Less than two weeks stand between several former Gators and their lifelong dreams finally coming to fruition.
Florida is projected to have at least two players go on Day 1, and some expect a program-record nine to be selected in the 2021 NFL Draft.
But being drafted and reaching elite status at the next level do not always coincide. Even the most talented college players fizzle out in the NFL at an alarming rate.
So, as we look ahead to the draft, we will determine what Florida’s top prospects need to do to make a smooth transition into their professional careers.
TE Kyle Pitts
This one is easy. Pitts is one of those generational players who needs to do next to nothing to transition his game to the NFL.
The fact of the matter is, Pitts was an NFL-caliber tight end playing at the college level in 2020. While there is room for him to improve as a blocker, he has the size, the speed and the hands to transform an offense from his first snap.
An extremely rare combination that the Gators will sorely miss, the soon-to-be top-five pick leaves little to critique.
WR Kadarius Toney
Toney poses a much greater risk to NFL teams than his first-round counterpart. He polished his game incredibly well between his junior and senior seasons, but still has some work to do.
He used his raw talent alone to break ankles and make some jaw-dropping plays in his first three years at Florida. When he combined his unteachable skills with technique in 2020, he became one of the biggest threats in the country.
The questions surrounding him continue to be related to his route-running and his body. He proved this season that he had the willingness and ability to transform his game, and there is no reason to believe that won’t continue under NFL coaching.
If Toney can stay healthy, his team’s offense will instantly become more versatile.
QB Kyle Trask
Trask’s draft stock has been all over the place since his record-breaking 2020 season. From late-round projections to first-round projections, no one really knows when the Heisman Trophy finalist will hear his name called.
Wherever he lands, Trask will likely begin his career as a backup, and that is nothing new to him. A couple of years to learn under a veteran quarterback could actually work to his advantage.
But for Trask to once again make the jump from career backup to starter, he will need to continue to improve his arm strength and mobility. No one expects him to be a dual-threat guy. He will make his living in the pocket, but his mechanics could certainly be better under pressure.
Outside of his talent on the field, Trask’s ability to prepare no matter his role will benefit him in the NFL. If his future team surrounds him with offensive weapons the way Florida did, he could flourish and surprise the critics.
CB Marco Wilson
Wilson saw his draft stock soar following Florida’s pro day, where he posted an impressive 4.37 40-yard dash to complement a 43.5-inch vertical. Those numbers stack up with the best, giving him some serious potential. But right now, that’s all it is—potential.
His athleticism translates perfectly to the NFL. His mentality and physicality, however, are still in question.
All shoes aside, his struggles with playing the ball in the air and tackling should be at the top of the list of concerns for NFL teams. He gave up far too many big plays in 2020, and quite honestly looked disinterested in tackling a majority of the time.
Again, there is plenty of untapped potential inside Wilson. While it did not materialize in four years at Florida, it might at the next level.
DL Tedarrell Slaton
Slaton is one of those players who could end up having more success professionally than he did in college. Not to say his career at Florida was a failure, but expectations were through the roof from the moment he stepped on campus, and those expectations were never fully met.
At 6-5, 330, he has the combination of size and quickness NFL teams are looking for in a nose-tackle. His physical attributes alone make him a prospect teams are willing to mold as a mid-round pick.
The issues that seem to keep coming up for scouts are his ability to consistently affect the run and his balance. Despite Slaton’s above-average size, he often got pushed around by smaller offensive linemen.
Slaton provides some surprising pass-rushing skills, so if he can develop as a run-stuffer, his potential at the next level is high.
OL Stone Forsythe
Forsythe certainly improved his draft stock in 2020, but just how much is yet to be seen. Some experts have him going as early as the second round, while others see him as a late-round pick.
No matter where Forsythe goes, his future team is getting a strong pass protector who is rough around the edges when it comes to run blocking. He allowed just two sacks last season going up against SEC defensive lines week in and week out.
The 6-8, 307-pound tackle turned heads with his speed and agility at Florida’s pro day, and provides versatility in being able to play on either side of the line. If Forsythe can improve his push in the ground game, his transition to the NFL is promising.
WR Trevon Grimes
Grimes was a key piece to Florida’s offense last season, but was ultimately overshadowed by Pitts and Toney. Unfortunately, that is how most experts predict his NFL career to go as well. He is projected to be more of a rotational receiver and special teams guy barring some great development.
His big frame and ability to go up and grab contested catches make him an ideal red zone target, but outside of that, his game at the next level is a bit limited at this point. Under the right circumstances, that could change.
If Grimes gets in the right system and develops more than he did at Florida, he has potential to exceed expectations as a projected Day 3 pick.