Projecting Florida Gators to 2017 NFL Draft

Two more Gators went in the first round this year, making it four drafts in a row and nine of the past 10 that UF has had a first-rounder.

Published May 10, 2016 in News - MetroJacksonville.com

In the modern era of the NFL draft – since 1967 – Florida leads the SEC with 48 first-round picks. Two more Gators went in the first round this year, making it four drafts in a row and nine of the past 10 that UF has had a first-rounder.

Florida should add to that total next year, thanks to its defense. You could make the case for five defenders being possible first-round picks. Three seem legitimate possibilities. And as surprising as this may sound, Florida could have an offensive player end up in the first round.

Cornerback Jalen Tabor will head into the season as the top-ranked UF prospect. He will have a chance to be a top-10 pick in 2017 and could be the first corner off the board. Next year is a deep cornerback draft, especially in the SEC, with Tennessee’s Cam Sutton and LSU’s Tre’Davious White along with Tabor.

Tabor had 22 pass breakups in his first two seasons at Florida; that is one less than Jalen Ramsey had in his three-year career at Florida State. Ramsey was the first defensive back selected, going fifth to Jacksonville.

Tabor (6 feet 0, 199 pounds) has better size than former running mate Vernon Hargreaves (5-10, 204), who went 11th in this year’s draft, and a big season on the field and as a team leader likely would propel Tabor into the top 10.

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This article originally published by www.gridironnow.com.

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