It’s the long-awaited NFL Draft, and teams have made their first-round picks for the upcoming season. Let’s take a look at where these young players, all of whom come from Florida high schools, will be headed. We’re thrilled for each of them as they emerge as this year’s top athletes in the draft.
QB Anthony Richardson – Indianapolis Colts – Fourth Pick
Despite a season-ending injury in his senior year, Richardson was a top quarterback recruit in the country coming out of Eastside High School. He played in several games as a reserve in 2020 and 2021, splitting time with Emory Jones, who transferred to Arizona State after the season. Richardson became the starter in 2022, throwing for over 2,500 yards and rushing for over 650 yards in 12 games.
CB Devon Witherspoon – Seattle Seahawks – Fifth Pick
Witherspoon was the 2018 Pensacola Defensive Player of the Year and signed with Illinois out of Pine Forest High School. He became one of the top defenders on the nation’s top-scoring defense in 2022, receiving first-team Associated Press All-American honors and being named Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year.
DT Jalen Carter – Philadelphia Eagles – Ninth Pick
Carter was one of the top recruits in the country after excelling on the football field at Apopka High School in Florida. He started twice in 10 games as a true freshman during the 2020 season and played alongside 2022 first-round picks Jordan Davis and Devonte Wyatt on the defensive line for the national champions in 2021.
DT Calijah Kancey – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 19th Pick
Kancey was a first-team All-Florida pick from Miami Northwestern High School and redshirted his first year with the Panthers. He was a first-team AP All-American and ACC Defensive Player of the Year as a junior, as well as a finalist for the Nagurski and Outland Trophies after leading the Panthers with 14.5 tackles for loss with 7.5 sacks in 11 starts.
WR Zay Flowers – Baltimore Ravens – 22nd Pick
Flowers showed playmaking skills as a receiver and rusher his true freshman season with the Eagles. He took a big step forward after teaming up with Notre Dame transfer and quarterback Phil Jurkovec, garnering first-team All-ACC recognition with team-highs 892 yards and nine scores on his 56 receptions.
Congratulations to all the talented young athletes from Florida who were selected in the 2023 NFL Draft! We wish them the best of luck as they embark on this exciting new chapter of their lives and showcase their skills on the national stage. May they achieve all their goals and make their families and communities proud. Will be watching now ball out!
