The 2021 NFL Draft is upon us, and a group of former Florida Gators will have their lives changed in the coming days. The Gators have a chance to tie or set a new program record with this year’s talented draft class.
Everything you need to know about the draft can be found below.
When: April 29-May 1 (Thursday-Saturday)
Round 1 of the NFL Draft will start at 8 p.m. on Thursday. Rounds 2 and 3 begin at 7 p.m. on Friday. The draft will conclude with Rounds 4-7 at noon on Saturday.
Where: Downtown Cleveland
Tight end Kyle Pitts is one of 13 players with confirmed plans to attend the draft this year.
How to Watch: ABC, ESPN, NFL Network
The draft will air on the networks above on all three days. Fans can also stream it on multiple platforms, including fuboTV, the NFL App and the ESPN App.
Who to Watch: The current Florida record for players drafted in a season is nine. The Gators have a strong chance to meet or exceed that, but should see seven players selected at the very least.
The aforementioned Kyle Pitts is obviously the most prominent name on the list. After a record-breaking season, he could continue to make history as the highest drafted tight end of all time. The possibility of the Atlanta Falcons selecting him at No. 4 seems to be picking up steam by the day, but he is a guaranteed Top-10 pick.
Wide receiver Kadarius Toney transformed himself into a potential first-round pick with a stellar senior season. He could go as early as 15th to the New England Patriots, but will certainly hear his name called late on Thursday or early Friday.
The Patriots could have their eyes on more than one former Gator this draft. Word is Bill Belichick has serious interest in quarterback Kyle Trask. Trask may not be as revered as some of the other quarterbacks in his class, but he has attributes that will set him up for success at the next level. Most expect him to go sometime on Day 2.
After those three, predictions for the remainder of Florida’s departing players are all over the place. Offensive lineman Stone Forsythe, wide receiver Trevon Grimes, cornerback Marco Wilson, safety Shawn Davis and defensive lineman Tedarrell Slaton could be selected any time in the later rounds depending on the needs of teams at that point.
Kicker Evan McPherson also has a shot at being drafted. Specialists rarely leave early, but McPherson has the leg talent to make his decision pay off. His late-season struggles in 2020 could play a factor.
Offensive lineman Brett Heggie, defensive lineman Kyree Campbell and safeties Brad Stewart and Donovan Stiner have a slight chance of finding a spot on Day 3, but will all likely sign with teams soon after as undrafted free agents.
Stay up to date with live coverage from Gator Country throughout the draft and beyond.