A year from now, the Florida/Tennessee game will be one of the best in the nation in terms of NFL Draft prospects.
If you're some kind of sick weirdo already looking ahead to the 2013 draft, quarterback Tyler Bray, wide receiver Justin Hunter of Tennessee are both developing as future first rounders. Florida's Shariff Floyd, Ronald Powell, Jelani Jenkins and Matt Elam are some of the best young defensive players in the nation.
But for the purposes of watching players for the 2012 NFL Draft, key on Volunteers defensive end Malik Jackson. The Southern California transfer played inside a lot last season, but he's better suited at end. He projects as a left defensive end in the NFL because he's strong at the point of attack, but not overly explosive.
Tennessee running back Taureen Poole ran for 11 touchdowns and 1,034 yards last season and has solid vision. He's decent catching the ball as well. He won't wow a lot of people with his pure speed or strength, but he's a solid player.
Florida/Tennessee NFL Draft watch notes
Florida has an emerging offensive tackle in Xavier Nixon. The junior is an athletic, long-limbed tackle who needs to add more strength to his game.
Florida also has a pair of undersized playmakers in running back Jeff Demps and wide receiver
. They’ll have to be put in the right position to make occasional plays at the next level, but have game breaking ability.
The play of Gators quarterback
is worth monitoring all season. He’s trying to rehab his draft stock under offensive coordinator Charlie Weis.
Florida defensive tackle
looks like a solid future five-technique. He’s started at tackle and end for Florida.
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