Four Florida football players among SI's 2026 NFL draft big board rankings top 50

USA Today

7 days ago

Four Florida football players among SI's 2026 NFL draft big board rankings top 50
There are still 11 months between now and the 2026 NFL draft, but that does not mean we cannot start looking ahead to next spring's annual selection event. Especially if you are a fan of Florida football.
The Gators currently hold the longest streak in the Southeastern Conference — and second-longest in the nation — when it comes to placing former players in the draft dating back to 1952. The early predictions ahead of next April indicated that the streak will continue for at least one more season.
One of the members of the sports media to weigh in with their prognostications is Sports Illustrated's Daniel Flick, who recently published his 2026 NFL draft big board rankings of the top 50 prospects, which included four current members of the Orange and Blue. Take a look below at who was mentioned and where they land among their peers.
Austin Barber, OT (No. 17)
"Barber plays with the physicality, balance, body control and athleticism of a starting left tackle. The 6' 6", 322-pounder rarely loses his pad level in pass protection, and he's smooth-footed with the quickness to match speed rushers. His sturdy base helps him anchor, and he's long enough to control rushers early in the snap. In the run game, he takes good angles and positions his body to seal rushing lanes, and he can also redirect edge defenders out of lanes. He's quick out of his stance and effective at the second level," Flick notes.
"Barber has experience at both left and right tackle, and his game fits at either. Barber needs to sustain blocks longer in the run game, and he's a solid finisher, but he has the strength and tenacity to put defenders in the turf more often in 2025. He allowed only two sacks and three quarterback hits in 2024, according to PFF."
Caleb Banks, DT (No. 26)
"An ascending piece in the middle of Florida's defensive line, the 6' 6", 325-pound Banks had 4.5 sacks and 29 total pressures in 2024. When Banks uncoils his hands, people move—he's strong, physical and violent at the point of attack, moving linemen in the run game," Flick offers.
"His rushes are power and effort-oriented, and he can condense pockets, though adding more nuance to his hands and plan are necessary moving forward. Banks, however, has the physical tools and competitive demeanor to be a force inside."
Jake Slaughter, C (No. 43)
"A first-team All-SEC and AP All-American selection in 2024, Slaughter has the smarts and athleticism to warrant next-level looks. He has active eyes, is quick off the ball and is a fluid mover when he pulls. Slaughter has a solid base and anchors well in pass protection. He does a good job displacing defenders on down blocks, and he has smooth feet with the quickness to redirect and pick up linebackers at the second level," Flick says.
"The 6' 4", 294-pounder lacks great length and is controlled too often by opposing defensive tackles, and he doesn't always sustain blocks long enough to spring runs. He's best suited for a zone-based offense."
Tyreak Sapp, EDGE (No. 48)
"An athletic 6' 3", 272-pound edge, Sapp took a step forward in 2024, logging seven sacks and 26 total pressures. He's proportionally well built with the length and hands to discard blockers and make plays against the run, and he's quick and explosive enough to win with speed," Flick points out.
"Still ascending with too many cold spells on his game, Sapp needs to find high-level consistency in 2025."
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