Early Look Ahead to UF Draft Prospects in 2023

Now that the 2022 NFL Draft has concluded, it’s only logical to immediately transition over to the 2023 draft with no hesitation.

The Gators had three players picked in the draft this past year (Kaiir Elam, Dameon Pierce, Zachary Carter), as well as numerous others now on NFL squads as UDFAs. Now, looking towards next year, Florida may have even more draft potential in this upcoming class.

QB Anthony Richardson

Richardson quickly became a fan favorite when he stepped on campus, and for good reason. His size and natural abilities on the field are incredible, and he can seemingly turn any play into a touchdown.

Richardson sat behind QB Emory Jones last season for most of the year, but got quality reps often, and has enough experience where the Gators can feel confident with him at the helm this fall. He was 38-64 (59.4%) passing for 529 yards and 6 TDs in the air, and ran for 401 yards and 3 TDs in the 2021-2022 season.

There are 2 potential issues with Richardson: his decision making and his durability. His decision making and ability to make smart reads will likely develop and improve as he becomes a consistent starter this season.

His injuries, on the other hand, may not be such an easy fix. He spent a large portion of last season dinged up, as he had lingering hamstring issues throughout the year and got knee surgery over the off season.

NFL teams won’t take a chance on a QB who can’t stay on the field, but if AR can stay healthy and show improvement, he could climb as high as a first round pick next spring. If things don’t work out Richardson does still have another year of eligibility at UF, which he may always choose to exercise.

DT Gervon Dexter

Dexter, one of the highest rated recruits that former coach Dan Mullen landed during his tenure, is one of the scariest and most intimidating defenders not only in Gainesville, but in the country. At 6’6” and just over 300 pounds, there aren’t many people who are able to or want to try and block him.

While his numbers don’t necessarily fly off the page (20 solo tackles, 2.5 sacks) his presence on the defensive line is something that offenses can’t ignore. His strength and ability to shed blocks don’t come around often, and NFL teams will be lining up to see what he can do if he lands a combine invite.

Like Richardson, Dexter does also have another year of collegiate eligibility if he so chooses.

DL Brenton Cox

Cox has been somewhat of an enigma since he transferred into Gainesville from UGA. The physical elements are there, but his effort and focus have sometimes been questioned, and his production has been inconsistent.

Now if UF gets the Brenton Cox that is dialed into what he needs to do and is giving 100%, they’ll have one of the best defensive fronts in the SEC. Cox can be an unblockable force off of the edge and torment QB’s all day long.

Last season he recorded 26 solo tackles and 8.5 sacks, and had a monster game against FSU where he had 4 sacks and a forced fumble.

This is it for Cox, his final year of NCAA eligibility. If he is able to lock in to what he has to do, there’s no reason he can’t be a 2nd or 3rd round pick. But if there continue to be questions surrounding his effort and ability to regularly produce, he’ll likely fall towards the bottom rounds.

OL Richard Gouraige

Gouraige has been one of the most consistent and solid pieces on an average O-line during his time in Gainesville. He has great size at 6’5” and 312 pounds, and moves well as he has a background in multiple sports.

If Gouraige is able to turn in another solid year, he’ll likely be a middle round selection in 2023.

S Trey Dean

Trey Dean has been the most electric player in UF’s secondary for the past few years, as he is one of the hardest hitters in the conference and isn’t afraid to show his emotions on the field.

He’s solid in coverage and has greatly improved his ball skills. His versatility will also turn some heads in the NFL, as he can play just about anywhere in the secondary.

One issue with Dean is his tackling. Sure he’ll lay some big hits, but his open field tackling has been inconsistent in the past. Despite this, he has been improving every part of his game, and will hopefully continue to do so this fall.

Dean will probably be a middle round pick, but could sneak up into the third round with a strong senior campaign.

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