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USA TODAY Sports projects seven Florida Gators in 2026 NFL draft
TL;DR
USA TODAY Sports projects seven former Florida Gators to be selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, with defensive tackle Caleb Banks as the highest-projected player at No. 41 to the New England Patriots. The draft is set to begin on April 23 in Pittsburgh.
Key points
- Seven former Florida Gators projected for 2026 NFL Draft
- Caleb Banks is the highest-projected Gator at No. 41
- Draft begins on April 23 in Pittsburgh
- Banks may face durability concerns due to a foot injury
- Projection includes a trade involving the New England Patriots
Florida GatorsCaleb BanksNew England PatriotsCincinnati Bengals
Several former Florida football players could hear their names called when the 2026 NFL draft kicks off April 23 in Pittsburgh, and USA TODAY Sports has a projection for where each of them lands.
Ayrton Ostly of USA TODAY Sports released a full seven-round mock draft, projecting 257 players across all rounds. Multiple former Gators made the cut, with defensive tackle Caleb Banks drawing the most attention as the highest-projected Florida player in the piece.
Banks landed with the New England Patriots at No. 41 overall in the second round, the result of a projected trade that had the Cincinnati Bengals sending the pick to New England in exchange for Nos. 63 and 131.
Ostly acknowledged the talent-versus-durability debate surrounding Banks, noting that a foot injury has raised questions about his long-term health.
Offensive lineman Austin Barber was another Gator projected to be taken, landing with the Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 100 in the third round. Ostly described Barber as a three-year starter at left tackle for Florida with ideal length and fluid athleticism, projecting him as a standout run blocker with the tools to develop into a potential starter at the next level.
There were a total of seven Florida Gators selected in USA TODAY Sports' 2026 NFL mock draft. Here's where each of them landed.
Q&A
Which Florida Gators players are projected for the 2026 NFL Draft?
Seven former Florida Gators players are projected to be selected in the 2026 NFL Draft according to USA TODAY Sports.
Where is Caleb Banks projected to be drafted in 2026?
Caleb Banks is projected to be drafted at No. 41 overall in the second round by the New England Patriots.
What concerns exist regarding Caleb Banks' draft prospects?
Concerns about Caleb Banks' long-term health have arisen due to a foot injury, impacting his draft prospects.