The 88th edition of the 2023 NFL draft begins on April 27 and runs until April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri, which means the hyped-up spring event is just around the corner. The annual amateur draft festival is one of the most followed storylines at the end of the month, ending with the start of 259 professional football careers.
Because of the excitement surrounding the league’s long-standing tradition, the sports media have been mouthing off with their respective mock drafts — including CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards, who revealed his full seven-round draft projections for each pick in Friday’s draft. Among those selected are five former Florida Gators looking to represent the Orange and Blue at the next level.
The first Gator off Edwards’ board was standout quarterback Anthony Richardson, who was selected No. 5 overall to the Seattle Seahawks. Here’s what Edwards has to offer the Gainesville native’s draft prospects.
Seattle restarted the financial clock at quarterback with the selection of Anthony Richardson. He was given time to grow and develop as a professional under the guidance of Geno Smith before being thrust into a starting role.
The second Florida alumnus selected was offensive lineman O’Cyrus Torrence, who was taken at No. 19 pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Watch Edwards retrieve the bruiser from the bayou.
Tampa Bay has invested in its offensive line for years but the unit needs some attention after the past few offseasons. The Buccaneers have at least two long-term pieces to build around with Tristan Wirfs and now O’Cyrus Torrence.
Next up is defensive lineman Gervon Dexter, who received the call in the second round at No. 63 of the Kansas City Chiefs, followed by offensive lineman Richard Gouraige in the sixth round of No. 189 overall to the Los Angeles Rams. Finally, there’s talented but oft-injured linebacker Ventrell Miller who goes a few spots behind the New England Patriots at No. 192.
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