This year’s draft-eligible Gators represent a little bit of everything from coaches’ favorites (Vernon Hargreaves III, Jonathan Bullard) to frequent residents of the coach’s doghouse (Demarcus Robinson, Alex McCalister).

What are the most interesting storylines and questions heading into this year’s draft (April 28-30, Chicago)? And which Florida players are most likely to be selected?

1. WILL JONATHAN BULLARD OR KEANU NEAL SNEAK INTO THE FIRST ROUND?

It’s virtually guaranteed that Hargreaves will be selected in the first round, but he might be not the only Gator who hears his name called Thursday night.

Most projections have Bullard as an early second-round selection, but Seattle, which holds pick No. 26, was one of the teams he met with in March. For his part, Bullard realizes he’s likely going on Day 2, and will not attend the draft in person.

Neal, on the other hand, certainly has momentum on his side. While Neal was previously seen as a late-round pick, it now looks like Florida could have two defensive backs picked in the first round. Neal is showing more confidence than Bullard, and has accepted an invitation to attend the draft.

2. THE OTHER JUNIORS: BOLD CONFIDENCE OR NO CHOICE?

The majority of Florida players who left early will not be first-round picks like Hargreaves and possibly Neal. After the second round, there could be a long wait until another Gators name is called in Chicago. Some critics could be second-guessing the decisions of Robinson and Kelvin Taylor.

There likely will be fan commentary that Taylor could have improved his draft stock by returning to run behind an improved offensive line. But it’s hard to fault Taylor for moving onto the pros instead of subtracting from his NFL lifespan with another year of wear and tear on his body in college and holding out on a paycheck.

Before Robinson made an announcement, Jim McElwain let the media know that the wideout would be going pro, and Robinson tweeted that it was news to him. McElwain similarly made the decision for McCalister, who was reportedly dismissed from the team in December.

3. WHO WILL MAKE THE BEST PRO?

There’s a case to be made for any of three early-round defensive players.

Hargreaves will be the first name called, but there’s some chatter out there about him profiling as more of a No. 2 cornerback than as a shutdown cornerback that secondaries are built around. If Hargreaves proves the doubters wrong and plays like the lockdown corner he was at UF, he has the smarts and skills to play past the 10-year mark.

Neal should be encouraged by the career of one of his predecessors. Former Gators strong safety Major Wright, who was also known for delivering big hits like Neal, will be entering his seventh season this fall. Wright was a third-round pick, No. 75 overall.

Bullard’s not a simple pass rusher like McCalister and certainly boosted his profile by learning to play inside on the defensive line. His size (6-foot-3, 283 pounds), however, could limit just how versatile he’ll be at the next level.

All three should make it past five years in the NFL, with Hargreaves and Neal most likely to push 10 years.

DRAFT PROJECTIONS

1. Vernon Hargreaves III, CB (first round)
2. Keanu Neal, S (late first round/early second round)
3. Jonathan Bullard, DL (late first round/early second round)
4. Kelvin Taylor, RB (fifth or sixth round)
5. Alex McCalister, DE (sixth or seventh round)
6. Demarcus Robinson, WR (sixth or seventh round)
7. Jake McGee, TE (seventh round)
8. Brian Poole, CB (seventh round)
9. Antonio Morrison, LB (seventh round)

RECENT HISTORY

  • 2015: Two first-round (Dante Fowler Jr., D.J. Humphries), eight picks
  • 2014: One first-round (Dominique Easley), four picks
  • 2013: Two first-round (Sharrif Floyd, Matt Elam), eight picks
  • 2012: Zero first-round, two picks
  • 2011: One first-round (Mike Pouncey), four picks