Florida Gators being well represented in 2026 NFL Mock Draft show they have talent to make playoff run in 2025

The Florida Gators have had a successful history in the NFL Draft and it's continued under head coach Billy Napier. Over the last three NFL Drafts, the Gators have seen 14 players drafted. Of those, seven of them came this past NFL Draft. WR Chimere Dike: 4th roundDT Cam Jackson: 5th roundCB Jason Marshall Jr.: […]

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier lifts the 2024 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl trophy in Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL on Friday, December 20, 2024 after defeating Tulane 33-8.
Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun

The Florida Gators have had a successful history in the NFL Draft and it's continued under head coach Billy Napier. Over the last three NFL Drafts, the Gators have seen 14 players drafted. Of those, seven of them came this past NFL Draft.

  • WR Chimere Dike: 4th round
  • DT Cam Jackson: 5th round
  • CB Jason Marshall Jr.: 5th round
  • LB Shemar James: 5th round
  • QB Graham Mertz: 6th round
  • P Jeremy Crawshaw: 6th round
  • S Trikweze Bridges: 7th round

When you look at the roster, it's no surprise that so many have been drafted. They recruit very well in both Florida and the SEC. Now that Napier is entering his fourth-year as head coach, the players he has recruited are beginning to get drafted. That success will become a big pitch to recruits moving forward.

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5 Florida Gators selected in way too early 2026 NFL Mock Draft

This Gators team is looking to be one of the more talented ones in recent memory. Our own Travis May at A to Z Sports put out a way-too-early three round NFL mock draft that featured five, yes five, Gators in it, with two in the first round.

27. Los Angeles Rams: Jake Slaughter, IOL Florida

Jake Slaughter is by the far the best true center prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft and perhaps the best one in the last handful of years. He's tall and long enough to shift to either guard spot if necessary. The play strength is there to hold up in both run and pass blocking (as confirmed by success rates via multiple charting services). The Rams got nothing good out of Beaux Limmer this year and will likely replace Coleman Shelton here soon after he perhaps starts in the short-term. Slaughter would be the perfect interior offensive line foundation to build on.

Slaughter is arguably the best of the Gators' prospects right now. He was an All-American last season, making him the 13th offensive lineman that earned the honor. He's a stout player who can anchor the offensive line for years to come. Will the Rams be willing to go center in round one? That's a bigger question.

37. Tennessee Titans: Caleb Banks, DT Florida

Banks emerged last season as one of the best interior pass rushers in college football with 7.0 sacks in 2024. Putting him next to Jeffery Simmons on pass rushing downs with T'Vondre Sweat on early downs would give the Titans a gnarly front for opposing teams to deal with.

55. San Francisco 49ers: Tyreak Sapp, EDGE Florida

The 49ers did a really good job improving their defensive line in the NFL Draft. Mykel Williams, Alfred Collins, and CJ West are going to prevent teams from running the football. Getting more juice on the outside should be a priority and Sapp can give them real juice on the outside. He could be the last young piece to fortify the defensive line around Nick Bosa.

63. Baltimore Ravens: Eugene Wilson III, WR Florida

If you want an upside wide receiver who hasn't gotten a lot of buzz recently, it's Wilson. He's dealt with injuries over the last couple of seasons, but there is a lot to like. He dominates over the short and intermediate levels of the field with quickness and YAC ability, but staying healthy this season is going to be paramount. He also fits the archetype of receiver that the Ravens target: smaller route runners who thrive after the catch.

64. Philadelphia Eagles: Austin Barber, OT Florida

Barber is one of the better tackles in the nation, and he likely goes in the first round. He's the perfect player for the Eagles to have in the pipeline to be behind Lane Johnson for when he ends up choosing to retire.

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