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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