2021 NFL draft preview: UF, FSU could have strong showings
The Jacksonville Jaguars will be on the clock when the 2021 NFL Draft begins Thursday in Cleveland.
Through three days and seven rounds, 259 players will have their professional dreams realized. Many of those could come from the state of Florida. Here is a look at what to expect from some of the schools:
FLORIDA GATORS
Tight end Kyle Pitts could become the first Gator selected in the top 5 since linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. was the third-overall pick in 2015. Pitts could have some company with receiver Kadarius Toney, considered by many to also be a first-round selection as well.
Quarterback Kyle Trask could wind up hearing his name called Friday either in the second or third round. He’s looking to become the first Florida quarterback drafted since Tim Tebow in 2010.
The Gators could have as many as nine players selected this week with receiver Trevon Grimes, kicker Evan McPherson, offensive lineman Stone Forsythe, defensive tackle Tedarrell Slaton and defensive backs Shawn Davis and Marco Wilson.
FLORIDA STATE
The Seminoles have had at least one player drafted in each year since 1984, and that trend should continue in 2021.
Cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. and defensive tackle Marvin Wilson could be the top FSU players selected this
year. Samuel has the first-round potential but could also be a second-round pickup.
Defensive ends Joshua Kaindoh and Janarius Robinson along with safety Hamsah Nasirildeen may be third-round picks or they could wind up being fourth-round selections Saturday. Receiver Tamorrion Terry could also be a Day 3 pick.
FSU could have as many as six players selected for the first time since 2018.
MIAMI HURRICANES
The Hurricanes are looking to snap a streak of three straight years without a player selected in the first two rounds of the draft. That could change with defensive ends Gregory Rousseau and Jaelan Phillips and tight end Brevin Jordan considered high picks by most experts, probably in the second round Friday.
Defensive end Quincy Roche, who was second on the team in sacks with 4.5, could find himself a Day 2 or Day 3 pick as well. Jose Borregales is looking to become the first Miami kicker drafted since Matthew Bosher in 2011.
This could be the deepest draft pool UCF has had since 2018 when the Knights saw four players selected.
Defensive backs Richie Grant, Aaron Robinson and Tay Gowan are considered late first-round to third-round picks in most of the mock drafts. UCF has produced four first-rounders since 1987, including quarterbacks Daunte Culpepper (1999) and Blake Bortles (2014), receiver Breshad Perriman (2015) and safety Mike Hughes (2018).
Receivers Marlon Williams, Jacob Harris and Tre Nixon are possible late picks while running back Otis Anderson and Greg McCrae figure to be Day 3 selections or free-agent signees.
USF BULLS
USF hasn’t had a player drafted since 2018 but there could several options from this class including quarterback Noah Johnson and defensive back KJ Sails. Running back Odunayo Seriki, receiver DeVontres Dukes and cornerback Mike Hampton could wind up as free-agent signings.
FAU OWLS
FAU is a young program with only 10 players drafted since 2010 but the Owls have had at least one player selected in each of the past two drafts. There are plenty of options, with BJ Emmons a possible option in a crowded running backs group. Linebacker Leighton McCarthy, who led the team with 9.0 sacks last season, is also another option.
FIU PANTHERS
The chances of FIU having a player drafted this season is unlikely but offensive linemen Shane McGough and D’Antne Demery could be options as free-agent signees.
This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Matt Murschel at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com.
