Mel Kiper Jr. hails Jake Slaughter as the 2026 draft's top center. Discover why this Florida lineman is generating significant NFL buzz.
The Florida Gators could have a couple of offensive linemen taken in the 2026 NFL Draft this week.
Offensive line has been an issue this reign under new head coach Jon Sumrall. He wants to see toughness out of the unit in the summer as the team finds the right combination of five players for Week 1.
The Gators’ losses of offensive tackle Aaron Barber and center Jake Slaughter are no doubt contributing to the questions Sumrall has for his offensive line this spring.
Barber could be a Day 2 pick.
ESPN's Mel Kiper had some big praise for Slaughter, picking him as his favorite center in the upcoming draft.
"I like everything about Slaughter's game," Kiper said. "He has a lot of experience -- 33 starts and over 2,000 snaps at the pivot -- and comes battle-tested, having played in the SEC. And he has allowed only six pressures and three sacks over all that time.
"At 6-foot-5 and 303 pounds, Slaughter can drive defenders out of the way to open rushing lanes, and he shows good lateral agility and footwork. I really love his awareness on stunts. Overall, Slaughter is just a really good, consistent football player, and I'd expect him to go in Round 4."
Despite last season being a losing effort, Slaughter was happy to fulfill a dream of playing for Florida.
"It means the world to me," he said, via USA Today. "This is all I ever wanted, being a little kid growing up in North Central Florida. This is what I wanted forever."
Slaughter also thinks the Gators’ offensive line will have capable hands for 2026.
"I'm so excited for next year. Jason Zandamela is an absolute animal. I'm so excited for him to play. He's gotten better and better. Guys like Rod Kearney are going to step up. Caden Jones, Bryce Lovett are going to continue to improve.
"I thought in the back half of the year, they improved. There's so many young guys who made big strides, and I'm excited for them."
The Gators would be much better off with Barber and Slaughter on the line.
Slaughter will appear to face an uphill battle to become a starter in the upcoming season. He'll likely begin his career as a backup who can fill in if an injury hits.