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NFL teams have finalized their 53-man rosters ahead of this weekend’s kickoff of the 2020 football season, and the three Gators receivers who were drafted all earned final roster spots.
Van Jefferson, who was taken in the second round, had a strong camp with the Los Angeles Rams and could be battling for a starting receiver spot this fall. Meanwhile, Freddie Swain and Tyrie Cleveland, who were selected in the sixth and seventh rounds by the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos, respectively, each made their squad’s final roster as well.
The 2020 NFL draft was the first draft since 1978 in which three Florida receivers were selected. Strong receiver play was a big reason for UF’s success through the air in 2019, which was its best passing season in nearly 20 years.
Coach Dan Mullen said having three receivers selected in a single draft is important in demonstrating the value of Florida to recruits.
“I think it’s a huge deal because I think, you know what, when guys look at it, and our guys, thankfully they bought into it and now they all reap the rewards on it,” Mullen said. “I think that especially (when) you get out on the recruiting trail and you’re looking at people that are; you’re calling these different receivers and they’re like, ‘Well, coach this school, they had the one guy get all these catches’ and I said, ‘OK, well what if you’re not the one… or how many different people are saying they are the one?’
“And you come play at Florida, you’re not only going to get coached, you’re going to get developed and have the opportunity to go and get touches on the field and the opportunity to go on to the next level and play in the NFL.”
Another Gators receiver, Josh Hammond, went undrafted but signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent. He didn’t make Jacksonville’s final roster, but he cleared waivers and was signed to the team’s practice squad.
Though Swain and Cleveland may not see much action as rookies outside of special teams play, Jefferson could be an important target for Jared Goff in the Rams’ passing offense.
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