Florida football: Gators-only 2021 NFL Draft 7-round mock draft
By Jeremy Klump
We are one day away from the 2021 NFL Draft, and for Florida football fans, they will get to see some former Florida Gators achieve a lifelong goal of being drafted into the NFL. It remains to be seen how many Gators will get drafted this year, but I believe Florida could tie their record at ten players drafted this year.
With that in mind, here is a Gators-only seven-round mock draft where ten former Gators are selected.
Round 1, Pick 4 (Atlanta Falcons): Tight end Kyle Pitts
This one is the big one for Gators fans and a player that will forever hold a special place in Gators fan’s hearts. Pitts is the No. 1 player in the 2021 NFL Draft, and in this mock, he is the first non-quarterback taken. Pitts will be a Hall of Fame player, and the Falcons would be smart to pick him at No. 4.
Round 1, Pick 28 (New Orleans Saints): Quarterback Kyle Trask
This may surprise some people, but I think New Orleans would be the perfect fit for quarterback Kyle Trask. The former Heisman finalist would be able to replace Drew Brees and learn from head coach Sean Payton.
Round 1, Pick 29 (Green Bay Packers): Wide receiver Kadarius Toney
That is right, three Gators go in the first round, with the surprise being Trask. Kadarius Toney would be a great fit in Green Bay and give 2020 NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers another weapon in the passing game. Pairing Toney with the best receiver in the NFL, Davante Adams, would be incredible.
Round 3 Pick 83 (Chicago Bears): Cornerback Marco Wilson
Marco Wilson was the biggest winner from the Gators Pro Day, and that elite pro day shoots him all the way into the third round. Wilson would be a fun fit in Chicago, and their style of play on defense would give him a chance to succeed right away.
Round 4, Pick 111 (Cincinnati Bengals): Offensive tackle Stone Forsythe
Stone Forsythe is one of the most underrated offensive tackles in the 2021 NFL Draft. He is an elite pass protector, but he needs to clean up his run blocking to become a dominant player in the NFL. Cincinnati is the perfect spot for him, as he can develop his game in Year 1 and then be ready to go as their starter in Year 2.
Round 5, Pick 153 (Detroit Lions): Defensive tackle Tedarrell Slaton
Head coach Dan Campbell will love former Gator Tedarrell Slaton. This guy is a beast, standing at 6-4 and weighing in at 330 pounds. He is dominant against the run but also has some flashes in the passing game as well.
Round 6, Pick 189 (Philadelphia Eagles): Wide receiver Trevon Grimes
The J.J. Arcega-Whiteside experiment is over in Philadelphia. The former second-round pick is officially a draft bust, so Philly gets his replacement in the sixth round with Trevon Grimes. I think Grimes will have a solid NFL career, and he could start for the Eagles on Day 1 with his red zone and contested catch ability.
Round 6, Pick 211 (Cleveland Browns): Kicker Evan McPherson
I know the Browns have two kickers on their roster right now, but I think that just shows they do not trust either of them. Adding an elite kicker is a very underrated aspect of building a team, so the Cleveland Browns add the best kicker in the 2021 NFL Draft, Evan McPherson.
Round 7, Pick 241 (Los Angeles Chargers): Center Brett Heggie
Former Gators offensive lineman Brett Heggie is a sleeper in the 2021 NFL Draft. Having him go to the Chargers to use his versatility at guard and center will be perfect. He can sit two years behind Corey Linsley before showing he is ready to take over, or Heggie can start at guard in Year 2 if he is ready.
Round 7, Pick 244 (Miami Dolphins): Safety Shawn Davis
This is a wildcard for the Gators, and former safety Shawn Davis could be the 10th Florida Gators player selected in the 2021 NFL Draft. He was a Pro Day loser because of his fall in his 40, but I just love the way Davis plays the game. I think the Miami Dolphins love how he flies around the field, and he could give them depth in the secondary and on special teams.
We wish all of the former Gators well and hope we see their names called in the 2021 NFL Draft. Florida football fans will be cheering them on as they strive for greatness in the NFL.
Go Gators!