After a disappointing 6-7 season, Florida’s coaching staff has turned their attention to the 2022 campaign with their top running back, cornerback, and two front-seven players moving on to the NFL Draft. Which Gators prospects should you keep an eye on at Florida’s 2022 Pro Day, and what can we expect from the top players participating?
When is the Florida Pro Day in 2022?
- Date: Monday, March 28
- Time: 9 AM ET
Last year, 16 draft-eligible prospects and three former players participated at Florida’s Pro Day. In 2022, the event will be held in Gary Condron Family Indoor Practice Facility at the Sanders Football Practice Field on UF’s campus. Pro day drills will include the bench press, vertical jump, broad jump, 40-yard dash, and 60-yard shuttle. The workout will begin with measurements and finish with position-specific drills.
Top Florida NFL Draft prospects working out at Pro Day
Four Gators were invited to the 2022 NFL Combine, but this draft class may be one of the lightest in the last decade. Nevertheless, who are the top prospects you should keep an eye on before and after Florida’s Pro Day?
Kaiir Elam, CB
Kaiir Elam is the best NFL Draft prospect for Florida in 2022. At 6’1″ and 190 pounds, he ran an impressive 4.39 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He didn’t participate in any other testing drills in Indianapolis, so his pro day numbers will have more weight. He doesn’t need to run the 40, but his jumps and medicals can go a long way in solidifying his first-round projection.
Elam is a long corner with press and zone ability. He’s been battled tested in the SEC and wins with physicality a the line of scrimmage and at the catch point. He will need to cut down on the grabbiness during and at the top of routes, but Elam flashed the high-end upside during his three years at Florida.
Dameon Pierce, RB
On paper, Dameon Pierce‘s Combine numbers were less than stellar. But when you factor in he is a burly 5’10” and 218 pounds, they look much better. He flashed at the Senior Bowl and received quite a bit of hype from draft analysts. Pierce flashed receiving chops the last two years and averaged 5.2 yards per carry on over 200 carries.
Additionally, Pierce has less wear and tear than most backs and is scheme versatile. Improved numbers at his pro day will only increase the perception of him in NFL front offices.
Zachary Carter, DL
Zachary Carter is a bit of an interesting NFL projection. He ran the second-slowest 40 time at the Combine among defensive ends (4.99). However, that same time would be right in the middle of the pack at defensive tackle. Still, at 6’4″ and 282 pounds, Carter needs to add more muscle mass to stick on the inside.
Carter does have exceptional arm length at 33 1/2″, which has helped him be productive over the last three years. He will hope to build on his testing numbers at Florida’s Pro Day in order to improve his stock.
Other players to watch for at Florida’s 2022 Pro Day
- Jeremiah Moon, EDGE/LB
- Jean Delance, OT