April 19, 2013, 11:37 PM
Overflowing Florida draft class could reach double digits
By Hays Carlyon
GAINESVILLE | As Jacksonville Jaguars coach Gus Bradley observed Florida's pro day on March 12, one thing stood out to him.
"The numbers of talent," Bradley said. "The guys that have the potential to get drafted."
UF might be headed for a school record when it comes to the NFL Draft, after an 11-2 season in coach Will Muschamp's second year. Florida's top draft representation in the current seven-round format is nine players.
The Gators have a chance to break that record when the three-day draft gets underway on Thursday night. The draft will be far more eventful for UF than last year, when just two players were selected.
"Florida's got a lot of kids," ESPN's draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said. "That's a good group overall."
A LONG LIST
UF's long list of prospects is headed by defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd, a likely top-five overall pick. The Gators could have a second player, safety Matt Elam, selected later in the first round.
Elam's height (5-foot-10) is considered a drawback and could push him into Friday's second round.
"The only downside with Elam as far as teams are concerned is there's nothing they can do about 5-10," NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said.
"Occasionally, you're going to have to live with that. But, on the positive side you get a kid that tackles, a kid that's tough and a kid that cares. He's got better hips than I thought he did, and I think he's going to play a lot of years in the league."
Florida appears to be in position to have at least eight players picked.
Other Gators considered by analysts to be virtual locks to be drafted are: linebacker Jon Bostic, tight end Jordan Reed, linebacker Jelani Jenkins, offensive tackle Xavier Nixon, running back Mike Gillislee and safety Josh Evans.
If kicker Caleb Sturgis, a former St. Augustine High standout, and linebacker Lerentee McCray are selected, UF would have a new school record.
Players like receiver Omarius Hines, defensive tackle Omar Hunter and offensive lineman James Wilson, a former Nease standout, are likely undrafted free agents.
"The main thing is there are some good football players at this university who could come and play for us throughout the draft," Jaguars general manager Dave Caldwell said.
STOCK RISING
Bostic has seen his stock rise throughout the draft process.
He's viewed as a third-round prospect by most experts, but could be a late second-round choice.
"I think Bostic's been one of the highest risers in this draft, especially once the coaches get involved," Mayock said. "The coaches really like this kid. It wouldn't surprise me if he went somewhere between about 60 and 75, late two, mid three."
Gillislee made the most of his senior season, the first in which he was Florida's starter. He ran for 1,152 yards and 10 touchdowns for the Gators. He also showed his grit in a 34-carry game against LSU in which he ran for 146 yards and two scores. That determination impressed ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay.
"Gillislee, I like a lot," McShay said.
"He's slippery in tight spaces. That's the biggest thing with him and his competitiveness. I wouldn't have a problem with a team using a third-round pick on Gillislee."
Nixon's stock has also climbed, despite some shaky games in his 33-start career.
Still, Nixon has impressed scouts with his blend of size (6-6, 321 pounds) and agility. He'll likely be selected on Saturday during the mid to late rounds. Kiper views Nixon as a fourth-round talent.
"Xavier Nixon is a day three pick who can get the job done as a bookend tackle," Kiper said. "I think he has a lot of ability."
Oliver Barry, CRS GRI
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