Tag: Azeez Ojulari UGA

Giants reveal jersey number for former UGA OLB Azeez Ojulari

The New York Giants have revealed the rookie jersey number for former Georgia football OLB Azeez Ojulari.

On Thursday evening, the New York Giants announced the signing of former Georgia outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari.

The same night, New York also revealed which jersey number the second round draft selection will be wearing in 2021, Ojulari’s rookie season.

The former four-star recruit out of Marietta will be donning the No. 51 in New York. He wore No. 13 during his playing days at UGA.

In 2020, Ojulari had the best season of his Georgia career. In 10 games, he had 31 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks (led SEC), 2 pass deflections, 1 fumble recovery and 4 forced fumbles. That is one of the best defensive performances that Georgia has seen in one season.

Ojulari, the No. 50 overall pick in the 2021 draft, joins fellow former UGA linebackers Lorenzo Carter and Tae Crowder in New York.

We also got our first look of Ojulari while at the Giants’ rookie minicamp on Friday.

 

NY Giants sign former Georgia Bulldog Azeez Ojulari

The NY Giants officially announced the signing of 2021 NFL draft pickĀ and former Georgia football OLB Azeez Ojulari on Thursday evening.

The New York Giants officially announced the signing of 2021 NFL draft pick and former Georgia outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari on Thursday evening.

Ojulari, a second round selection in last month’s draft, stands to earn roughly $6,774,904 over the next four years, per Spotrac.com.

He’ll receive a signing bonus of $2,287,20.

Ojulari, the No. 50 overall pick in the 2021 draft, joins fellow former UGA linebackers Lorenzo Carter and Tae Crowder in New York.

Georgia had nine players selected in the draft, with Ojulari being the first to sign his contract.

Ojulari came to UGA in 2018. That season he redshirted, seeing time against Middle Tennessee, Georgia Tech and Texas in the Sugar Bowl.Ā In 2019, Ojulari made his name heard. He played in every game ā€” starting 13 ā€” and had 33 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, a team-best 5.5 sacks and a team-high 34 quarterback pressures. He was the co-winner of the Defensive Most Improved player at the teamā€™s postseason awards gala.

In 2020, he had the best season of his career. In 10 games, Ojulari had 31 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks (led SEC), 2 pass deflections, 1 fumble recovery and 4 forced fumbles. That is one of the best defensive performances that Georgia has seen in one season.

Azeez Ojulari UGA highlights – a projected first round NFL Draft pick

Highlights of Georgia football OLB Azeez Ojulari, a projected first round pick in this week’s NFL Draft.

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Azeez Ojulari came to UGA in 2018. That season he redshirted, seeing time against Middle Tennessee, Georgia Tech and Texas in the Sugar Bowl.Ā In 2019, Ojulari made his name heard. He played in every game ā€” starting 13 ā€” and had 33 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, a team-best 5.5 sacks and a team-high 34 quarterback pressures. He was the co-winner of the Defensive Most Improved player at the teamā€™s postseason awards gala.

In 2020, he had the best season of his career. In 10 games, Ojulari had 31 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks (led SEC), 2 pass deflections, 1 fumble recovery and 4 forced fumbles. That is one of the best defensive performances that Georgia has seen in one season.

Azeez came up big for the Dawgs in the 2021 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, going for three sacks, a forced fumble and a safety to end the game. Georgia most likely loses that game if not for Ojulari making some of those highlight plays.

Now he’s projected as a first round pick in this week’s NFL Draft.

PFF compares Ojulari to Baltimore Ravens defensive end Yannick Ngakoue. Ngakoue is a smaller defensive end, who uses his explosiveness, size, and technique to win as a pass rusher. Azeez Ojulari is similar to Ngakoue in all of these respects.

Ojulari will look to make a large impact in the NFL like the Ravens defensive end, Yannick Ngakoue, who has recorded 45.5 sacks in five NFL seasons. On a similar note, Ojulari will try to continue his impressive production (15.5 sacks in two seasons as a starter) at the NFL level.

He also ranks No. 24 on ESPN’s “best available” list.

From Todd McShay:

ā€œOjulari has good size, speed and bend, (and) I really like his first-step burst when pass-rushing, and his instincts are advanced,ā€ McShay wrote. ā€œHe is definitely better as a pass-rusher than in coverage, but he does have pretty good range underneath when asked to drop back.ā€

Take a look at these highlights of Ojulari’s career as a disruptive edge rusher for the Georgia Bulldogs.

https://youtu.be/3-sGhDIHIXY

One Georgia Bulldog goes in first round of CBSSports’ NFL mock draft

One Georgia Bulldog seems to a be a sure-thing to go in the first round on Thursday night and that’s outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari.

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The 2021 NFL Draft is this week and a number of Georgia Bulldogs are sure to hear their name called during the event.

One Georgia Bulldog seems to a be a sure-thing to go in the first round on Thursday night and that’s outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari, who has consistently been hovering around the No. 20 pick in almost every mock draft I’ve seen.

In CBSSports’ most recent mock draft, they have Ojulari headed to Indianapolis Colts with the 21st overall pick.

From Jonathan Jones:

I’ve been frustrated by the Colts’ lack of activity this offseason, but it’s hard to argue against the results Chris Ballard has gotten. They went the veteran route along the OL, so now it’s time to get the edge rusher in the draft.

Also of note, Jones has former Georgia and Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields slipping to No. 14 overall, where the Chicago Bears trade up to get the former No. 1 overall recruit in the country.

He also has the Atlanta Falcons selecting Florida tight end Kyle Pitts with the fourth pick.

PFF compares Ojulari to Baltimore Ravens defensive end Yannick Ngakoue. Ngakoue is a smaller defensive end, who uses his explosiveness, size, and technique to win as a pass rusher. Azeez Ojulari is similar to Ngakoue in all of these respects.

Ojulari will look to make a large impact in the NFL like the Ravens defensive end, Yannick Ngakoue, who has recorded 45.5 sacks in five NFL seasons. On a similar note, Ojulari will try to continue his impressive production (15.5 sacks in two seasons as a starter) at the NFL level.

Georgia football has five go in four-round 2021 NFL mock draft

Five Georgia Bulldogs football players are selected in the first four rounds of this 2021 NFL mock draft.

The 2021 NFL Draft is quickly approaching, and a number of Georgia Bulldogs are expected to be selected throughout the 7-round event at the end of April.

Chad Reuter of NFL.com recently released his most updated four-round mock draft, in which he had five Bulldogs selected, including two in the first round.

Here’s how Reuter sees things playing out for former UGA players.

Round 1:

Outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari goes No. 20 overall to the New York Giants.

The Giants get a couple of premium picks from this trade with the Bears and still select a much-needed pass rusher who best fits their scheme. Ojulari’s aĀ good athlete and plays bigger than his 6-foot-3, 240-pound frame portends against the run.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHC7bfT2bsM

Cornerback Eric Stokes goes No. 28 to the New Orleans Saints.

The Saints are a bit thin at cornerback right now and former first-round picks Marshon Lattimore andĀ Patrick RobinsonĀ are both free agents after the season. Stokes is a fantastic athlete with good ball skills who could be a Tre’Davious White-type bargain near the end of the first round.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01TzFLrHML0

Round 2:

Cornerback Tyson Campbell goes No. 47 overall to the Los Angeles Chargers.

The junior out of Fort Lauderdale started in 23 games for the Bulldogs, recorded 89 career tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one interception, 11 pass breakups, one forced fumble, and three fumble recoveries. He started all 10 games for Georgia in 2020, finishing with 29 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, five pass breakups, one quarterback hurry, and one interception.

He recorded two career touchdowns.

Round 4:

The Buffalo Bills project to take Georgia tight end Tre’ McKitty with the 108th overall pick.

McKitty spent one season with the Bulldogs after transferring in from Florida Sate last season and battled injuries throughout the 2020 season. In seven games played, McKitty caught six passes for 108 yards and one touchdown.

The Cleveland Browns get Georgia offensive lineman Ben Cleveland with the 110th pick.

Georgiaā€™s Ben Cleveland touts some of the best size, strength, and experience of any prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft. He measured as 6-foot-6 and weighs 354 pounds. Cleveland was an excellent run blocker for the Bulldogs in 2020.

Georgia football OLB Azeez Ojulari jumps in Todd McShay’s NFL Draft rankings

Georgia Bulldogs OLB Azeez Ojulari is now in Todd McShay’s top-32 players for the 2021 NFL Draft.

Former Georgia outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari has crawled his way into Todd McShay’s top-32 players for the 2021 NFL Draft.

Ojulari checks in at No. 29, one behind Alabama quarterback Mac Jones.

ā€œOjulari has good size, speed and bend, (and) I really like his first-step burst when pass-rushing, and his instincts are advanced,ā€ McShay wrote. ā€œHe is definitely better as a pass-rusher than in coverage, but he does have pretty good range underneath when asked to drop back.ā€

In 2020, Ojulari, a former four-star recruit from Marietta, Ga., racked up 31 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, two pass break ups, 29 quarterback pressures and finished first in the SEC in sacks with nine.

Perhaps the most dominant performance of Ojulariā€™s short career in Athens was his three sack performance versus Cincinnati in the Peach Bowl that earned him Peach Bowl MVP honors.

Six Bulldogs picked in first three rounds of 2021 mock draft

How many Georgia Bulldogs be selected in the 2021 NFL Draft? Azeez Ojulari, Ben Cleveland and Eric Stokes project as high picks.

How many Georgia Bulldogs will be selected in the 2021 NFL draft?

In the 2020 draft, seven Georgia Bulldogs were selected: Andrew Thomas, Isaiah Wilson, D’Andre Swift, Solomon Kindley, Jake Fromm, Charlie Woerner, and Tae Crowder.

More than one Georgia defender will be drafted in 2021. In fact, six Dawgs (four defenders) are projected to be drafted in the first three rounds of the 2021 NFL draft.

Here’s where Georgia Bulldogs are projected to go in the first 96 picks:

Outside Linebacker Azeez Ojulari: 22nd Overall

Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Azeez Ojulari goes No. 22 overall to the Tennessee Titans. He would immediately help the Titans’ pass rush, which needs more talent.

Defensive Back Tyson Campbell: 39th

Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports

Tankathon projects the Carolina Panthers to draft Tyson Campbell in the second round. Campbell is strong against the run and has the physical traits to excel in the NFL.

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PFF reveals NFL player comparison for Georgia’s Azeez Ojulari

Pro Football Focus and NFL Draft scouts rank Georgia Bulldogs outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari as one of the top 2021 NFL Draft prospects

[jwplayer iSvNOyFT]

Pro Football Focus and NFL Draft scouts rank Georgia Bulldogs outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari as one of the top 2021 NFL Draft prospects. Ojulari was impressive last season in Athens and is one of the best pass rushers in the class.

PFF compares Ojulari to Baltimore Ravens defensive end Yannick Ngakoue. Ngakoue is a smaller defensive end, who uses his explosiveness, size, and technique to win as a pass rusher. Azeez Ojulari is similar to Ngakoue in all of these respects.

Ojulari will look to make a large impact in the NFL like the Ravens defensive end, Yannick Ngakoue, who has recorded 45.5 sacks in five NFL seasons. On a similar note, Ojulari will try to continue his impressive production (15.5 sacks in two seasons as a starter) at the NFL level.

Here’s a video of PFF’s comparison for Ojulari:

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Georgia LB Azeez Ojulari named in PFF College top 101

Pro Football Focus (PFF) recently released their list of the top 101 college players of the 2020 season. Details here

Pro Football Focus (PFF) recently released its list of the top 101 college players of the 2020 season and Georgia football is represented by star linebacker Azeez Ojulari at No. 31.

The redshirt sophomore has forgone his remaining years of eligibility andĀ  declared for the 2021 NFL Draft after a monster season for the Bulldogs.

Jan 1, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Azeez Ojulari (13) celebrates after a sack against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the second half of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

In 2020, Ojulari, a former four-star recruit from Marietta, Ga., racked up 31 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, two pass break ups, 29 quarterback pressures and finished first in the SEC in sacks with nine.

Perhaps the most dominant performance of Ojulari’s short career in Athens was his three sack performance versus Cincinnati in the Peach Bowl that earned him Peach Bowl MVP honors.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 01: Desmond Ritter #9 of the Cincinnati Bearcats passes against Azeez Ojulari #13 of the Georgia Bulldogs during Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 01, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham /Getty Images)

Ojulari is projected as high as a mid first-round pick in this year’s NFL Draft.

 

Make sure and check out the new episode of UGA Football Live with J.C. Shelton! This week I talk about Dawgs who are coming back for next season and give out more of our season superlatives. Listen here:

Pair of Georgia LBs make Butkus Award watch list

Two Georgia football LBs have been named to the Dick Butkus Award watch list for the 2020 college football season.

Georgia linebackers Azeez Ojulari and Monty Rice have recently been named to the 2020 Butkus Award watch list.

This award, named after legendary University of Illinois and Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus, is given annually to college football’s most outstanding linebacker.

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Since the award’s origination in 1985, only one Bulldog has won it, that being Roquan Smith in 2017.Ā  Roquan coincidentally now starts at linebacker for the Chicago Bears.

The redshirt sophomore Ojulari saw time in eleven games in 2019, putting up 33 total tackles (14 solo), 5.5 sacks and one forced fumble.Ā  He is a rising star in the SEC and a notable defender to look out for this season.

Rising senior Monty Rice has been a staple in the Dawgs’ recent ferocious defense.Ā  It is no surprise that Rice is on this watch list.Ā  Rice saw time in 8 games his freshman year, 9 his sophomore year and played all 14 his junior year.Ā  He has racked up 170 total tackles (85 solo), 4 pass deflections, one sack and one forced fumble in his career at UGA.

These two will both play big roles in Georgia’s defense this year, a defense that ranked No. 1 in team defense in 2019.