguing. He broke out as a true freshman with the Gators, mainly out of the slot, and thrived creating separation in the short and intermediate levels of the field, and was electric with the ball in his hands.

Now, Wilson has to stay healthy, as injuries have been the biggest thread with his career thus far. However, with DJ Lagway at the helm, his stock is primed to rise.

Related Articles