Gators Draft Review: How They Fit On New Teams
Tuesday, May 3, 2016 | Football, Scott Carter
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- The 2016 NFL Draft is over, which means as these words pop off the keyboard, someone somewhere is crafting a 2017 mock draft.
Those mock drafts rarely stay intact after the first few picks, and just as the sun rose Thursday through Saturday in Chicago, thousands of mock drafts got stuck in traffic on the Dan Ryan Expressway by the third pick when San Diego selected defensive lineman Joey Bosa.
In fairness to the mock drafters, it's all a guessing game right up until the picks are announced. You probably have a better chance of bumping into Lady Gaga at your local Subway than nailing every pick of the first round -- or any round.
As for the Gators, they had seven players selected in the draft, two signed as undrafted free agents, two invited for tryouts at rookie minicamps, and a pair of ex-quarterbacks drafted.
Of those 13 players, 11 were part of Florida's first SEC East championship team in six years last season.
"I'm so excited for those guys to get that opportunity in the NFL,'' Gators head coach Jim McElwain said Monday. "What they did here to help us achieve 10 wins in our first year will never go unnoticed. I'm glad they were Gators."
The next step for those players is to prove they belong in the NFL. Linebacker Antonio Morrison, selected by the Colts, was already back at work Monday morning.
While UF was quieter than normal during the week between the end of the spring semester and start of the summer sessions, Morrison toted a huge jug of water and backpack across campus following a workout.
Morrison clearly understands the challenge ahead. Let's take a look at the prospects of the latest group of Gators to join the NFL:
*****
Vernon Hargreaves III, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Drafted: first round, 11th overall
Hargreaves got his wish and was drafted by his hometown Bucs. Many projections had the Bucs selecting Hargreaves with the ninth overall pick. However, Tampa Bay traded down to No. 11 and still got its guy, as Hargreaves joined Aqib Talib as the only cornerbacks the Bucs have selected in the first round in the past 30 years.
The Bucs' pass defense was putrid a season ago, allowing 31 touchdown passes and opposing quarterbacks to complete a whopping 70 percent of their passes. Considered one of the top cover cornerbacks available in the draft, Hargreaves is expected to compete for a starting job immediately among a group that includes veterans Brent Grimes and Alterraun Vernon.
"I'm an overall good football player. Now it's time to perfect my craft,'' Hargreaves said.
He'll have to since in his first two NFL games, Hargreaves potentially could be matched against Atlanta's Julio Jones and Arizona's Larry Fitzgerald.
Gator fans already know Hargreaves is one to never back down from a challenge on the field. The Bucs learned the same through the draft process.
"We like his ego," Tampa Bay general manager Jason Licht said. "He's got an ego, and that's what we like about corners. He's not afraid to go up against anybody. He's ready to line up against the biggest and the best."
*****
Keanu Neal, Atlanta Falcons
Drafted: first round, 17th overall
No Florida player saw his stock improve as dramatically as Neal since Florida's loss to Michigan in the Citrus Bowl. Neal opted to forgo his final year of eligibility and enter the draft.
Early projections had Neal as a middle second-rounder or third-round pick. However, once Neal showed off his athleticism at the NFL Combine and began to interview with teams, he gained momentum.
The Falcons clearly liked him the most, certainly in part to head coach Dan Quinn, who recruited Neal when he was UF's defensive coordinator from 2011-12. Quinn left to become Seattle's defensive coordinator prior to coaching Neal at Florida.
"We certainly respected his game for a long time and had a clear vision of how to feature him here," Quinn said.
Not only does Neal have familiarity with his Quinn, his secondary coach with the Falcons is former UF defensive back Marquand Manuel. Projected as a strong safety in the NFL, Neal is expected to immediately compete for a starting job as Atlanta seeks to replace William Moore, who was released. Kemal Ishmael returns and played behind Moore in 2015.
"I love to play the game. I play it the right way,'' Neal said. "I respect it and I take it serious. That's what the Falcons defense is about."
*****
Jonathan Bullard, Chicago Bears
Drafted: third round, 72nd overall
Bullard returned to school for his senior season in 2015 and had the best season of his career. Some considered Bullard a potential late first-round pick. Most had him certainly going in the second round.
Instead, Bullard had to wait until early in the third round as 21 defensive linemen were selected ahead of him. The biggest question about Bullard is where he'll play in the NFL.
Chicago general manager Ryan Pace said the Bears plan to use the 6-foot-3, 285-pound Bullard at defensive end in a 3-4 scheme.
"When you watch the tape on him, there's one thing that you can't coach with these guys is get-off,'' Pace said. "His get-off is excellent. I think there's a lot of advantages just from that alone."
Pro Football Focus, a scout-centric website devoted to player evaluation and metrics, ranks Bullard as the best pick of the entire draft based on talent, his run-stopping ability and draft position.
"My greatest strength would probably be my first step and my play recognition," Bullard said. "I think I've done a good job of learning the game and I can see things before they happen."
Bullard is expected to get on the field as a rookie in sub packages with Eddie Goldman slated to start at nose tackle and Akiem Hicks at defensive end.
******
Antonio Morrison, Indianapolis Colts
Drafted: fourth round, 125th overall
The draft opened Thursday with Morrison's status uncertain. If selected, many projected he would go in the final two rounds or perhaps sign as an undrafted free agent with a team sold on his toughness over the measurables NFL scouts treasure.
The Colts were sold on Morrison early.
"He's a tough hombre," Indianapolis general manager Ryan Grigson said. "The way he plays is lights out. We've been talking mindset around here for months. That guy's got that mindset."
The Colts have need at middle linebacker. Jerrell Freeman is no longer around and D'Qwell Jackson turns 33 next season, so Morrison is expected to compete with Sio Moore, Josh McNary and Nate Irving for playing time.
Morrison's toughness was displayed when he returned from a staph infection at the NFL Combine to perform at Florida's Pro Day on March 22, only a few days after an catheter was removed from his chest pumping antibiotics into his body. Grigson said that told Indy how much Morrison wants to compete.
During his conference call with NFL reporters, Morrison spent time answering questions about the two off-the-field incidents that raised character concerns. Morrison refocused after the summer 2013 incidents and developed into a team leader for the Gators.
"I was 18 years old when that happened," Morrison said. "I'm 21 now … what's done is done. I'm just looking ahead. I'm a mature man and I'm ready to play for this team."
*****
Demarcus Robinson, Kansas City Chiefs
Drafted: fourth round, 126h overall
If the Gators had a surprise in the draft, it would be Robinson. While scouts were impressed by the talented receiver's physical tools, four suspensions during his Florida career raised concerns.
The Chiefs did their due diligence and envision Robinson as a player that can be productive in the NFL.
"He's a confident dude," Chiefs area scout Ryne Nutt said. "He expects a lot from himself and it shows, too, that the kid watches the game. He's watching Sundays, he has an idea, a good feel for who he is as a player, and that's important, too."
Robinson joins a Kansas City receiving corps that includes former Gator Frankie Hammond Jr., Jeremy Maclin, Rod Streater, Albert Wilson, Chris Conley, Mike Williams, Da'Ron Brown, De'Anthony Thomas, Kashif Moore, Fred Williams and Kenny Cook.
That's a lot of competition for the 6-foot-1, 204-pound Robinson, who was inconsistent at UF but flashed at times the skills to be an elite pass catcher.
"I have Odell (Beckham)-type speed, I would say pretty good hands, big body like Brandon Marshall," Robinson told reporters. "I'm excited to be selected."
*****
Kelvin Taylor, San Francisco 49ers
Drafted: sixth round, 211th overall
Like he did at Florida, Taylor follows in his father Fred Taylor's footsteps into the NFL. Taylor had to wait until the final day of the draft, but landing in San Francisco where first-year coach Chip Kelly has installed a new offense could benefit Taylor.
The 49ers had 10 different backs carry the ball in 2015 and starter Carlos Hyde is coming off a stress fracture in his left foot. Backup Shaun Draughn had his moments, but the door appears open for Taylor to make an impression and stick around.
"He's aggressive. He gets on top of the defense quickly,'' San Francisco general manager Trent Baalke said. "He doesn't have great long speed, he's got competitive long speed. But, he can string cuts together."
Taylor is the first Gators running back drafted by San Francisco since Terry Jackson in 1999. He rejoins former UF teammate Trenton Brown, an offensive lineman entering his second season.
"I just feel like I'm a back who can do it all,'' Taylor said. "I feel like I'm an every down back. I'm just ready to get out there in camp and ready to start making plays and I'm just very thankful and blessed for this opportunity."
Taylor drew a round of laughs when asked to name some other running backs on San Francisco's roster.
"I know we've got Hyde out there, we've got Carlos,'' he said. "You guys have to help me out after that."
*****
Alex McCalister, Philadelphia Eagles
Drafted: seventh round, 240th overall
The 6-foot-6, 250-pound McCalister has always been described as a potential playmaker at defensive end. McCalister flashed those skills at times with the Gators -- he had 6.5 sacks last season -- but had trouble with consistent production.
Still, the Eagles were glad he remained available in the final round and are not concerned by McCalister finishing his UF career suspended. He is expected to compete for a depth spot behind a core of defensive ends that includes Vinny Curry, Connor Barwin and Brandon Graham.
"He's needed to grow up a little bit, but he's not a bad person, not a bad kid, and certainly physically talented and understands,'' said UF graduate Howie Roseman, Philadelphia's vice president of football operations. "Tremendous get-off. He certainly didn't think that he would be there in the seventh round. I think it's a huge wake-up call … now this is your job and this is your livelihood."
McCalister is undoubtedly talented. If he can prove he has grown up, the Eagles could have draft steal on their hands one day.
******
Undrafted Free-Agents Signings
Brian Poole, Atlanta Falcons: A shoulder injury in a postseason all-star game didn't help the versatile defensive back's draft status, but Quinn has a history with Poole and knows what he can do as the Falcons retool their secondary.
"I knew they were interested in me before the draft, and I felt most comfortable there because of their scheme and Coach Quinn," Poole told the Bradenton Herald. "He called me and told me he wanted me to be a part of the Falcons organization."
Jake McGee, Carolina Panthers: McGee bounced back from a season-ending leg injury to have a productive season at UF. McGee's got the hands to play in the NFL, it's just a matter of working on his route running and blocking. Carolina has veterans Greg Olsen and Ed Dickson at tight end, but signed McGee and drafted Montana State's Beau Sandland to add depth.
*****
Invited to Rookie Free-Agent Camps
Valdez Showers, Washington Redskins: He started his career as a defensive back with the Gators before moving to offense as a running back/receiver. Versatility is best shot at sticking in NFL.
Trip Thurman, Cincinnati Bengals: He battled a chronic shoulder injury much of his career but had a solid senior season. Showed up at UF's Pro Day in excellent shape and seeks to impress Bengals in tryout.
*****
Ex-Gators Drafted
Jacoby Brissett, New England Patriots: With Tom Brady facing a four-game suspension to start the 2016 season, Brissett could potentially be New England's backup behind Jimmy Garoppolo to start the season.
"There's always an element of team planning, especially at that position," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. "Things change but there's an element of planning at all positions on your team, certainly that one."
Jeff Driskel, San Francisco 49ers: The Gators starter for parts of three seasons (2012-14) before transferring to Louisiana Tech his final season, Driskel rejoins UF teammates Taylor and Brown with the 49ers.
"Heck of an athlete. You look at the numbers, he's a young man that's over 6-4. He's 237 pounds. He ran sub-4.5,'' Baalke said. "Just a tremendous athlete that's played at two high-caliber programs. There's a lot to work with there."
*****
CONNECTIONS TO NON-UF PLAYERS DRAFTED
HC Jim McElwain: WR Rashard Higgins (fifth round, Browns); OLB Cory James (sixth round, Raiders) from Colorado State
DC Geoff Collins: DT Chris Jones (second round, Chiefs); CB Will Redmond (third round, 49ers) from Mississippi State
OL coach Mike Summers: OL Max Tuerk (third round, Chargers) from Southern Cal
OC Doug Nussmeier: C Ryan Kelly (first round, Colts), RB Derrick Henry (second round, Titans) from Alabama; C Graham Glasgow (third round, Lions) from Michigan.
RB coach Tim Skipper: James from Colorado State
DB coach Torrian Gray: CB Kendall Fuller (third round, Redskins) from Virginia Tech
DL coach Chris Rumph: DT Hassan Ridgeway (fourth round, Colts) from Texas
Editor's note: Information from videos and transcripts posted on team websites and media reports included in this report.
