Atlanta Falcons draft former Georgia Bulldog Zachariah Branch in 3rd round of 2026 NFL Draft
Atlanta Falcons select Zachariah Branch from Georgia in 3rd round of 2026 NFL Draft
The Los Angeles Chargers selected Florida center Jake Slaughter in the second round of the NFL draft, 63rd overall. Slaughter, a two-time All-American, aims to bring his leadership and experience to the NFL.
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Former Florida football center Jake Slaughter was taken in the second round, 63rd overall by the Los Angeles Chargers on April 24.
A two-time All-American, Slaughter was a three-year starter and consistent leader on the Florida Gators offensive line, traits that he's looking to bring to the NFL.
"I love football and I play hard for my guys," Slaughter said.
Slaughter is looking to follow in a line of other former Florida centers who make their mark in the NFL, including Maurkice Pouncey (Pittsburgh Steelers 2010-2020) and Jeff Mitchell (Baltimore Ravens 1997-2000, Carolina Panthers 2001-05).
Slaughter joins Caleb Banks as the second Gator taken so far in the 2026 NFL draft. Banks went in the first round (18th overall) to the Baltimore Ravens.
Here's a look at what Slaughter can bring to the Chargers:
5.93, average backup or special teamer.
Slaughter started 33 games at center at Florida from 2023-25. Per Pro Football Focus, Slaughter posted a pass block grade of 83.9 during his junior season in 2024 and 87.1 during his senior season in 2025.
According to NFL.com:
Jake Slaughter is a former Florida football center, a two-time All-American, and a three-year starter known for his leadership on the offensive line.
Jake Slaughter was drafted in the second round, 63rd overall, by the Los Angeles Chargers.
Notable NFL centers from the Florida Gators include Maurkice Pouncey and Jeff Mitchell.
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6-foot-5, 303 pounds
40-yard dash: 5.1 seconds
Vertical jump: 32.5 inches
Broad jump: 9 feet, 2 inches
Slaughter attended Trinity Catholic HS in Ocala, Florida.
Kevin Brockway is The Gainesville Sun's Florida beat writer. Contact him at kbrockway@gannett.com. Follow him on X @KevinBrockwayG1
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Jake Slaughter draft: Los Angeles pick Florida football C in NFL draft Round 2