Ranking Every Florida Gator in the NFL 2023
A comprehensive look at the 47 former Gators on active rosters, practice squads, and injured reserve
The most interesting National Football League season for Gators fans in quite some time is upon us. Florida is always among the top college programs when counting former players in the league, but the top end stars have been lacking since the “Swamp Kings” took the NFL by storm in the early 2010s. That changes in 2023.
The hype and anticipation for Anthony Richardson’s NFL career makes Indianapolis Colts games must-see-TV this season. Combine that with Gators populating the rosters of Super Bowl contenders in Kansas City, Buffalo, Cincinnati, and Philadelphia and you can see why Gator Nation might be watching more football on Sundays than on Saturdays this year.
I started doing these rankings way back in 2011. For the past 12 years, the top of the list has been dominated by defensive players - Carlos Dunlap and Reggie Nelson - and offensive linemen - Maurkice and Mike Pouncey, Trent Brown, and D.J. Humphries. Only two skill position players have topped my annual list - Percy Harvin after the 2011 season and Kyle Pitts after 2021.
This year, a defensive player is once again atop my rankings, but there are lots of offensive weapons that could match the firepower we once saw from the likes of Percy, Fred Taylor, and that brief stretch of Tebow-mania during the second half of 2011. All told, this is the deepest group of former Gators in the NFL in almost a decade.
What follows is a comprehensive ranking of every player currently on a 53-man roster, including where I think the rookies slot in after the preseason. After those rankings, you’ll find a list of the players on practice squads, injured reserve, and those unsigned but hopeful for another opportunity in the league. I’m hopeful you can use these rankings - and the weekly updates I’ll provide - to plan out your NFL viewing schedule all year long.
RANKING THE ACTIVE ROSTER PLAYERS
1 - C.J. Gardner-Johnson, DB, Detroit Lions
Years in the NFL: 4
2022: 67 tackles, 6 INT, 1.0 sack, 8 PD, 5 TFL, 2 QB hits
Career: 228 tackles, 11 INT, 4.0 sacks, 36 PD, 20 TFL
After an injury scare early in camp, Gardner-Johnson is healthy and looking to build off a career-year last season. He’s already established himself as a leader in Detroit - according to Ceedy Duce himself, he’s like flu and he’s looking to infect his new defense with his confidence and play-making. The Lions and CJGJ have an opportunity for a huge statement in the NFL’s kickoff game on Thursday against Patrick Mahomes and the defending champion Chiefs.
2 - Kyle Pitts. TE, Atlanta Falcons
Years: 2
2022: 28 rec, 356 yards, 2 TD
Career: 96 rec, 1,382 yds, 3 TD
You would think 2021 never happened the way many have spoken about Pitts. He had arguably the greatest rookie season by a tight end in NFL history, and yet because of bad quarterback play - google “Mariota overthrows” - and a season-ending injury in 2022, he’s been talked about as a bust. I’m pissed off about this lack of respect, so I can only imagine how Pitts is feeling. Expect him to have a monster bounceback season and to remind everyone just how much of a freak he is.
3 - Dameon Pierce, RB, Houston Texans
Years: 1
2022: 220 rush, 939 yards, 4 TD, 30 rec, 165 yards, TD
Pierce just missed out on a 1,000-yard season as a rookie, but there is little doubt he’s going to eclipse that mark under new head coach Demeco Ryans and the 49ers zone-blocking scheme. I don’t know about leading the league in rushing, but it’s certainly out there.
4 - Kadarius Toney, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
Years: 2
2022: 16 rec, 171 yards, 2 TD, 7 rush, 82 yards, TD
Toney has made it back from an early training camp injury and should be 100 percent in the opener on Thursday. He’s probably the second most explosive weapon Mahomes has ever played with and so expectations are off the charts. The only thing holding him back from putting together one of the best seasons by a Florida wide receiver ever is health.
5 - Jawaan Taylor, RT, Kansas City Chiefs
Years: 4
2022: 17 G, 17 S
Career: 66 G, 66 starts
Taylor is Mr. Consistent, having never missed a game - and rarely missing even a snap - in his career. Now he’s playing on a team outside the state of Florida for the first time after signing an $80 million contract with K.C. He’s a fantastic pass blocker and should keep Mahomes’ front side clean.
6 - Alex Anzalone, LB, Detroit Lions
Years: 6
2022: 125 tackles, 1 INT, 1.5 sacks, 7 TFL, 6 PD, 1 FF, 1 FR, 7 QB hits
Career: 326 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 3 INT, 16 TFL, 16 PD, 4 FF
Anzalone was one of only 12 players in the league with at least 125 tackles, one interception, and one sack. He’s the heart and soul of Detroit’s defense and is a captain for the third-straight season.
7 - Trent Brown, LT, New England Patriots
Years: 8
2022: 17 G, 16 starts
Career: 89 G, 85 starts
Brown’s play was down in 2022 after switching to left tackle, but the numbers and tape still show he’s an above average player. Although he’s clearly more comfortable on the right side of the line, the Patriots will once again ask him to protect Mac Jones’s blind side.
8 - Marcus Maye, S, New Orleans Saints
Years: 6
2022: 6 G, 46 tackles, 1.0 sack, 2 PD, 4 TFL, 1 QB hit
Career: 312 tackles, 6 INT, 3.5 sacks
Maye was one of the best safeties in football as recently as 2020. Now almost two years removed from a torn achilles, he is primed for a big season in New Orleans. Improved chemistry with Tyrann Mathieu could make the duo one of the best 1-2 safety combos in the league.
9 - D.J. Humphries, LT, Arizona Cardinals
Years: 7
2022: Started 8 games
Career: 83 G, 83 starts
Humphries is looking to bounce back after an injury-plagued 2022. With the Cardinals in full rebuild mode, he could be a name to watch before the trade deadline.
10 - Anthony Richardson, QB, Indianapolis Colts
Drafted: 1st round, 4th overall
Richardson’s rookie season will not be boring. He’s going to have plays that confirm he’s the greatest athlete to ever play quarterback. And he’s going to have plays that justify those who say he’s too erratic to play the position in the league. I think we’re going to see a lot more of the former in a campaign that will win him Offensive Rookie of the Year.
11 - Van Jefferson, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Years: 3
2022: 11 G, 24 rec, 369 yards, 3 TD
Career: 93 rec, 1,391 yds, 10 TD, 3 rush, 19 yards
Jefferson was all set to be the second choice behind Cooper Kupp in the Rams offense. But with Kupp hurting, he’s likely going to be Matthew Stafford’s first option to start the season. That means Jefferson has a good chance to set career-highs across the board.
12 - Eddy Piñeiro, K, Carolina Panthers
Years: 5
2022: 33/35 FG, 30/32 XP
Career: 64/71, 90.1% FG, 66/71, 93.0% XP
After injuries and adversity the first few years of his career, Piñeiro has become one of the best kickers in the league. Last year, he finished second in the NFL in field goal percentage, and if he had enough kicks to qualify, he’d be second all-time behind only Justin Tucker.
13 - Evan McPherson, K, Cincinnati Bengals
Years: 2
2022: 24/29 FG, 40/44 XP
Career: 52/62 83.9% FG, 86/92 93.5% XP
McPherson was a bit unsteady during a sophomore slump last season, but he’ll make a push this year to unseat Justin Tucker as the best kicker in the league.
14 - James Houston IV, EDGE, Detroit Lions
Years: 1
2022: 7 G, 12 tackles, 8.0 sacks, 7 TFL, 11 QB hits, 1 FF, 1 FR
Houston’s journey from Florida to Jackson State to rookie sensation is as wild a ride as you’ll ever see. He had eight sacks in only seven games - in just 120 snaps! Even after all that production, he still appears to be in line for only situational snaps again at least to start 2023.
15 - Tommy Townsend, P, Kansas City Chiefs
Years: 3
2022: 53 punts, 50.4 avg, 0/1 passing
Career: 142 punts, 47.6 avg, 2/3 passing, 29 yds
Townsend was the only former Gator to earn first-team All Pro or a Pro Bowl berth in 2022… and oh by the way, he was also a Super Bowl champ. But because he’s a punter, I just couldn’t rank him any higher than here.
16 - O’Cyrus Torrence, G, Buffalo Bills
Drafted: 2nd round, 59th overall
Bills coach Sean McDermott made what seemed inevitable finally official on Wednesday - Torrence is Buffalo’s starting right guard. He had a great camp and preseason and should be a nice addition in front of Josh Allen for years to come.
17 - Brandon Powell, WR/PR/KR, Minnesota Vikings
Years: 5
2022: 24 rec, 156 yards, 17 rush, 80 yards, 30 KR, 20.2 avg, 24 PR, 7.4 avg
Career: 47 rec, 354 yds, 2 TD, 20 rush, 91 yards, 57 KR, 21.0 avg, 49 PR, 9.6 avg, 1 TD
Powell is the most versatile former Gator offensive player in the NFL - and one of the most multi-faceted ever. After a 2022 season that saw him more than double his career offensive touches, he should once again line up all over the field on offense and handle both kick and punt returns with Minnesota. He probably won’t have as many touches with the Vikings, but he’ll have a chance to make a lot of plays.
18 - Demarcus Robinson, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Years: 7
2022: 48 rec, 458 yds, 2 TD
Career: 193 rec, 2,137 yds, 16 TD
Robinson set a career-high in catches and just missed setting his personal best in yards last year in Baltimore. Now in L.A., his role could be anywhere from the third to fifth receiver.
19 - Jonathan Greenard, EDGE, Houston Texans
Years: 3
2022: 8 G, 16 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 6 TFL, 4 QB hits, 1 PD, 1 FR
Career: 68 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 17 TFL, 6 PD, 2 FF
If Greenard can stay healthy - he’s missed 17 games in his first three seasons - he’ll put up double-digit sacks in Texans coach Demeco Ryans’ system.
20 - Dante Fowler, Jr., OLB, Dallas Cowboys
Years: 7
2022: 27 tackles, 6.0 sacks, 7 TFL, 9 QB hits, 2 FF, 2 PD, 21 pressures
Career: 227 tackles, 41.0 sacks, 51 TFL, 12 FF, 16 PD
On a per-snap basis, Fowler was a menace for the Cowboys last season. The veteran will run it back this year as a situational pass rusher, playing about 20 snaps per game, and putting up the same kind of numbers.
21 - Keanu Neal, S, Pittsburgh Steelers
Years: 7
2022: 63 tackles, 1 INT, 0.5 sack, 2 TFL, 5 QB hits, 4 PD
Career: 473 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 3 INT, 21 TFL, 8 FF, 20 PD
Neal is a big hitter with a high football IQ who can play in lots of different spots. The kind of player the Steelers love and always seem to get the most out of. He could have his best year since his Pro Bowl days in Atlanta.
22 - Marco Wilson, CB, Arizona Cardinals
Years: 2
2022: 58 tackles, 3 INT, TD, 10 PD, 1 FF
Career: 106 tackles, 3 INT, TD, 14 PD, 3 FF
Wilson broke through with some big plays last year for Arizona, but he’ll have to be more consistent to become an above-average corner.
23 - T.J. Slaton, NT, Green Bay Packers
Years: 2
2022: 31 tackles, 2 TFL, 2 PD
Career: 54 tackles, 1.0 sack, 2 TFL, 2 QB hits, 2 PD
Slaton had an excellent preseason and is looking to break out in his third year as a pro. He’s getting his first chance to be a regular starter and needs to hold up against the run while providing the occasional pass rush up the middle.
24 - Zach Carter, DT, Cincinnati Bengals
Years: 1
2022: 23 tackles, 0.5 sack, 1 TFL, 1 QB hit, 1 PD
Carter followed up a strong offseason - 20 extra pounds of muscle added - with a productive camp and preseason. While he might not see a ton more playing time, he seems poised to be a lot more productive when he’s on the field.
25 - Gervon Dexter, Sr., DT, Chicago Bears
Drafted: 2nd round, 53rd overall
Dexter has had a lot of buzz over the last week, not because of his play on the field, but because of a ridiculously predatory NIL deal he signed while at Florida. But don’t let the lack of talk about his play fool you. Big Dex had an excellent camp and preseason and appears to be taking to the role of attacking as a three-technique on the Chicago front. In fact, don’t be surprised if Dexter has more sacks in his rookie campaign than the five total he had in his entire run in Gainesville.
26 - Jonathan Bullard, DL, Minnesota Vikings
Years: 7
2022: 12 G, 23 tackles, 5 TFL, 1 QB hit
Career: 136 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 18 TFL
Bullard’s days of explosiveness into the backfield are mostly gone, but the veteran brings versatility to Minnesota’s defensive line. He’s currently listed as a starter at defensive end but will line up inside and out.
27 - Kaiir Elam, CB, Buffalo Bills
Years: 1
2022: 41 tackles, 2 INT, 4 PD, 1 TFL
Elam enters 2023 with all kinds of questions about his current role in Buffalo and his future. It doesn’t look like he’s currently among the top four corners which means playing time is going to be hard to come by. He’ll have to play well on special teams and capitalize on defensive opportunities when they come or he could be the next in a long, troubling line of former Gators corners - Vernon Hargreaves, Quincy Wilson, Teez Tabor, the next guy on this list - who didn’t live up to their draft billing.
28 - C.J. Henderson, CB, Carolina Panthers
Years: 3
2022: 54 tackles, 2 INT, 6 PD, 1 FF, 1 FR, 2 TFL
Career: 133 tackles, 3 INT, 14 PD, 2 FF, 1 FR, 3 TFL
Henderson had maybe the best camp and preseason of his pro career to this point. Panthers coach Frank Reich called him “Mr. Consistency” and appears ready to give the former first-round pick a significant role as the third corner.
29 - Kyle Trask, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Years: 2
2022: 1 G, 3/9 passing, 23 yards
Trask lost out to Baker Mayfield in the battle to replace Tom Brady in Tampa. But given Mayfield’s recent history, Trask should finally get a chance to show what he can do in regular season action. He’s had some flashy throws in the preseason but has to show more consistency and competence if he hopes to be anything more than a career backup.
30 - Mohamoud Diabate, LB, Cleveland Browns
Undrafted free agent
As expected, Diabate’s speed and quickness shined in the preseason earning the undrafted rookie a roster spot. He created havoc all preseason in opposing teams backfields. He’ll obviously play on special teams, but there’s a chance he could have a bigger role on clear passing downs as well.
31 - Taven Bryan, DT, Indianapolis Colts
Years: 5
2022: 26 tackles, 3.0 sacks, 2 TFL, 6 QB hits, 1 PD
Career: 112 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 17 TFL, 31 QB hits
Bryan is with his third team in three years and no longer has to worry about living up to first-round expectations. He’s settled into a backup role in Indianapolis and will look to provide pressure in the middle of the pocket in his limited snaps.
32 - Max Garcia, C, New Orleans Saints
Years: 8
2022: 12 G, 7 S
Career: 105 G, 59 starts
Garcia enters his ninth season in the league. His days as a regular starter are over, but he’ll be the primary backup along the interior in New Orleans.
33 - Fred Johnson, OT, Philadelphia Eagles
Years: 4
2022: 5 G
Career: 28 G, 8 starts
Johnson’s third time in three seasons might be the charm. He signed a two-year contract extension to serve as the swing tackle in Philadelphia. Garnering that kind of trust to be a part of the league’s best offensive line says a lot about how far he’s come.
34 - Brenton Cox, Jr., OLB, Green Bay Packers
Undrafted free agent
Cox has a way of making blueblood football programs fall for him. First, Georgia. Then, Florida. Now, Green Bay. Hopefully the lessons learned throughout a tumultuous collegiate journey have made him more mature, accountable, and dependable. The talent is undeniable.
35 - Stone Forsythe, OT, Seattle Seahawks
Years: 2
2022: 17 G, 1 start
Forsythe enters his third season in Seattle playing pretty much the same role. He’s a special teams guy and a deep depth piece along the offensive line.
36 - Amari Burney
Position: LB
Drafted: 6th round, 203rd overall
Burney locked down a roster spot with some big moments in the preseason in coverage and as a blitzer. He has a chance to shine on special teams before being given a bigger role on the defense.
37 - Justin Shorter, WR, Buffalo Bills
Drafted: 5th round, 150th overall
Shorter earned a spot on the Bills 53-man roster with a nice preseason that saw him haul in six catches including a touchdown. Unfortunately, he will begin his rookie year on injured reserve after suffering a hamstring injury. He can return after four weeks.
PRACTICE SQUAD BY CHANCE OF PROMOTION
1 - La’Mical Perine, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Years: 3
2022: Eagles, Dolphins, and Chiefs Practice Squad
Career: 72 rush, 263 yds, 2 TD, 11 rec, 63 yds
Perine outplayed every running back on the Chiefs roster in the preseason, but it still wasn’t enough to make the 53. Expect to see him lined up alongside Mahomes before too long.
2 - Malik Davis, RB, Dallas Cowboys
Years: 1
2022: 38 rush, 161 yards, TD, 6 rec, 63 yards
Davis was a bit of a surprise cut by Dallas after losing the backup running back spot. He quickly re-signed to the Cowboys practice squad and will definitely see game action eventually.
3 - Trey Dean III, S, New York Jets
Undrafted Free Agent
Dean did everything in his power to earn a roster spot in New York but fell victim to the numbers game. After what he put on tape in the preseason, there is no doubt the undrafted free agent will play in the league.
4 - Jeff Driskel, QB, Arizona Cardinals
Years: 5
2022: 14/20 passing, 108 yards, 1 TD, 20 rush, 75 yards, 1 rec, 4 yards
Career: 59.2 Comp %, 2,228 yards, 14 TD, 8 INT, 73 rush, 384 yds, 3 TD
Driskel is no stranger to the practice squad life. He should be active at some point in Arizona.
5 - Jeremiah Moon, OLB, Baltimore Ravens
Years: 1
2022: Ravens practice squad
Moon is entering his second season on Baltimore’s practice squad. At some point, the Ravens will want to give him a look to see what he can do.
6 - Richard Gouraige, OT, Buffalo Bills
Undrafted free agent
Gouraige made the Bills practice squad as an undrafted rookie. That’s a huge success regardless of whether or not he makes an appearance on the active roster this season.
7 - David Sharpe, OT, Carolina Panthers
Years: 6
2022: Ravens practice squad
Career: 37 G, 6 starts
Sharpe has been on a practice squad every year since he was drafted in 2017.
INJURED RESERVE - OUT FOR THE SEASON
Jarrad Davis, LB, New York Giants
Years: 6
2022: 4 G, 14 tackles, 0.5 sack, 1 TFL, 1 PD, 1 QB hit
Davis tore up his knee during the spring and was placed on injured reserve at the beginning of training camp. He was a projected starter in New York.
Ventrell Miller, LB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Drafted: 4th round, 121st overall
Miller had a great camp and preseason before tearing his Achilles in the final warm up game. It’s a devastating blow for a player who has already been through so much.
Feleipe Franks, TE, Atlanta Falcons
Years: 2
2022: 1 rush, 0 yards, 1 tackle
Career: 4 rush, 6 yds, 0/1 passing, INT, 1 tackle
Franks was waived with an injury designation, cleared waivers, and reverted to Atlanta’s injured reserve. He could be released with an injury settlement at some point.
FREE AGENTS BY CHANCE OF SIGNING AT SOME POINT
Carlos Dunlap, EDGE
Years: 13
2022: 39 tackles, 4.0 sacks, 6 TFL, 12 QB hits, 8 PD, 1 FF
Career: 578 tackles, 100.0 sacks, 22 FF, 77 PD, 2 INT, 3 TD
Freddie Swain, WR
Years: 3
2022: 4 rec, 74 yards
Career: 42 rec, 576 yds, 6 TD
Cut by Miami and Philadelphia
Teez Tabor, DB
Years: 4
2022: 10 G, 1 start, 9 tackles
Career: 59 tackles, 1 QB hit
Cut by Indianapolis
Jonotthan Harrison, C
Years: 7
2022: Active for one game, did not see action
Career: 84 G, 42 starts
Cut by Atlanta
Tyrie Cleveland, WR
Years: 3
2022: 6 G, 4 tackles, 2 rec, 28 yards, 3 tackles
Career: 23 G, 8 rec, 91 yds, 9 tackles
Cut by Philadelphia after injury settlement
Marcell Harris, LB
Years: 5
2022: 11 G, 12 tackles, 1.0 sack, 1 INT, 1 PD, 2 TFL, 1 QB hit
Career: 155 tackles, 1.0 sack, 1 INT
Jackrabbit Jenkins, CB
Years: 11
2022: 2 G, 3 tackles
Career: 579 tackles, 27 INT, 10 TD, 2.0 sacks
Jon Bostic, LB
Years: 10
2022: 25 tackles
Career: 584 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 3 INT
Duke Dawson, DB
Years: 4
2022: Steelers Practice Squad
Career: 26 games, 27 tackles, 2 PD, 1 fumble recovery
Cut by Pittsburgh after injury settlement
Jean Delance, OT
Years: 1
2022: Cardinals and Packers Practice Squad
Cut by Green Bay
Jacob Copeland, WR
Undrafted free agent
Cut by Minnesota
Rashad Torrence II, S
Undrafted free agent
Cut by the Rams after injury settlement
Quincy Wilson, DB
Years: 5
2022: 1 G, no stats
Career: 62 tackles, 2 INT