Gators 2023 NFL Draft Profile: OL Richard Gouraige

Richard Gouraige saw starting time at guard and tackle spots during his Florida career. Will that versatility translate to a selection in the NFL Draft?

Photo: Richard Gouraige; Credit: Zach Goodall

The 2023 NFL Draft is approaching, marking the peak of the professional football offseason.

As NFL free agency cools down after the initial surge to fill spots of need, teams are solidifying their big boards for the eventful selection period set to take place from April 27-29.

Multiple University of Florida talents are in the midst of preparing for the draft process. Eight of the 11 entrants recently participated in the NFL Combine. They finalized their athletic metrics at the school's Pro Day on March 30.

In anticipation of the selection ceremony, All Gators will provide player draft profiles for the 11 Florida representatives. The series will include the player's history, strengths, weaknesses, scouting report, best fit and most up-to-date Gators-centric mock draft selection.

Following profiles for quarterback Anthony Richardson, offensive guard O'Cyrus Torrence and defensive lineman Gervon Dexter Sr., edge rusher Brenton Cox Jr., safety Trey Dean III, linebacker Ventrell Miller, safety Rashad Torrence II, linebacker Amari Burney and wide receiver Jordan Pouncey, offensive tackle Richard Gouraige is our next prospect of focus.

Player History

Gouraige, 24, made his way to Gainesville as the second-highest-rated prospect in the Gators' 2018 recruiting class.

The former four-star prospect and seventh-ranked offensive tackle of the cycle chose the Gators over offers from Alabama, Auburn, Clemson and 32 others.

He stepped into a crowded offensive line group highlighted by bookend tackles Jawaan Taylor and Martez Ivey, resulting in a redshirt season for the former Cambridge Christian (Tampa, Fla.) standout.

Following year one, Gouraige was allowed to showcase his versatility as the team's left guard, where he spent two seasons — one as a full-time starter — on an uber-productive offensive attack.

Stone Forsythe's departure after the 2020 season marked Gouraige's move to left tackle in another overhaul in the offensive trenches. It offered a sense of continuity in talent to protect the blind spot of Emory Jones and Anthony Richardson.

He found similar success on the exterior of the line — starting all 13 games there during the 2022 season — to help anchor another reconstructed offensive line to produce one of the highest rushing yards per game (202.2, No. 24) and yards per rush (5.51, No. 7) metrics in college football.

Florida's passing game was equally sustainable from a protection standpoint, as Gouraige played a role in keeping Richardson's jersey clean. The Tampa native was responsible for just one sack in 343 pass-blocking snaps on an o-line that allowed just 1.3 sacks per game.

As the season rolled on, Florida began experimenting with a rotation at the tackle spots, incorporating Austin Barber in an ever-increasing workload. The move aided UF during the year and as the program steps into the future, as Barber showcased immense value as the team's swing tackle and can take over at LT this upcoming campaign.

However, it simultaneously played a role in Gouraige's decision to exit despite having one more year of eligibility remaining if he chose to use it. He leaves with 42 starts — 25 at left tackle and 17 at left guard — under his belt.

He'll now test the NFL waters. His size, production and inside-out versatility slate him for a potential late-round selection.

Strength

• Experience.
• Versatility.
• Well-distributed size and arm length.
• Upper-body power with oft-well-positioned hands that stick to assignment at the point of attack.
• Effective pass protector and run blocker with the ability to hold his ground or work into the second level as needed.

Concerns

• Propensity to play upright and lean on defenders.
• Technique inconsistency.
• Athleticism and agility.

Scouting Report

Gouraige is an intriguing offensive line prospect due to his consistent production at the Power Five level at multiple different spots. The size, length, versatility and output in both run blocking and pass protection he showcases are eye-grabbing intangibles for NFL scouts.

Pairing his size with impressive upper body power — albeit not always used to its fullest extent — Gouraige has a knack for creating initial pushback on defensive linemen at the point of contact. His heavy, well-placed hands usually stick after the first punch to redirect his assignment with relative ease in the reps he wins.

His technique inconsistency and propensity to play upright hindered Gouraige from reaching his full potential at the collegiate level as he was subject to being shed by opposing DL. It's a concern that will only be exasperated at the next level if it continues.

While he presents desirable traits, there are still question marks concerning his ceiling even after his skillset refinement.

On the surface, he's a potential late-round selection. However, his showing at the Senior Bowl positively affected his draft stock, which could solidify a day-three selection bid.

Best Fit(s)

Gouraige will fit best in a zone run-blocking scheme, an increasingly popular approach to offense, especially from those representing branches of the Shanahan coaching tree.

As a result, teams like the San Francisco 49ers (Kyle Shanahan), Miami Dolphins (Mike McDaniel), Los Angeles Rams (Sean McVay) and Green Bay Packers (Matt LaFleur) fit the mold of places the offensive lineman's skillset can be maximized.

The former projects to be a top choice as bookend left tackle Trent Williams will occupy the starting spot for the next few seasons. It would give Gouraige ample opportunity to hone his skillset while operating behind arguably the best tackle in the league currently before taking over as the successor for the 34-year-old down the line.

All Gators final mock draft selection

April 26: Undrafted

March 20: Round 7, Pick 236 — Indianapolis Colts

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