The NFL returns Aug. 1 with the Hall of Fame Game, which means training camp is right around the corner. It’s the perfect time for draft picks and players on the bubble to prove themselves. Here are some former Gators to look out for as NFL training camps get underway:
Offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars 35th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft and will get his first taste of NFL action against the Baltimore Ravens at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 8. Taylor, who is set to be a starter at right tackle, joins former Gators Taven Bryan and Lerentee McCray in Jacksonville. The Jags are coming off a disappointing 5-11 season and will look to establish themselves in a competitive AFC South division. They open training camp today.
Edge rusher Jachai Polite, who was drafted by the New York Jets 68th overall, will make his professional debut against the New York Giants at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 8. The Jets have high hopes this season because of the signing of running back Le’Veon Bell and the expectation that quarterback Sam Darnold will improve after a solid rookie year. Polite will be joined by former UF players Jonotthan Harrison, Marcus Maye, Brian Poole and Deonte Thompson and will serve as a rotational player in the Jets’ pass rush.
Defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson was selected in the beginning of the fourth round (105th overall) by the New Orleans Saints and joins a team with lofty expectations.
The Saints were eliminated in the 2019 NFC Championship Game by the Los Angeles Rams after a controversial no-call on a potential pass interference in the final minutes.
Gardner-Johnson, who performed well in minicamp, joins former UF teammate and linebacker Alex Anzalone in New Orleans. Training camp begins Friday, and the Saints kick off against the Vikings at 8.p.m. on Aug. 9.
Linebacker Vosean Joseph was drafted by the Buffalo Bills (147th overall) and will see his first NFL action against the Indianapolis Colts at 7 p.m. on Aug. 8. The former Gator will start training camp Thursday at St. John Fisher College in New York.
Joseph is likely to make the team after training camp. His playing time, however, may be limited because the Bills already having an established linebacker corps.
Running back Jordan Scarlett was drafted by the Carolina Panthers (154th overall) and will play the Chicago Bears on Aug. 8 at 8 p.m. The Panthers start training camp Thursday and Scarlett will look to fight for a spot in the running back rotation behind All-Pro Christian McCaffrey.
Scarlett will have his work cut out for him, as there are four other experienced backs who are competing for spots. He is joined on Carolina’s roster by former Gator Bryan Cox Jr., who was signed by the Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2017.
Offensive lineman Fred Johnson will be fighting for a roster spot with the Pittsburgh Steelers when they begin training camp Friday. As an undrafted player, Johnson’s chances of making the team are slim; he will have to thoroughly impress at training camp if wants to make his NFL debut.
Follow Joseph Salvador on Twitter @JSalvador_14. Contact him at jsalvador@alligator.org.
Third-round draft pick Jachai Polite will make his professional debut with the New York Jets on Aug. 8.
