Florida Football: Kingsley Eguakun's NFL fate will be decided on Day 3

Emblematic of the struggles Florida Football had in 2023, the NFL Draft is going to be light on Gators this weekend. Outside of Ricky Pearsall, there is no other Gator considered a lock to have his name called across the seven rounds of the draft.

One player hoping to sneak in before the weekend ends is one of the what ifs from the 2023 season.

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During the 2021 and 2022 seasons, Kingsley Eguakun was a mainstay along the offensive line for the Gators. He started every game at center for those two seasons and was a part of the line in 2022 that many considered to be a strength for Florida.

Heading into 2023, many thought the offensive line would be fine. But Eguakun just couldn't stay healthy and get on the field. It started when he had to sit out the spring game, then he had to miss the first two games of the season. He returned against Tennessee, which coincidently was Florida's best game of the year, before injuries limited him to just three more appearances before being shut down for the season.

The scouting reports of Eguakun say that he excels in the run game, using his power and tenacity to dominate defenders at the point of attack and displaying impressive athleticism to reach second-level defenders. Eguakun moves with fluidity, allowing him to seal off defenders in space.

But injuries his senior year combined with some technique concerns have him as a fringe Day 3 prospect.

He had a good showing at the Senior Bowl and at his Pro Day, but most mock drafts have Eguakun as a 7th round pick at best.

And the truth is that whether he gets drafted on Day 3 or winds up as an undrafted free agent, Eguakun's real NFL fate will be decided come training camp, as late round picks are far from guaranteed a roster spot.

Among the teams who are considered to need a center and could be landing spots for Eguakun are Buffalo, Carolina, Chicago, Dallas, and Pittsburgh.

The NFL Draft is in Detroit and starts this Thursday at 8 PM and will wrap up on Saturday.