Tracking Florida Football Players in the 2012 NFL Draft

The Florida Gators are no strangers to the NFL Draft. The Florida program has been a factory for NFL talent in the past, with the Gators producing 42 first-round picks in draft history. 

Florida is known for its talent production. This year is no different with a few Gators that are preparing to hear their names called in the next three days as the NFL Draft takes to prime time for the second year in a row. 

This is a bit of a down year for the Gators in the draft. This is the first season since 2004 that an underclassman did not declare for the draft early. Despite that, the Gators will still land a few of its departing seniors on NFL rosters in the next few days.

For the next three days, this will be your guide to the Gators draft. With every new player that is picked, an update will follow. 

Florida has two players that are consistently found in mock drafts heading into today’s first round. Chris Rainey and Jaye Howard are both expected to land in the later rounds of the draft. John Brantley may find his way onto a roster as well before Saturday selections finish.

Gators Likely to Be Drafted

Chris Rainey is not ideal size for an NFL running back—he is 5’8”, 180 pounds—but he carries a versatility and speed that is hard to find. Rainey ran the fastest time at the combine in the three-cone drill, 20-yard shuttle and 60-yard shuttle. 

He will not be an every-down type back, but his versatility will project in the return game and in specific offensive packages. Think Darren Sproles. 

Rainey had a good finish to his career, leading the team in catches, carries, rushing yards and punt returns in 2011. He also managed five touchdowns.

Jaye Howard is a very talented defensive tackle that is coming out for the Gators. Howard finished the 2011 season with 5.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss. 

Howard has ideal size for the inside of the line, coming in at 6’3”, 301 pounds. He has battled consistency in the past, but has the tools to be very productive at the next level. Howard will be a very good pick up in later rounds.

One other name that is tossed around for the Gators is John Brantley. Brantley never reached a high level of performance in his career, trading offensive systems and coaches consistently in his career. 

Brantley may not have produced major numbers on the college circuit, but he still carries the signs of a good quarterback. One of the 32 teams may take a shot at him in later rounds. 

Jaye Howard, DT, Drafted by Seattle Seahawks 4th Round (No. 114 Overall)

Former Florida defensive tackle Jaye Howard has all the tools needed to succeed in the NFL.

The challenge is getting him to realize that potential.

At 6'3", 301 pounds, Howard was a physical force at times, disrupting the backfield with tenacious effort and surprising speed for his size. 

Howard put on a show at this year's NFL combine as well, highlighted by a time of 4.75 seconds in the 40-yard dash—almost unheard of for a defensive lineman.  

But consistency and work ethic are major concerns, as Howard had a knack for disappearing and taking plays off during his time as a Gator. At times he would look completely disinterested, allowing himself to be taken out of the play immediately. 

Despite the inconsistent play at times, Howard's senior season was by far his best campaign with the Gators—racking up 65 tackles and 5.5 sacks to go along with two forced fumbles. 
Howard's rare blend of size and speed allows him to line up anywhere on the defensive front and remain effective, provided he's motivated and engaged.

Here's a look at some of Howard's strengths per a CBS Sports scouting report.

"

Looks fluid when moving laterally and is a flexible and natural bender. Gets to plays in a hurry with smooth pursuit and penetration skills. Has very good awareness and uses his eyes well with field sense. Does a nice job getting his hands up at the line to knock down passes. Has a versatile skill-set with experience lining up at several different defensive line spots over his career.

Here's a glimpse of Jaye Howard at his best.And his weaknesses:

Doesn't always finish and too easily gets locked up, struggling to shed. Has streaky snap anticipation and needs to develop better reaction skills. Recorded too many facemask and offsides penalties, struggling with poor discipline … easily jumps off hard counts

"

Summary:

Questions of discipline and work ethic are about the only things stopping Howard from being regarded as a top-tier D-lineman in this year's class. Provided with a stable environment and sound coaching staff, Howard could flourish in the NFL, and even have an immediate impact in pass-rushing situations.

His versatility will be an asset moving forward, but if Howard doesn't erase the concerns that caused his draft stock to slip—his time in the NFL may be short-lived.

The Seahawks add solid DT depth to their line and look to stop the prolific run games they'll no doubt see in San Francisco (Gore/Walker/Bradshaw/newly-drafted LaMichael James), Seattle (Marshawn Lynch) and Arizona (Beanie Wells).  

Chris Rainey, RB, Drafted by Pitsburgh Steelers 5th Round (No. 159 Overall)

Chris Rainey is one of the few running backs who could emulate Darren Sproles in this year's draft. He may not be a top-round pick, but just like Sproles, he is a unique piece to add to any offense and can be dangerous no matter how you get the ball in his hands.

Combine Measurements

Height: 5'9" Weight: 175 pounds

Arm Length: 30.75" Hand Measurement: 9.5"

40-yard dash: 4.35 sec. 20-yard split: 2.58 sec. 10-yard split: 1.50 sec.

20-yard shuttle: 3.93 sec. 3-cone Drill: 6.50 sec. Bench Reps: 16

Vertical Jump: 36.5" Broad Jump: 10'

2011 stats: 12 Games, 10 Games Started; 171 carries, 861 yards, 2 touchdowns; 31 catches, 381 yards, 2 touchdowns; 4 kick returns, 103 yards; 12 punt returns, 106 yards, 1 touchdown; 2 blocked kicks/punts

Chris Rainey Highlights

National Football Post's Wes Bunting breaks down his strengths:

"

An explosive straight-line athlete who can consistently outrun angles and break off big plays in the open field. Can consistently turn the corner and/or put his foot in the ground and accelerate up the field. Runs with a good pad level, stays low out of his breaks and runs/finishes behind his pads. Exhibits impressive lateral quickness when asked to make a man miss at top end speed.

And his weaknesses:

Is undersized however, a thin framed back who lacks the bulk and/or physicality to hold up inside at the next level… Doesn't break many tackles and doesn't possess the frame to do so in the NFL… Not an anchor player though… Doesn't seem comfortable running at full speed at this stage and plucking the football, seems to gear down while locating the football.

"

Rainey provides an intriguing special-teams ace and receiver/running back option. He can be very similar to how the Falcons used Eric Weems as a No. 4 WR, gunner and return specialist.