I’ve said it several times…the draft this year, just doesn’t feel like it has the same buzz…and I’ve pinpointed 3 core reasons why for me personally and maybe for some of you- 1- We’re not having a draft party this year and that makes me sad. I was looking forward to linking back up with our audience, but it just didn’t come together. 2- Lack of great QB talent. I think these guys can be good but they don’t appear to be generational. 3- The lack of top talent coming from our local college teams.
But, that is exactly what today’s top 5 will tackle. The top 5 players that will be drafted from a college inside the sunshine state!
5- Kalia Davis, DL, UCF- Technically speaking, Jeremiah Moon (Florida LB) and Charleston Rambo (Miami WR) are rated higher amongst the scout community, but, I wanted to get a UCF guy on here. Davis is a tough one to figure out, 2019 he was a monster, 2020 he opted out due to COVID concerns, and half way through the 2021 season he tore his ACL. ESPN has him as the 20th best DT in the draft. He’ll go anywhere between round 5, round 7, or he’ll go undrafted.
4- Zach Carter, LB/DL, Florida- He was one of the leaders of Florida’s defense last season. Character guy with immense size for a LB but small for a defensive lineman. 6’4 282. 8 sacks last year. Look for him to go off the board anywhere between rounds 3 and 5.
3- Dameon Pierce, RB, Florida- 5’10, 218. He’s a bowling ball. He’s now going to wow you with any moves or agility or even speed, but he’s a tough runner who can get the job done between the tackles. He’s the kind of back that can excel if given the opportunity and especially if he lands behind a good o-line. Think SF type back. 9 of his 13 TD’s came from inside the 10. He’s a bruiser. Most likely a round 4 pick.
2- Kaiir Elam, DB, Florida- Ranked as the 47th overall prospect according to ESPN, Elam is your prototypical tall corner with straight-line speed, perfect for man-to-man/press situations and schemes in the NFL. 4.39 40, 2 picks last year @ Florida.
Number 1! Jermaine Johnson, DE, FSU- 6’5/254, he is an absolute monster. Pass rush specialist with the size and ability to impact the run game as well. He carried FSU’s defense last year, likely to go top 10 on Thursday. 12 sacks last year.
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