Five Gators projected to go in 2025 NFL draft by CBS Sports
Five Gators projected to go in 2025 NFL draft by CBS Sports
The 2025 NFL draft begins in less than two weeks, and a handful of Gators expect to hear their name called over the three-day event.
CBS Sports analyst Chris Trapasso released a full seven-round mock draft on Wednesday and has five Gators going on Day 3 of the draft. While five draftees would exceed last year's total of one — Ricky Pearsall at No. 31 in the first round — it would mark the first time Florida didn't produce a Day 1 or 2 pick since 2012, when Jaye Howard went in the fourth and Chris Rainey followed in the fifth.
Trapasso sees receiver Elijhah Badger coming off the board first for the Gators in the fourth round to the Carolina Panthers. Defensive tackle Cam Jackson is a projected fifth-round pick to the San Francisco 49ers, joining Ricky Pearsall, and Trapasso sees the Tampa Bay Buccaneers trading up to get linebacker Shemar James in the sixth.
James had eligibility left but opted to enter the draft instead of returning for his senior year. Florida's linebacker room is a bit crowded with young talent, but James would still have been the leader of that position room and received plenty of playing time.
Rounding out the draft projections are offensive tackle Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson and cornerback Jason Marshall Jr., both going in the seventh and final round. Marshall played like a potential Day 2 guy for most of the season, but a season-ending injury killed his draft stock.
The two surprising omissions out of Florida not on Trapasso's list are receiver Chimere Dike and running back Montrell Johnson Jr. Dike was a draft combine darling that wowed scouts and drew rave reviews, while Johnson has been a reliable back for four seasons under Billy Napier. Similar to Marshall, Johnson dealt with some injuries as a senior, but he's still a reliable back who flashed better speed at the combine than many expected. It wouldn't be surprising to see both sneak into the later rounds, despite Trapasso's projections.
Gators draft projections from CBS Sports
Round 4, Pick 114 (Carolina via Chicago): WR Elijhah Badger
Round 5, Pick 147 (San Francisco via New Orleans): DT Cam Jackson
Round 6, Pick 185 (Tampa Bay vis mock trade with Pittsburgh): LB Shemar James
Round 7, Pick 218 (Atlanta via Cleveland): OT Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson
Round 7, Pick 225 (Arizona via NYJ): CB Jason Marshall
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