Late July is really when football starts to feel like it is back again. Training camp is about a month away for NFL teams to get back on the football field and shape their roster. It is exciting for Florida Gators fans to start looking at position battles, which players have improved over the off-season, and what players are primed for a breakout season.
The Gators have been no stranger to producing NFL talent, as eight former Gators were selected in the 2021 NFL Draft. This year, the Gators were well represented in the first round as well, as the No. 1 player in the 2021 NFL Draft, tight end Kyle Pitts went No. 4 overall to the Atlanta Falcons, and wide receiver Kadarius Toney went No. 20 overall to the New York Giants.
Ironically there are 53 former Gators in the NFL right now. Essentially they can form their own 53-man roster if they really wanted to, which is really cool to think about. The Gators will also add some elite talent to the NFL next season, with potential top 10 pick cornerback Kaiir Elam leading the way.
In this article, I highlight three former Gators primed for a breakout season this upcoming NFL year. I picked a defensive player, an offensive player, and a deep sleeper ready to make a significant mark in their NFL careers.
1. Former Florida Gators defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson
The first former Florida Gators player I see breaking out in the 2021 NFL season is New Orleans Saints defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson.
I have loved Gardner-Johnson since he was drafted in 2019 in the 4th round by the Saints. Last year Gardner-Johnson’s play may have been overshadowed by certain events during practice and games. The first instance took place when teammate Michael Thomas punched him in practice. Next, he made headlines when Chicago Bear wide receiver Javon Wims sucker-punched him during a game.
Gardner-Johnson can get under wide receivers’ skin with his trash talk, but he will also get under their skin with his play this year. Gardner-Johnson recorded 55 solo tackles in 2020, along with 1 interception and 1 sack.
Gardner-Johnson will play a more prominent role in the Saints defense as his strength is playing in the box as he recorded 5 tackles for losses last season. Gardner-Johnson also excels in the slot, so he will be used a lot in coverage, where he also has shown flashes of greatness. Expect Gardner-Johnson to really shine in this season.
2. Former Florida Gators wide receiver Van Jefferson
The second former Florida Gators player that will have a breakout season this year is on the offensive side of the ball, and that is Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Van Jefferson.
Jefferson was selected in the 2020 NFL draft in the 2nd round, 57th overall. Jefferson didn’t see a lot of playing time last year as he recorded only 19 receptions for 220 yards and 1 touchdown.
Most of Jefferson’s 31 targets happened towards the end of the season last year. Without training camp and preseason, it was difficult for Jefferson to adjust right away to the NFL’s speed.
The Rams have Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp returning, and they added DeSean Jackson to the mix. However, there was a reason Jefferson was drafted 57th overall. Kupp and Jackson are injury prone, and Woods is only getting older. With Ram’s new gunslinger, Matthew Stafford, and offensive wiz Sean McVay, I expect Jefferson to see more targets and produce big numbers in a highly potent Rams offense.
3. Former Florida Gators wide receiver Antonio Callaway
The last former Florida Gators player I think will have a breakout season is Kansas City Chiefs receiver, Antonio Callaway. I do not only believe he will, but I also hope he will so he can get his life back on track.
Callaway has shown his potential already in the NFL, but off-the-field issues and failed drug tests have derailed his career in Cleveland and a short stint in Miami. Callaway’s best season was his rookie year in Cleveland during 2018, where he produced 43 receptions, 586 yards, and 5 touchdowns.
After that season, Callaway’s career started to come off the rails while failing a drug test, violating league and team rules, and missing team meetings.
Now Callaway finds himself in a situation where he can flourish tremendously if he gets his head on straight. When Callaway was producing with the Browns, they were the worst team in football. Now he is lucky to find himself in possibly the best situation he can be. Patrick Mahomes as his quarterback, Andy Reid as his coach, Tyreek Hill, and former Gators teammate Demarcus Robinson in the same wide receiver room.
Of course, the Chiefs offense is already high-powered, and Coach Reid likes to use a lot of playmakers in his game plan.
Callaway won’t be the first passing option on this team, but he can be the guy that gets open when Mahomes scrambles out of the pocket and makes a crazy throw. I hope Callaway takes this golden opportunity he’s been given.