University of Florida offensive lineman David Sharpe became the sixth Florida Gators player taken in the 2017 NFL Draft when the Oakland Raiders selected him 129th overall in the fourth round.
Sharpe came to Florida as a highly regarded offensive tackle out of Providence School in Jacksonville, Fla., and earned some playing time as a backup in the offensive line rotation as a freshman.
He earned a starting spot at left tackle as a sophomore in the 2015 season, starting 13 of 14 games. Sharpe was one of just two players to start every single game of the 2016 season for the Gators.
Like the rest of Florida’s offensive linemen, Sharpe had his fair share of struggles as a junior. He played well against lesser defenses like North Texas, but wasn’t quite as impressive against some of the better pass rushers the Gators faced throughout the course of the season.
As a two-year starter in the SEC with 25 games started over the 2015 and 2016 seasons, Sharpe brings in valuable experience.
Sharpe’s size is his biggest upside. At 6-6, 357 pounds, there is potential for much needed improvement once NFL coaches get their hands on him.