The 2024 NFL Draft has wrapped up but teams are still looking to fill out their roster with undrafted free agents and summer camp invites. Several familiar faces have signed deals following the seven-round draft.
RB Lorenzo Lingard – Jacksonville Jaguars
Former Gators’ running back Lorenzo Lingard has signed as an undrafted free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Orange City, Florida native spent three seasons in Gainesville, rushing for 150 yards on 26 attempts with one touchdown. Lingard earned his bachelor’s degree in education sciences from Florida in Fall 2022.
Lingard’s most successful collegiate season came at Akron in 2023, where the 6’0, 205 pound running back ran for a career high 641 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 4.48 yards per carry. Lingard was highly effective in the pass game as well, tallying 38 receptions for 368 yards and two touchdowns. Lingard also spent time on the kick return unit while with the Zips.
While Lingard was not invited to the NFL combine, he had a solid showing at his Pro Day, logging a 4.49 40-yard dash, 16 reps on the bench press, 10’00” broad jump, and a 35.5 inch vertical.
Lingard was listed as the 25th best running back available post draft, according to the NFL.
QB Emory Jones – Baltimore Ravens
Former Gators’ quarterback Emroy Jones has signed as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens. As Florida’s 5th highest rated recruit in their 2018 class, Jones spent four seasons in Gainesville, logging 12 starts in 2021.
The Georgia native would go on to play his final two seasons at Ariona State and Cincinnati, completing 322-521 passes (61.8%) for 3,752 yards for 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
One of Jones’ most valuable assets is his legs. The 6’3, 212-pound QB ran for 1,864 yards and 18 touchdowns in his six-year collegiate career.
Jones ran a 4.77 40-yard dash at the Bearcats’ Pro Day while logging a 30 inch vertical and a 4.55 20-yard shuttle.
Jones joins a system that values a dual-threat quarterback, joining Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley among others.
OL Griffin McDowell – Kansas City Chiefs
Griffin McDowell has quite the story attached to his name. After changing positions multiple times while transforming his body seemingly every offseason, McDowell ended up playing offensive line at Chattanooga after playing sparingly in his five seasons at Florida.
McDowell led the Mocs in snaps while starting all 13 games at left tackle in 2023.
Billy Napier invited McDowell back to Gainesville for Florida’s Pro Day, where the 300-pound offensive lineman stole the show.
McDowell posted 31 reps on the bench press, a 9’2″ broad jump, and a vertical jump of 31 inches.
“I just persevered. A lot of people would have given up. I played three different positions here. I was at 315, I got down to 250, from O-line to D-line to tight end. And then to go to a different school for one year and get my weight back up to 300, I feel I accomplished a lot with that. A very unique career, but I’m blessed I had it,” McDowell said on his collegiate journey.
McDowell projects as a guard in the NFL.
QB Micah Leon signs camp invite
Gators’ quarterback Micah Leon signed a summer camp invite with the Miami Dolphins. Leon only performed position drills at Florida’s Pro Day.
Leon played QB for NC State and UConn before transferring to Florida for the 2023 season. The 6’5, 220-pound quarterback received plenty of praise from head coach Billy Napier and Gators’ legend Steve Spurrier.
“I like that other kid that’s come along. I think his last name is Leon,” Spurrier said. “He was like the third or so. But it seems, like coach Napier said, every time he’s in there, the ball goes up and down the field in a good way.
“So, don’t be surprised if Leon plays some here real soon.”
Gator Country will continue to track all free agent signings in the coming days.