Seven former Florida Gators selected in the 2026 NFL Draft have officially signed their rookie contracts. The group spans all seven rounds, marking the first time in program history that Florida placed a player in every round of a single draft.
The signings position these rookies to compete for roster spots and playing time when training camps open across the league this summer.
Defensive lineman Caleb Banks leads the group as the highest selection. With the 18th overall pick in the first round, the Minnesota Vikings selected Banks. He is projected to compete for an immediate starting role on Minnesota’s defensive front.
Center Jake Slaughter went to the Los Angeles Chargers in the second round at pick 63. Offensive tackle Austin Barber followed in the third round, selected 86th overall by the Cleveland Browns. Both linemen are expected to bolster their respective teams’ offensive line depth.
Cornerback Devin Moore joined the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round at pick 114. Edge rusher George Gumbs Jr. was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the fifth round at pick 156. The 2026 NFL Draft featured several surprise selections across multiple rounds.
In the sixth round, the Green Bay Packers selected linebacker Trey Smack. Punter Tommy Doman completed Florida’s historic draft class when the Buffalo Bills selected him in the seventh round.
The Gators’ seven-player draft haul reflects the program’s recent recruiting success and player development. Florida has not disclosed specific contract values for any of the rookies, as is standard practice for draft picks outside the top 10.
Banks enters the most favorable situation among the group. The Vikings lost a key defensive lineman in free agency and need immediate production up front. His first-round pedigree gives him a clear path to significant snaps in 2026.
Slaughter and Barber join teams with established starting offensive lines. Both will likely spend their rookie seasons learning behind veterans while contributing on special teams. The offensive line positions require extensive development before most rookies see consistent playing time.
Moore faces stiff competition in Dallas’s crowded secondary. The Cowboys have invested heavily in cornerback talent over the past two seasons. His special teams ability may determine his roster status heading into the regular season.
Gumbs Jr. provides depth for an Indianapolis pass rush unit that ranked in the bottom third of the league last season. The Colts are managing several injury situations as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.
Smack and Doman round out the class as late-round selections. Both face difficult challenges to make their respective 53-man rosters. Special teams’ performance during the preseason will be critical for their NFL futures.
Florida’s coaching staff has emphasized draft success in recent recruiting pitches. The program’s ability to develop NFL talent across all position groups strengthens its appeal to high school prospects.
All seven players are expected to report to their respective teams’ rookie minicamps in the coming weeks. The Ravens recently signed another notable college player as teams finalize their offseason rosters.
The historic draft class provides Florida with momentum heading into the 2026 college football season. Several underclassmen who contributed alongside these seven players are projected to be potential early-round picks in future drafts.
