2020 NFL Draft picks: Florida Gators draft tracker, full analysis, history

By Adam Silverstein
April 23, 2020
2020 NFL Draft picks: Florida Gators draft tracker, full analysis, history
Football

It’s draft season! OnlyGators.com was with you for three days this week during the 2020 NFL Draft, tracking and covering the seven former Florida Gators selected over the proceedings. Unlike most years, the 2020 NFL Draft was held virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic, which also forced the cancellation of college pro days across the country and put players at a distinct disadvantage as they were unable to visit teams in person for meetings and workouts.

Keep it locked here as OnlyGators.com will continue to provide updates on Florida’s undrafted free agent signings. Hit the refresh button below or on your browser to update the page and see if any additional Gators have been signed.


Round 1

Round 1 – No. 9
C.J. Henderson, CB
Jacksonville Jaguars

Height: 6’1″ | Weight: 204 lbs

Age: 21 | Class: Junior

The Chomp: Henderson is the highest-drafted Florida player since defensive end Dante Fowler in 2015 (also selected by the Jaguars). He is also the highest-drafted Gators cornerback since Joe Haden in 2010. Henderson only improved his stock at the combine, impressing scouts with his tremendous athleticism that ranked among the top players at his position in every category. His athleticism, agility and smooth coverage gives him CB1 potential in the NFL, and his ability to assist in run-stopping efforts only helps him further. Henderson does not often get beat on routes, but when he does, he usually recovers nicely. With proven downfield speed along with fluid hips and prototypical size, Henderson rocketed up draft boards to wind up inside the top 10. He will need to improve his balance while mirroring wide receivers and open-field tackling.

Check out the rest of the draft picks below.

Rounds 2-3

Round 2 – No. 57
Van Jefferson, WR
Los Angeles Rams

Height: 6’1″ | Weight: 200 lbs

Age: 23 | Class: Redshirt senior

The Chomp: Jefferson was unable to compete in the combine drills as planned after doctors uncovered that he has a Jones fracture in his right foot. He had surgery the following week and will remain sidelined until May. This was unfortunate for Jefferson, who was hoping to raise his stock at the combine and Florida’s Pro Day, which ultimately did not take place. He is one of the best route-runners in the class, and the evaluation on Jefferson is that his versatility, competitiveness and aggressiveness make him an attractive prospect who should be able to play right away as a WR2/WR3 coming out of the draft. Coaches will look to develop him more as a vertical threat, but Jefferson’s sure hands, strong frame, agility and release against the press should all benefit him at the next level. He is the first Florida player drafted by the Los Angeles version of the Rams since WR Tony Lomack in 1990 and the first selected by the franchise since CB Janoris Jenkins in 2012.

Round 3 – No. 79
Jabari Zuniga, DE
New York Jets

Height: 6’3″ | Weight: 264 lbs

Age: 22 | Class: Redshirt senior

The Chomp: Zuniga had himself a day at the combine, showcasing the athleticism that allowed him to flash throughout his time at Florida. His explosiveness was on full display with the Gators, but he lacked consistency and constant injury issues kept him off the field in 2019. It will be key for Zuniga to exploit mismatches at the next level, using his long, strong frame and athletic body to get the better of offensive linemen and blockers. Either that or his lacking lower body structure will get overwhelmed by those same players. This marks the second straight year that the Jets have drafted a UF defensive end (Jachai Polite).

Round 3 – No. 90
Jonathan Greenard, DE
Houston Texans

Height: 6’3″ | Weight: 263 lbs

Age: 22 | Class: Senior (Graduate)

The Chomp: Greenard tested well in his speed and agility at the combine, which is no surprise considering his athleticism is a huge plus in this draft process. With tremendous rushing ability, a hard-working attitude and a reactive nature, Greenard was the exact type of edge defender that NFL teams are looking to acquire. He is quick off the snap and bends well at corners. He’s tough and instinctive with great footwork and agility. Greenard’s wrist injury from 2018 may have given some teams pause. More pressing concerns are occasional burst issues, though he played significant downs in college. He is the first Gators player selected by the Texans since WR Jabar Gaffney in 2002.

The Gators had four players selected in the first three rounds for the third time in the last six drafts.

Rounds 4-7

Round 4 – No. 120
La’Mical Perine, RB
New York Jets

Height: 5’11” | Weight: 216 lbs

Age: 22 | Class: Senior

The Chomp: Though Perine may not stand out as a starting running back in the NFL to some, he is dependable and consistent when carrying the ball. Perine has good burst hitting the initial hole, but he does not have breakaway speed in the open field and is better when he can hit the edge and take off. He’s a worthy draft choice above many running backs in this class as he boasts great size, physicality and overall character. He is the second Gators player selected by the Jets in this draft.

Round 6 – No. 214
Freddie Swain, WR
Seattle Seahawks

Height: 6’0″ | Weight: 197 lbs

Age: 22 | Class: Senior

The Chomp: Swain went in his projected slot as someone who can impress in training camp with his combination of size and speed. His reliable hands and ability to seemingly always be open are attractive qualities, and he could absolutely find an opportunity right out of the gate as a special teamer and returner. One notable negative for Swain is that he catches with his body, not his arms, and he occasionally lacked physicality one-on-one. He is the first Florida player drafted by Seattle since defensive end Jaye Howard in 2012.

Round 7 – No. 252
Tyrie Cleveland, WR
Denver Broncos

Height: 6’2″ | Weight: 209 lbs

Age: 22 | Class: Senior

The Chomp: Cleveland put up good numbers at the combine, consistently testing among the top-third of available wideouts. His college career did not live up to expectations from a production standpoint, but his size, reliable hands and speed should give him an opportunity in the NFL. Draft evaluators looked at how Cleveland utilizes his length and strength to create separation and whether he can set himself apart athletically as a potential gunner on special teams. Cleveland is Denver’s first pick out of Florida since 2015, and he marks the third Gators wideout selected, something only previously equaled in 1978.

Undrafted free agent signings

Undrafted free agent
Tommy Townsend, P
Kansas City Chiefs

Height: 6’2″ | Weight: 176 lbs

Age: 23 | Class: Redshirt senior


Undrafted free agent
Josh Hammond, WR
Jacksonville Jaguars

Height: 6’0″ | Weight: 194 lbs

Age: 21 | Class: Senior

Undrafted free agent
Adam Shuler, DL
Arizona Cardinals

Height: 6’4″ | Weight: 275 lbs

Age: 23 | Class: Senior (Graduate)

Florida NFL Draft history (last pick …)

By position
QB – 2010 (Tim Tebow)
RB – 2020 (La’Mical Perine)
WR – 2020 (Van Jefferson, Freddie Swain, Tyrie Cleveland)
TE – 2013 (Jordan Reed)
OT – 2019 (Jawaan Taylor)
OG – 2015 (Trenton Brown)
C – 2015 (Max Garcia)
DT – 2018 (Taven Bryan)
DE – 2020 (Jabari Zuniga, Jonathan Greenard)
LB – 2019 (Vosean Joseph)
CB – 2020 (C.J. Henderson)
S – 2019 (Chauncey Gardner-Johnson)
K – 2013 (Caleb Sturgis)
P – 2018 (Johnny Townsend)

By team
Arizona Cardinals – 2015 (OT D.J. Humphries)
Atlanta Falcons – 2016 (S Keanu Neal)
Baltimore Ravens – 2013 (S Matt Elam)
Buffalo Bills – 2019 (LB Vosean Josesph)
Carolina Panthers – 2019 (RB Jordan Scarlett)
Chicago Bears – 2016 (DE Jonathan Bullard)
Cincinnati Bengals – 2010 (DE Carlos Dunlap)
Cleveland Browns – 2018 (WR Antonio Callaway)
Dallas Cowboys – 2017 (DT Joey Ivie)
Denver Broncos – 2020 (WR Tyrie Cleveland)
Detroit Lions – 2017 (LB Jarrad Davis, CB Jalen Tabor)
Green Bay Packers – 2007 (RB DeShawn Wynn)
Houston Texans – 2020 (DE Jonathan Greenard)
Indianapolis Colts – 2017 (CB Quincy Wilson)
Jacksonville Jaguars – 2020 (CB C.J. Henderson)
Kansas City Chiefs – 2016 (WR Demarcus Robinson)
Los Angeles Chargers – 2007 (LB Brandon Siler)
Los Angeles Rams – 2020 (WR Van Jefferson)
Miami Dolphins – 2013 (LB Jelani Jenkins, RB Mike Gillislee, K Caleb Sturgis)
Minnesota Vikings – 2013 (DT Sharrif Floyd)
New England Patriots – 2018 (CB Duke Dawson)
New Orleans Saints – 2019 (S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson)
New York Giants – 2001 (QB Jesse Palmer)
New York Jets – 2020 (DE Jabari Zuniga, RB La’Mical Perine)
Las Vegas Raiders – N/A / Oakland Raiders 2018 – (P Johnny Townsend)
Philadelphia Eagles – 2016 (DE Alex McCalister)
Pittsburgh Steelers – 2012 (RB Chris Rainey)
San Francisco 49ers – 2018 (S Marcell Harris)
Seattle Seahawks – 2020 (WR Freddie Swain)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 2016 (CB Vernon Hargreaves III)
Tennessee Titans – 2007 (CB Ryan Smith)
Washington – 2015 (RB Matt Jones)

Join The
Discussion

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Top
WordPress Appliance - Powered by TurnKey Linux