Several Florida Gators players have been selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, with performance data and draft position highlighting varying levels of organizational confidence in their future contributions.
Center Jake Slaughter was tabbed by the Los Angeles Chargers in the second round, 63rd overall. His collegiate tenure was marked by significant playing time, appearing in 50 games with 38 starts. He notably allowed just one sack across over 800 snaps at Florida, establishing himself as a strong pass protector.
Offensive tackle Austin Barber also found a home on day two, landing with the Cleveland Browns at pick number 86. Barber's physical measurements include a 6-foot-6 7/8 frame and 33 1/8-inch arms. His combine performance registered a 5.12 40-yard dash and a 32-inch vertical jump.
Defensive back Devin Moore was selected by the Dallas Cowboys at pick 114. Over 30 appearances and 17 starts for Florida, Moore accumulated 64 tackles, five interceptions, and 14 passes defended.
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Defensive lineman Caleb Banks was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings at pick 18 overall. Banks' physical profile includes a 6-foot-6 1/4 frame and 35-inch arms. His combine metrics showed a 5.04 40-yard dash and a 32-inch vertical.
Player Selections and Combine Metrics
| Player | Position | Team | Round | Pick | Height | Weight | Arm Length | Hand Size | 40-Yard Dash | Vertical Jump | Broad Jump |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jake Slaughter | Center | Los Angeles Chargers | 2 | 63 | 6'5" | 303 lbs | 32 3/8" | 10" | 5.10s | 32 1/2" | 9'2" |
| Austin Barber | OT | Cleveland Browns | 3 | 86 | 6'6 7/8" | 318 lbs | 33 1/8" | 9 5/8" | 5.12s | 32" | 9'3" |
| Devin Moore | CB | Dallas Cowboys | 4 | 114 | 6'3 1/4" | 198 lbs | 31 5/8" | 8 5/8" | 4.5s | N/A | N/A |
| Caleb Banks | DL | Minnesota Vikings | 1 | 18 | 6'6 1/4" | 327 lbs | 35" | 10 7/8" | 5.04s | 32" | 9'6" |
| Michael Sturdivant | WR | Projected 7th Rd | 6'2 7/8" | 207 lbs | 32 7/8" | 9 1/2" | 4.4s | 39" | 10'11" | ||
| George Gumbs Jr. | EDGE | Projected 4th/5th Rd | 6'4 3/8" | 245 lbs | 33 5/8" | 9" | 4.66s | 41" | 10'1" | ||
| Tyreak Sapp | EDGE | Projected 4th/5th Rd | 6'2" | 273 lbs | 32" | 9 1/2" | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Other Gators Finding NFL Homes
Several other players with ties to the Florida Gators program have been selected. Wide receiver Michael Sturdivant, noted for his exceptional ball skills and 4.4 40-yard dash time, is projected as a late-round pick, possibly in the seventh. Edge rusher George Gumbs Jr., who demonstrated impressive athleticism with a 41-inch vertical jump, and defensive end Tyreak Sapp are also anticipated to be drafted in the mid-to-late rounds.
Further down the draft, former Florida players like wide receiver Caleb Douglas and defensive lineman Chris McClellan were taken in the third round. Kicker Trey Smack is anticipated to be a sixth-round selection.
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Draft Day Dynamics
The 2026 NFL Draft has seen teams make a variety of selections, with some picks drawing immediate analysis. The Minnesota Vikings' decision to select defensive lineman Caleb Banks at pick 18 signals a direct address of needs following offseason departures. Similarly, the Dallas Cowboys' choice of Devin Moore indicates an effort to bolster their secondary.
The Cleveland Browns made multiple offensive line selections, including Austin Barber, indicating a strategic approach to fortifying that unit. Reports suggest a trend of teams looking to fill specific positional needs, with some draft picks being described as addressing "significant needs."
Background
The NFL Draft serves as a critical juncture for teams to acquire new talent, shaping their rosters for upcoming seasons. The event, spanning multiple days, allows college athletes to transition to the professional level, with their draft position often reflecting perceived potential and immediate readiness. The 2026 NFL Draft follows a period of evaluation that includes combine performances and collegiate statistics, which inform team decisions.
