NFL Draft Tracker Day 2: Gators Add Two More Picks
Florida Gators center Jake will make the trip to Los Angeles to live out his NFL dreams.
Slaughter was selected 63rd overall by the Los Angeles Chargers on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Starr, Florida native is the second Gator off the draft board after defensive tackle Caleb Banks was chosen by the Minnesota Vikings at No. 18.
Slaughter was ranked as a top-10 center in the country, according to PFF. He allowed only one sack in over 800 snaps at Florida, becoming one of the best pass-protecting centers in the country and the NFL draft.
He was a 2024 First-Team All-American, a two-time All-SEC selection (2024, 2025), and a 2025 Rimington Trophy Finalist during his time as a Gator.
The 6-foot-5, 303-pound offensive lineman will look to make an immediate impact out in California.
Austin Barber Goes to Cleveland in Third Round
Florida Gators offensive lineman Austin Barber is heading to Cleveland after being selected in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The 6-foot-7 offensive tackle ran a 5.12 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and capped his final season in Gainesville with Third-Team All-SEC honors.
In 2025, Barber allowed three sacks and 17 quarterback pressures in pass protection, according to Pro Football Focus. He also posted a 90.0 run-blocking grade, the highest of his career.
Barber earned a 5.98 prospect grade from NFL.com, projecting him as an average backup or special teamer at the next level.
The former Gator will now look to compete for a spot along Cleveland’s offensive line heading into the fall.
NFL Draft Day 1: Gators’ Caleb Banks Goes 18th Overall to Vikings
Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks has found his new home. Banks was drafted 18th overall by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday.
A towering 6-foot-6 and 327 pounds, Banks was ranked in the top 5 of his position group going into the draft. The Vikings defense finished 3rd best in the NFL, allowing 32 touchdowns while giving up an average of 282.6 yards per game. Read more here.
Category: Feature Sports News, Gators Football
