Tag: Georgia Bulldogs NFL Draft

Watch: Eric Stokes runs 4.2 40-yard dash at combine

Georgia Bulldogs cornerback Eric Stokes raised his NFL draft stock with a 4.2 40-yard dash

Georgia Bulldogs cornerback Eric Stokes improved his NFL draft stock with a 4.2 40-yard dash during his combine workout. Stokes was Georgia’s No. 1 cornerback this past season and is looking to be a first-round selection in the 2021 NFL draft.

Stokes intercepted four passes this past season for the University of Georgia. The Covington, Georgia, product returned two of his interceptions for touchdowns.

The speedy defensive back is 6 feet, 1 inch and weighs 185 pounds. Stokes had an impressive workout at former NFL wide receiver Brandon Marshall’s combine. Additionally, the Georgia standout’s 41-inch vertical jump will catch the eye of NFL scouts.

Here’s the video of Stokes’ impressive 40-yard dash:

Eric Stokes really shows his track speed in his 40-yard dash. Stokes ran track at Eastside High School before heading to the University of Georgia.

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Georgia football’s Ben Cleveland wants to break NFL combine record

Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Ben Cleveland will try to break the NFL combine bench press record at Georgia’ 2021 pro day.

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Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Ben Cleveland is an incredible athlete and will try to break the NFL combine bench press record at Georgia’ 2021 pro day. Cleveland has been preparing for the 2021 NFL Draft after he opted out of the Peach Bowl against Cincinnati.

Ben Cleveland, who attended Stephens County High School, started at offensive guard for Georgia this season. Ben Cleveland dominated as a run blocker during the 2021 season. He’s one of the strongest players to ever come through the University of Georgia football program and should test well on all athletic tests on pro day.

Cleveland should have a legitimate chance to break the combine bench press record of 49 reps of 225 pounds. Former Oregon State defensive tackle Stephen Paea (2011) currently holds the NFL combine bench press record.

While Ben Cleveland wouldn’t officially set the record, it would still be an impressive accomplishment and help boost his NFL draft stock.

Ben Cleveland played for the University of Georgia from 2016-2020. Cleveland made an immediate impact as a freshman and played in every game during Georgia’s SEC Championship season in 2017.

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Georgia LB Monty Rice drops highlight video ahead of NFL Draft

Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Monty Rice declared for the 2021 NFL draft this offseason. Here are his highlights.

Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Monty Rice declared for the 2021 NFL draft this offseason. Now, the James Clemens High School product will look to impress NFL scouts and find an NFL home.

Rice leaves the University of Georgia with an impressive resume. He racked up 49 total tackles in 2020 and forced two fumbles in four seasons.

Rice finished the 2019 season as a second-team All-SEC performer. Rice recorded a team-best 89 tackles in 2019. He helped Georgia have the top run defense in the country in 2019.

Rice came to Athens as a low four-star or high three-star recruit depending on the recruiting service. Rice proved himself right away and was a big reason UGA didn’t allow a rushing touchdown in 2019. Overall, he was a key piece on some of the most impressive defenses in the country throughout his career.

Rice and Georgia’s defense held opposing teams to the lowest yards per carry average in the nation last season. Rice’s sound gap integrity and consistent tackling helped Georgia’s run defense be so efficient.

Here’s Monty Rice’s career highlights from his time at the University of Georgia:

Monty Rice’s highlights show off some of his top strengths: tackling in the open field, play recognition and his ability to force fumbles. He has the talent to play right away on early downs in the NFL.

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Georgia has one on PFF’s list of ‘top-10 returning CFB o-linemen’

UGA football OL Jamaree Salyer checked in on Pro Football Focus’ list of the top returning college football linemen.

Georgia offensive lineman Jamaree Slayer checked in at No. 5 on Pro Football Focus’ list of the top-10 returning offensive linemen in college football for 2021.

That No. 5 national ranking puts him at third in the SEC as well.

From PFF:

Salyer had ā€œbreakoutā€ written all over him in 2020 after shining on limited reps all across the line in previous seasons. The 2018 four-star ā€” who ranked 10th nationally, according to 247Sports ā€” excelled in his first full season in a starting role, posting an 81.2 PFF grade. Salyer earned grades above 77.0 as both a pass blocker and a run blocker, something only 10 Power Five tackles accomplished this past season.

Salyer, who started nine games at left tackle in 2020 before moving to guard for the Peach Bowl, was ranked as theĀ highest-graded left tackle in the SEC in 2020, with a score of 88.9, per PFF.

He showed growth as the season progressed and closed out his year with an impressive hot streak, ranking No. 2 among all Power Five offensive linemen in pass-blocking grade over his last four games (90.6). Salyer is capable of playing anywhere on the line at an extremely high level. He proved that in 2018 and 2019 before cementing it in Georgiaā€™s bowl game against Cincinnati when he played at left guard and didnā€™t give up a single pressure on over 40 pass-blocking snaps.

Salyer has logged 36 appearances in his college football career.

He came to UGA as a five-star offensive guard recruit out of Atlanta, Georgia, where heĀ played high school ball at Pace Academy with Andrew Thomas for three seasons before coming to Georgia.

Georgia football Twitter reacts: OL Jamaree Salyer is returning

Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer is returning for another season at the University of Georgia

Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer is returning for another season at the University of Georgia. His return gives Georgia a big boost in offensive line experience. Salyer has logged 36 appearances in his college football career.

Salyer came to the University of Georgia as a five-star offensive guard recruit out of Atlanta, Georgia. Salyer started at left tackle for the first nine games of the 2020 season and then played left guard in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.

Salyer played high school football at Pace Academy with Andrew Thomas for three seasons before coming to Georgia. Salyer will hope to be as well regarded as his high school teammate when his career in Athens is over. Salyer is technically a junior, so he could comeback for another season.

Here’s how Georgia football Twitter reacted to the news (announcement among the reaction):

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What Georgia Bulldogs have declared for the 2021 NFL Draft?

Numerous Georgia Bulldogs have announced that they intend to enter into the 2021 NFL Draft and several others are staying in Athens.

Eleven Georgia Bulldogs have announced that they intend to enter into the 2021 NFL Draft. Remaining players have about a week to make a decision on their NFL future. Additionally, six notable players have announced that they’re returning to the University of Georgia for another season.

The 2021 offseason is unique because players can transfer and be immediately eligible. The 2020 season does not count against anybody’s eligibility either.

Kirby Smart and Georgia will have to replace five defensive backs who have declared for the 2021 NFL Draft. The Bulldogs are only losing two offensive linemen and a tight end on the offensive side of the football. Quarterback JT Daniels is returning for another season and so are the vast majority of his weapons.

Here’s a list of every Georgia Bulldog who have made decisions regarding the 2021 NFL Draft:

UGA football CB Tyson Campbell declares for 2021 NFL Draft

Georgia Bulldogs cornerback Tyson Campbell is entering the 2021 NFL Draft.

Georgia Bulldogs cornerback Tyson Campbell is entering the 2021 NFL Draft. Campbell joins fellow Georgia starting cornerback Eric Stokes in entering the NFL Draft.

Tyson Campbell came to the University of Georgia as a highly touted five-star recruit. Campbell helped lead American Heritage High School (Plantation, Florida) to a state championship in 2017.

Kirby Smart, Dan Lanning, and the defensive staff will have their hands full trying to rebuild the secondary for the 2021 season. Both Campbell and Stokes are projected to be selected in the first few rounds of the 2021 NFL Draft. It is tough to replace that level of talent, but fortunately, Georgia as several elite recruits to fill in the void.

Throwback to one of the best plays of Tyson Campbell’s career. He’ll be missed.

Tyson Campbell thanked coach Smart, Georgia, and announced his NFL Draft decision via his Twitter account:

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UGA football OL declares for NFL Draft, opts out of Peach Bowl

Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Ben Cleveland has declared for the 2021 NFL Draft and is opting out of the Peach Bowl against Cincinnati

Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Ben Cleveland has declared for the 2021 NFL Draft and is opting out of the Peach Bowl against Cincinnati. Cleveland is a senior, so he had the option to stay in Athens for yet another year.

Ben Cleveland, who attended Stephens County High School, started at offensive guard for Georgia this season. Now, he’ll likely be replaced by Warren Ericson. The Peach Bowl will give Georgia fans an opportunity to see what the offensive line will look like in the future.

Last season, both Isaiah Wilson and Andrew Thomas opted out of the Sugar Bowl against Baylor. The duo ended up as first round picks in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Ben Cleveland dominated as a run blocker this season. He’s one of the strongest players to ever come through the University of Georgia football program and will be a treat to watch in the NFL and at the NFL Combine (look for him to put up freak numbers there).

Ben Cleveland thanked Georgia Bulldogs fans, his coaches, and his teammates in a message via his Twitter account:

Georgia Bulldog fans should be grateful for all the years Ben Cleveland spent in Athens from 2016-2020. Cleveland made an immediate impact as a freshman and played in every game during Georgia’s SEC Championship season in 2017.

Ben Cleveland is set to be among the numerous Georgia football participants in the 2021 Senior Bowl.

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Isaiah Wilson signs life-changing contract with Titans

Tennessee Titans and former Georgia Bulldog OT Isaiah Wilson was removed from the Reserve/COVID-19 list and signed his rookie contact.

Tennessee Titans and former Georgia Bulldog offensive tackle Isaiah Wilson likely had one of the best days of his life. Wilson was removed from the Reserve/COVID-19 list and signed his rookie contract.

Wilson is the NFL’s final first round 2020 NFL Draft pick to be signed according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Wilson has signed a four-year $11.6M rookie contact that includes a team option following the fourth year of the deal.

The Tennessee Titans drafted Wilson with the 29th pick of the NFL Draft to help improve their offensive front. Now, he’s ready for training camp and the preparation for start of the season.

Both Wilson and Andrew Thomas were selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. It’s an impressive accomplishment for the offensive tackle duo.

Wilson will have the enviable task of blocking for superstar running back Derrick Henry this season. He’s in a great situation in Nashville and should thrive for the Titans.

Feb 26, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Georgia offensive lineman Isaiah Wilson at the 2020 NFL Combine. Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Georgia Bulldogs safety J.R. Reed signs with AFC South team

Georgia Bulldogs safety J.R. Reed has shockingly gone undrafted after being a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Award.

Georgia Bulldogs safety J.R. Reed has shockingly gone undrafted. Now, he’s signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Reed was a playmaking defensive back for the Dawgs last season. He elected to return for his senior season and did not disappoint.

Reed was a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Award, awarded to the top defensive player in the country, during his 2019 campaign. Reed defended seven passes last season and intercepted a pass against Notre Dame. He forced seven turnovers over his career in Athens.

Reed will be playing at the next level in the NFL despite going undrafteed. He’ll be a priority free agent for NFL teams.

He has excellent anticipation and helped Georgia make three straight SEC Championships. During his senior season the Georgia Bulldogs had the best scoring defense in the NCAA.

Before the NFL Draft, Reed has been compared to a Dallas Cowboys safety. Reed is NFL-ready and is fully capable of starting. He’s a little older than most prospects, but his experience and solid fundamentals should help him adapt to the speed of the game in the NFL. Reed will be extremely motivated to prove his doubters wrong.

Sep 21, 2019; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive back J.R. Reed reacts with head coach Kirby Smart reacts after intercepting a pass against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

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