The Florida football program had one member of its 2026 NFL Draft class come off the board across each round. In fact, the Gators saw a player drafted in every stage of the draft for the first time in school history.
However, not every player who participated in April's NFL combine heard his name called.
Seven Gators were chosen during the process, including first-round selection Caleb Banks, who was a top pick by the Minnesota Vikings. Following Banks was Jake Slaughter, Austin Barber, Devin Moore, George Gumbs Jr., Trey Smack and Tommy Doman Jr.
That left two combine invitees waiting for their NFL opportunity; J. Michael Sturdivant and Tyreak Sapp had to enter the league through undrafted free agency. While falling out of the draft can feel like a setback, the reality is that once the draft concludes, the next step moves quickly.
Within hours of the seventh round concluding, teams begin contacting priority targets to sign as undrafted free agents. Agents will do their best to negotiate opportunities, signing guarantees and partial salary.
Sturdivant, who offers pro-level size and an outside vertical threat, was signed by the Packers on Saturday. Regarded as one of the top undrafted players at his position, the Kansas native becomes the only wide receiver addition of this draft process for Green Bay.
Joining Sturdivant on the undrafted free agent market was Tyreak Sapp, who later signed with the Cleveland Browns, where he joins fellow Barber. Sapp's physicality and motor in the trenches could provide Mike Rutenberg with rotational depth as an edge setter.
About a quarter of league rosters each season are made up of undrafted players. For Sturdivant and Sapp, compatibility will be critical both in regard to roster and scheme fit. For both former Gators, the next phase will be decisive. Rookie minicamps and off-season program reps will decide whether they can stick on a 53-man roster.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Florida Gators who went undrafted, where they landed