FOOTBALL

Five Florida players get shot at playing in the NFL after signing as undrafted free agents

Graham Hall
Gator Sports

Florida had just three players selected in the NFL draft, held last week in Las Vegas, marking the program’s fewest draft picks in a decade. 

But Kaiir Elam (Buffalo Bills), Zachary Carter (Cincinnati Bengals) and Dameon Pierce (Houston Texans) are not the only former Gators who have a chance to see the field in 2022 as rookies in the National Football League. 

At the conclusion of the seventh round, five Gators from the 2021 team signed as undrafted free agents. 

First round:Former Florida cornerback Kaiir Elam drafted 23rd overall by Buffalo Bills

Day 2:Florida DT Zachary Carter headed to Cincinnati Bengals as No. 95 pick in 2022 NFL Draft

Latest GatorSports podcast:Gators in the NFL Draft and more Florida sports

Jeremiah Moon

Gators linebacker Jeremiah Moon runs the 40-yard dash during the University of Florida Pro Day held at the indoor practice facility, in Gainesville, March 28, 2022.

Outside linebacker Jeremiah Moon was projected to hear his name called in the sixth or seventh round, but he ultimately went undrafted.

Moon, who suffered three season-ending injuries during his six-year career with the Gators, has signed with the Baltimore Ravens as a free agent. 

Malik Davis

Running backs Malik Davis and Dameon Pierce as they get ready to run drills during Florida Pro Day held at the indoor practice facility, in Gainesville, March 28, 2022.

Running back Malik Davis is following Pierce to the Lone Star State, having signed a free agent deal with the Dallas Cowboys.

Davis was Florida's starter at running back for 12 of 13 games last season, rushing 92 times for 487 yards and five touchdowns. He also hauled in 23 receptions for 217 yards and a pair of receiving touchdowns.

Pro Day:NFL potential on display as former players participate in Florida Gators Pro Day

Tyrone Truesdell and Antonio Valentino

Prior to last season, defensive tackles Tyrone Truesdell (Auburn) and Antonio Valentino (Penn State) arrived at UF through the NCAA transfer portal.

Having completed their collegiate careers in Gainesville, the duo will now begin professional careers in the same location. 

Truesdell and Valentino are headed to the Meadowlands, signing with the New York Giants. 

Jean Delance

Offensive lineman Jean Delance does the vertical jump during Florida Pro Day held at the indoor practice facility, in Gainesville, March 28, 2022.

Rounding out UF’s list of undrafted free agent signees is another transfer: offensive lineman Jean Delance.

A three-year starter for the Gators after transferring from Texas, Delance was an interesting prospect in the draft, with several teams impressed by his athleticism and prowess in pass protection.

Pro Day:After six seasons at collegiate level, Jean Delance looking to prove worth to NFL teams

But Delance’s film left something to be desired, and he struggled in the run game during his UF career.

Nevertheless, the Chicago Bears remained intrigued and signed Delance to a free agent deal within 24 hours of the conclusion of draft.