Tag: NFL Draft news

Georgia DL Travon Walker now favorite to be No. 1 overall pick

Oddsmakers have Georgia EDGE Travon Walker going 1st overall on Thursday night…

On Thursday, the 2022 NFL draft will begin. As many as 14 Georgia Bulldogs could hear their name called over the weekend, but one Dawg is tabbed by oddsmakers to be the No. 1 overall pick.

Travon Walker has overtaken Heisman runner-up Aidan Hutchinson for the best odds (-160) at being taken No. 1, per Tipico Sportsbook.

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Walker’s draft stock has taken off maybe more than any other prospect this offseason. While the junior did play more than any other UGA defensive lineman in 2021 (56% of snaps), Walker’s production is nowhere near that of guys like Hutchinson and Oregon EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux. 

What makes the Thomaston, Ga., native so intriguing to NFL teams is his freaky athleticism. Walker had one of the best combine performances we’ve ever seen at 6-foot-5, 275 pounds.

NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay explained why Walker is at least a Top-2 pick. 

“The (Travon Walker’s) Combine was ridiculous… If you’re drafting him No. 1 if you’re Jacksonville or if you’re No. 2 if you’re Detroit, you’re betting on the traits. And you’re betting on what you see on tape and what can be if you utilize him a little differently.

This guy just has elite traits that you just can’t find in any other player in this Draft.”

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Matthew Stafford is the last Georgia Bulldog to be selected No. 1 overall in 2008.

Draft coverage will begin this Thursday, April 29 at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC, ESPN and NFL Network. 

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

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Cardinals set to host Alabama WR Jameson Williams for a visit

The Cardinals are set to meet with star receiver Jameson Williams next week, a move that would be praised across the valley.

Perhaps the most exciting news for Arizona Cardinals fans this offseason, the team is set to host Alabama star receiver Jameson Williams for an official top-30 visit next week.

Williams, who has largely been connected to the Cardinals and is at the top of many of the fans’ wish lists, is one of the premier prospects in this draft. His draft stock has fallen due to a torn ACL suffered in the national championship in January, otherwise, he would likely be completely out of the Cardinals’ range at pick 23.

Originally reported by Jordan Schultz, Williams will meet with the team brass next week with two weeks to go until draft night. We’ve discussed Williams’ perfect fit in Arizona at length on the site, so it’s certainly reassuring to see the team potentially looking to make him their first-round draft selection.

Prior to this news, there were rumblings of the Cardinals’ interest in Williams and the high-ceiling they view him to have. This only confirms those rumors and adds to the signs that the team is looking to draft a wide receiver with their first-round pick.

With a large cap hit for star wideout DeAndre Hopkins, it appears the Cardinals are looking towards the draft to fill their void at receiver, as securing a star in the first round grants the team up to five years of affordable production at the position. It is also a sign of good faith towards Kyler Murray, as they have yet to add any pieces to support himself offensively this spring.

Could the Cardinals also be eying a trade-up in the draft? They’ve now met with the likes of Williams, LSU’s Derek Stingley and FSU’s Jermaine Johnson, all of whom are projected to be selected by pick 23. It’s possible the Cardinals were quiet on the trade block during free agency with eyes on some of these prospects.

Jameson Williams to the Cardinals is slowly turning into a real possibility.

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Cardinals NFL draft player preview: Purdue EDGE George Karlaftis

George Karlaftis, a projected first round pick, recently had a Top-30 visit with the Cardinals. Can he be the successor to franchise icon Chandler Jones?

We are a little over two weeks away from the highly anticipated 2022 NFL draft. As we get closer, some official top-30 visits become known to the general public. For the Cardinals, one of those visits is Purdue’s George Karlaftis, whom they hosted for a visit last week.

The Cardinals currently have yet to make any major moves in free agency. They brought back two of their own in Zach Ertz and James Conner, but have left huge holes at both the edge rusher and wide receiver position. While most of the draft hype for the Cardinals has involved the receiver position, perhaps they are looking at finding Chandler Jones’ replacement.

Karlaftis is a projected first-round edge rusher who has seen his draft stock increase over the past few weeks. While he only had 4.5 sacks last season, he was a consistent threat in opposing backfields. Nicknamed ‘The Greek Freak’, Karlaftis was named to the second-team All-Big Ten in 2020, despite only appearing in three games. In his rookie season, he totaled 7.5 sacks.

Karlaftis is at his best with power and bull rush moves that force offensive tackles back into their quarterback. One of his biggest critiques is trying too many speed moves on the edge, particularly for a guy his size. These critics don’t believe, at his speed, that those moves will translate in the NFL.

Despite the critics, Karlaftis excelled on the field when he played. In 26 games, he had 29 tackles for loss and 14 sacks. He’s been one of the more polarizing prospects in this draft. Some love him while the others wouldn’t spend a first-round selection on him.

There is certainly a question as to the team’s ability to groom a first-round defensive player. Their last two selections, Isaiah Simmons and Zaven Collins, hardly saw playing time in their rookie seasons. It was extraordinarily frustrating, particularly given the reserve players that often played over two first-round picks. Is the front office really going to do the same again?

Karlaftis would have competition from Devon Kennard and Dennis Gardeck, which would bode well for his playing time on paper. However, the past two seasons have proven nothing in terms of developing young defensive talent.

What are your thoughts on drafting George Karlaftis with the 23rd overall pick?

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Cardinals NFL draft preview: WR Drake London

USC’s Drake London is an intriguing option to complete Cardinals’ group of skill position players.

With the Arizona Cardinals, to this point, opting not to add any wide receivers in free agency, all signs point to a premium draft pick going towards the position in this month’s NFL draft.

One of the highest-rated prospects at the position this year is USC’s Drake London. At 6-4, he was one of the nation’s best at making contested grabs and the jump ball.

It just so happens, Cardinals’ star quarterback Kyler Murray often gives his big-bodied receivers chances to make plays, even in contested coverage. London fits the height the team has sought at the Z receiver position, particularly with A.J. Green last season.

Most mock drafts have London being selected far before the Cardinals pick at 23, but recently Charles Davis of NFL.com had the Pac-12 playmaker falling to Arizona. Davis actually suggested London could play in the slot as well.

Big frame, big production. Larry Fitzgerald moved to the slot and put up terrific numbers at the end of his career. London moved inside often at USC in 2021 and thrived. He can do the same to help QB Kyler Murray get the Cards back to the playoffs — and potentially log a postseason win or two.

While London would most likely play most of the time outside, it certainly helps to have positional flexibility based on the strengths and weaknesses of opposing defenses. In 2020, he actually lined up primarily in the slot before moving outside last season.

Prior to suffering an ankle injury, London was absolutely electric. In only eight games, he totaled 88 receptions, 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns. His 19 contested catches were the most among qualified receivers. Coupled with that were his 22 forced missed tackles in those eight games, a trait desperately needed in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense.

Due to his size and strength, London’s most common NFL comp is Tampa Bay’s Mike Evans. There are some concerns about his route-running ability, given his limited route tree at USC and low separation rates. He wasn’t the fastest receiver in college, either, but we’ll know more when he officially runs his 40-yard dash during his pro day on April 15th.

If London succeeds at the NFL level as he did in college, he would be a perfect addition for the Cardinals. They have DeAndre Hopkins to draw most of the attention, allowing London to see more single coverage, particularly as he learns on the spot during his rookie year. Rondale Moore is projected to be their speed and deep threat player. London’s height and jump ball ability is a perfect complement to Kyler Murray’s game.

His physicality would also be welcome, particularly given the team’s second-half struggles the past two seasons. Partnered with the physical running game behind James Conner, London would thrive in Arizona.

We’ll see if the SoCal product comes out east to the valley in a few weeks time.

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Could the Cardinals trade up for LSU CB Derek Stingley Jr.?

The Cardinals recently worked out one of the top prospects in this year’s draft. Sitting at pick 23, however, it appears they could be exploring a trade up.

In 2011, the Arizona Cardinals selected a premier cornerback prospect out of Louisiana State University. Patrick Peterson, the fifth overall selection in that draft, is one of the best players in franchise history and will one day have his name etched into the stadium’s walls.

In 2022, the Cards may once again be shooting for the stars with another top LSU cornerback prospect. Derek Stingley, one of the highest-graded prospects in this year’s draft, recently worked out for the Cardinals’ defensive backs coaches at his pro day. 

Sitting with the 23rd overall pick, it seems nearly impossible the team has any shot to land the star defensive back at their current position. However, being one of the nine teams to hold a workout with him certainly indicates a high level of interest.

For those that are unaware, the Cardinals were exploring a huge trade up in last year’s draft in Florida TE Kyle Pitts. There was a scenario in which he fell a few spots had Atlanta opted to select a quarterback with the fourth overall pick. A few sources had indicated the Cardinals’ interest in coming up.

This willingness to make a bold trade up for a prospect they covet could come into play here, albeit on a smaller scale. Stingley would likely need to fall out of the top ten for the Cards to consider a move up. With the team voicing their desire to extend cornerback Byron Murphy and faith in second-year pro Marco Wilson, it doesn’t seem like they’d mortgage the future for a cornerback prospect.

Stingley could end up falling due to a Lis Franc injury that limited him to only three games this season. That, and the rising draft stock of fellow cornerback prospects Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner and Trent McDuffie could factor into Stingley sliding in the draft.

We will continue to explore possible draft day trades for the Cardinals as we get closer to the draft, but for now, there are a couple of important notes. First, the Cardinals do not pick until the sixth round following their third-round selection. They have used many of this year’s picks already (Ertz trade, Wilson trade up). Simply put, they don’t have a ton of draft capital without tapping into next year’s.

A trade up involving this year’s first (no. 23), third (no. 87) and a conditional 2023 first could get the Cardinals as high as pick No. 8. While that seems unlikely, they could move up that highly if they coveted a player like Stingley.

A more realistic scenario would be sliding up into the mid-teen range. Friday morning’s NFL.com mock draft 2.0 had Stingley falling as far as pick 16, which would be a very realistic striking range for the Cardinals. Pick 23 and 87 this year, with perhaps some additional smaller compensation from next year’s draft, would potentially be enough to slide up.

Think the Cardinals move up from 15 to 10 in the 2018 draft. They gave up a third-round pick and change to move up five spots, which is much higher than they’d be going up in this scenario.

There are two huge obstacles here. First, Stingley has to fall out of the top ten. Second, a team has to be willing to move back all the way to pick 23. Many teams won’t want to miss out on their top prospects going back that far.

Should the Cardinals be aggressive in their pursuit of the LSU standout? Or should they stay put and take best player available?

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WR Jameson Williams could be a dynamic addition for the Cardinals

Alabama WR Jameson Williams is a projected first round pick and could give the Cardinals an electric wide receiver duo for the foreseeable future.

In the past two seasons, the Arizona Cardinals have been the subject of scrutiny due to their consecutive post-November collapses. 2020’s team was on pace to make the postseason and fell flat on their face. Last year’s, albeit partially due to the injuries to DeAndre Hopkins and J.J. Watt, embarrassed themselves in the first round of the playoffs.

In both instances, it appeared the offense took a further step back than the defense. Kliff Kingsbury’s offense started off electric in both instances, but failed to keep that momentum into the winter.

The Cardinals have a glaring need at their Z receiver position, the one played by A.J. Green last season. While Green has a good chance of returning, the Cards need to find a young, electric playmaker to pair with Hopkins and Rondale Moore for the foreseeable future.

Alabama’s Jameson Williams was an explosive weapon for the Crimson Tide throughout his college career. In 15 games last season, Williams totaled 79 receptions for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns. He previously played for Ohio State, but struggled to find playing time behind Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson, both of whom will be selected in the first round later this month.

Williams suffered a torn ACL in January’s National Championship game, which puts his availability for the regular season in doubt. He recently spoke with NFL Network, giving a cautious, yet optimistic outlook on his near playing future.

“Oh yeah, for sure that’s what I’m shooting for,” he said at Alabama’s Pro Day. “But what overrules that is just me making sure I’m 100% before doing anything.”

Some have voiced concerns over Williams being unable to beat Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson out during his time at Ohio State. Many view the latter two receivers as better prospects than Williams. It’s a fair argument, but Jameson sounds like a player who thrived and developed under Nick Saban, and the challenge of practicing against the Crimson Tide defense every day.

Per Pro Football Focus, Williams leads the SEC in 20+ touchdowns since 2020 with 12. He did not play in the SEC until 2021.

TouchdownWire’s Doug Farrar gives an excellent breakdown of Williams’ game and compares him to the newest Miami Dolphin, Tyreek Hill. That sort of consistent speed threat would do wonders, particularly opposite DeAndre Hopkins.

For the Cardinals, Williams would be too good a prospect to pass up. Should A.J. Green return, the Cards could rely on him as the week one starter while Williams likely continues his rehab. When he was ready to go, he could battle for his starting spot.

There are injury concerns, but the Cardinals should rush to the podium to stop Williams’ draft fall if he makes it to pick 23. Most of the premier teams in the league today have two elite receiving options. Williams would give the Cardinals their second for the next five years.

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Georgia football among top schools at producing NFL draft picks

Here’s the programs who produce the most NFL talent:

Georgia football is one of the top college programs in the entire country. Yes, the Bulldogs are national champions, but their reach extends beyond the collegiate level.

Since 2000, Georgia has produced the 5th most NFL draft picks.

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The Bulldogs could move up the list this spring as the Dawgs have 14 players invited to this year’s combine, opening the door to possibly break the school record of nine drafted Bulldogs, which was set last year.

Mock drafts by NFL analyst may vary, but most have Georgia’s Travon Walker, Nakobe Dean, Jordan Davis and Devonte Wyatt as first round prospects.

Derion Kendrick, Jamaree Salyer, Justin Shaffer, Channing Tindall, James Cook and Zamir White are all in line to hear their name called early.

The combine will be held March 1-7 and the draft will kickoff April 28 and run through the 30th.

 

Watch: Jordan Davis flies through NFL draft workout

How does 6’6, 340 pounds move that fast?

Georgia is losing most of its record-setting 2021 defense, including the Maxwell Award winner, Outland Trophy award winner and first-team All-American, defensive lineman Jordan Davis.

Davis has an early first-round NFL draft grade and is currently preparing for this year’s combine, which will be held in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium from March 1 to March 7, televised on the NFL Network.

It’s easy to see why Davis is such a coveted prospect from this workout video posted to his coaches’ Twitter account this week.

The unique blend of size, power and speed is what will make Davis a good pro player.

In NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah’s latest mock draft, Davis is selected by the New England Patriots with the 21st overall pick.

The Charlotte, N.C., native racked up 32 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks and a pass breakup, along with two blocked field goals in 2021.

3 Georgia Bulldogs make NFL draft analyst Todd McShay’s top-10 LBs

THREE Georgia Bulldogs made draft analyst Todd McShay’s top-10 LBs.

LBU?

No. 1 Georgia wouldn’t be where it is today without its defense.

The Bulldogs are giving up 7.6 points per game, which ranks first in the country. And that’s including a UAB pick-six in garbage time of week-two.

Georgia has only given up eight touchdowns all season, which leads the second best unit, Wisconsin, by 10 touchdowns.

Possibly the most impactful players on this UGA defense are at inside linebacker.

NFL draft analyst Todd McShay released his top-10 draft eligible linebackers headed into the 2022 draft and no surprise, the list includes three Georgia Bulldogs.

ATHENS, GA – OCTOBER 02: Nakobe Dean #17 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts in the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Sanford Stadium on October 2, 2021 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

At No. 1 is junior mike linebacker Nakobe Dean.

Dean’s play this season has been so outstanding that he was recently named on the Senior Bowl’s Heisman ballot.

The former five-star has 49 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, a forced fumble, two interceptions (one returned for a score), 15 quarterback hurries and two pass breakups on the year.

ATHENS, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 10: Channing Tindall #41 of the Georgia Bulldogs sacks Jarrett Guarantano #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Sanford Stadium on October 10, 2020 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

At No. 5 on McShay’s list is senior Channing Tindall, who just earned Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week for his performance versus Tennessee last week (3 sacks).

Tindall is not a starter but leads the Bulldogs with 53 tackles through 10 games, while adding 5.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, a forced fumble and seven quarterback hurries.

Nov 6, 2021; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Quay Walker (7) tackles Missouri Tigers running back Dawson Downing (28) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

At No. 8 is money linebacker Quay Walker.

The senior has 45 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, a sack, a fumble recovery, 15 quarterback hurries and two pass breakups.

Los Angeles Chargers select Georgia Bulldogs DB Mark Webb

Georgia defensive back Mark Webb was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers with Pick 241 in the 2021 NFL draft. Details here

The Los Angeles Chargers have selected Georgia defensive back Mark Webb in the seventh round (No. 241) of the 2021 NFL draft.

Webb is a former four-star receiver out of Philadelphia in the Bulldogs’ 2017 recruiting class who converted to defense and contributed to an elite Georgia defense over the last three seasons.

Webb played the ‘star’ position, a hybrid between a linebacker and defensive back that uses versatility to do a variety of things in the secondary. In 49 games played, Webb racked up 82 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, an interception, 9 passes defended and 2 forced fumbles.

While Webb was forced to share playing time with a talented Georgia secondary, he made things count on Georgia’s pro day on March 17. He jumped 11 feet, 4 inches in the broad jump, which was just two inches shy of the mark Jeremy Chinn set at the top of the leaderboard for defensive backs at last year’s NFL combine. His 36.5-inch vertical jump and 80-inch wingspan opened eyes as well.

Check out Webb intercept Wake Forest quarterback Jamie Newman at the Reese’s Senior Bowl this year.

 

Get caught up on all things Georgia football NFL draft with this week’s episode of “UGA Football Live with J.C. Shelton”