Two former Florida Gators heard their names called in Radio City Music Hall last night as they were selected in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd was taken with the 23rd pick by the Minnesota Vikings, while safety Matt Elam was selected with the 32nd pick by the defending Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens.
Gator head coach Will Muschamp was in attendance at the draft last night, and afterwards said he was happy for both Floyd and Elam.
Floyd was expected by many to be a top five pick, but fell to the 23rd pick. Muschamp believes the slide could be beneficial to Floyd, as he is on a better team than he would have been if he was picked earlier.
Some analysts suggested character issues led to Floyd’s fall. Muschamp responded by saying Floyd’s character has never been a problem.
Muschamp said Floyd was not discouraged by his slide, and is excited to be a part of the Vikings organization.
Florida’s NFL teams also made waves in the draft last night. After Central Michigan offensive tackle Eric Fisher went number one to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Jacksonville Jaguars selected Texas A&M offensive tackle Luke Joeckel with the second overall pick.
Joeckel says going against the competition in the SEC has prepared him for playing on Sundays.
Following the Jaguars pick, the Miami Dolphins traded thier first and second round selections to the Oakland Raiders for the third overall pick in order to take Oregon linebacker/defensive end Dion Jordon.
Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland spoke to their motive in moving up to take Jordan.
The draft will resume tonight at 6:30 with live second and third round coverage from Radio City Music Hall.