Tag: tennessee titans football

Watch: Tennessee Titans’ draft call with Georgia LB Monty Rice

The Tennessee Titans selected former Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Monty Rice in the third round of the 2021 NFL draft. Here’s his draft call.

The Tennessee Titans selected former Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Monty Rice in the third round of the 2021 NFL draft with the 92nd pick. Tennessee picked Rice after he had a stellar career at the University of Georgia.

Monty Rice grew up going to Tennessee Titans games, so he is especially excited to be joining the organization. Here’s a look at a couple of his trips to watch the Titans play.

Monty Rice is from Huntsville, Alabama, which is under two hours away from Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans are the closest NFL team to Rice’s hometown. Atlanta, Georgia, is over three hours away from Huntsville.

Rice had an incredible career playing at Georgia under head coach Kirby Smart, who raved about Rice’s time in Athens.  He has accounted for 219 total tackles, 2 sacks, 10.5 tackles for loss, 5 pass deflections, and 3 forced fumbles through his Georgia career.

Monty Rice battled an injury throughout his final season at Georgia but should be ready to compete in the NFL. Monty Rice has speed, instincts, and is a run-stopper. Additionally, he is excellent at diagnosing run plays.

Tennessee general manager John Robinson and head coach Mike Vrabel an emotional and intriguing phone call with Monty Rice as they selected him in the 2021 NFL draft.

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Watch: Tennessee Titans’ draft call with Georgia LB Monty Rice

The Tennessee Titans selected former Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Monty Rice in the third round of the 2021 NFL draft. Here’s his draft call.

The Tennessee Titans selected former Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Monty Rice in the third round of the 2021 NFL draft with the 92nd pick. Tennessee picked Rice after he had a stellar career at the University of Georgia.

Monty Rice grew up going to Tennessee Titans games, so he is especially excited to be joining the organization. Here’s a look at a couple of his trips to watch the Titans play.

Monty Rice is from Huntsville, Alabama, which is under two hours away from Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans are the closest NFL team to Rice’s hometown. Atlanta, Georgia, is over three hours away from Huntsville.

Rice had an incredible career playing at Georgia under head coach Kirby Smart, who raved about Rice’s time in Athens.  He has accounted for 219 total tackles, 2 sacks, 10.5 tackles for loss, 5 pass deflections, and 3 forced fumbles through his Georgia career.

Monty Rice battled an injury throughout his final season at Georgia but should be ready to compete in the NFL. Monty Rice has speed, instincts, and is a run-stopper. Additionally, he is excellent at diagnosing run plays.

Tennessee general manager John Robinson and head coach Mike Vrabel an emotional and intriguing phone call with Monty Rice as they selected him in the 2021 NFL draft.

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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

Isaiah Wilson talks viral NFL Draft clip of his mother and fiancee

Former Georgia football OT Isaiah Wilson discussed the viral video involving his mom and fiancee after being picked by the Tennessee Titans.

The virtual 2020 NFL Draft was one to remember, not because of shocking picks or huge trades, but really just because of all the funny clips we got of people having to stay at home during this year’s draft.

Of course one of those clips involved former Georgia OT Isaiah Wilson. As Wilson was announced as the No. 29 pick to the Tennessee Titans, his fiancee was sitting on his lap embracing him in the emotional moment. However, she wasn’t aware that she was taking up most of the screen of ESPN’s live coverage from Wilson’s home, so Wilson’s mom made some changes showing some serious power…

Wilson recently reacted to the video in an interview with John Glennon of  The Athletic :

“At the end of the day, the draft was the biggest spectacle of the quarantine,” Wilson said. “Everyone was tuned in, waiting to get something to harp on to put on social media because people are bored. Everyone is in the house; nobody can do anything. People were bored and jumped at some funny content. I mean, my family is doing great. We’re all smiles over here.”

Wilson’s mom Sharese also talked about the video.

“I did get quite a few calls from friends on that,” Sharese Wilson said with a laugh. “It’s funny because that little clip, we couldn’t see it at all (while it was happening) because we were kind of following along with ESPN. But in our minds, we were just like, ‘The cameras are rolling, so let’s get everybody out of the way’ so that Isaiah — we knew they would pan to Isaiah — would talk about his reaction or they’re going to catch him crying or whatever it is. What ended up happening is they were rolling when we were trying to clear out.”

Georgia football’s 2020 NFL Draft class as recruits

Georgia football had seven players drafted in the 2020 NFL Draft, so we take a look back at the former Bulldogs as recruits.

Georgia had seven players drafted this past weekend in the 2020 NFL Draft. Let’s look back at the former Bulldogs from their time as recruits. 

Andrew Thomas OT – pick No. 4, New York Giants. 

Thomas was a 5-star OT for Pace Academy in Atlanta, Georgia. 247Sports had Thomas as the No. 9 OT and No. 45 overall recruit in the 2017 recruiting class. 

Isaiah Wilson OT – pick No. 29, Tennessee Titans 

Wilson was a 5-star OT for Poly Prep Country Day High School in Brooklyn, New York. 247Sports had Wilson ranked as the NO. 5 OT and No. 16 overall recruit in the 2017 recruiting class. 

D’Andre Swift RB – pick No. 35, Detroit Lions 

Swift was a 5-star RB from St. Joseph’s High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 247Sports had Swift ranked as the No. 4 RB and No. 33 overall recruit in the 2017 recruiting class. 

Solomon Kindley OG – pick No. 111, Miami Dolphins 

Kindley was a 3-star OT for Raines High School in Jacksonville, Florida. 247Sports had Kindley ranked as the No. 89 OT and No. 1,051 recruit in the 2016 recruiting class. 

Jake Fromm QB – pick No. 167, Buffalo Bills

Fromm was a 4-star QB for Houston County High School in Warner Robins, Georgia. 247Sports had Fromm ranked as the No. 3 pro-style QB and the No. 44 overall recruit in the 2017 recruiting class. Fromm was originally committed to Alabama before following Kirby Smart to Georgia.  

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

Woerner was a 4-star TE for Rabun County in Tiger, Georgia. 247Sports had Woerner ranked as the No. 25 WR and the No. 138 overall recruit in the 2016 recruiting class. Tae Crowder LB – pick No. 255, New York Giants

Crowder was a 3-star RB for Harris County High School in Hamilton, Georgia. 247Sports had Crowder ranked as the No, 1,868 overall player and the No. 175 ranked recruit in Georgia for the class of 2015. Crowder moved to linebacker after the 2016 season and blossomed into a starter in 2018 and 2019.

 

NFL comparisons for Titans OT Isaiah Wilson out of Georgia

We list NFL comparisons for former Georgia football and now Tennessee Titans OT Isaiah Wilson.

The Tennessee Titans selected Georgia OT Isaiah Wilson with the 29th pick in the first-round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Wilson was an All-American as a freshman right tackle at Georgia and was bothered by injuries in his sophomore season. At 6-foot-7 340 pounds, Wilson is one of the largest tackles in this years draft.

NFL analyst Lance Zierlein wrote:

“Big, broad right tackle prospect with outstanding physical traits and above-average potential.”

To get an idea on how Wilson will preform at the NFL level, let’s look at two pros that Wilson’s game most resembles.

1. Demar Dotson – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Dotson (6’9″, 315 lbs) is one of the largest tackles in the NFL, but what resembles Wilson the most is his length. Both Wilson and Dotson are able to use their length to keep the pocket clean for their quarterbacks by forcing rushers out wide. 

2. Lane Johnson – Philadelphia Eagles

During Wilson’s career at Georgia, he excelled in run-blocking because of his footwork at his size. One of the best run-blocking tackles in the NFL, Johnson uses his footwork to turn the edge defenders which seals the gap and he also does a great job advancing to the second-level.

The Titans’ offensive line was already one of the best units in the NFL and after drafting Wilson, that trend should continue for years to come.

Sam Pittman thrilled to see Georgia OTs taken in NFL Draft

Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Sam Pittman was excited for the selections of Georgia Bulldog linemen Andrew Thomas and Isaiah Wilson.

Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Sam Pittman was genuinely excited for his former players when they were selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Prior to becoming the latest head coach at Arkansas, Pittman coached offensive line for the Georgia Bulldogs.

Pittman excelled in recruiting during his time in Athens. He landed loads of talent along the offensive front. He coached 4th overall pick Andrew Thomas (New York Giants) and 29th overall pick Isaiah Wilson (Tennessee Titans).

Watch Pittman’s excitement for his former players:

Pittman’s connection with his former linemen is father-like. His joy for Andrew Thomas and Isaiah Wilson is incredible. Pittman helped develop both prospects and shared his love for both of them.

Pittman is an excellent hire for Arkansas. He’ll rebuild their offensive front, which was once intimidating. His personality is another reason the Razorbacks will attract top talent again.

Pittman’s not done celebrating the selections of his former Georgia Bulldog players. Offensive guard Solomon Kindley is projected to be selected in the next couple of rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft.

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Former Georgia football LB D’Andre Walker is ready for 2020 comeback

Former Georgia football and current Tennessee Titans linebacker D’Andre Walker says he’s ready to get on the field for 2020 comeback season

Former Georgia linebacker D’Andre Walker was selected in the 5th round of last year’s NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans.  But Walker, who had 7.5 sacks his senior year with the Bulldogs, unfortunately tore his ACL prior to the 2019 NFL season, forcing him to sit out his rookie year.

The return of Walker has been highly anticipated by both Titans as well as Bulldog fans.

Walker expressed this Wednesday how eager he is to get back on the field and show his fans what he can do.

Jon Robinson, the Tennessee general manager said great things about Walker after the NFL combine.

“He’s been working hard,” said Robinson, from the NFL Combine. “He had the injury there and lost the season, but he’s been attacking the rehab process. I’ve seen him out on the field working with our trainers. He’s in good shape. He looks good. I know he’s itching to get back and show what he’s capable of doing. We’re excited to work with him this spring whenever the players can come back.”

Titans’ head coach Mike Vrabel also discussed Walker and his comeback.

“I loved his attitude,” said Vrabel. “He was excited to learn. I think we needed to get him healthy and get him right. From what I’ve seen at the end of the season when he was training and working with Frank on the side and the trainers, it looks like a player we’ll be able to work with there in April and see where he’s at.”

Tennessee was ranked 15th in sacks last season, which is something Walker could help to improve if healthy.  We hope to see a speedy recovery from Walker approaching the 2020 NFL season.

Three Georgia Bulldogs make PFF’s top 101 NFL players

Three former Georgia Bulldogs have made Pro Football Focus’s list of the top 101 players in 2019

Three former Georgia Bulldogs have made Pro Football Focus’s list of the top 101 players in 2019. PFF is one of the better ways of comparing players across their position groups.

NFL.com has a top 100 players list come out every off-season, but that list largely ignores lineman, defenders, etc. in favor of more sexy name-brand players like quarterbacks.

Here’s PFF’s criteria for the top 101 players:

 

This list is based solely on 2019 play. Nothing that happened in previous years or may happen in the future is accounted for. This isn’t about class or talent; it’s about performance throughout the 2019 NFL season.

This list is created with an “all positions are created equal” mantra. So, you won’t see 32 quarterbacks heading the list — even though that is the game’s most valuable position. Instead, we take a look at how guys played relative to what is expected from their position.

Unlike PFF’s awards, the 101 factors in postseason performance

23. Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb

Nov 10, 2019; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) runs the ball as Buffalo Bills free safety Jordan Poyer (21) and strong safety Micah Hyde (23) tackle him during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

95. Tennessee Titans center Ben Jones

December 8, 2019; Oakland, CA, USA; Tennessee Titans center Ben Jones (60) during the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

101. Indianapolis Colts defensive end Justin Houston

Oct 20, 2019; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive end Justin Houston (9) is congratulated by a teammate after getting a quarterback sack against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium. Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Do you agree with this list? Georgia’s Todd Gurley, Matthew Stafford, and  Jordan Jenkins are a few of the potential snubs from the list.

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UGA great Mecole Hardman roasts Georgia Tech before AFC Championship

Former Georgia Bulldog wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. is no stranger to big games. Hardman scored both of UGA’s touchdowns against Alabama in the 2018 National Championship Game. Hardman’s next big game will be for the Kansas City Chiefs in the …

Former Georgia Bulldog wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. is no stranger to big games. Hardman scored both of UGA’s touchdowns against Alabama in the 2018 National Championship Game.

Hardman’s next big game will be for the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game against the Tennessee Titans. Hardman’s rookie season has been a good one for the Chiefs, who came-back from down 24-0 to the Houston Texans last week. Hardman had an explosive kick return to spark the Kansas City comeback.

Georgia Tech’s Barstool couldn’t resist a chance to poke for at Georgia in big games. At least Georgia plays in big games unlike the Yellow Jackets. In fact, Georgia Tech was outscored 104-21 in their “big games” this season against Clemson and Georgia. The Barstool Georgia Tech Tweet prompted this response from Mecole Hardman:

Georgia Tech’s Barstool was responding to this picture Mecole Hardman posted ahead of the AFC Championship:

The AFC is guaranteed one representative from the University of Georgia in the Super Bowl: either Mecole Hardman or Titans center Ben Jones, who has been a key part of their historic running attack.