Gator candidates for leaving early in 2018

[BMF]

http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20170504/ARTICLES/170509977/1180?p=1&tc=pg


Making NFL jump: Gator candidates for leaving early

Leaving school early for professional football has become an NFL draft tradition for Florida’s top underclassmen.

This past weekend, five of the eight Gators drafted were juniors -- Quincy Wilson, Jalen Tabor, Alex Anzalone, David Sharpe and Caleb Brantley. In the 2016 draft, five of the seven selected were underclassmen.

That’s 10 out of the last 15.

So, who’s next?

Even though it’s way too early, and a lot can happen between now and next April, here’s a look at UF’s draft-eligible underclassmen who might be NFL bound a year from now:

Antonio Callaway, wide receiver

Thanks, in part, to going through his first spring since he’s been at UF, Callaway is in the best shape of his career and is getting himself primed for a big junior season. He’s a proven playmaker as a receiver and a returner, and the NFL types will be drawn to that athleticism and versatility. With more playmakers around him -- guys like Dre Massey, Tyrie Cleveland, Josh Hammonds and DeAndre Goolsby -- Callaway will draw less double coverage, which will lead to more opportunities for him to make plays. This is a kid who has been grooming himself for the NFL since he arrived on campus.

Chances he leaves early: 95 percent.

Martez Ivey, offensive tackle

It’s all setting up perfectly for Ivey to leave early. He had a good sophomore season at guard and started playing up to his five-star potential. Now, he’s back at his more natural position, and the position he’ll be making his living at -- left tackle. Ivey seems to have all the tools the NFL is looking for in a left tackle. He’s big, strong, athletic, has long arms and moves his feet extremely well for a man his size. He’ll be tested by the many speed rushers in the SEC (and at FSU). If he passes those tests, well, there’s nowhere to go but up -- to the NFL.

Chances he leaves early: 95 percent.

Dre Massey, wide receiver

Had this speedy slot receiver stayed healthy and had the season the coaches were predicting for him in 2016, this junior college transfer would have been drafted this past weekend. But blowing out his ACL on the opening kickoff last season temporarily stalled his career. Although he was held out of contact work in the spring, he showed the same quickness, speed and playmaking ability in passing drills that had the coaches so excited heading into last season. The key factor for Massey is his health. If he can stay healthy, he figures to be a big part of the offense this season and will have a chance to put up numbers that will catch the attention of NFL coaches and scouts. His versatility as a returner and wildcat quarterback will only enhance his NFL chances.

Chances he leaves early: 90 percent.

Cece Jefferson, defensive end

A part-time starter (six games) last season, Jefferson becomes a full-time starter in 2017. He can (and will) play both inside at tackle and at end, giving him a chance to show the kind of versatility the NFL is looking for on the defensive line. He’s strong, quick and athletic, and will have a chance to emerge as an elite SEC defensive lineman in the fall.

Chances he leaves early: 80 percent.

Eddy Pineiro, kicker

It’s rare for NFL teams to use a draft pick on a kicker, but there are teams that might make an exception for Pineiro. He is one talented kicker, one with great range, accuracy and, maybe best of all, confidence. The NFL is looking for place-kickers who are close to automatic from 55 yards and in. That would be Pineiro. If he has a big junior season -- and there’s no reason to assume he won’t -- he may think it’s time to move on.

Chances he leaves early: 75 percent.

Jabari Zuniga, defensive end

The NFL is always looking for strong edge pass rushers, and that’s what Zuniga seems to be developing into. He showed flashes as a redshirt freshman last season, leading the Gators in sacks with five. He also was sturdy against the run. Based on what the coaches have said about him, he developed into a dominant player this spring and seems primed to have a major breakout season in 2017. As a redshirt sophomore, he will be eligible for the draft.

Chances he leaves early: 60 percent.

Jordan Scarlett, running back

He emerged as the starting tailback as a true sophomore last season and only strengthened his hold on the position with a productive spring. After rushing for 889 yards last season, he’ll look to crack the 1,000-yard mark in what should be a more balanced offense this season. Hey, if Kelvin Taylor can come out early, it certainly will be an option for Scarlett, who seems to be a much more complete pro prospect.

Chances he leaves early: 55 percent.

Taven Bryan, defensive tackle

The “Wyoming Wild Man” certainly has the size, strength and ability to play in the NFL, but consistency is something he needs to continue to work on in his junior season. When he plays with a high motor, he’s tough to handle. He just doesn’t do it all the time.

Chances he leaves early: 50 percent.

Khairi Clark, defensive tackle

He doesn’t have much in the way of defensive stats, but his value as a run stopper and absorber of double teams is not lost on the coaches. He is a big, strong presence in the middle that is hard to move.

Chances he leaves early: 45 percent.

 

[maheo30]

Cece is going to play inside at times? The author does realize he is down to 250? He's going to play DT at 250?

And playing wildcat is not going to enhance your NFL chances.

 

[Swamp Donkey]

It would certainly be nice if we had some kids worry more about winning a championship and less about leaving early, but that is what our program has become.

 

[BMF]

Cece is going to play inside at times? The author does realize he is down to 250? He's going to play DT at 250?

And playing wildcat is not going to enhance your NFL chances.

In the same article that discussed him getting down to 250, he said he planned to play at 265 this season. Not that 265 is big enough to play DT, but it's fine for passing downs.

 

[Durty South Swamp]

Jimmy Mac... 50%

 

[Loogis]

Jimmy Mac... 50%

Beat me to it

 

[InstiGATOR1]

Interesting article and I agree with much of it. Still the idea that JUCO kid coming off a torn ACL who has never touched the ball in a college game has a 90% chance of going to the NFL early is just silly. He might have a 90% chance of going IF he has a great year. But what is the chance a guy who has never done it on this level will have that great a year?

 

[Lake Gator]

Interesting article and I agree with much of it. Still the idea that JUCO kid coming off a torn ACL who has never touched the ball in a college game has a 90% chance of going to the NFL early is just silly. He might have a 90% chance of going IF he has a great year. But what is the chance a guy who has never done it on this level will have that great a year?

Never touched the ball?? Didn't he return the opening kickoff of the first game last year?

 

[BMF]

Zuniga leaving at 60% is questionable. He's not even the starter.

Not sure why Massey would leave early. At 5'9 and 180lbs, his chances of an NFL career are slim to begin with.

Also, as much as we love Eddie, he's not even the best kicker in the SEC. I know, I know...blasphemy (go look up the 6'4 220lb, 2-time Lou Groza finalist, all-american kicker they have at Auburn). So, on that, I'd say it's more like 50/50 that Eddie leaves early (vs. 75%). Now if he has a monster year, then sure, it could happen.

I hope Clark & Bryan return. If they do, our 2018 defense has a chance to be incredible.

Honestly, IMO, Ivey and Callaway seem like the only true candidates to leave early....or at least to leave early and get drafted high.

 

[TheDouglas78]

Not sure why Massey would leave early. At 5'9 and 180lbs, his chances of an NFL career are slim to begin with.

Probably will top out at that size in the mid rounds. If he has a good special teams/slot receiver year it might be as best as he could do, so why stay?

 

[BMF]

Probably will top out at that size in the mid rounds. If he has a good special teams/slot receiver year it might be as best as he could do, so why stay?

That's easy to say "has a good year", but honestly, besides Calloway what WR have we had that has "had a good year" (by most standards)? We haven't had 2 WR's w/ more than 40 catches each in how long? Will he be that big of a target? I'd imagine that Calloway, Cleveland, and Powell lead the way with WR catches. I think he should stick around to get a bachelor's degree....and possibly a free master's degree. Because, unless he's some dynamo/stud, he's likely out of the NFL after his first training camp. But you could be right, he might be the next Wes Welker....

 

[TheDouglas78]

That's easy to say "has a good year", but honestly, besides Calloway what WR have we had that has "had a good year" (by most standards)? We haven't had 2 WR's w/ more than 40 catches each in how long? Will he be that big of a target? I'd imagine that Calloway, Cleveland, and Powell lead the way with WR catches. I think he should stick around to get a bachelor's degree....and possibly a free master's degree. Because, unless he's some dynamo/stud, he's likely out of the NFL after his first training camp. But you could be right, he might be the next Wes Welker....

I think his biggest impact will have to be Special Teams. None many guys like Wes Welker (undrafted). I just don't see him having the upside to jump in to the first 2 days of the draft. So after a bad knee injury, do you really stay if you have a solid enough campaign to get in the mid rounds. I think we are saying the same things in his possible production at WR and his top end potential in the draft.

 

[Alumni Guy]

Honestly, IMO, Ivey and Callaway seem like the only true candidates to leave early....or at least to leave early and get drafted high.

I agree, but I'd add Scarlet to that list

 

[BMF]

I agree, but I'd add Scarlet to that list

Agree on Scarlet, especially if he goes over 1,000 yards.

 

[Gator Fever]

Scarlett better learn how to block and find the holes a little better because you won't get most of your yards running people over in the NFL.

 

[BMF]

Here’s every SEC player included in McShay’s initial 2018 mock draft:

• No. 5, Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama – Minnesota Vikings
• No. 10, Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama – Miami Dolphins
• No. 11, Arden Key, LB, LSU – Tamp Bay Buccaneers
• No. 13, Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M – Washington Redskins
• No. 14, Bo Scarbrough, RB, Alabama – Philadelphia Eagles
• No. 18, Da’Shawn Hand, DL, Alabama – Los Angeles Chargers
• No. 21, Antonio Callaway, WR, Florida – Baltimore Ravens
• No. 27, Derrius Guice, RB, LSU – Oakland Raiders
• No. 32, Da’Ron Payne, DL, Alabama – New England Patriots

 

[Blacklabgator]

Does LDR go early ?

 

[URGatorBait]

Does LDR go early ?

Transfer

 

[maheo30]

Zuniga leaving at 60% is questionable. He's not even the starter.

Are you sure he's not a starter? He's certainly the best edge rusher on the team. He led with the most solo tackles among d-linemen. He was second to Brantley in tackles for loss and led is sacks.

 

[BMF]

Are you sure he's not a starter? He's certainly the best edge rusher on the team. He led with the most solo tackles among d-linemen. He was second to Brantley in tackles for loss and led is sacks.

Possibly, until Sherit gets healthy. Remember, Sherit was the starter there last year until he got injured. He is a true DE body. Zuniga needs to get over 250 to be effective every down, otherwise they'll be running at his side every 1st and 10.