The Gators had some action early in the 2023 NFL Draft as Anthony Richardson and Gervon Dexter were taken in the first two days. Altogether, Florida had six selections throughout the seven-round draft.
Gator Country gives you five potential NFL Draft picks in 2024.
Jason Marshall CB
Many view Marshall as a stud CB out of this draft, projecting him as a mid-late first-round pick in 2024. Over his two years with Florida, Marshall has tallied two INTs, 11 PDs, and 52 TOT. Marshall is seen as a core piece this season for a Florida defense that is looking to turn things around, so expect his draft stock to rise significantly with great, consistent play at CB.
Princely Umanmielen DL
Entering his fourth year with the Gators, Umanmielen was one of the few bright spots on a struggling defense last season. Umanmielen had 39 TOT, 4.5 sacks, and 2 FF while rushing off the edge in 2023. Viewed as one of the veterans pieces this year, Umanmielen looks to continue his success, working his way into a day two pick in 2024.
Micah Mazzccua IOL
A massive addition in the transfer portal for the Gators, Mazzccua has a lot of hype to live up to considering his success at Baylor in 2022. In 10 starts for the Bears, Mazzccua was graded as the 2nd best guard in the Big 12 and the 42nd best guard in the nation (via PFF). Mazzccua is currently projected as a day 3 pick in 2024, but I expect him to rise in the rankings with a reconstructed Gators line looking to succeed.
Montrell Johnson RB
Johnson was a new face in 2022 for the Gators, transferring from Louisiana where the freshman running back played under Billy Napier. Johnson was able to rack up 841 yards with 10 touchdowns on 155 carries (5.42 YPC), which many would consider a dominant season. We have seen a plethora of RBs taken late rounds, and despite being projected as a UDFA currently, I see Johnson rising the ranks and being a day 3 pick in 2024.
Graham Mertz QB
As of right now, Mertz being drafted is more of a bold take. The newly transferred QB was nothing incredible at Wisconsin, having 2,136 yards with 19 TDs and 10 INTs this past season, but he was still a solid starter. However, I have Mertz as a late-round pick based on two things: Teams needs for QBs and potential play. QBs are always a need for teams, even backups, and I envision Mertz being a solid, safer pick in late rounds for teams with question marks at QB. I also envision Mertz having a much better year with Florida due to the weapons around him, both at WR and RB, and I believe Mertz can create a more eye-appealing stat sheet for teams this Spring.