After watching the 2010 NFL Draft it should be no surprise that the Florida Gators won two National Championships in four years and had an undefeated regular season one other year. The Gators lead the nation with nine players chosen at the 2010 NFL Draft. Nine picks in the draft is the second most in Florida history but the only year they had more than that was back when the draft was 12 rounds long. Below is a rundown of the Florida Gators drafted in the 2010 NFL Draft.
Joe Haden, Cornerback
Drafted: Round 1, 7th Pick (7th overall)
Team: Cleveland Browns
Joe Haden is a stud cornerback that should be able to get plenty of playing time immediately. For the first three years of the Tebow era Brandon Spikes got all the hype on defense but Joe Haden was just as responsible for the Gators defense as anybody.
Maurkice Pouncey, Center
Drafted: Round 1, 18th Pick (18th overall)
Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
In 2009 Pittsburgh quarterbacks were sacked 50 times, the second highest amount in the NFL. Who better to draft than Tim Tebow’s best blocker?
Tim Tebow, Quarterback
Drafted: Round 1, 25th Pick (25th overall)
Team: Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos may have drafted Tim Tebow too high but after Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall both whined their way to an exit it is no surprise that Josh McDaniels was eager to get a player that would have a little class, listen to instruction and lead by example.
Jermaine Cunningham, Outside Linebacker
Drafted: Round 2, 21st Pick (53rd overall)
Team: New England Patriots
Jermaine Cunningham was not rated as high on draft boards as Brandon Spikes or Carlos Dunlap but Cunningham was also a less risky choice because Spikes and Dunlap both have character issues.
Carlos Dunlap, Defensive End
Drafted: Round 2, 22nd Pick (54th overall)
Team: Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals continue to draft the most talented players on the board even if there are behavioral issues. If Dunlap stays out of trouble he’s another great piece to a tough Bengals defense but will he stay out of trouble?
Brandon Spikes, Inside Linebacker
Drafted: Round 2, 30th pick (62nd overall)
Team: New England Patriots
The Patriots add their second Gators linebacker just a few picks later. Spikes was not only a talented player but was also a great team leader. If Spikes stays out of trouble he could be one of the leaders of the next generation of Patriots.
Major Wright, Safety
Drafted: Round 3, 12th pick (75th overall)
Team: Chicago Bears
Major Wright wasn’t taken until the third round of the draft but it was Chicago’s first pick of the draft. Wright will have a lot of pressure to produce right away with an often unhappy Chicago fan base.
Aaron Hernandez, Tight End
Drafted: Round 4, 15th Pick (113th overall)
Team: New England Patriots
Aaron Hernandez won the Mackey Award for the best Tight End in the nation over 1st round pick Jermaine Grisham. Hernandez was one of Tebow’s favorite weapons.
Riley Cooper, Wide Receiver
Drafted: Round 5, 28th Pick (159th overall)
Team: Philadelphia Eagles
Riley Cooper was another one of Tebow’s favorite weapons. Most Florida receivers have a reputation of being burners but that is not Cooper’s style. Cooper is more of a tough and rugged receiver that isn’t afraid to take a hit from the opposition.
