ESPN NFL Mock Draft Includes Two Florida First-Rounders

Yates projected the two Florida stars to go back-to-back, as he had offensive tackle Austin Barber going 12th overall to the Cleveland Browns and defensive tackle Caleb Banks being selected 13th overall by the Dallas Cowboys.

"Insert Barber, who has excellent length and extensive experience as both a right and left tackle," Yates said. "Barber can really bend and pass protect... He allowed three sacks last season over 13 starts. The Browns need to get younger along the offensive line; they allowed 66 sacks last season, second most in the league.

Yates also projected the Browns will take Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning with the first overall pick. Because of this, the Browns will need to revamp their offensive line to protect the franchise quarterback. Barber, who stands at 6-foot-6, 314 pounds, is entering his fifth year with Florida this season and was named to the Outland Trophy Watch List.

As for Banks, his going to the Cowboys would help fill a major hole in their interior defensive line.

"Banks could help fix it," Yates said. "He has outstanding size at 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, but he also displays the quickness and power to be a disruptive interior rusher."

Like Barber, Banks is going into his fifth collegiate season in 2025. Last year with Florida, Banks was a monster on the inside, totaling 21 tackles, seven tackles-for-loss, 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.

The pair of Banks and Barber promise to be forces on the inside for the Gators this season, and at the next level for years to come.