Nine Gators picked in NFL Draft

In three days and seven rounds, the Florida Gators sent nine players to the pros through the NFL Draft. This afternoon, TE Aaron Hernandez finally came off the board, going to New England in the fourth round. WR Riley Cooper was the final Gator picked, going to the Philadelphia Eagles in the fifth round.

Attention now turns to the free agency period, where guys like Ryan Stamper, David Nelson and Brandon James can make their money. Any of them would have set the modern record for most Gators taken in a single draft. The Gators had 10 players picked in 1978, but that was with 12 rounds. Florida also had the most players picked in the draft, with Alabama, Oklahoma and USC finishing in second with seven picks each. Here is a final list of Gators selected and their teams.

Joe Haden, Cleveland Browns

Maurkice Pouncey, Pittsburgh Steelers

Tim Tebow, Denver Broncos

Jermaine Cunningham, New England Patriots

Carlos Dunlap, Cincinnati Bengals

Brandon Spikes, New England Patriots

The Major Wright, Chicago Bears

Aaron Hernandez, New England Patriots

Riley Cooper, Philadelphia Eagles

Signed as free agents:

Brandon James, Indianapolis Colts

David Nelson, Buffalo Bills

Ryan Stamper, Detroit Lions