NCAA

LOOK: Three 2025 NFL Draft Prospects from Florida Gators to Watch

Three 2025 NFL Draft Prospects from Florida Gators to Watch

The Florida Gators football program faces an intense 2024 schedule, arguably the toughest in college football, pitting them against top SEC teams like Georgia, Texas, Ole Miss, and LSU, along with formidable opponents Florida State and Miami. Despite not commanding the dominance of their late 2000s era, the Gators are poised for a season that will test and showcase their NFL prospects.

Graham Mertz | Quarterback

Graham Mertz, formerly Wisconsin’s starter, transferred to Florida seeking a fresh opportunity under new head coach Luke Fickell. The move proved beneficial, as Mertz significantly improved his performance, notably reducing his interception rate while maintaining a strong touchdown record. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 213 pounds, Mertz possesses NFL-caliber arm talent, highlighted by analysts like Ian Cummings from Pro Football Network for his “high-end arm elasticity.”

Mertz’s development trajectory will be closely watched during Florida’s demanding schedule, providing ample opportunities to demonstrate his field vision and adaptability under pressure. Despite varying rankings across different scouting platforms, Mertz is anticipated to be a solid Day 2 draft pick, drawing attention from NFL teams keen on his potential.

Jason Marshall Jr. | Cornerback

Jason Marshall Jr. emerges as a key defensive prospect for the Gators, having accumulated substantial game time over three seasons, amassing nearly 2,000 defensive snaps. Known for his robust physical presence at 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, Marshall exemplifies versatility, excelling in man coverage while occasionally faltering in zone assignments. Analyst Andrew Graham from On3 notes Marshall’s extensive college experience and production, underscoring his potential appeal to NFL teams.

Marshall’s ability to refine his game against top-tier competition will be pivotal in determining his draft stock, potentially landing him a selection as early as Day 2. Despite mixed rankings across scouting platforms, his attributes make him a compelling prospect for teams seeking defensive depth in the draft.

Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson | Offensive Tackle

Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson, after a notable tenure at San Diego State, made a significant transfer to Florida, driven by aspirations of solidifying his professional career prospects. Standing impressively at 6-foot-7 and 315 pounds, Crenshaw-Dickson combines size with agility, showcasing adaptability across both offensive tackle positions and demonstrating proficiency in pass protection. Sports Illustrated’s Brandon Carroll highlights his “notable power and consistency,” traits that have not gone unnoticed among NFL scouts.

As part of Florida’s talented offensive line, Crenshaw-Dickson faces the formidable challenge of thwarting some of the nation’s best edge rushers, an opportunity that could elevate his draft position into the second round. Although his rankings vary across platforms, his potential to contribute at a high level in the NFL positions him as a promising prospect for teams eyeing offensive line reinforcement.

Graham Mertz, Jason Marshall Jr., and Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson represent the forefront of Florida Gators’ NFL Draft prospects for 2025. Each player brings a distinct skill set and potential that NFL scouts will closely monitor throughout the upcoming season. With Florida’s demanding schedule serving as a crucible for talent evaluation, these prospects have the opportunity to showcase their abilities against the best collegiate competition, potentially shaping their futures at the professional level.

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