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NFL
Best available Florida Gators heading into Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft
TL;DR
The Minnesota Vikings selected DL Caleb Banks with the No. 18 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, marking the Florida Gators' first player off the board. Several Gators, including center Jake Slaughter and cornerback Devin Moore, are expected to be drafted on Day 2.
Key points
- Caleb Banks was selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the No. 18 pick.
- Jake Slaughter is viewed as a top interior offensive lineman.
- Devin Moore has elite ball tracking skills and a lengthy frame.
Florida GatorsMinnesota VikingsCaleb BanksJake Slaughter
The Minnesota Vikings chose DL Caleb Banks with the No. 18 pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, marking Florida's first prospect off the board. Yet, the Gators still have a strong contingent of players positioned to hear their names called early on Day 2 and beyond.
Leading the group of would-be draftees is center Jake Slaughter, who is widely viewed by scouts as one of the top interior offensive linemen available on Day 2. The combination of Slaughter's stature, experience and pre-snap IQ is enticing to teams seeking a future anchor in the middle line.
Cornerback Devin Moore is another name to watch on Friday night. The 6-foot-3-inch, 198-pound corner back possesses elite ball tracking skills to go along with a prototypically lengthy frame that defensive coordinators covet in the modern NFL. It wouldn't be a surprise to see Moore come off the board in the second or third round.
Offensive tackle Austin Barber may prove to be an appealing developmental piece for teams eying depth on Day 3.
Of the Gators' front-seven prospects, defensive end Tyreake Sapp could perhaps be the biggest wildcard. His physicality and motor highlight why scouts see him as a value pick in the later rounds with plenty of upside.
Add edge defender George Gumbs Jr. into the mix as well. The 6-foot-4-inch, 250-pound athlete ran a 4.66-second 40-yard dash and leaped to a 41-inch vertical at this year's combine. His results ranked among the most dynamic in this class of edge rushers, so his athleticism could intrigue some NFL general managers to reach on Friday or Saturday.
Banks' first-round selection despite his injury-riddled senior season suggests that strong emphasis remains on the trenches for NFL franchises looking to retool. Size and versatility along the line of scrimmage are the path to building a championship contender.
Even with Banks off the board, Florida still has a few high-upside prospects to offer on the offensive and defensive front.
Q&A
Who was the first Florida Gators player drafted in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The first Florida Gators player drafted in the 2026 NFL Draft was DL Caleb Banks, selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the No. 18 pick.
What position does Jake Slaughter play and why is he highly regarded?
Jake Slaughter plays center and is highly regarded for his stature, experience, and pre-snap IQ, making him one of the top interior offensive linemen available.
What are the draft prospects for Devin Moore in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Devin Moore is projected to be drafted in the second or third round due to his elite ball tracking skills and desirable physical attributes as a cornerback.