Tag: O’Cyrus Torrence

Here’s where two Gators go in College Sports Wire’s NFL mock draft 9.0

Here’s where these two Gators landed in @College_Wire’s NFL mock draft 9.0.

Less than two weeks remain until the 88th annual edition of the 2023 NFL draft, which kicks off on April 27 and runs until April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. With the selection order firmly in place, the sports media has been publishing its respective mock drafts including College Sports Wire’s Patrick Conn who released the ninth edition of his CSW mock on Thursday.

The first Gator off Conn’s board is quarterback [autotag]Anthony Richardson[/autotag], who dropped three spots from the previous mock and is projected to be picked at No. 7 by the Las Vegas Raiders. Here is what Conn had to offer on the former Gator’s draft prospects.

The Raiders moved on from Derek Carr and they will be looking to address the future of the franchise. This might be one of the best situations for Richardson as he wouldn’t be thrown in the lion’s den on day 1. He can sit and develop with the Raiders while they start Jimmy Garoppolo to begin the season.

The second Florida alumnus selected is offensive lineman [autotag]O’Cyrus Torrence[/autotag], who rose several spots in this update and is projected to be selected at No. 16 by the Washington Commanders. Here is the lowdown on the big offensive lineman from Louisiana.

It appears that the Sam Howell era is set to begin in the nation’s capital. Adding Torrence to the roster will give them a mauler among the offensive line.

The most recent UF alumni taken in the first round of the draft are cornerback [autotag]Kaiir Elam[/autotag] (2022, No. 23), tight end [autotag]Kyle Pitts[/autotag] (2021, No. 4), wide receiver [autotag]Kadarius Toney[/autotag] (2021, No. 20) and cornerback [autotag]CJ Henderson[/autotag] (2020, No. 9).

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Talking best NFL draft fits for Richardson, Torrence with College Sports Wire

Among the hottest topics in the discussion is where Florida’s former quarterback Anthony Richardson will land.

The 88th annual edition of the 2023 NFL draft, which kicks off on April 27 and runs until April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri, is still a couple of weeks away but the conversation heading into the end of the month continues to heat up.

Among the hottest topics in the discussion is where Florida’s former quarterback [autotag]Anthony Richardson[/autotag] will land. The über-athletic signal-caller from Gainesville is projected by many to become the highest-drafted Gator in the modern era of the NFL, which has the top-three teams in the draft salivating while others trying to trade up for a shot at the generational talent.

Then there is offensive lineman [autotag]O’Cyrus Torrence[/autotag], who followed Billy Napier from Louisiana to Florida and managed to go his entire collegiate career without allowing a sack. Both of these former members of the Orange and Blue are expected to go in the first round.

Gators Wire and College Sports Wire recently convened to discuss the two top picks, trading our takes on which franchise is the best for the two standouts. Click here to read our respective opinions.

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Two Gators on Todd McShay’s latest 2-round mock draft

With draft season heating up, ESPN’s Todd McShay includes two Florida Gators in his latest two-round mock, including one player going in the top five.

With the 2023 NFL draft quickly approaching, mock drafts are cranking out left and right. With ESPN holding the broadcast rights to the annual event, analysts Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay’s mock drafts are given a lot of exposure. In McShay’s latest two-round mock, the analyst includes two Florida Gators players making the cut.

As expected, the two players are [autotag]Anthony Richardson[/autotag] and [autotag]O’Cyrus Torrence[/autotag]. Richardson, the quarterback prospect who broke multiple NFL combine records and has been compared to Cam Newton by some, is projected to go No. 3 overall to the Indianapolis Colts. In this specific scenario, McShay projected the Colts trading up one spot with the Arizona Cardinals to secure their signal caller of the future.

It’s important to note that if CJ Stroud and Bryce Young go No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, it would be the fourth time in the modern draft era (since 1966) that quarterbacks went 1-2-3. The last time that happened was in 2021 with Trevor Lawrence going to the Jags, Zach Wilson going to the Jets, and Trey Lance going to the 49ers.

Here is what McShay had to say about Richardson going to the Colts:

I’ve heard mixed messages regarding the Colts’ interest in quarterbacks not named Young and Stroud, but the veteran route just hasn’t worked for them. They’ve started each of the past five seasons with a different starting QB, and they scored the NFL’s fewest points in 2022 (15.8 per game). If either Richardson or Kentucky’s Will Levis is Indy’s guy, it can’t afford to stay at No. 4 and just hope things work out.

There is obvious risk with Richardson, and it’s certainly possible Gardner Minshew would be getting the Week 1 call. After all, Richardson has just 13 career starts and accuracy issues to work through, mainly stemming from poor footwork and still-developing touch. But you’d need to call in NASA to reach his sky-high ceiling. At 6-foot-4 and 244 pounds, Richardson ran a 4.43 in the 40-yard dash at the combine and has the strongest arm in this class. If he puts it all together, he could be a star in the NFL. New Colts coach Shane Steichen might be the guy to get him there.

At one point, O’Cyrus Torrence was a projected first-round pick. The consensus all-American offensive guard is projected to go No. 39 overall to the Carolina Panthers. In this scenario, Torrence would be a high second-round pick, joining No. 1 overall pick CJ Stroud together as a Batman and Robin-like pair for the future.

Here is what McShay said about Torrence being picked by the Panthers:

Let’s get Stroud some protection on the interior. Torrence allowed just two sacks over 47 starts — many of which came at Louisiana before transferring — and he rarely gives up ground to pass-rushers. He’d also help open things up for Miles Sanders in the run game, as he shows the ability to control linemen and move them laterally.

The 2023 NFL draft will take begin on Thursday, April 27, and will conclude on Saturday, April 29. It will take place in Kansas City and will be broadcast on ESPN and the NFL Network.

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Draft Wire’s latest 3-round mock NFL draft includes trio of former Gators

Take a look at who Draft Wire expects to be selected in the first three rounds of the NFL draft at the end of the month.

Three weeks remain until the 88th annual edition of the 2023 NFL draft, which kicks off on April 27 and runs until April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. With the selection order firmly in place, the sports media has been regularly publishing its respective mock draft updates, including Draft Wire’sJeff Risdon, who released his publication’s latest three-round mock projections on Thursday.

The University of Florida is represented by three former players on this list — two of whom are projected as first-round selections — headlined by star quarterback [autotag]Anthony Richardson[/autotag], who Risdon expects to be taken third via a trade by the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee trades No. 11, No. 72 (3rd round) and No. 147 (5th round) and a 2024 first-round pick while the Arizona Cardinals exchange their No. 3 and No. 105 (4th round) picks.

Next up is offensive lineman [autotag]O’Cyrus Torrence[/autotag] who only spent a year in Gainesville but built his stock greatly by making it through his entire collegiate career dating back to his time with the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns without allowing a single sack. Popejoy has the massive man taken at No. 27 overall by the Buffalo Bills.

Last, there is defensive lineman [autotag]Gervon Dexter[/autotag] — a versatile player at his position that is able to expand his roles thanks to his athleticism — who is projected at No. 83 overall by the Seattle Seahawks.

Previous UF alumni taken in the first round of the draft are cornerback [autotag]Kaiir Elam[/autotag] (2022, No. 23), tight end [autotag]Kyle Pitts[/autotag] (2021, No. 4), wide receiver [autotag]Kadarius Toney[/autotag] (2021, No. 20) and cornerback [autotag]CJ Henderson[/autotag] (2020, No. 9).

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Touchdown Wire’s latest 3-round draft has 3 Gators mentioned

Take a look at who Touchdown Wire expects to be selected in the first three rounds of the NFL draft at the end of the month.

The 88th annual edition of the 2023 NFL draft, which kicks off on April 27 and runs until April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri, is rapidly approaching. With the selection order firmly in place, the sports media has been regularly publishing its respective mock draft updates, including Touchdown Wire’s Doug Farrar, who submitted his latest three-round mock draft projections on Tuesday.

Florida football has three players on the list, headlined by stand-out quarterback [autotag]Anthony Richardson[/autotag], who Farrar expects to be selected fourth overall by the Baltimore Ravens via a trade with the Indianapolis Colts. Here is the lowdown on that projection.

The Ravens recover from losing the NFL’s most explosively athletic quarterback by starting the clock on the NFL’s new most explosively athletic quarterback. Nice work if you can get it, while grabbing two first-round picks in the process. We all know that Richardson has some work to do as a passer, but the athletic potential is unlike anything we’ve ever seen in a quarterback prospect, and if there’s one organization with a recent history of successfully working with a young quarterback to make the most of those gifts while developing the nuances of the position, it would be the Ravens.

Next up is offensive lineman [autotag]O’Cyrus Torrence[/autotag] who made it through his entire four-year collegiate career without allowing a single sack. Farrar expects him to be selected with the first pick of the second round at No. 32 overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers with a pick acquired via trade with the Chicago Bears.

Last, but not least, is defensive lineman [autotag]Gervon Dexter[/autotag] whose versatility is unquestioned but the results on the field still leave something to be desired. Farrar has him taken by the Cleveland Browns with a pick acquired via trade with the New York Jets at No. 74 overall.

Previous UF alumni taken in the first round of the draft are cornerback [autotag]Kaiir Elam[/autotag] (2022, No. 23), tight end [autotag]Kyle Pitts[/autotag] (2021, No. 4), wide receiver [autotag]Kadarius Toney[/autotag] (2021, No. 20) and cornerback [autotag]CJ Henderson[/autotag] (2020, No. 9).

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Three former Gators taken in Draft Wire’s latest 3-round mock

Take a look at who Draft Wire expects to be selected in the first three rounds of the NFL draft at the end of the month.

Three and a half weeks remain until the 88th annual edition of the 2023 NFL draft, which kicks off on April 27 and runs until April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. With the selection order firmly in place, the sports media has been regularly publishing its respective mock draft updates, including Draft Wire’s Curt Popejoy, who released his latest three-round mock projections on Monday.

The University of Florida is represented by three former players on this list — two of whom are projected as first-round selections — headlined by star quarterback [autotag]Anthony Richardson[/autotag], who Popejoy expects to be taken second overall by the Houston Texans. If that prediction is correct, it would make him the highest-drafted UF alumnus in the modern era and tied with Paul Duhart, who was picked by the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 2 back in 1945.

Next up is offensive lineman [autotag]O’Cyrus Torrence[/autotag] who only spent a year in Gainesville but left a lasting impression in his brief stint. Additionally, he made it through his entire collegiate career dating back to his time with the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns without allowing a single sack. Popejoy has the massive trench warrior taken at No. 18 overall by the Detroit Lions.

Last, there is defensive lineman [autotag]Gervon Dexter[/autotag] who was a solid contributor on a shaky defensive corps during his time with the team. Nonetheless, his inherent talent has him pegged in the second round at No. 53 overall to the Chicago Bears with a pick acquired in a trade from the Baltimore Ravens.

Previous UF alumni taken in the first round of the draft are cornerback [autotag]Kaiir Elam[/autotag] (2022, No. 23), tight end [autotag]Kyle Pitts[/autotag] (2021, No. 4), wide receiver [autotag]Kadarius Toney[/autotag] (2021, No. 20) and cornerback [autotag]CJ Henderson[/autotag] (2020, No. 9).

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Three Gators included among The Athletic’s latest Big Board

There are three former Gators that Florida fans should pay attention to in particular this draft season, according to the latest prospect rankings from the Athletic.

The 2023 NFL draft is now less than a month away, and that means it’s about time that prospect big boards and rankings begin being regularly updated and changed by the day.

The Athletic released its 2023 Big Board of the top 100 prospects in the draft cycle, and three former Florida Gators made the cut. Quarterback [autotag]Anthony Richardson[/autotag] leads the way at No. 14 overall to no surprise. After an impressive pro day showing on Thursday, Richardson could easily rise over the next week or so.

Richardson is almost a lock to come off the board in the first round at this point in the evaluation process, and he’s done just about everything right so far.

Guard [autotag]O’Cyrus Torrence[/autotag] is the next man up on the list at No. 36 overall. Although that would put him out of first-round range if each team picked the highest-ranked available player, that’s not the way the draft works. Torrence is the best guard prospect in the draft and could easily see one of the first 30 teams reach for him.

Last on the list is defensive tackle [autotag]Gervon Dexter Sr[/autotag]., who is hoping to sneak into the second round after three years in the Swamp. Dexter hasn’t quite shown the kind of consistency that pro scouts want to see, but his physical gifts make him a popular target. Expect some team to reach on him as well.

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Billy Napier expects offensive improvement in Year 2

Billy Napier reassures fans with concerns over the Florida offense in 2022, saying 2023 will be a better season offensively.

If you watched a Gators football game last season, you understand the frustration among many Florida fans regarding the consistency of the offense.

[autotag]Billy Napier[/autotag], who was a first-year SEC coach in 2022, is an offensive-minded coach. So when the Orange and Blue’s offense was inconsistent last season, fans looked to Twitter to make their voices heard. It seems like Napier has heard the complaints, reassuring fans that the offense will improve in 2023 with comments he made to the Orlando Sentinel during spring practices.

“We just weren’t very good,” Napier said. “We’re going to improve… Anybody that knows me will tell you that we’re going to get it right.”

In addition to the expected obstacles that come with being a first-year coach in the SEC, Napier was dealing with a more depleted roster than normal. With his predecessor, [autotag]Dan Mullen[/autotag], being such a well-respected offensive mind, anything short of being an elite offense would be a disappointment. But judging Napier on Mullen’s output is disingenuous.

When Mullen took over, he had a plethora of offensive weapons at his disposal, including 2020 Heisman finalist [autotag]Kyle Trask[/autotag], and 2021 first-round draft picks [autotag]Kyle Pitts[/autotag] and [autotag]Kadarius Toney[/autotag]. On the flip side, Napier was tasked with revamping the Gators’ recruiting operation, something that Mullen neglected in his time in Gainesville.

What Napier did do, was bring in some key players for the Gators, including 2022 All-American [autotag]O’Cyrus Torrence[/autotag] and true freshman running back [autotag]Trevor Etienne[/autotag]. Pair that with [autotag]Anthony Richardson[/autotag] going through the first-year starter struggles that he should have gone through in 2021, and you have an offense that has some upside but still underperformed and was inconsistent throughout the 2022 season.

Ironically, the biggest offensive question mark for next season is at quarterback. If Napier is confident that 2023 will be an offensive improvement from 2022, whoever is leading the huddle will be a big reason why.

“([autotag]Graham Mertz[/autotag]’s) approach since the first day he’s been here is what you would want from a quarterback,” he said. “It’s almost as if you’re acquiring a free agent in the National Football League that’s an experienced, veteran player, he’s learning the new system. His approach has been what you would want.”

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Florida guard O’Cyrus Torrence honored with All-American brick

The Florida Gators recognized guard O’Cyrus Torrence’s All-American season with an honorary brick at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, the Florida Gators unveiled a new All-American brick in honor of guard [autotag]O’Cyrus Torrence[/autotag], who was a consensus First Team selection.

For those who are unfamiliar, the southwest entrance to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium has a series of over 70 bricks (pictured below) honoring each Gator football player that makes an All-American First Team. Torrence is the 72nd Gator to earn a brick, including a pair of repeat selections, and accepted the honor graciously.

“It means a lot to be a part of Gator history and a part of this great culture they have here and be a part of something that’s bigger than myself,” Torrence said. “Coming here was the right decision for me and my career. The after-effects of being in the SEC and this great organization and being here is surreal and it’s all hitting home for me now. I’m happy to be a part of Gator history.”

Torrence’s brick lies just under former first-round pick [autotag]Kyle Pitts[/autotag]’ stone, and it’s likely that he’ll hear his name called on Day 1 of the upcoming draft too. Plenty of NFL teams got a look at him on Thursday when Florida hosted its Pro Day, and he’s the top guard on most if not all draft boards.

A First Team All-Sun Belt selection a year ago, Torrence proved himself in 2022 at college football’s highest level, the SEC. The Louisiana transfer will go down as one of the best one-year Gators in program history, and now he has the hardware (brick-ware?) to prove it.

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Here’s where two Gators go in College Sports Wire’s NFL mock draft 8.0

Here’s where these two Gators landed in @College_Wire’s NFL mock draft 8.0.

Just a little more than a month remains until the 88th annual edition of the 2023 NFL draft, which kicks off on April 27 and runs until April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri, continues to approach. With the selection order firmly in place, the sports media has been publishing its respective mock drafts including College Sports Wire’s Patrick Conn who released the eighth edition of his CSW mock on Friday.

The first Gator off Conn’s board is quarterback [autotag]Anthony Richardson[/autotag], who is projected to be picked at No. 4 by the Indianapolis Colts. Here is what Conn had to offer on the former Gator’s draft prospects.

The Indianapolis Colts have their pick of the remaining two quarterbacks with a first-round grade on my board. Richardson has more upside which is why we have him going to the Colts.

The second Florida alumnus selected is offensive lineman [autotag]O’Cyrus Torrence[/autotag], who dropped a bit more in this update and is projected to be selected at No. 21 by the Los Angeles Chargers. Here is the lowdown on the big offensive lineman from cajun country.

The art of offensive line play is knocking your guy off the ball. O’Cyrus Torrence does that better than anyone at his position in this draft. Not to mention the Chargers give their guy Justin Herbert some needed protection.

The previous UF alumni taken in the first round of the draft are cornerback [autotag]Kaiir Elam[/autotag] (2022, No. 23), tight end [autotag]Kyle Pitts[/autotag] (2021, No. 4), wide receiver [autotag]Kadarius Toney[/autotag] (2021, No. 20) and cornerback [autotag]CJ Henderson[/autotag] (2020, No. 9).

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