Florida Gators in the NFL: Ranking Every Gator in the NFL Heading into 2024
Most of us cannot remember a time when Florida football seemed less relevant than it is entering the 2024 season. Prayers up that Gator Nation’s place in the football pecking order is at its nadir. Our journey back up the mountaintop begins this year. Because if it doesn’t, there is a realistic chance it may never rise again.
In this space, I try to keep my focus on the National Football League. But the dark cloud that has circled over Gainesville for a few years now casts its shadows far outside Hogtown’s borders. Just as our beloved program is at a perilous place, so too are many former Gators in the NFL.
That said, last year’s NFL season saw some bright lights amidst the darkness. Alex Anzalone’s golden locks helped guide the Lions to their most successful season in a generation. Demarcus Robinson’s precise route-running clicked during a four-game touchdown streak that buttressed the Rams return to the postseason. Jonathan Greenard’s dominance on the edge was a key cog in Houston’s miraculous turnaround - and led to his acquisition of the “bag” in a move to Minnesota this offseason.
But just as in Gainesville, the good was far outweighed by the bad - and more disturbingly, the embarrassing.
Kadarius Toney and Jawaan Taylor earned Super Bowl rings - along with Tommy Townsend, La’Mical Perine, and Trey Dean - but all anyone will remember about them were Joka’s drops and Taylor’s penalties.
Anthony Richardson flashed the same small-sample-size brilliance we saw at UF before a litany of injuries forced him to the sidelines while fellow rookie C.J. Stroud emerged as the superstar from the 2023 quarterback draft class.
Incredibly successful rookie campaigns for Kyle Pitts in 2021 and Dameon Pierce in 2022 were completely forgotten because of their struggles last year. Pitts was never able to get fully healthy, and breathtakingly awful quarterback play continued to make him a non-factor most Sundays. Pierce fell flat and was benched while the Texans’ offense soared to record heights.
Just as Billy Napier faces a make-or-break season, so to do many of the former Gators in the NFL. Here’s my ranking based on 2024 expectations of every player on a roster as training camps have opened and the preseason schedule kicks off this week.
THE (FEW) STARS SHINE BRIGHTEST
1 - Jonathan Greenard, EDGE, Minnesota Vikings
Last Year’s Ranking: 19
Years: 4
2023: 52 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 15 TFL, 22 QB hits, 2 PD, 1 FF
Career: 120 tackles, 23.0 sacks, 1 INT, 1 TD, 32 TFL, 41 QB hits, 8 PD, 3 FF, 1 FR
I do a lot of predictions writing about former Gators in the National Football League. None have felt easier than when I said a year ago that Greenard was headed toward double-digit sacks in 2023. He racked up the most QB takedowns by a former Gator since Carlos Dunlap in 2015.
Greenard was a menace. He was sixth in pass-rush win rate among all EDGE defenders, tied for 10th in sacks, and tied for 13th in tackles for loss. He became an every down, multi-level star against both the pass and the run. And it led to him snagging a four-year, $76 million dollar contract with $42 million guaranteed.
Coincidentally, after lining up opposite a rookie from Alabama last season - Will Anderson - he’s going to do it again in Minnesota with Dallas Turner.
Greenard is 27 and in his prime. If he can stay healthy - it’s been the only blemish on his pro career - he can make a run at the sack totals of the elite Florida pass rushing top five of Jack Youngblood, Trace Armstrong, Kevin Carter, Dunlap, and Jevon Kearse.
2 - Alex Anzalone, LB, Detroit Lions
Last Year’s Ranking: 6
Years: 7
2023: 129 tackles, 3.0 sacks, 7 TFL, 6 PD, 1 FR, 12 QB hits
Career: 455 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 3 INT, 23 TFL, 22 PD, 4 FF, 2 FR, 29 QB hits
Detroit’s ascent to NFL contender has coincided with Anzalone’s place as the face - and hair - of the Lions defense. He rarely leaves the field and brings the 110% maximum effort head coach Dan Campbell demands of his team.
Anzalone was one of only eight players in the league in 2023 with at least 125 tackles and three sacks. He’s aiming for his third straight 100+ tackle season.
Anzalone’s leadership and veteran status come with perks in year eight. Any day can be bring your son to work day.
3 - Anthony Richardson, QB, Indianapolis Colts
Last Year’s Ranking: 10
Years: 1
2023: 4 G, 577 pass yards, 59.5 comp %, 3 TD, 1 INT, 25 rush, 136 yards, 4 TD
Richardson’s rookie season was derailed first by a concussion for a game and a half, then permanently by a shoulder injury that required surgery. He played a grand total of 173 snaps.
But in that short period of play, Richardson showed his immense talent, and more unexpectedly, comfort and poise in the pocket and with the speed of the game. The excitement level for him entering year two is just as high as last year. He just needs to stay on the field.
Video Courtesy: Twitter/@KyleYNFL
If he does, this is the lowest he’ll be ranked among former Gators for a long time. There are more weapons around him in year two and he’s already showing off chemistry and timing with rookie receiver A.D. Mitchell.
Video Courtesy: Twitter/@KyleYNFL
4 - O’Cyrus Torrence, G, Buffalo Bills
Last Year’s Ranking: 16
Years: 1
2023: 17 G, 17 starts
Torrence had a very good freshman campaign, earning all-rookie first-team honors. I nailed another prognostication - before last year’s draft, I said Torrence was a day one starter in the league who would anchor an offensive line for a decade. He’s on his way.
IF THEY CAN ONLY STAY HEALTHY…
5 - Kyle Pitts. TE, Atlanta Falcons
Last Year’s Ranking: 2
Years: 3
2023: 53 rec, 667 yards, 3 TD
Career: 149 rec, 2,049 yds, 6 TD
Pitts put together one of the best tight end rookie seasons in league history in 2021 with 1,026 receiving yards. In the two seasons since, he has 1,023 receiving yards.
Part of the reason why was a gruesome knee injury in 2022 that clearly affected him throughout last season. But he looks healthy - and explosive - for the first time in two years.
Courtesy: Instagram/d.robalwaysopen
The other reason to buy low on Pitts and his production is that for the first time since he teamed with Kyle Trask in Gainesville in 2020, Pitts has a quarterback that can get him the ball. He is going to have a huge season in Atlanta.
Courtesy: Twitter/@RichardsonDover
6 - C.J. Gardner-Johnson, DB, Philadelphia Eagles
Last Year’s Ranking: 1
Years in the NFL: 5
2023: 3 G, 1 INT, 17 tackles, 3 PD
Career: 245 tackles, 12 INT, 4.0 sacks, 39 PD, 20 TFL
There is little doubt Ceedy Duce is one of the toughest SOBs in the league. But he hasn’t played a full schedule since his rookie season in 2019 and has logged just 27 games out of a possible 51 in the past three years.
Despite that, Philly brought him back to provide attitude and energy that was lacking on defense last season. When he’s on the field, he’s a nuisance and one of the most fun players in the league to watch.
Off the field, we knew CJGJ was a two-sport athlete - football and video games. Let’s make it three sports - he’s a hooper too.
Video Courtesy: Twitter/@Eagles
SOLID IF NOT SPECTACULAR
7 - Demarcus Robinson, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Last Year’s Ranking: 18
Years: 8
2023: 26 rec, 371 yds, 4 TD, 1 rush, 23 yards
Career: 219 rec, 2,508 yds, 20 TD, 1 rush, 23 yards
Last year Robinson was a special teamer only until week nine. By the end of the season, he was one of Matthew Stafford’s favorite targets, scoring a TD in four straight games. As Puka Nacua emerged and Cooper Kupp got healthy, Robinson might have been a part of the best receiver trio in the league.
With a full season of chemistry with Stafford, Robinson could be poised for his best year yet. I was at Rams camp earlier this week and they hooked up often in team drills.
8 - Brandon Powell, WR/PR/KR, Minnesota Vikings
Last Year’s Ranking: 17
Years: 5
2023: 29 rec, 324 yards, TD, 5 rush, 17 yards, 37 PR, 7.8 avg
Career: 76 rec, 678 yds, 3 TD, 25 rush, 108 yards, 57 KR, 21.0 avg, 86 PR, 8.8 avg, TD
Powell took advantage of his opportunity after Minnesota lost Justin Jefferson to injury and set career highs in receptions and receiving yards. Jefferson’s return and Kirk Cousins departure could impact Powell’s production, but Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell is a big fan. He’ll float between WR3 and WR4 with a chance to at least match his totals from a year ago.
Video Courtesy: Twitter/@SKORNorth
Powell had the most punt returns in the league in 2023. He’ll pass Jacquez Green as the most prolific NFL punt returner in Gators history this year.
9 - T.J. Slaton, NT, Green Bay Packers
Last Year’s Ranking: 23
Years: 3
2023: 50 tackles, 2 TFL, 2 QB hits, 2 PD
Career: 104 tackles, 1.0 sack, 4 TFL, 4 QB hits, 4 PD
Slaton started every game at nose tackle in 2023 and is the only Packers defender to play every game for the past three seasons. He has improved every season and is expected to be even stronger at the point of attack this year. He’s not much of a pressure guy, instead trying to take up multiple offensive linemen and allow Kenny Clark and Green Bay’s other defenders to make plays.
10 - Jonathan Bullard, DL, Minnesota Vikings
Last Year’s Ranking: 26
Years: 8
2023: 44 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 3 TFL, 2 QB hits, 1 FF
Career: 136 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 18 TFL
Bullard has shed his journeyman label and found a home in Minnesota. The eight-year vet had his best season since his days in Gainesville. Now he’ll get to try to do it again alongside fellow Gator Greenard.
KICKERS ARE PEOPLE TOO
11 - Evan McPherson, K, Cincinnati Bengals
Years: 3
2023: 26/31 FG, Long 56, 40/40 XP
Career: 78/93 83.9% FG, Long 59, 126/132 95.5% XP
McPherson attempted 71 kicks in 2023. He only missed five of them - all from over 50 yards. He’s as automatic as any kicker in the league. With Joe Burrow healthy, he has a chance to lead the league in scoring for the first time in 2024.
Video Courtesy: Twitter/@Dan_Hoard
12 - Eddy Piñeiro, K, Carolina Panthers
Last Year’s Ranking: 12
Years: 4
2023: 25/29 FG, Long 56, 17/20 XP
Career: 89/100, 89% FG, Long 56, 83/91, 91.2% XP
Piñeiro is the third most accurate field goal kicker in the history of the NFL. Ever. Absolutely incredible.
He’s combined precision accuracy with power, drilling five kicks over 50 last season including a career-high 56-yarder. The Panthers (lack of) offense limits his opportunities, but Piñeiro deserves more attention and respect.
And yet, Piñeiro has had to fight and claw for every opportunity in the league and 2024 is no different. He’s in a camp battle with a rookie. Adding salt to the wound for Gator Nation - it’s villain Harrison Mevis who Gator Chomped after his heartbreaking game-winner last November.
Fuck Mevis. Let’s Go Eddy!
13 - Tommy Townsend, P, Houston Texans
Last Year’s Ranking: 15
Years: 4
2023: 59 punts, 47.1 avg, 41.9 net, 1/1 passing, 11 yards
Career: 201 punts, 47.4 avg, 42.8 net, 3/4 passing, 40 yds
Townsend has established himself as one of the best punters in the league, but he’ll have to prove himself again this year as he moves from the back-to-back Super Bowl champs to the up-and-coming Texans. He’s trading one prolific offense for another, so the workload probably isn’t increasing.
Townsend is already tied for third among former Gators with two Super Bowl rings - and he’s just four years into his career. Houston is a dark horse to give him a shot at his third.
GET ME OFF THE STRUGGLE BUS
14 - Dameon Pierce, RB, Houston Texans
Last Year’s Ranking: 3
Years: 2
2023: 145 rush, 416 yards, 2 TD, 13 rec, 101 yards, 7 KR, 32.1 avg, 1 TD
Career: 365 rush, 1,355 yards, 6 TD, 43 rec, 266 yards, TD, 7 KR, 32.1 avg, TD
A year after Pierce became the first Gators running back to have over 1,000 scrimmage yards since Fred Taylor in 1998, his per rush average was the worst in the league of any runner with over 100 carries. DP salvaged a forgettable sophomore season with an electric kickoff return touchdown in week 15 and could find a regular role as a return man this season.
He might need to in order to have any role at all. The Texans traded for Joe Mixon, signed Cam Akers, and drafted a running back late.
That said, Pierce has looked good early in camp and appears to be in the best shape of his young career. With Joe Mixon currently battling a hamstring injury, DP is RB1 right now. He didn’t play in the Hall of Fame game on Thursday but will get plenty of chances the rest of the preseason to show he deserves another chance in Houston’s backfield.
15 - Jawaan Taylor, RT, Kansas City Chiefs
Last Year’s Ranking: 5
Years: 5
2023: 17 G, 17 S
Career: 83 G, 83 starts
Taylor was flagged 22 times last season. The next closest player in the league drew 16 flags. On the flip side, availability might be his best ability. He has started every game in his professional career and played 99% of offensive snaps. Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes trust him, and after being in the referee’s spotlight in 2023, he should have a much quieter - always better for an offensive lineman - 2024.
16 - Marcus Maye, S, Miami Dolphins
Last Year’s Ranking: 8
Years: 7
2023: 7 G, 37 tackles, 2 INT, 1.0 sack, 2 PD, 3 TFL
Career: 409 tackles, 8 INT, 4.5 sacks, 28 PD, 5 FF, 12 TFL
Maye has played in just 23 games over the past three years. He’s hoping a move home to Florida can rejuvenate him. He’ll be the third safety in Miami and if he can stay healthy, he’ll be on the field a lot.
17 - Trent Brown, RT, Cincinnati Bengals
Last Year’s Ranking: 7
Years: 9
2023: 11 G, 8 starts
Career: 100 G, 93 starts
After a couple of years battling injuries, inconsistency, and lack of motivation, Brown is with a new team and back at his preferred position of right tackle. The Bengals and Joe Burrow hope he can regain his one-time Pro Bowl form.
Unfortunately, Brown started camp on the NFL (Non-Football Injury) list. He should be activated soon, but it’s not a great start in the Queen City. Rookie first-rounder Amarius Mims from Georgia is raw, but the more reps he gets, the quicker he takes Brown’s job.
18 - Kadarius Toney, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
Last Year’s Ranking: 4
Years: 3
2023: 27 rec, 169 yards, 1 TD, 11 rush, 31 yards, 6 PR, 9.7 avg
Career: 82 rec, 760 yards, 3 TD, 21 rush, 119 yards, TD, 17 PR, 7.0 avg
One year after catching a touchdown and almost returning a punt for another one in Super Bowl LVII, Toney was a healthy scratch in Super Bowl LVIII. Toney was expected to contend for WR1 duties in Kansas City and ended up being inactive the entire postseason. After KC signed Hollywood Brown and drafted Xavier Worthy, Toney is facing the very real possibility of being cut before the season. But there is a glimmer of hope - Toney has been taking reps at running back and could find a niche as a third-down back alongside Patrick Mahomes.
Video Courtesy: Twitter/@ByPJGreen
Might this also be the year we finally get to see Toney’s old quarterback skills? Andy Reid is in the lab.
Video Courtesy: Twitter/@KCSportsNetwork
BREAKOUT CANDIDATES
19 - Gervon Dexter, Sr., DT, Chicago Bears
Last Year’s Ranking: 25
Years: 1
2023: 20 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 12 QB hits, 2 PD
After a slow start, Dexter finished his rookie season strong with all of his sacks coming in his final five games. He should move into a starting role this season and will be a huge factor in whether the Bears can match or exceed expectations as a possible sleeper playoff team.
My friend and colleague Stacey Dales says Big Dex will be a breakout star. And so far in camp, he’s feeding that fire. He looks significantly leaner and more explosive.
Video Courtesy: Twitter/@CFCBears
20 - Ricky Pearsall, WR, San Francisco 49ers
Drafted: 1st Round, 31st Overall
Pearsall put together a phenomenal senior season, a spectacular combine, and fierce individual workouts to launch himself into the first round of the 2024 draft. He landed in one of the NFL’s most potent offenses and with a coach notorious for utilizing every chess piece on the board.
After starting camp on NFI, he’s back on the field and looking to impress enough to earn a regular role amongst so many other offensive weapons.
21 - Ventrell Miller, LB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Last Year’s Ranking: Not Ranked
Years: 1
2023: Injured Reserve
There is no player on this list that Gator Nation is rooting harder for than Miller. After fighting through so many setbacks in Gainesville, he missed his rookie season with a torn achilles. He’s healthy now and looking to stay that way. The Jaguars think Miller can be a key backup and special teams contributor.
YOU KNOW WHAT YOU’RE GETTING WITH STEADY VETS
22 - Dante Fowler, Jr., OLB, Washington Commanders
Last Year’s Ranking: 20
Years: 8
2023: 13 tackles, 4.0 sacks, 5 TFL, 7 QB hits, 1 FF, 3 PD
Career: 240 tackles, 45.0 sacks, 56 TFL, 75 QB hits, 13 FF, 19 PD
Fowler has graduated to the situational pass rusher stage of his career. He is one of the best veterans in the league at filling the role, which is why Dan Quinn brought him over from Dallas when Quinn took the head coaching job in D.C.
23 - Van Jefferson, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
Last Year’s Ranking: 11
Years: 4
2023: 20 rec, 209 yards, 1 rush, 4 yards
Career: 113 rec, 1,600 yds, 10 TD, 4 rush, 23 yards
The Rams quickly moved on from Jefferson after the first few weeks of the 2023 season. In Atlanta, he was an afterthought. Now he’s with his third team in less than a year.
Jefferson could win the Steelers WR2 starting position with a strong camp. So far so good. More of this please.
Video Courtesy: Twitter/@Mazursky8895
24 - Stone Forsythe, OT, Seattle Seahawks
Last Year’s Ranking: 35
Years: 3
2023: 17 G, 8 starts
Career: 44 G, 9 starts
Forsythe was finally able to crack the tackle rotation in Seattle in year three. Like most NFL backups, he struggled at times but mostly held his own. He’ll be the swing tackle again this year.
25 - Taven Bryan, DT, Indianapolis Colts
Last Year’s Ranking: 31
Years: 6
2023: 22 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 4 TFL, 1 QB hit, 1 PD
Career: 134 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 21 TFL, 32 QB hits, 2 PD, 2 FF
Bryan has been maligned by fans in Jacksonville, Cleveland, and Indianapolis. And yet, he continues to grab contracts, roster spots, and playing time. He’s clearly never living up to the first-round draft pick pedigree, but he fills a role as a rotational defensive tackle. Expect two-to-three sacks and twenty-something tackles yet again.
26 - C.J. Henderson, CB, Houston Texans
Last Year’s Ranking: 28
Years: 4
2023: 39 tackles, 1.0 sack, 2 PD, 3 TFL, 1 QB hit
Career: 172 tackles, 3 INT, 1.0 sack, 16 PD, 2 FF, 1 FR, 6 TFL, 1 QB hit
Henderson has moved on to his third team in three years. He’s another guy who can’t live up to his first-round draft status but is carving out a decent career as a backup.
For the first time in his professional career, he’ll have a chance to contribute to a playoff-caliber team in Houston. He missed a couple of practices early in camp and will need to show out in the preseason to guarantee a roster spot.
PUT ME IN COACH
27 - Kyle Trask, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Last Year’s Ranking: 29
Years: 3
2023: 2 G, 0/1 passing
Career: 3 G, 3/10 passing, 23 yards
Trask keeps waiting - and waiting - and waiting. After two years behind Tom Brady, he’s looking at his second season behind Baker Mayfield. Barring an injury or a massive Mayfield regression, Trask will enter free agency next offseason with no regular season playing experience.
28 - Jeremiah Moon, OLB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Last Year’s Ranking: Not Ranked
Years: 2
2023: 12 tackles, 1 TFL, 2 FF
After a year on the Ravens practice squad, Moon finally made his NFL regular season debut last season. He played well in spots but got caught in a numbers game with Baltimore. The Steelers pounced on him after he was released and think he can provide depth on the edge. Pittsburgh’s defensive coordinator Teryl Austin - a former DC in Gainesville - has spoken highly of Moon in camp so far.
29 - Amari Burney, LB, Las Vegas Raiders
Last Year’s Ranking: 36
Years: 1
2023: 7 G, 15 tackles
Burney was expected to make his mark on special teams as a rooke, but he actually played more snaps on defense. A bigger role is the expectation in year two.
30 - Kaiir Elam, CB, Buffalo Bills
Last Year’s Ranking: 27
Years: 2
2023: 3 G, 14 tackles
Career: 55 tackles, 2 INT, 4 PD, 1 TFL
If you looked only at Elam’s postseason resume, you’d think he was an emerging star with a bright future. He has two interceptions in four career playoff games. The problem is the regular season, where Elam has been erratic and has struggled mightily to find any kind of a groove.
The Bills don’t appear to be giving up on Elam just yet. He had a strong offseason and flashed improved playmaking abilities during minicamps and OTAs. He’s off to a strong start in training camp as well.
https://x.com/OneBillsLive/status/1818360920386785403
He has a chance to finally be a regular contributor and needs to seize the opportunity this preseason.
31 - Marco Wilson, CB, New England Patriots
Last Year’s Ranking: 22
Years: 3
2023: 53 tackles, 4 PD
Career: 159 tackles, 3 INT, TD, 18 PD, 3 TFL, 3 FF
Arizona gave up on Wilson after he was torched week after week. He has a chance to salvage his career with the rebuilding Patriots. As bad as New England was last year, their defense is solid and they have at least three corners ahead of Wilson on the depth chart. He’s likely fighting for a practice squad spot.
FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHT TO A ROSTER SPOT
32 - Zach Carter, DT, Cincinnati Bengals
Last Year’s Ranking: 24
Years: 2
2023: 23 tackles, 1 TFL, 2 QB hits, 1 PD, 1 FF
Career: 46 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 2 TFL, 3 QB hits, 2 PD, 1 FF
Carter was a disappointment in year two in Cincinnati. The Bengals drafted two defensive tackles this spring. If Carter can’t find a way to make more of an impact when he’s on the field, he could be a training camp cutdown.
33 - Fred Johnson, OT, Philadelphia Eagles
Last Year’s Ranking: 33
Years: 5
2023: 17 G
Career: 45 G, 8 starts
Johnson played in every game for the first time in his professional career. It was almost exclusively on special teams, so his roster spot heading into 2024 will still need to be earned.
34 - Brenton Cox, Jr., OLB, Green Bay Packers
Last Year’s Ranking: 34
2023: 4 G
The Packers must like something about Cox. They kept him on the active roster the entire season despite only playing him four snaps on defense and nine on special teams. If Cox can play well this preseason, perhaps he can carve out a role as a backup EDGE and special teamer in Green Bay.
35 - Kingsley Eguakun, C, Detroit Lions
Drafted: Undrafted Free Agent
Eguakun is one of three undrafted centers vying for a practice squad spot as the third center in Detroit. Detroit knows the value of depth on the offensive line, with starting center Frank Ragnow having suffered injuries in each of the past four seasons. That’s why they offered Equakun $245,000 in guarantees to sign. I don’t think he’ll make the 53-man roster but he’s almost a lock for the practice squad.
36 - La’Mical Perine, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Last Year’s Ranking: Not Ranked
Years: 4
2023: 22 rush, 77 yards, 3 rec, 33 yards
Career: 94 rush, 340 yds, 2 TD, 14 rec, 96 yds
Perine spent most of last season on the Chiefs’ practice squad, but he started the season finale and played three playoff games on special teams. He also earned a Super Bowl ring. He’s in Steelers camp and will likely need an injury to the three backs ahead of him to make the 53-man roster.
37 - Malik Davis, RB, Dallas Cowboys
Last Year’s Ranking: Not Ranked
Years: 2
2023: 3 G, 1 tackle
Career: 38 rush, 161 yards, TD, 6 rec, 63 yards, 3 tackles
After showing some promise as a backup in 2022, Davis was demoted to the practice squad and only played three games as a special teamer. The Cowboys are notoriously thin at running back, but it’s still a longshot Davis can crack the rotation and make the team.
38 - Tyrie Cleveland, WR, Indianapolis Colts
Last Year’s Ranking: Not Ranked
Years: 4
2023: Practice Squad
Career: 23 G, 8 rec, 91 yds, 9 tackles
Cleveland spent the second half of the season on the Colts practice squad and the team kept him around through the offseason and into camp. He’s made his mark in the league as a special teams gunner and if there is a path to making the Colts, it will definitely involve that once again. It would be sweet to see him and Anthony Richardson hooking up, but that seems highly unlikely even in the preseason.
39 - Justin Shorter, WR, Buffalo Bills
Last Year’s Ranking: 37
Years: 1
2023: Injured Reserve
Shorter was impressive in the 2023 preseason but suffered an injury right before the season and landed on injured reserve. The fact that the Bills kept him rather than reaching an injury settlement tells you they are high on the receiver. He’s healthy and has a chance to carve out a role as the WR4 or WR5 but more realistically is looking at a practice squad spot.
40 - David Sharpe, OT, Houston Texans
Last Year’s Ranking: Not Ranked
Years: 7
2023: 8 G
Career: 45 G, 6 starts
Sharpe kept his steak alive in 2023 - he has been on a practice squad every year since he was drafted in 2017. In six of those seven seasons, he’s spent time on active rosters. Last year, every snap he played except one was on special teams. He won’t make the Texans 53, but he’s hoping to keep the practice squad streak going.
41 - Richard Gouraige, OT, Buffalo Bills
Last Year’s Ranking: Not Ranked
Years: 1
2023: Practice Squad
Gouraige spent all of 2023 on the Bills practice squad. The undrafted rookie could make a push for a backup role with a strong preseason, but more than likely, he’ll be hoping for another practice squad slot.
42 - Freddie Swain, WR, Chicago Bears
Last Year’s Ranking: Not Ranked
Years: 4
2023: Practice Squads
Career: 42 rec, 576 yds, 6 TD
Swain spent most of last season with the Eagles and Dolphins’ practice squads. He’s in Chicago now, one of 12 receivers in camp. To say it’s a longshot to see him catching passes from Caleb Williams is an understatement.
Swain has shown he can play in the league and hopefully he gets another shot. He’s one of my favorites, but I’m worried this is one of the last times I’ll get to write about him. He didn’t see much action until late in the Hall of Fame game and caught both of his targets for just five yards.
FREE AGENTS IN ORDER OF MOST LIKELY TO SIGN AND MAKE AN IMPACT IN 2024
D.J. Humphries, LT, Free Agent
Last Year’s Ranking: 9
Years: 8
2023: 15 G, 15 starts
Career: 98 G, 98 starts
Humphries tore his ACL on New Year’s Eve and was released by the Cardinals this offseason. He’s rehabbing now and hopes to be back by the middle of the 2024 season. If he can show he’s healthy, there is no doubt injury-depleted playoff contenders will come calling in October or November.
Keanu Neal, S, Free Agent
Last Year’s Ranking: 21
Years: 7
2023: 50 tackles, 1 INT, 1 TFL, 2 PD, 1 FR
Career: 523 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 4 INT, 22 TFL, 22 PD, 8 FF, 5 FR
Neal is still rehabbing from a rib injury that ended his season early in Pittsburgh. He played well at times for the Steelers and should find a home at some point as a depth box safety.
Max Garcia, C/G, Free Agent
Last Year’s Ranking: 32
Years: 9
2023: 17 G, 3 S
Career: 122 G, 62 starts
Garcia is a free agent after a solid season in New Orleans as a backup guard and center. He will turn 33 this November but should still find a market as the preseason gets underway and injuries strike offensive lines around the league.
Trey Dean III, S, Free Agent
Last Year’s Ranking: Not Ranked
Years: 1
2023: Practice Squad
Dean balled out in last year’s preseason but was only offered a spot on the Jets practice squad. In a huge stroke of luck, New York released him before the end of the season and Kansas City signed him immediately to their own practice squad, allowing him to earn a Super Bowl ring. The Chiefs obviously like Dean and signed him to a futures contract, only to cut him loose a week ago.
He’s a freak athlete, but I’m not sure that’s ever going to translate to the football field.
Jarrad Davis, LB, Free Agent
Last Year’s Ranking: Not Ranked
Years: 7
2023: Injured Reserve
Career: 344 tackles, 11.0 sack, INT, 20 TFL, 24 QB hits, 10 PD, 7 FF, 3 FR
Davis spent the entire 2023 season on injured reserve with a knee injury. He’s only played 13 games in the past three seasons. If he’s healthy, he could get a workout with someone once injuries strike. On the other hand, it could be the end of the line for the one-time first-round draft pick and seven-year vet.
Jonotthan Harrison, C, Free Agent
Last Year’s Ranking: Not Ranked
Years: 9
2023: 2 G
Career: 86 G, 42 starts
Harrison saw his first regular season game action in four years after the Dolphins added him to their roster late in the season. He stays in elite shape, and so if a team comes calling again this year, he’ll be ready. His position versatility helps his chances
This is what keeps us Gators sane. So happy to see this series starting up.