Tag: georgia nfl draft

Watch: Kenny McIntosh’s emotional NFL draft call with Seattle

Watch: Kenny McIntosh’s emotional NFL draft call with Seattle

The Seattle Seahawks were surprised to see former Georgia Bulldogs running back Kenny McIntosh on the draft board in the seventh round. Seattle, which had already selected a top running back in 2022 and 2023, decided McIntosh was too good to pass up.

McIntosh brings excellent receiving skills to Seattle. He caught 43 passes for 504 yards and two touchdowns during his final season at Georgia. McIntosh’s versatility played in key role in Georgia’s back-to-back national championship victories.

The Seahawks selected McIntosh with the 237th pick.

Here’s McIntosh’s emotional NFL draft call with Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, general manager John Schneider and running backs coach Chad Morton:

McIntosh clocked a 4.62 second 40-yard dash at the 2023 NFL combine. McIntosh’s 40 time is the third slowest at his position. However, quickness is more important than long distance speed for running backs. McIntosh’s 1.54 second 10-yard split was in the middle of the pack for running backs.

McIntosh’s combine performance contributed to his draft slide. The draft featured so many talented running backs that teams had a number of good options even in the late rounds.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

10 Georgia Bulldogs go in Matt Miller’s latest NFL mock draft

ESPN’s Matt Miller has 2 Dawgs in the top-10…

It’s officially 2023 NFL draft week. The event will kickoff in Kansas City on April 27 and will be televised on NFL Network and ESPN.

Georgia football set a modern draft record last spring with 15 selections, including five players taken in the first round and the No. 1 overall pick, Travon Walker.

This year’s draft class is smaller for the Bulldogs, but we can expect to hear several familiar names called early on Thursday.

ESPN NFL draft analyst Matt Miller recently released his seven-round mock draft, which includes 10 Georgia Bulldogs and two in the top 10.

Here is where each Bulldog landed

5 Georgia defenders go in first-round of NFL mock draft

FIVE UGA defenders go in the first-round…

Georgia’s dominant 2021 defense is certainly going to be represented well in this year’s NFL draft.

In NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah’s latest mock draft, five UGA defenders were selected in the first-round, which would be a Georgia record.

Here’s where Jeremiah thinks each Bulldog might land:

ESPN’s Mel Kiper names six Bulldogs in Top 10 positional rankings ahead of NFL draft

ESPN’s Mel Kiper has named six Bulldogs to his updated top 10 positional rankings ahead of the NFL draft. Listen here.

ESPN‘s Mel Kiper recently updated his top 10 rankings by position ahead of the 2021 NFL draft and Georgia football is represented by six players.

McKitty is ranked as Kiper’s No. 6 tight end. McKitty transferred to Georgia from Florida State for his senior season and battled through injuries at the top of the season. He did start the last seven games and caught six passes for 108 yards and a touchdown.

Georgia tight end Tre’ McKitty runs a pattern during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Florida, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Cleveland is Kiper’s eight ranked guard. The Toccoa, Ga., native was named 2020 All-SEC first-team by the league coaches and earned second-team All-American honors from the Athletic. Cleveland had a strong showing at Georgia’s pro day where he ran an unofficial 4.85 forty yard dash and bench pressed 225 pounds 30 times.

Oct 5, 2019; Knoxville, TN, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Ben Cleveland (74) blocking during a game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports

Hill is rated as the No. 7 center on Kiper’s board. Hill was an anchor on Georgia’s line the last two seasons. He was voted as 2020 preseason All-SEC before battling injuries throughout the season. He missed Georgia’s Peach Bowl win over Cincinnati recovering from knee surgeries. He looks to have made a full recovery and participated in Georgia’s pro day.

Apr 20, 2019; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Trey Hill (55) blocks during the Georgia spring game at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Ojulari is the highest rated Dawg on Kiper’s board, coming in at No. 3 among outside linebackers. Ojulari is projected as a first round pick and for good reason. He was a semi finalist for the Chuck Bedarik Award, given to the nation’s best defensive player and was rated as one of the best pass rushers in the nation, according to Pro Football Focus. 

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

Campbell is rated as the No. 5 cornerback on Kiper’s board. Campbell had a strong showing at Georgia’s pro day, clocking an unofficial 4.37 in the forty yard dash. Campbell was a lockdown corner for the Bulldogs the last two seasons and led the team with 5 pass break ups in 2020.

Georgia defensive back Tyson Campbell (3) covers a play against Florida during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Kiper has LeCounte rated as the No. 10 corner in the draft. Even though LeCounte’s production as a Dawg was incredible, draft scouts don’t relate that to an NFL field. At Georgia, LeCounte had 8 interceptions over his last 21 games and piled up 176 career tackles. His injury in a motorcycle accident last season kept LeCounte out of the spotlight.

Jan 1, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Richard LeCounte (2) on the field prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

 

A new episode of “UGA Football Live with J.C. Shelton” is here! J.C. is joined by former Georgia tight end Arthur Lynch to talk UGA football, his life as U.S. Army 2nd Lieutenant and more. Listen here:

2 Bulldogs go in first round of Draft Wire’s latest NFL mock draft

Check out which Georgia Bulldogs are selected in this recent NFL mock draft from Draft Wire.

Georgia football has 11 players participating in the 2021 NFL Draft. A few are projected as first round picks.

USA TODAY’s Draft Wire recently released a two-round NFL mock draft, which, no surprise here, features two former Dawgs.

Projected to land with the Miami Dolphins at pick No. 18 is Azeez Ojulari. The edge defender is one of the highest-graded pass rushers in this year’s draft.

Jan 1, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Azeez Ojulari (13) holds the trophy as head coach Kirby Smart and place kicker Jack Podlesny (96) look on after a victory against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Ojulari recorded three sacks and a forced fumble in the Bulldogs 24-21 win over Cincinnati in the Peach Bowl, earning him defensive MVP honors. He followed up with an impressive showing at Georgia’s pro day March 17.

Projected to land with the New York Jets at pick No. 23 (via the Seattle Seahawks) is Eric Stokes. The cornerback has had an impressive offseason preparing for the draft. He ran a 4.25 forty yard dash at former NFL receiver Brandon Marshall’s combine event and then ran 4.29 at UGA’s pro day.

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart, left, cheers on defensive back Eric Stokes (27) as he returns a Florida interception for a 37-yard touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Stokes was a lockdown defender at Georgia, earning All-American honors in his final season with the Bulldogs. He led the SEC in interceptions in 2020 (4) and returned two for touchdowns.
—

A new episode of “UGA Football Live with J.C. Shelton” is here! J.C. is joined by former Georgia tight end Arthur Lynch to talk UGA football, his life as U.S. Army 2nd Lieutenant and more. Listen here:

One Georgia Bulldog goes in the first-round of USA TODAY’s latest NFL mock draft

Here’s what Georgia Bulldog was taken in the USA TODAY’s latest NFL mock draft.

The USA TODAY’s Doug Farrar of Touchdown Wire recently released his first NFL mock draft of the year and there is one Georgia Bulldog on the lineup.

That’s star linebacker, 2020 Peach Bowl MVP, Azeez Ojulari. The 2020 SEC sack leader is projected to land with the Tennessee Titans at pick No. 22 in the first-round.

In 27 games at Georgia, Ojulari racked up 71 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 14 sacks and five forced fumbles. And in 2020, his most dominant season, was named a finalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award, given to the nation’s best defensive player, and earned second team All-SEC honors by both the Associated Press and the league’s coaches.

Ojulari would be a great fit for the Titans, who have a good young defensive coach in Mike Vrabel and run a 3-4 scheme similar to what Ojulari played in under coach Kirby Smart and defensive coordinator Dan Lanning at Georgia.

If Ojulari can pick up in the NFL where he left off in the Bulldogs Peach Bowl win over Cincinnati, he’ll be a star wherever he lands.

Ojulari and the rest of the NFL Draft-bound Bulldogs will look to boost their draft stock during the Georgia pro day scheduled for March 17th.

The draft is scheduled for Thursday, April 29 to Saturday, May 1 on NFL Network and ESPN.

 

Pro Football Network ranks top-10 safety prospects for 2021 NFL Draft – Georgia’s Richard LeCounte too low

Georgia football senior Richard LeCounte ranked in the top-ten of PFN’s safety prospects for the 2020 NFL Draft.

Pro Football Network recently ranked the top-ten safety prospects for the 2021 NFL Draft.

The site included Georgia senior Richard LeCounte, but in my opinion has the Riceboro native too low.

LeCounte checked in at No. 8 on the list.

From PFN:

“One of the most well-rounded players in the class, Richard LeCounte has arguably the highest floor of any safety in this class. Consistently productive for the Bulldogs, he projects as a quality starter in the NFL. LeCounte has decent size, decent athletic ability, and a decent skill-set all around. Unfortunately, that can be both a pro and a con, as it lowers his ceiling in the NFL. Will LeCounte ever be an impact playmaker? Potentially, but I wouldn’t bet on it. However, he can be a consistent and quality starter for a long time.”

Through three seasons, two of which saw him as a full-time starter, LeCounte has racked up 150 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, five interceptions, six pass breakups, five fumble recoveries, and four forced fumbles.

LeCounte ranked as the second best prospect in the SEC, according to PFN, behind only LSU’s JaCoby Stevens.

LeCounte has established himself as a playmaker on Georgia’s elite defense. Georgia had the top-ranked scoring defense in the nation last season. LeCounte does lose his partner in crime at the safety position, J.R. Reed, though. He’ll miss Reed, but now he’s ready to run the back-end of UGA’s defense.

The former five-star recruit has forced a combined nine turnovers over the last two seasons. LeCounte recorded the second most interceptions in the SEC last season with four. He recovered the most fumbles (three) in the league as well. It’ll be a pleasure to watch his last season between the hedges.

First NFL game for each of Georgia’s 2020 rookies

The 2020 NFL schedule was released on Thursday, so we bring a look at each of Georgia football’s rookies first pro games.

Thursday, the NFL released the schedule for the 2020 football season, providing more optimism that football will be played in the fall.

What that will look like remains to be known, but for now, let’s take a second to look ahead to the games on the schedule which feature newly drafted, former Bulldogs.

Georgia had seven players drafted into the NFL this year. Opening week’s Monday Night Football features a double-header (Giants vs Steelers and Titans vs Broncos). That means we will be able to watch both of Georgia’s first round offensive tackles (Andrew Thomas, Isaiah Wilson) on that first Monday night.

Here is a list of each of the draftee’s first NFL game.

New York Giants – OT Andrew Thomas (4th overall pick) and LB Tae Crowder (last pick, 255)

Giants vs Steelers – Monday, September 14, 7:15 p.m. ET on ESPN

Tennessee Titans – OT Isaiah Wilson (29th pick)

Titans at Broncos – Monday, September 14, 10:10 p.m. ET on ESPN

Detroit Lions – RB D’Andre Swift (35th pick)

Lions at Bears – Sunday, September 13, 1:00 p.m. ET on FOX

Miami Dolphins – OG Solomon Kindley ( pick No. 111)

Dolphins at Patriots – Sunday, September 13, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS

Buffalo Bills – QB Jake Fromm (pick No. 167)

Bills vs Jets – Sunday, September 13, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS

San Francisco 49ers – TE Charlie Woerner (pick No. 190)

49ers vs Cardinals – Sunday, September 13, 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX

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.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1]