Tag: georgia bulldogs 2021 nfl draft

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’s Eric Stokes receives NFL player comparison

Georgia Bulldogs cornerback Eric Stokes was a tough to throw on at the college level. Stokes is projected as an early 2021 NFL draft pick

Georgia Bulldogs cornerback Eric Stokes was a challenge to throw on at the college level. Stokes, who ran an impressive 40-yard dash, is very athletic and has several seasons of starting experience.

In a recent NFL mock draft, Stokes goes No. 61 (second round) to the Buffalo Bills. Stokes has been compared to former Tennessee Titans defensive back Coty Sensabaugh ahead of the 2021 NFL draft.

Here’s how NFL.com evaluates Stokes’ strengths and weaknesses ahead of the 2021 NFL draft:

Depending upon scheme, need or preference, Stokes offers teams the potential to play him outside or from the slot. Speed and quickness should allow him to stay with route runners or within close-out distance when he gets behind. Stokes played with better press technique in 2020 and he’s willing to get physical near the goal line, but his play strength is below average. While there have been mild flashes of playmaking potential, he’s more likely to play the receiver rather than attacking the football and looking for takeaways. He’s twitchy in tight quarters with the potential to become more disruptive in zone. His size, speed and athleticism could make him a Day 2 pick as a future CB3, but his weakness as a run defender will be challenged quickly by NFL offenses.

Eric Stokes has what it takes to play outside defensive back in the NFL. Stokes dominated on the outside at Georgia and seldom allowed a catch that wasn’t heavily contested. He did not play the slot much after his freshman season. Stokes played well against top flight competition and has NFL-level speed and quickness.

Stokes played in 37 career college football games and recorded 78 total tackles, so, yes, he could be more aggressive as a tackler. The NFL is a passing league and being able to cover receivers closely is far more important than tackling in the run game for cornerbacks.

The former Georgia star has been compared to Sensabaugh. Who is  Sensabaugh?

The Tennessee Titans drafted Sensabaugh, a former Clemson Tiger, with a fourth-round pick in the 2012 NFL draft. Sensabaugh played in the NFL from 2012-2019, but was only a regular starter for two seasons.

Sensabaugh was athletic, but he did not have the elite production of Stokes in college. At Georgia, Stokes was named an All-American by CBS Sports and 247Sports for his efforts in the 2020 season. Stokes intercepted four passes as a junior.

Sensabaugh intercepted three passes in his entire NFL career. Overall, this comparison may not be the best. Regardless of his comparison, Stokes will likely be drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft.

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Oct. 28, 2018; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Coty Sensabaugh (24) in action during the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field. Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Georgia’s Eric Stokes receives NFL player comparison

Georgia Bulldogs cornerback Eric Stokes was a tough to throw on at the college level. Stokes is projected as an early 2021 NFL draft pick

Georgia Bulldogs cornerback Eric Stokes was a challenge to throw on at the college level. Stokes, who ran an impressive 40-yard dash, is very athletic and has several seasons of starting experience.

In a recent NFL mock draft, Stokes goes No. 61 (second round) to the Buffalo Bills. Stokes has been compared to former Tennessee Titans defensive back Coty Sensabaugh ahead of the 2021 NFL draft.

Here’s how NFL.com evaluates Stokes’ strengths and weaknesses ahead of the 2021 NFL draft:

Depending upon scheme, need or preference, Stokes offers teams the potential to play him outside or from the slot. Speed and quickness should allow him to stay with route runners or within close-out distance when he gets behind. Stokes played with better press technique in 2020 and he’s willing to get physical near the goal line, but his play strength is below average. While there have been mild flashes of playmaking potential, he’s more likely to play the receiver rather than attacking the football and looking for takeaways. He’s twitchy in tight quarters with the potential to become more disruptive in zone. His size, speed and athleticism could make him a Day 2 pick as a future CB3, but his weakness as a run defender will be challenged quickly by NFL offenses.

Eric Stokes has what it takes to play outside defensive back in the NFL. Stokes dominated on the outside at Georgia and seldom allowed a catch that wasn’t heavily contested. He did not play the slot much after his freshman season. Stokes played well against top flight competition and has NFL-level speed and quickness.

Stokes played in 37 career college football games and recorded 78 total tackles, so, yes, he could be more aggressive as a tackler. The NFL is a passing league and being able to cover receivers closely is far more important than tackling in the run game for cornerbacks.

The former Georgia star has been compared to Sensabaugh. Who is  Sensabaugh?

The Tennessee Titans drafted Sensabaugh, a former Clemson Tiger, with a fourth-round pick in the 2012 NFL draft. Sensabaugh played in the NFL from 2012-2019, but was only a regular starter for two seasons.

Sensabaugh was athletic, but he did not have the elite production of Stokes in college. At Georgia, Stokes was named an All-American by CBS Sports and 247Sports for his efforts in the 2020 season. Stokes intercepted four passes as a junior.

Sensabaugh intercepted three passes in his entire NFL career. Overall, this comparison may not be the best. Regardless of his comparison, Stokes will likely be drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft.

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Oct. 28, 2018; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Coty Sensabaugh (24) in action during the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field. Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

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

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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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Two Georgia football players go in first round of 2021 NFL mock draft

Two Georgia Bulldogs are projected to be first round picks in the 2021 NFL Draft., which will be held in Cleveland, Ohio.

Two Georgia Bulldogs are projected to be first round picks in the 2021 NFL Draft.

The 2021 NFL Draft will be held in Cleveland, Ohio. A lot will change before then, but Walter Football projects that a pair of Bulldogs will go in the first round: safety Richard LeCounte and quarterback Jamie Newman.

This fall will mark the final season of eligibility for LeCounte and Newman, so expect for both of them (barring redshirt, etc.) to enter into the 2021 NFL Draft.

Richard LeCounte is projected as the 11th overall pick.

Nov 16, 2019; Auburn, AL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Richard LeCounte (2) celebrates after the Auburn Tigers failed to covert a fourth down late in the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium.Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

Wake Forest transfer quarterback Jamie Newman is projected as the 23rd overall pick.

Nov 16, 2019; Clemson, SC, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons quarterback Jamie Newman looks to pass the ball against the Clemson Tigers. Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Do you anticipate more Dawgs will be selected in the first round of 2020? Ben Cleveland, Monty Rice and Malik Herring headline UGA’s talented seniors who aren’t mentioned above.

Additionally, Jordan Davis, Jamaree Salyer, Trey Hill, Eric Stokes, James Cook, and Tyson Campbell are among  Georgia’s most likely juniors to declare for the NFL Draft early. Redshirt sophomores can also declare for the Draft as underclassmen.

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