ESPN draft analyst has 2 Florida Gators among top 100 prospects

On3 imageby:Keith Niebuhr•04/22/23•

On3Keith

‘Tis the season for mock drafts, draft boards and player rankings, and today we have another of the latter that prominently features some Florida Gators.

This one comes from ESPN.com senior writer Jeff Legwold, who ranks the top 100 prospects for the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft (it begins April 27).

As Legwold notes, “This isn’t a mock draft, just the top 100 players ranked, regardless of position.”

Two Gators made his list. They are: offensive lineman O’Cyrus Torrence and quarterback Anthony Richardson. Here’s where he ranked them and what Legwold said about each …

14. O’Cyrus Torrence, G, Florida, 6-5⅜, 330 (5.31)

Torrence has some technical issues and gets caught leaning on occasion, but he’s powerful, quick to adjust and played without a penalty this past season. He’s a walk-in starter on the interior and showed a glimpse of his play strength against Georgia’s Jalen Carter and in the Senior Bowl practices.

Could the Gators have 2 first-round picks?

27. Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida, 6-4¼, 244 (4.43)

Most in the league expect Richardson to be selected far ahead of this spot. He can do things most quarterbacks can’t with a power arm and mobility. Richardson had five touchdown runs of at least 45 yards. He may not get enough credit for the pocket awareness and footwork, but he has to repair career-threatening accuracy issues or he will always be a tantalizing passer who doesn’t do enough between the flashes of brilliance.

Who does Legwold have No. 1 on his board?

That would be Alabama outside linebacker/pass rusher Will Anderson, an All-American.

Also of note, Legwold writes the following: “Over the past several months as the NFL prepares for the 2023 draft, there have been two things evaluators have agreed on the most. (1), The top four quarterbacks in this draft are not the top four players on the board; (2), Despite that, history will be made if those four quarterbacks are selected 1-2-3-4 (perhaps with the help of another blockbuster trade).”

You can find the complete article HERE.

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