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Former UCF Players Soaring Up Draft Boards…………………………..
Changes occur at the end of UCF’s college football season, one of which is that former Knights are focusing more on their post-UCF lives and the NFL Draft. In eight of the previous ten NFL selections, the Knights have had a player taken; this includes four selections in which multiple players were chosen and a record-breaking five picks in 2021.
During that time, UCF has produced two future Pro Bowl players: Gabriel Davis, who holds the record for most touchdown receptions in a playoff game after eight catches for 201 yards and four touchdowns, was selected by the Buffalo Bills in 2017 and Shaquill Griffin, who was selected by the Seahawks in 2017.
During that period, the Los Angeles Rams, who won Super Bowl LVI, included 2021 draft pick Jacob Harris as a member, making him a Super Bowl Champion as well. This past weekend, the Knights sent two players to the Draft Combine, and Javon Baker and Tylan Grable both turned out to be standout draft preparations.
Javon Baker announced his intention to return at UCF for his last year of play, which caused him to declare for the draft a little later than normal players. Baker, however, decided to enter and accepted an invitation to the Reese’s Senior Bowl in Alabama because his draft grade was simply too good to refuse.
Baker was a household name in Alabama because he was the master of drills and excelled in one-on-one matchups with top defensive backs. His ability to allay concerns about his explosive speed—he reached 20.99 mph in pads, ranking second among wide receivers at the Senior Bowl—was the most impressive aspect of his performance.
He received an invitation to the combine, measured in nicely, and showed great skill receiving passes from players like former Kentucky quarterback Devin Leary and Washington quarterback Michael Penix during field work. Due to his incredible offseason, Baker is now projected to be a day two pick and may even slip into the first round if a number of receivers go off the board early. Befo Tylan Grable re then, many had him pegged as a day three choice.
While in the combine, Tylan Grable seen his performance put him squarely on the radar of the teams. Grable had a great offseason after his strong performance at the East-West Shrine Bowl in Frisco, Texas, ahead of the Combine. He demonstrated his agility and quickness as a blocker, which are vital qualities for any offensive line room.
He carried that momentum over to Indianapolis, where he excelled at the Combine, placing in the top five in each of the four events for which he has measurements. Grable finished fourth in the class in the 40-yard sprint with a timing of 4.95 seconds, while he tied for second in the 10 second split.
In addition, he tied for first place with a 9’9″ broad jump and third place with a 36.5″ vertical jump. He ranks 23rd all-time among tackle prospects at offensive tackle thanks to his outstanding performance, which earned him a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.83 at the position.
Grable has the adaptability to play guard, therefore if he were assessed there, his RAS would be 9.98, ranking second among guards and fourth overall among offensive linemen. Although Grable is still a very raw talent, teams are enthusiastic about him because of his exceptional athleticism and strong footage. Earlier in the offseason, Grable held an undrafted free agent grade.
The linemen from Gordon, Georgia, is reportedly being closely watched by the 49ers, Packers, and Patriots.