Florida football: What to watch for at Gators’ Pro Day
By Jeremy Klump
Florida football fans will get one more chance to see some of their favorite Florida Gators compete in the blue and orange starting at 11:00 AM EST on the SEC Network on March 31, 2021.
Some former Gators have received tons of draft hype as we get closer to the 2021 NFL Draft. All of the Gators entering the draft will get another chance to show fans, scouts, coaches, general managers, and owners that they are the real deal.
For the Gators, the day will be highlighted by the No. 1 player in the 2021 NFL Draft, tight end Kyle Pitts.
Pitts reportedly ran a 4.46 40-yard dash while training, so all eyes will be on Pitts to see if he can actually run that time in front of all the cameras. Even without the 40-yard dash, Pitts will be the star.
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah said Pitts is the most likely player to make it to the Hall of Fame, and he looks to be a lock as a top 5 pick.
Florida football will have some other important prospects too.
Pitts deserves the spotlight, but some other players deserve some love as well.
Wide receiver Kadarius Toney will be someone a lot of people want to see. Toney has become the forgotten receiver in this draft class, but he is an electric and exciting player. If Toney can run a great 40-yard dash and show he can catch the ball consistently, he may be able to lock himself in as a first-round pick.
Quarterback Kyle Trask was once looked at as a top 10 pick, but he has seen his stock fall significantly since his disastrous final game as a Gator. Trask will need to show scouts that he was in the Heisman race for a reason.
Offensive tackle Stone Forsythe is one of the most underrated offensive tackles in the 2021 NFL Draft. Forsythe’s measurables will be worth checking in on. If Forsythe is 6-9, 315 pounds, he will add that to his resume of being one of the better pass blockers in the NFL Draft, so his stock will rise.
Cornerback Marco Wilson had his ups and downs at Florida, but he has recently got some top six cornerback in the draft love. If he can put on a show, he may go a lot earlier than we expect.
Defensive lineman Tedarrell Slaton is one of the more underrated defensive linemen in the draft. On tape, he moves well for a guy of his size (6-5, 340 pounds), so it will be interesting to see how he does athletically.
Wide receiver Trevon Grimes can make himself some money if he can run a good 40-yard dash and look good in drills. The 6-4 receiver will add value as a 3rd or 4th wide receiver on an NFL team.
Kicker Evan McPherson is also a name to watch. The Gators’ best kicker in school history entered the draft early, and it looks like he will be drafted. If McPherson can show off his accurate leg and hit some long balls, he will cement himself as the best kicker in the draft.
The complete list of Gators participating in the Florida football Pro Day is as follows (via FloridaGators.com):
Kyree Campbell, Shawn Davis, Brett DioGuardi, Marlon Dunlap Jr., Stone Forsythe, Trevon Grimes, Brett Heggie, Evan McPherson, Nick Oelrich, Kyle Pitts, Tedarrell Slaton, Brad Stewart Jr., Donovan Stiner, Kadarius Toney, Kyle Trask, Marco Wilson, Adam Shuler, Kalif Jackson, and Martez Ivey.
Again, the Gators’ Pro Day will be on the SEC Network starting at 11:00 AM EST, so make sure you tune in! Go Gators!