Tag: nfl football news

Christopher Smith’s NFL draft profile

Here’s a look at Georgia safety Christopher Smith’s NFL draft profile…

Former Georgia safety Christopher Smith is one of 13 Bulldogs preparing for the 2023 NFL draft.

Smith was an integral part of Georgia’s star-studded defense in back-to-back national championship seasons.

The 2022 All-American is currently ranked as the No. 6 safety according to ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper jr.

NFL.com recently released Smith’s detailed draft profile ahead of the NFL Combine that is set to begin on Feb. 28.

Overview: Undersized free safety with the athletic ability and toughness to eventually compete for a starting spot. Smith has man-cover talent and range to play over the top, but he was often more effective attacking downhill on routes underneath and stopping plays. He’s willing in run support but tackling big backs could be an issue. Despite his limited size, his reliability in coverage is a big advantage against today’s offensive attacks.

Strengths: Hard worker with a history of success. Ready to rush into the alley and slow outside run. Able to alter track to mirror runner’s movement in pursuit. Recorded six interceptions over the last two years.

Weaknesses: Smallish frame for an aggressive safety. Slows feet and catches the collision in open field. Needs to play with better eye balance from off-man. Average chase burst at the top of the route.

Click here for more strengths and weaknesses.

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Georgia OC Todd Monken ‘strong candidate’ for Buccaneers job

Monken is reportedly ‘a strong candidate’ for the Bucs…

As reported last week, Georgia offensive coordinator Todd Monken is interviewing this week for the vacant Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator role.

News broke a day later that Monken had already had an interview with the Baltimore Ravens for the same role.

Monken to the Buccaneers is reportedly gaining steam as NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo tab Monken as ‘a strong candidate’ for the role.

Monken served in the same capacity for Tampa Bay from 2016-2018 under former head coach Dirk Koetter.

Monken also has previous NFL experience with the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars.

With the success Monken has had in Athens, it’s no surprise that multiple NFL organizations are interested.

Georgia finished fifth in the nation in both total offense (501 yards per game), and scoring offense (41 points per game) in 2022.

Monken spoke on his future at Georgia leading up to the Bulldogs Peach Bowl win over Ohio State.

“At some point in my career I thought I knew exactly what I wanted next year, in five years, in 10 years, really what I wanted. I don’t know if it’s just getting old or the appreciation for the job you have, but I don’t control opportunities that come my way,” Monken said. “I would never say never to anything. I would never say no to anything, but I love where I’m at because I believe we’re going to win and I believe in the head coach. So those are all huge factors in where you decide to stay as a coach.”

 

Georgia has longest streak in CFB with player in Super Bowl

22 straight seasons with a Dawg in the SB!

Four Georgia Bulldogs are set to play in Super Bowl LVII next weekend. Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean with the Philadelphia Eagles will take on Mecole Hardman and Malik Herring with the Kansas City Chiefs.

This marks the 22nd straight season with a former Bulldog in the NFL’s championship game, the longest streak in college football.

Georgia has a good chance at keeping the streak alive after setting an NFL record with 15 draft picks a year ago.

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Georgia OC Todd Monken to interview with Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Monken to interview with the Bucs…

Georgia offensive coordinator Todd Monken will interview for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vacant offensive coordinator position next week, according to ESPN’s Jenna Laine.

Monken held the same position for the Buccaneers from 2016-2018.

It’s no secret that Monken’s success in Athens has garnered attention from the NFL. Monken has been named in multiple NFL coordinator searches in his time at Georgia.

The Bulldogs 2022 offense was one of the best in Bulldogs history. Georgia finished fifth in the country in total offense gaining 501 yards per game while putting up 41.1 points per game, which also ranked fifth nationally.

Monken talked about his position at UGA the week leading up to the Peach Bowl win.

“At some point in my career I thought I knew exactly what I wanted next year, in five years, in 10 years, really what I wanted. I don’t know if it’s just getting old or the appreciation for the job you have, but I don’t control opportunities that come my way,” Monken said. “I would never say never to anything. I would never say no to anything, but I love where I’m at because I believe we’re going to win and I believe in the head coach. So those are all huge factors in where you decide to stay as a coach.”

Monken served as offensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns in 2019 after his stint in Tampa Bay before coming to Athens.

Monken is the highest-paid assistant coach in college football with a $2.01 million salary, per the latest USA Today data.

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Former Georgia star RB Nick Chubb makes NFL history

None like him!

Former Georgia star running back Nick Chubb continues to chase greatness as an NFL pro.

The Cleveland Brown has become one of three players in NFL history to amass at least 980 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in each of their first five seasons.

The 2018 second-round pick ranks third in the league in rushing (1,039 yards) and second in rushing touchdowns (12).

Chubb gained 4,769 yards at the University of Georgia in his four year career, which is second in program history behind only Herschel Walker.

L.A. Chargers sign former Georgia RB

Sony Michel to the Chargers…

Former Georgia running back Sony Michel signed with the L.A. Chargers on Wednesday.

UGA’s third all-time leading rusher (3,638 yards) was released by the Miami Dolphins on Tuesday as teams finalized their 53-man rosters ahead of the 2022 season, which begins next week.

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The two-time Super Bowl champion and 2018 first-round draft pick played three seasons for the New England Patriots and last season with the Super Bowl champion L.A. Rams.

DawgNation may remember Michel most for his game-winning touchdown to secure the overtime Rose Bowl win and send Georgia to the national championship in 2018.

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Georgia great Matthew Stafford earns spot on NFL Top 100

Super Bowl winning quarterback Matthew Stafford ranked at No. 27 in NFL Top 100…

The 2021 season was incredibly good for the Georgia football family.

While the Dawgs brought the national title back to Athens, former Georgia star quarterback Matthew Stafford led the L.A. Rams to his first ever Super Bowl win in 13 seasons.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 13: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates after Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium on February 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California. The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Stafford’s huge year for the Rams did not go unnoticed by his NFL peers. Players have voted him the No. 27 player in the NFL Top 100.

Stafford completed 67.2% of his passes (70.0% in the postseason) for 4,886 yards along with 41 touchdowns and 17 interceptions.

The former No. 1 overall pick spent 12 seasons with the Detroit Lions before heading to L.A. in 2021.

Stafford (34) is the youngest NFL player of all-time to reach 50,000 passing yards.

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Las Vegas Raiders sign former Georgia LB

Jordan Jenkins to the Raiders

NFL free agent defensive end Jordan Jenkins has signed with the Las Vegas Raiders ahead of the 2022 season.

The former Georgia outside linebacker racked up 20 tackles along with 2.5 sacks in 2021 with the Houston Texans after spending his first four seasons with the New York Jets.

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The No. 83 overall pick in 2016, Jenkins has appeared in 83 games in his pro career recording 204 tackles (121 solo), 25 sacks, eight passes defensed, seven forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries.

Jenkins was a forced off the edge for the Bulldogs while in Athens 2012-2015.

The former five-star recruit and Hamilton, Ga, native totaled 204 stops, 39.0 tackles for a loss, 19.0 sacks, five passes defensed, six forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries

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Steelers WR praises George Pickens: ‘Best rookie receiver in the NFL’

Pickens is already making moves…

Former Georgia star receiver George Pickens may have been the steal of the 2022 NFL draft.

Pickens dropped to the Pittsburgh Steelers as the No. 52 overall pick in the second round after battling an ACL tear in his final year in Athens.

NFL training camp is currently in full swing ahead of the new season and Pickens is already making a statement in early practices.

Star Steelers receiver Chase Claypool praised the rookie after seeing him in action over the last week.

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It’s catches like these that give a glimpse as to what Pickens could do on a pro Sunday.

Reports say that Pickens is already getting reps with the first-team offense, showing that he may get an opportunity to fight for a starting job down the road.

Other notable rookie receivers that Pickens will be compared to this season are Ohio State’s Chris Olave (New Orleans Saints), Alabama’s Jameson Williams (Detroit Lions), USC’s Drake London (Atlanta Falcons), Arkansas’ Treylon Burks (Tennessee Titans) and Western Michigan’s Skyy Moore (Kansas City Chiefs).

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Watch: No. 1 pick Travon Walker pranked by Jacksonville Jaguars teammates

Classic move by Jaguars vets…

NFL training camps are in full swing ahead of the 2022 season. 15 former Georgia Bulldogs are getting their first taste of pro football after being drafted this spring, including No. 1 overall pick Travon Walker.

The Jacksonville Jaguars rookie came back to a surprise after practice on Thursday.

According to Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell, Walker is poised to make an impact.

“You think about the size – his height, his weight, his speed – it’s like a unicorn,” Caldwell said. “He is unique. He plays that way and you see it on tape. You see the burst, you see the speed, you see the moves he has. We are excited about him and I think he will be ready to roll.”

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