Tag: Brenton Cox Jr.

UDFAs Malik Heath, Brenton Cox Jr. and Emanuel Wilson force their way onto Packers initial roster

There was no denying undrafted rookies Malik Heath, Brenton Cox Jr. and Emanuel Wilson.

There was no denying undrafted rookies Malik Heath, Brenton Cox Jr. and Emanuel Wilson this preseason, and now all three will begin the 2023 season on the roster of the Green Bay Packers.

Together, Heath, Cox and Wilson give the Packers three undrafted rookies on the initial 53-man roster, the most kept by the team since 2018. They also extended the team’s streak of at least one undrafted free agent on the initial roster to a staggering 19 years.

Even during a year in which general manager Brian Gutekunst made 13 draft picks, college free agents got a legitimate shot to make the roster in Green Bay. The trio of Heath, Cox and Wilson made the most of the opportunity.

Heath caught a team-high 12 passes for 146 yards over three preseason games. He finished third in yards per route run (per PFF) among receivers with at least 14 targets this preseason while making four contested catches without a drop. He also blocked like a madman, embracing the “goon” role Matt LaFleur likes at wide receiver and allowing him to beat out seventh-round pick Grant DuBose for a roster spot. Depending on the injury situations for Romeo Doubs (hamstring) and Dontayvion Wicks (hamstring), Heath could be on the field and playing snaps for the Packers come Week 1 in Chicago.

Cox led the Packers in pressures (seven), hurries (six) and batted passes (two). One of his batted passes resulted in an interception. He also had a tackle for loss against the run. His win rate as a pass-rusher was 15.4 percent, the fourth-best among rookie edge rushers during the preseason. Despite having five outside linebackers they liked, Cox forced the Packers to do something rare and keep a sixth. If he stays out of trouble and focused on the job, Cox has the talent to become a pass-rushing asset in time.

Wilson led all NFL players in rushing yards (223) and was tied for first in rushing touchdowns (2). He forced 11 missed tackle attempts, the most among running backs, and his 80-yard run was the longest in the NFL during the preseason. He also caught four passes and displayed some potential as a pass protector. Signed in May, Wilson entered training camp as a roster long shot. He exited as the winner of the No. 3 running back spot, giving him a real chance of factoring into the future of the position past 2023.

[lawrence-related id=98050,98036,98042,98039,98023]

Former Gators EDGE signs UDFA contract with Green Bay Packers

After being released from the program midseason, this former Gator still managed to sign on with an NFL team.

Former Florida Gators edge defender [autotag]Brenton Cox Jr[/autotag]. did not hear his name called during the 2023 NFL draft which concluded on Saturday but did manage to sign on with a professional franchise after the amateur selection process ended.

The 6-foot-3-inch, 252-pound linebacker/lineman hybrid player signed on with the Green Bay Packers on Monday after two-and-a-half seasons with the Gators. Cox was originally recruited by the Georgia Bulldogs but transferred to Gainesville midway through the 2019 season, for which he took a redshirt. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Education Sciences last summer from UF.

Over the course of 33 games played for the Orange and Blue, Cox amassed 118 total tackles (62 solo, 56 assisted) along with 13.5 sacks and seven passes defended, plus a forced fumble and fumble recovery.

The former Gator is the fourth undrafted free agent for Billy Napier’s program, along with offensive lineman Richard Gouraige (Buffalo Bills), safety Rashad Torrence II (Los Angeles Rams) and safety Trey Dean III (New York Jets)

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1365]

[mm-video type=video id=01gz57ac1v1zyt93e09y playlist_id=01eqbz250mdknqvm5z player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gz57ac1v1zyt93e09y/01gz57ac1v1zyt93e09y-392cec20786e3e4f8186428562c13c04.jpg]

Follow us @GatorsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

Packers sign undrafted free agent OLB Brenton Cox Jr.

The Green Bay Packers signed undrafted free agent Brenton Cox Jr., an edge rusher out of Florida. 

The Green Bay Packers signed undrafted free agent Brenton Cox Jr., an edge rusher out of Florida.

Over one season at Georgia and three more at Florida, Cox produced 137 tackles, 34 tackles for loss, 15.5 sacks, one forced fumble and 10 pass breakups. He played in 46 games and made 34 starts.

During a breakout 2021 season, Cox delivered 14.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks over 13 games. He had 4.0 sacks in a game against Florida State.

Cox, a five-star recruit who played as a true freshman at Georgia, was dismissed for off-the-field reasons at both Georgia and Florida.

At the combine, Cox (6-4, 250) ran the 40-yard dash in 4.82 seconds, hit 33″ in the vertical leap, covered 9-7 in the broad jump and completed 24 reps on the bench press. He added the short shuttle (4.57) and three-cone (7.57) at Florida’s pro day. His Relative Athletic Score is 6.33 out of 10.0.

Cox was Dane Brugler’s No. 39 overall edge rusher in the class with an undrafted grade. Lance Zierlein also gave Cox an undrafted grade.

Brugler’s scouting report: “A three-year starter at Florida, Cox played the ‘Jack’ edge rusher position in former defensive coordinator Patrick Toney’s scheme (Toney joined the Arizona Cardinals’ staff after the 2022 season). After a quick exit at Georgia, he grew into a key cog in the Gators’ defensive attack (32.0 tackles for loss in 33 games in Gainesville) before he was dismissed from the program midway through his senior season. Cox doesn’t rush with consistent power or a fully-planned out attack, but his hands and feet are quick and make it tough for blockers to counter. Though he isn’t an assignment-sound run defender, he has terrific pursuit from the backside
and the gas tank is never empty. Overall, Cox has draftable and rosterable talent, but based on his history, it will take an NFL team with a large appetite for risk to invest a draft pick in the player. His energy as a pass rusher gives him a fighting chance.”

Lance Zierlein’s scouting report: “Former five-star recruit whose dismissals from both Georgia and Florida could hurt his draft stock. On the field, Cox is a linear attacker with heavy hands and the ability to effectively stack and shed blocks. While he has some bend-and-dip athleticism as a rusher, he’s primarily a brute-force attacker currently lacking the game plan or counters to beat offensive tackles possessing a quality anchor. He needs more technique work across the board but has the traits to create advantages for himself on the field. He has the potential to slot in as a rotational 3-4 outside ‘backer, but he needs to convince teams the issues that led to his dismissals from Georgia and Florida won’t resurface in the NFL.”

[lawrence-related id=93423,93340,93330]

Where Florida players stand on ESPN Mel Kiper’s final Big Board

It’s draft season and plenty of former Gators are hoping to hear their names called. Here’s where ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. ranks them just days before the big event.

The 2023 NFL draft is almost ready to begin, and that means draft analysts are locking in their final projections and Big Boards ahead of the big day. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. is one of the most well-known analysts in the country and he published his final list on Tuesday.

Quarterback [autotag]Anthony Richardson[/autotag] leads the bunch at No. 7 overall, followed by offensive guard [autotag]O’Cyrus Torrence[/autotag] at No. 61 and defensive tackle [autotag]Gervon Dexter Sr[/autotag]. at No. 103 overall. Richardson is ranked fourth among quarterbacks in the draft class, Torrence is ranked third among guards and Dexter is the No. 10 defensive tackle.

Kiper’s takes on Florida’s top prospects are interesting. Richardson has been projected to go as high as No. 1 overall, but Kiper sees his stock falling ever so slightly. Torrence has been considered the top guard in the draft for a while, so seeing him at No. 3 is also peculiar.

“Richardson is still very raw,” Kiper wrote. “His mechanics and footwork need a lot of work. He has accuracy issues on shorter throws that should be easier. And yet, the arm strength and the dual-threat ability are so intriguing that a team near the end of Round 1 absolutely could take him and let him develop.”

Plenty of other Gators made the positional rankings.

On offense, wide receiver [autotag]Justin Shorter[/autotag] is No. 43 in his position group, and  [autotag]Richard Gouraige[/autotag] is the 23rd-best offensive tackle. Defensively, linebackers [autotag]Ventrell Miller[/autotag] and [autotag]Amari Burney[/autotag] come in at Nos. 15 and 25, respectively.

Former Gator [autotag]Brenton Cox Jr[/autotag]. was dismissed from he team but is still ranked No. 18 among outside linebackers. Finally, [autotag]Trey Dean III[/autotag] and [autotag]Rashad Torrence II[/autotag] are ranked Nos. 27 and 28, respectively, among safeties by Kiper.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1368]

[mm-video type=video id=01gxxeqq2vhjmccteth4 playlist_id=01eqbz250mdknqvm5z player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gxxeqq2vhjmccteth4/01gxxeqq2vhjmccteth4-2346b84476bb420195db0f813431176e.jpg]

Follow us @GatorsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

Florida EDGE Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr. to enter transfer portal

After three years with the Florida Gators, edge rusher Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr. is hitting the transfer portal.

Florida edge rusher [autotag]Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr[/autotag]. is entering the transfer portal, according to a social media post he sent out Friday afternoon.

Powell is the second Gator to leave the team following the Orange and Blue Game. Offensive lineman [autotag]David Conner[/autotag] officially entered the portal on Thursday after leaving the team during spring practices.

He didn’t give a reason for his decision, but playing time was likely a factor for the rising fourth-year junior. [autotag]Princely Umanmielen[/autotag] switched to the edge after [autotag]Brenton Cox Jr[/autotag]. was dismissed from the team last season, and he’s the expected starter heading into the summer.

Powell would have been competing for secondary snaps with redshirt sophomore [autotag]Justus Boone[/autotag] had he stayed, and a trio of true freshmen led by [autotag]Kelby Collins[/autotag] are hungry to take away snaps too.

Over three seasons in Gainesville, Powell recorded 34 total tackles (14 solo), including 7.5 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks, through 27 games played. He started five times for Florida in 2023 and played snaps in all 13 games.

Although the Gators are losing a consistent piece of its defense, the line is loaded with young Napier-recruited talent ready to take off, so this might have been the best move for both parties.

Still, the announcement is surprising from a player who seemed to have bought into Napier’s system.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1368]

[mm-video type=video id=01gxxeqq2vhjmccteth4 playlist_id=01eqbz250mdknqvm5z player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gxxeqq2vhjmccteth4/01gxxeqq2vhjmccteth4-2346b84476bb420195db0f813431176e.jpg]

Follow us @GatorsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

Vikings 2023 7 round mock draft 9.0: Day 2 bonanza

The Minnesota Vikings trade out of the first round to get two picks on day two in the last seven-round mock draft.

The Minnesota Vikings have a lot of different ways they can go in the NFL draft. There will be some discussion on what needs are most important but the Vikings can address most of them through both free agency and the NFL draft.

I have now done eight mock drafts for the Vikings this offseason and they all have taken a slightly different turn each time. This one has the Vikings trading back and focusing on the defense with the first four picks.

Mock draft 1.0
Mock draft 2.0
Mock draft 3.0
Mock draft 4.0
Mock draft 5.0
Mock draft 6.0
Mock draft 7.0
Mock draft 8.0

2023 Florida Pro Day results and observations

Florida’s 2023 Pro Day was basically the Anthony Richardson Show, but plenty of other Gators got in some good work on Thursday.

A dozen former Gators took part in Florida’s 2023 Pro Day on Thursday, and all 32 NFL teams were in attendance.

The event was televised on the SEC Network, thanks in large part to the attention drawn by potential first-round pick [autotag]Anthony Richardson[/autotag]. The former Florida quarterback wowed NFL coaches and scouts with his performance, but it was also a good opportunity for those people to see the other Gators hoping to hear their names called when the draft finally takes place on April 27.

Not every player participated in the same drills. For example, Richardson only threw and skipped things like the 40-yard dash after posting a good number at the combine.

Pro Days are a chance for players to put their best foot forward and improve in whichever areas scouts still have questions about. Even players that were dismissed from the program, such as [autotag]Brenton Cox Jr[/autotag]., got a chance to work in front of everyone.

Some players upped their stock while others didn’t take the jump (literally) that they had hoped for. Here’s how the Gators fared on Thursday in their final appearances at the Swamp.

Here’s when Florida football’s NFL Pro Day is scheduled

Florida has announced details of its annual Pro Day, with eleven Gators players expected to participate.

The road to the 2023 NFL draft continues for former Florida Gators football players, with the program announcing Monday that the annual pro day will be held on March 30, according to the University of Florida’s official website.

Eleven draft-eligible players from the 2022 Florida Gators football roster will participate in this year’s pro day, including projected first-round draft picks quarterback [autotag]Anthony Richardson[/autotag] and offensive lineman [autotag]O’Cyrus Torrence[/autotag]. Joining them will be linebacker [autotag]Amari Burney[/autotag], linebacker [autotag]Brenton Cox Jr[/autotag]., defensive tackle [autotag]Gervon Dexter Sr[/autotag]., safety [autotag]Trey Dean III[/autotag], offensive tackle [autotag]Richard Gouraige[/autotag], linebacker [autotag]Ventrell Miller[/autotag], wide receiver [autotag]Jordan Pouncey[/autotag], wide receiver [autotag]Justin Shorter[/autotag], and safety [autotag]Rashad Torrence II[/autotag].

Pro day events will include official weigh-ins, bench press, vertical jump, broad jump, 40-yard dash, 60-yard shuttle, and positional workouts. Among those in attendance will be NFL scouts, coaches, and general managers.

Coverage of pro day will take place from the Condron Family Indoor Practice Facility, with the event broadcast at 10 a.m. EDT on the SEC Network. Former Florida football player and current SEC Network analyst [autotag]Chris Doering[/autotag] will report live from Gainesville while Peter Burns, Jordan Reid and Matt Stinchcomb will be in-studio.

There will also be coverage on NFL+, the NFL’s streaming app, with the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and former NFL wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. reporting live from the indoor practice facility.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1368]

[mm-video type=video id=01gvz4jq9vak7an85d8f playlist_id=01eqbz250mdknqvm5z player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gvz4jq9vak7an85d8f/01gvz4jq9vak7an85d8f-a8006f58a350318660b5b9cea8df26aa.jpg]

Follow us @GatorsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

Looking at all 9 former Gators invited to the 2023 NFL scouting combine

Here’s a look at each Florida former football player who is expected to participate in the 2023 NFL scouting combine.

Florida football will be well-represented in this year’s NFL scouting combine, which takes place in Indianapolis, Indiana, from Feb. 28 through March 6. Among the 319 collegiate prospects expected to attend the tryouts are nine from the Orange and Blue, headlined by quarterback [autotag]Anthony Richardson[/autotag].

The Gators have two alumni who are practically locks for the first round in Richardson and offensive lineman [autotag]O’Cyrus Torrence[/autotag], but after that, anyone is fair game. Some project defensive lineman [autotag]Gervin Dexter Sr[/autotag]. as another possible first-rounder but the jury is still out on him.

Take a look below at each of the nine former Gators who received an invitation to the NFL draft combine starting at the end of this month, along with some helpful information regarding their size and skills.

Nine former Gators invited to 2023 NFL Combine

Plenty of former Gators are looking to boost their stock at the annual scouting combine ahead of the 2023 NFL draft.

The University of Florida will be well represented at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine as nine former Gators received invitations to attend the event, which takes place from Feb. 28 through March 6.

First-round hopefuls [autotag]Anthony Richardson[/autotag] and [autotag]O’Cyrus Torrence[/autotag] were of course added to the invitation list, and [autotag]Gervon Dexter Sr[/autotag]. is another name that Gators fans could hear called early that earned an invite to the combine.

Richardson could boost his stock immensely at the combine. His physical gifts have always been the draw, and letting NFL scouts and coaches see him in person should be like dropping bait on a hook in a crowded pond. Torrence already boosted his stock during Senior Bowl practices, so he just needs to maintain his first-round status at this point.

Wide receiver [autotag]Justin Shorter[/autotag], offensive lineman [autotag]Richard Gouraige[/autotag] and safeties [autotag]Trey Dean III[/autotag] and [autotag]Rashad Torrence II[/autotag] also received invitations to the combine. Dean recently earned defensive MVP honors at the East-West Shrine Bowl, but the rest of these guys could use a little hype going into the draft after staying out of the news cycle recently.

Linebacker [autotag]Ventrell Miller[/autotag] name is the final Gator on the list, but he won’t be able to participate fully as he recovers from foot surgery. That same surgery kept him from playing in the Senior Bowl, but maybe Miller will be able to do some interviews and light work at the combine.

Finally, [autotag]Brenton Cox Jr[/autotag]. rounds out the list of former Gators invited to the combine. While he didn’t finish the season with the team — Cox was dismissed from the team following the Georgia game — the former Gator and Bulldog is best known for his time in the Swamp. He’ll likely have the Florida name attached to him throughout this cycle.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=5948]

[mm-video type=video id=01graa1dq79khqaxwazw playlist_id=01eqbz250mdknqvm5z player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01graa1dq79khqaxwazw/01graa1dq79khqaxwazw-c6f127b21f447c5b32388ac987456672.jpg]

Follow us @GatorsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.