![Florida Gators defensive lineman Desmond Watson (21) tackles Tulane Green Wave quarterback Ty Thompson (7) during the first half at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL on Friday, December 20, 2024 in the 2024 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_3319,h_1866/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/213/01jsw4j8410drxmvvkrh.jpg "Florida Gators defensive lineman Desmond Watson (21) tackles Tulane Green Wave quarterback Ty Thompson (7) during the first half at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL on Friday, December 20, 2024 in the 2024 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]")
The Florida Gators had seven players drafted in the NFL Draft, the 6th most of any school in the country. But part of the beauty of the NFL is that even if you don't get drafted, you still have a shot to make an NFL roster if you can sign on as an undrafted free agent and ball out in training camp.
As of now, Florida has had five players sign as an UDFA, and this is their realistic outlook at their new club.
Desmond Watson - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa likes to run a 3-4 defense so the Bucs don't have a ton of defensive tackles on the roster. And with Vita Vea established in the middle, Watson is hoping he can slot in as Vea's backup.
This is where his chances might be solid to make the Bucs because right now, Tampa Bay would be leaning on Greg Gaines, a former 4th-round pick in 2019 who played 421 snaps with the Bucs in 2024 but was seldom an impact player.
Plus, the thought of Vea and Watson together on 3rd down and goal-line packages is enticing.
Montrell Johnson - Philadelphia Eagles
After Johnson ran a 4.41-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, it was a little surprising to see him go undrafted. He winds up the defending Super Bowl champs, and it feels like if he is going to crack the 53-man roster, he is going to have to do it through special teams.
Obviously, Saquon Barkley is the workhorse for the Eagles, and behind him is AJ Dillion, who is coming off a neck injury, and Will Shipley, who the Eagles took in the 4th round of the draft last year.
Elijhah Badger - Kansas City Chiefs
Badger is the other player who felt like they could have been drafted but ultimately wound up with the Chiefs.
The wide receiver room for Kansas City is tricky to evaluate because even though it is filled with a bunch of notable names, Xavier Worthy is the only member of the room who topped 500 yards last year (925 yards).
They did draft Jalen Royals out of Utah State in the 4th round of this draft, so it feels like Badger is going to need to make some plays in camp if he hopes to stick around in Kansas City.
Ja'Markis Weston - New York Jets
Probably the most under-the-radar guy for the Gators to sign as a UDFA who also might have the best chance to make a 53-man roster.
Even though Weston was seldom seen on the field on defense, he was a valuable gunner on special teams, and the Jets think enough of Weston that they gave him a $200,000 signing bonus.
Don't be shocked if he makes it as a gunner in the NFL.
Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson - Tennessee Titans
Crenshaw-Dickson was as high as a 4th round pick in some mock drafts back in February, but that buzz seemed to die down after the NFL Combine.
Tennessee will be an interesting room to try and break through with, as Tennessee added six other offensive linemen this offseason via free agency and also drafted Jackson Slater out of Sacramento State in the 5th round of this draft.