NFL Draft: How many players from Florida high schools will go in the first round?
Florida high schools have produced more first round draft picks in the past decade than any other state.
Fifty players from Florida have been drafted in the first round since 2014.
Florida led the way in 2023 with six first round selections – Anthony Richardson (Eastside), Devon Witherspoon (Pine Forest), Jalen Carter (Apopka), Calijah Kancey (Northwestern), Zay Flowers (NSU University) and Nolan Smith (IMG).
The trend is almost certain to repeat itself Thursday in the first round of the NFL Draft. Here’s a look at the top prospects from Florida high schools.
Recent: State champion Cocoa to play national power IMG Academy
Locks
QB JJ McCarthy (IMG Academy)
McCarthy helped Michigan win the national title and ranked third in the country in quarterback rating and completion percentage in 2023.
EDGE Dallas Turner (St. Thomas Aquinas)
The Alabama All-American is considered the premier edge rusher in the draft. He was tied for the SEC lead with 10 sacks in 2023.
CB Quinyon Mitchell (Williston)
The two-time All-American was one of the top performers at the Senior Bowl. He is Toledo’s all-time leader with 46 career pass breakups.
CB Terrion Arnold (St. John Paul II Catholic)
Arnold arrived at Alabama as one of the nation’s top safeties but transitioned to cornerback. He intercepted six passes and broke up 20 others in his career.
OT JC Latham (IMG Academy)
Alabama’s All-American lineman started 25 games in his career, including all 13 games last season.
High Probability
DL Jer’Zahn Netwon (Clearwater Central Catholic)
The All-American and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year from Illinois had 7.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss in 2023.
Possibility
QB Michael Penix Jr. (Tampa Bay Tech)
The 2023 Maxwell Award winner and Heisman Trophy finalist broke Washington’s record for passing yards with 4,903 last season.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: How many players from Florida high schools will go in the first round?
