NFL Draft 2026

[Escambia94]

Here are some Gators to look for in the 2026 NFL Draft:

Player	Position	Notes	Proj Round
Caleb Banks​	DT/DL​	Dominant interior disruptor with elite size (6-6, 330 lbs), power, and versatility across fronts. Strong 2024 season (4.5 sacks); wins with bull rush but needs more pass-rush moves. Consistent first-round buzz across sources (e.g., PFF #14, ESPN #13, Consensus #32, NFDB #26).​	Mid-to-Late 1st​
Austin Barber​	OT​	Experienced blind-side protector with good bend, length, and zone-blocking fit. Protected DJ Lagway effectively; allowed just 3 sacks in 2025 starts. Wide range in projections (ESPN #12 for 1st round, but PFF #128 and Consensus #125 suggest mid-rounds).​	Late 1st to Early 2nd​
Jake Slaughter​	C/IOL​	Smart, athletic center who excels in zone schemes with quick leverage and second-level blocking. Lacks ideal power vs. NFL length. Early hype faded slightly (early PFF #15 to current #66; Consensus #76, NFDB #42).​	Late 2nd to Early 3rd​
Tyreak Sapp​	EDGE/DE​	Stout run defender with good stack technique and anticipation; best 2024 as pass rusher (7 sacks). Needs more finesse. Mixed evals (early 1st round talk, but PFF #106, NFDB #103, Consensus #133).​	Mid 3rd to Early 4th​
George Gumbs Jr.​	EDGE​	Developmental edge with raw tools; analysis pending but lower rankings. (PFF #185).​	Late 5th to Early 6th​
Trey Smack​	K​	Promising kicker; sometimes inconsistent with field goals and could be relegated to kickoffs only, limiting his utility.​	7th or UDFA​
J. Michael Sturdivant​	WR​	Size/speed blend for outside threat; crisp routes but drop issues. (PFF #243, NFDB #246).​	7th or UDFA​

OL Roderick Kearney has reportedly decided to return to Florida to boost his NFL draft stock.

The following former Gators are also entering the NFL draft:

Chris McClellan​

DL/ DT/ EDGE​

 

[Escambia94]

With the 2026 NFL Draft beginning today, April 23, 2026, the Florida Gators have several prospects poised to make the jump to the pros. While the draft class isn't as top-heavy as in years past, there is significant depth, particularly on the offensive and defensive lines.


Based on current draft boards and recent mock drafts from The Athletic, ESPN, and 247Sports, here are the current and former Gators eligible and projected to be selected.
• Caleb Banks (DL) – Round 1–2 (High upside; late news shows he has cleared medical concerns following a foot injury).
• Devin Moore (CB) – Round 3–4 (Stock rose significantly due to his 6'3" frame and strong 2025 senior leadership).
• Jake Slaughter (C) – Round 3–4 (All-American; widely considered one of the top interior offensive linemen available).
• Austin Barber (OT) – Round 3–5 (38 career SEC starts; valued for his versatility to play both left and right tackle).
• Tyreak Sapp (EDGE) – Round 4–5 (Productive veteran expected to be a solid rotational pass rusher).
• J. Michael Sturdivant (WR) – Round 4–6 (Entering via UCLA; deep-threat prospect).
• George Gumbs Jr. (EDGE) – Round 5–7 (Athletic developmental prospect).
• Micheal Caraway Jr. (DB) – Round 7/PFA (Special teams potential).
• Brien Taylor Jr. (DL) – Round 7/PFA (Late-round interior depth).
• Trey Smack (K) – Round 7/PFA (Consistent performer in the SEC).

Also, former Gator and current Memphis Tiger Chris McClellan (DT) is projected as a day 2 pick.


Draft Note: Caleb Banks is the most likely candidate to hear his name called tonight (Round 1), while Slaughter, Moore, and Barber are trending heavily for Day 2 (Friday).

 

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The Minnesota Vikings select Caleb Banks with the 18th pick of the 2026 NFL Draft!

 

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The LA Chargers select Jake Slaughter with the 63rd pick of the 2026 NFL Draft!

 

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The Cleveland Browns select Austin Barber with the 86th pick of the NFL Draft!

 

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Phil Trautwein and Gerald Chatman each have coached a player selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft. Phil Trautwein coached and developed offensive guard Olaivavega "Vega" Ioane (often referred to as Vega Ioane) at Penn State, who was selected in the first round (No. 14 overall) of the 2026 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. Gerald Chatman coached and developed Florida DT Caleb Banks (selected No. 18 overall in the first round of the same draft by the Minnesota Vikings).

 

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The Dallas Cowboys select Devin Moore with the 114th pick of the 2026 NFL draft!

 

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The Indianapolis Colts select George Gumbs with the 156th pick of the 2026 NFL draft!

 

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The Green Bay Packers select Trey Smack with the 216th pick of the 2026 NFL draft!!

 

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The Buffalo Bills select Tommy Doman with the 239th pick of the 2026 NFL draft!

 

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The following Gators and former Gators met or exceeded draft projections for the most part. Congratulations to these Gators and good luck in the NFL.

Player	Position	Projection	Actual
Caleb Banks​	DT/DL​	Mid-to-Late 1st​	Round 1, pick 18 to Minnesota Vikings
Austin Barber​	OT​	Late 1st to Early 2nd​	Round 3, pick 86 to Cleveland Browns
Jake Slaughter​	C/IOL​	Late 2nd to Early 3rd​	Round 2, pick 63 to Los Angeles Chargers
Tyreak Sapp​	EDGE/DE​	Mid 3rd to Early 4th​	Undrafted, signed with Cleveland Borwns
George Gumbs Jr.​	EDGE​	Late 5th to Early 6th​	Round 5, pick 156 to Indianapolis Colts
Trey Smack​	K​	7th or UDFA​	Round 6, pick 216 to Green Bay Packers
J. Michael Sturdivant​	WR​	7th or UDFA​	Undrafted, signed with Green Bay Packers
Devin Moore	DB	UDFA	Round 4, pick 114 to Dallas Cowboys
Tommy Doman	P	UDFA	Round 7, pick 239 to Buffalo Bills
(Missouri) Chris McClellan	DT	Mid 3rd to Early 4th	Round 3, pick 77 to Green Bay Packers via trade

The Florida football program is only one of three in the nation to have one player drafted each year in the modern era.

 

[DRU2012]

Talk about a confirmation:
We were RIGHT!
Billy wasn’t a bad recruiter—he and that oversized/under-talented STAFF were simply out of their depth when it came to coaching then UP!
A player drafted in each round, from a squad that went 4-and-8!!!
Nuff said.