Florida Football Pro Day: Gators Ready Physically For NFL

Representatives from all 32 NFL teams were at Florida Gators football’s pro day Thursday to scout the talent before the NFL draft starts on April 24.

Standouts included RJ Moten, Desmond Watson, Trikweze Bridges, Jason Marshall Jr. and Graham Mertz.

Weight Room

The weight room exercises included a vertical jump and bench press.

Nose tackle Desmond Watson was the standout on the bench press. He lifted 36 repetitions of 225 pounds on the bench press after measuring in at 6-foot-6, 464 pounds. That would’ve been the most out of anyone who lifted at this year’s NFL combine. He also jumped 25 inches on the vertical jump, impressive for his size.

DESMOND WATSON 36 REPS!

Would’ve been the best at the NFL Combine this year#Gators pic.twitter.com/q2mTdBBHgu

— Nick Abreu (@NickAbreu13) March 27, 2025

The best vertical jump performance came from defensive back Jason Marshall Jr., a 43-inch leap. It was impressive enough to cause an uproar from the spectating players and coaches.

On-Field Workouts

The on-field workouts included the 40-yard dash, shuttle, L drill and broad jump.

RJ Moten was one of the surprises of the day. He looked good, with an unofficial time around 4.48 after not playing much in the past couple seasons. He also made some impressive catches in drills with the linebacker group.

Defensive back Trikweze Bridges recorded the fastest time on the 40-yard dash. He had a 4.38. He wasn’t invited to the NFL combine, so this was his chance to prove his ability in front of NFL personnel. Bridges said it gave him a chip on his shoulder to perform.

Head coach Billy Napier told the media Bridges is a player who’s skillset will figure itself out in the NFL. He mentioned the defensive back would be especially valuable on crucial third and fourth down conversions due to his athleticism and versatility.

Position Workouts

In position workouts, defensive lineman Cam Jackson and quarterback Graham Mertz had the most impressive performances.

Jackson has lost around 20 pounds and looked quick getting around tackling dummies in drills. He ran a 5.18 at the combine.

.@CamJackson72 is QUICK#Gators #ProDay pic.twitter.com/EO8HTCyQfS

— Nick Abreu (@NickAbreu13) March 27, 2025

“You’re bringing in hard work and someone who’s ready to compete,” Jackson said when asked what he would bring to an NFL team. “They watched me play this season, so ain’t too much to be said.”

The throwing drills were one of Mertz’s first public throws since he injured his ACL in the middle of the season. He didn’t disappoint.

You would never be able to tell Mertz was coming off of major surgery. His short and medium accuracy was almost perfect, and he had one deep ball to Chimere Dike that was especially impressive. He was even able to show his movement in the pocket, rolling out and hitting players in stride.

A few of @GrahamMertz5’s throws from #Gators pro day: pic.twitter.com/b1EyGtOFNz

— Nick Abreu (@NickAbreu13) March 27, 2025