Florida Gators in the NFL updates: Position changes, signings and injuries

By Adam Silverstein
May 21, 2016
Florida Gators in the NFL updates: Position changes, signings and injuries
Football

Image Credit: ESPN Images

With 2016 NFL training camp nearly two months away, rookies are beginning to get acclimated to the league while veterans are still enjoying some much-needed time off before ramping up work ahead of the season.

Here’s a look at what’s been going on with some Florida Gators in the league, both those selected in the 2016 NFL Draft and others returning for another season.

» Jonotthan Harrison, Indianapolis Colts: Though he’s started 19 games at center over the last two seasons, it looks like Harrison will be moving to right guard considering the Colts selected Ryan Kelly in the first round. Harrison has been practicing at the position during organized team activities and will likely be either a starter or primary reserve there while also backing up Kelly at center.

» Jonathan Bullard, Chicago Bears: The third-round pick played inside and out during his college career, but when the Bears selected Bullard, they did so because they wanted him to be a pass rusher off the edge. That’s good news for Bullard considering Chicago has a starting job open on the right side, according to the Chicago Tribune, which is where Bullard has been practicing as of late. Bullard was under-drafted in the third round and most believe the Bears got an absolute steal in the All-American out of Florida. Should Bullard wind up succeeding in Chicago, he may very well harken back memories of former Gators DE Alex Brown.

» Dominique Easley, Los Angeles Rams: Since being waived by the New England Patriots, Easley had a relatively difficult time finding a new home. This week, the defensive tackle became the latest former first-round pick to join the Rams’ defensive line when he signed a one-year, league-minimum deal with Los Angeles. Easley will make $600,000 with no guaranteed money, meaning he’ll basically get a weekly check from the Rams. Should he get injured, that amount would reduce significantly. It’s a no-risk, all-reward deal for Los Angeles, which could wind up with the deal of the spring in Easley … if he is able to stay healthy.

» Mike Pouncey, Miami Dolphins, Joe Haden, Cleveland Browns: These former Gators have both been recovering from injuries — hip and ankle, respectively — but have both recently said in interviews that they are feeling good and expect to be healthy ahead of the season. Haden’s recovery will likely be a bit longer, and it would not be a surprise to see him limited in training camp.

» Detroit Lions: Earlier this month, the Lions acquired three former Gators in a span of just 15 days, this after Detroit not having a single Florida player on its roster since 2009. Here’s how it all went down.

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