According to an article I read 27 underclassmen were not drafted in the recent NFL draft. Several guys Andreu mentions below were not even full time starters.
Charlie
--Making NFL jump: Gator candidates for leaving early
Florida wide receiver Antonio Callaway (81) looks to make a move on Iowa defensive back Desmond King during the Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on Jan. 2. This may be Callaway's last season in a Gators uniform. King was drafted by the LA Chargers last weekend.
Brad McClenny/Staff PhotographerPublished: Thursday, May 4, 2017 at 9:46 a.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, May 4, 2017 at 9:46 a.m.
Leaving school early for professional football has become an NFL draft tradition for Florida's top underclassmen.
This past weekend, five of the eight Gators drafted were juniors -- Quincy Wilson, Jalen Tabor, Alex Anzalone, David Sharpe and Caleb Brantley. In the 2016 draft, five of the seven selected were underclassmen.
That's 10 out of the last 15.
So, who's next?
Even though it's way too early, and a lot can happen between now and next April, here's a look at UF's draft-eligible underclassmen who might be NFL bound a year from now:
Antonio Callaway, wide receiver
Thanks, in part, to going through his first spring since he's been at UF, Callaway is in the best shape of his career and is getting himself primed for a big junior season. He's a proven playmaker as a receiver and a returner, and the NFL types will be drawn to that athleticism and versatility. With more playmakers around him -- guys like Dre Massey, Tyrie Cleveland, Josh Hammonds and DeAndre Goolsby -- Callaway will draw less double coverage, which will lead to more opportunities for him to make plays. This is a kid who has been grooming himself for the NFL since he arrived on campus.
Chances he leaves early: 95 percent.
Martez Ivey, offensive tackle
It's all setting up perfectly for Ivey to leave early. He had a good sophomore season at guard and started playing up to his five-star potential. Now, he's back at his more natural position, and the position he'll be making his living at -- left tackle. Ivey seems to have all the tools the NFL is looking for in a left tackle. He's big, strong, athletic, has long arms and moves his feet extremely well for a man his size. He'll be tested by the many speed rushers in the SEC (and at FSU). If he passes those tests, well, there's nowhere to go but up -- to the NFL.
Chances he leaves early: 95 percent.
Dre Massey, wide receiver
Had this speedy slot receiver stayed healthy and had the season the coaches were predicting for him in 2016, this junior college transfer would have been drafted this past weekend. But blowing out his ACL on the opening kickoff last season temporarily stalled his career. Although he was held out of contact work in the spring, he showed the same quickness, speed and playmaking ability in passing drills that had the coaches so excited heading into last season. The key factor for Massey is his health. If he can stay healthy, he figures to be a big part of the offense this season and will have a chance to put up numbers that will catch the attention of NFL coaches and scouts. His versatility as a returner and wildcat quarterback will only enhance his NFL chances.
Chances he leaves early: 90 percent.
Cece Jefferson, defensive end
A part-time starter (six games) last season, Jefferson becomes a full-time starter in 2017. He can (and will) play both inside at tackle and at end, giving him a chance to show the kind of versatility the NFL is looking for on the defensive line. He's strong, quick and athletic, and will have a chance to emerge as an elite SEC defensive lineman in the fall.
Chances he leaves early: 80 percent.
Eddy Pineiro, kicker
It's rare for NFL teams to use a draft pick on a kicker, but there are teams that might make an exception for Pineiro. He is one talented kicker, one with great range, accuracy and, maybe best of all, confidence. The NFL is looking for place-kickers who are close to automatic from 55 yards and in. That would be Pineiro. If he has a big junior season -- and there's no reason to assume he won't -- he may think it's time to move on.
Chances he leaves early: 75 percent.
Jabari Zuniga, defensive end
The NFL is always looking for strong edge pass rushers, and that's what Zuniga seems to be developing into. He showed flashes as a redshirt freshman last season, leading the Gators in sacks with five. He also was sturdy against the run. Based on what the coaches have said about him, he developed into a dominant player this spring and seems primed to have a major breakout season in 2017. As a redshirt sophomore, he will be eligible for the draft.
Chances he leaves early: 60 percent.
Jordan Scarlett, running back
He emerged as the starting tailback as a true sophomore last season and only strengthened his hold on the position with a productive spring. After rushing for 889 yards last season, he'll look to crack the 1,000-yard mark in what should be a more balanced offense this season. Hey, if Kelvin Taylor can come out early, it certainly will be an option for Scarlett, who seems to be a much more complete pro prospect.
Chances he leaves early: 55 percent.
Taven Bryan, defensive tackle
The "Wyoming Wild Man" certainly has the size, strength and ability to play in the NFL, but consistency is something he needs to continue to work on in his junior season. When he plays with a high motor, he's tough to handle. He just doesn't do it all the time.
Chances he leaves early: 50 percent.
Khairi Clark, defensive tackle
He doesn't have much in the way of defensive stats, but his value as a run stopper and absorber of double teams is not lost on the coaches. He is a big, strong presence in the middle that is hard to move.
Chances he leaves early: 45 percent.
Sent From Shane's iPhoneGo Gators! & Skål Vikes!ALPCA #8756Europlate #1045
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1996 National Football Champions | 2006 National Basketball Champions 2006 National Football Champions | 2007 National Basketball Champions 2008 National Football Champions |
Three Heisman Trophy winners: Steve Spurrier (1966), Danny Wuerffel (1996), Tim Tebow (2007)
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