Tag: Tyler Clark

Georgia has NINE players selected in 7-round NFL mock draft

Georgia football has NINE players selected in USA TODAY’s recent seven-round NFL mock draft.

The 2020 NFL Draft is just over one week away and a number of Georgia players are prepared to have their dream become a reality.

Twice has Georgia had eight players go in the same NFL Draft. Those years were in 2002 and 2013, where the Dawgs dumped a ton of talent into the pros.

But never has Georgia had nine players selected in the same draft. Luke Easterling of USA Today’s DraftWire sees that changing this year.

In his recent 7-round NFL mock draft, he has NINE Georgia players being taken in this year’s virtual event.

Here are his projected landing spots for these Bulldogs.

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Which Georgia football alumni are most affected by pro day cancellation

For several recently departed Bulldogs, it’s going to be a bit more difficult finding opportunities to prove what they want to prove.

This week, the SEC cancelled all remaining spring competitions amid COVID-19 concerns. In their official announcement, the plans to halt play include abandoning spring football scrimmages and each school’s pro day.

Pro days are the last setting in which college football standouts perform drills before a plethora of NFL coaches and scouts prior to the NFL Draft.

If a player wasn’t invited to the NFL scouting combine or performed less-than-ideally at the combine, this is typically their last chance to turn heads and earn a drafted rookie contract instead of going undrafted and having a lower-dollar contract with far fewer guarantees.

For several recently departed Georgia Bulldogs, it’s going to be a bit more difficult finding opportunities to prove what they want to prove.

Tyler Clark, defensive tackle:

Clark has been projected as a late-round pick on some of the many mock drafts floating around the internet. The recent graduate out of Americus considered declaring for last year’s NFL draft but chose to return to Athens following a lower-than-preferred draft grade. In his senior season, he recorded a career high in tackles for loss and tied his career high in sacks.

Former Georgia defensive tackle and NFL veteran Toby Johnson took to twitter to voice his displeasure over Clark’s omission from the NFL Combine.

Tyler Clark will certainly show up on a professional roster at some point before the ensuing NFL season, but the cancellation of pro day isn’t doing his career any long-term favors.

Jake Fromm, quarterback:

Georgia’s golden boy is one of three quarterbacks to go undefeated against Florida in more than three starts (including John Rauch, Buck Belue), but many Georgia faithful were surprised he chose not to go for a perfect 4-0 record against the reptiles. Fromm delved into what went behind that decision in the days preceding his performance the NFL Combine.

The problem for Fromm was that the aforementioned performance ended up being pedestrian.

Taking reps after former teammate Jacob Eason, an eventual Washington transfer for whom he took over in the 2017 season opener following an Eason leg injury, Fromm was decidedly the less impressive quarterback (at least in that specific day’s drills) between the two.

Fromm’s last season in Athens was the least productive of his three total campaigns. The judgment to declare early made sense as his draft stock has still been high and it’s easy to see his final collegiate season as a statistical outlier under a new quarterbacks coach.

Looking forward to a league that places value on quarterbacks ahead of almost every other positions, the cerebral Jake Fromm is sure to end up on a roster and still projects as draft pick. If he had received the opportunity to participate in a pro day, however, he could solidify himself as a second-day pick (draft rounds two through four) as opposed to a third-day selection (rounds five through seven) or even as an undrafted free agent.

Tae Crowder, inside linebacker:

Tae Crowder’s path to the University of Georgia was a meandering one.

Crowder was a last-minute addition to the Dawgs’ 2015 signing class, receiving his scholarship offer the morning before National Signing Day. He hadn’t taken an official visit. He spent no time in personal meetings with Georgia coaches. Yet he committed on the spot.

“It was always my dream to play at the University of Georgia,” Crowder told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2015.

As Harris County’s offensive player of the year during his senior season, Crowder came to Athens as a dual receiver and running back.

He was quickly moved to inside linebacker, and, after redshirting his first year in Athens, spent another year fine-tuning his linebacking skills before spending three years starting, recording 122 tackles, and grabbing two takeaways along the way(s).

Considering his history of position changes and a lack of invitation to the NFL Combine, Crowder loses a lot of face time prior to the draft.

Several Georgia Bulldogs go in seven round NFL Mock Draft

University of Georgia football standouts Jake Fromm, D’Andre Swift, Andrew Thomas, and more find new homes in this CBS NFL mock draft.

The Georgia Bulldogs sent ten players to the 2020 NFL Combine. Will all of them get drafted? Probably not. Regardless, each former University of Georgia standout will get a shot to make an NFL roster.

According to CBS’s seven round NFL mock draft, seven Georgia Bulldogs will be selected in the 2020 NFL Draft. Looking at UGA’s recent draft history under head coach Kirby Smart, seven selections in right in line with what Georgia did in 2019’s seven draft picks and 2018’s six picks.

Georgia’s recent NFL Draft success is an uptick from the 2017 NFL Draft, where Isaiah McKenzie was the only Bulldog selected. So where are Georgia’s players projected to go in 2020?

First Round

11th Overall Selection: New York Jets

Offensive Tackle Andrew Thomas– Thomas is rated as the 15th overall player in the 2020 NFL Draft. He’s ranked behind three other tackles.

Second Round

61st Overall Selection: Tennessee Titans

Offensive Tackle Isaiah Wilson– Wilson has the size to compete with the best in the NFL. He’d be joining one of the elite NFL offensive fronts in Nashville. Georgia great Ben Jones leads the Tennessee line from the center position.

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

63rd Overall Selection: Kansas City Chiefs

Running Back D’Andre Swift– The defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs reunite Swift with his former UGA teammate Mecole Hardman. This would be an ideal situation for Swift.

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What have we learned from Georgia football alumni at the NFL Combine?

In which we compile all of this week’s posts pertaining to former Bulldogs at this week’s NFL Scouting Combine

For those who can’t focus the ideal amount of attention to Georgia football news, I’ll compile some of this week’s posts pertaining to former Bulldogs at the NFL Scouting Combine:

Brian Herrien provides a recollection of Nick Chubb’s encouragement.

Both of Georgia’s invited tailbacks were faster than Florida’s only invited tailback.

D’Andre Swift proved speedier than his two most famous former teammates.

J.R. Reed can do it all.

Charlie Woerner is a man among boys.

In other news:

The basketball Bulldogs stuck out a nervous victory over Arkansas sealed by an Anthony Edwards dunk.

The baseball Bulldogs embarrassed Georgia Tech in Atlanta. Fewer than twenty hours prior, Scott Stricklin’s Bulldogs edged out the Yellow Jackets by a score of six to five.

J.R. Reed on former Georgia football teammates invited to NFL Combine

In his final appearance before media members at the NFL Combine, J.R. Reed took time to acknowledge the impact of his Georgia teammates.

In his final appearance before media members at the NFL Scouting Combine, Georgia’s J.R. Reed took time to acknowledge the impact his Bulldog teammates imposed upon him.

“It’s amazing, man. I miss my defensive teammates. I think some of them need to be here.”

Georgia fans could argue that there are several spurned Bulldogs who deserved an invitation. One former letterman took to Twitter to protest Tyler Clark’s omission from the Combine’s list of participants.

Continuing his praise, Reed proceeded:

“Seeing my offensive guys and seeing the guys I came up with and played with for a while…seeing those guys go out there to do well and perform, man, it means a lot.”

As a do-it-all safety who had to defend against that offense in months’ worth of inter-team practices, Reed then fielded questions on his perception of the future of Georgia’s offense.

“We’re definitely gonna run the ball, I can tell you that. Now, everything else? I don’t know anything about that.”

Further denying any inside information, the projected draft pick answered again:

“I haven’t really been back [in Athens] to get into details about the offense, but I can tell you we’re going to run the ball.”

Watch the full exit interview:

Which Georgia Bulldogs have the most to gain at the NFL Combine?

Ten Georgia Bulldogs were invited to the 2020 NFL Combine. What UGA product has the most to gain?

Ten Georgia Bulldogs were invited to the 2020 NFL Combine, with the notable snub of defensive lineman Tyler Clark. Clark was a key part of a defensive front that didn’t give up a touchdown to a running back in the entirety of the 2019 season. Clark additionally helped UGA have the top rated scoring defense in the country.

The NFL Combine will go on without Clark. Overall, 337 players were invited. Here’s the ten UGA players who got the invite:

  • Kicker Rodrigo Blankenship
  • Wide receiver Lawrence Cager
  • Quarterback Jake Fromm
  • Running back Brian Herrien
  • Offensive lineman Solomon Kindley
  • Safety JR Reed
  • Running back D’Andre Swift
  • Offensive lineman Andrew Thomas
  • Tight end Charlie Woerner
  • Offensive lineman Isaiah Wilson

Georgia has five players who are projected to go in the first fifty picks on the draft. Some teams (Broncos, Rams) aren’t putting as much on the NFL Combine as they used to. Still, it is an event where players are comparable with each other and will inevitably have some standouts.

NFL coaches have specific measurements and times they look for at each position and if a player doesn’t meet these, then they may take them off their draft board. So which Georgia Bulldogs have the most to gain at the 2020 NFL Combine?

Charlie Woerner, Jake Fromm, Lawrence Cager, and D’Andre Swift are my candidates to boost their stocks the most.

Woerner was an excellent blocking tight end at UGA and may be able to carve out that role in the NFL. Woerner can separate himself as the best blocking tight end if he can score well on bench press and put together a good ten yard split in his forty yard dash.

Swift should put together an excellent forty time, which should be better than the other elite running backs. He can make a case as a first round pick with a sub 4.4 forty.

For Cager it is simple: run a decent forty yard dash to show he has some higher-end speed to get separation in the NFL and come back with a clean medical report on his shoulder.

Jake Fromm will get a chance to show off his underrated athleticism at the combine. If he can show teams that he has the physical traits to succeed, then they should already admire his intangibles and football IQ.

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10 Combine snubs the Lions should keep on their radar

Identifying 10 players from the 2020 draft class that were not invited to the NFL Combine but should still be on the Detroit Lions radar.

The NFL has released the 2020 NFL Combine participants list, and despite it containing 337 players, there were a few notable names not invited to Indianapolis for the event.

Just because a player didn’t receive an invite doesn’t mean the NFL isn’t still paying attention to them. Last year, players such as David Blough, Kevin Strong, and C.J. Moore were not invited to the 2019 NFL Combine, yet still earned a spot on the Detroit Lions active roster and contributed in significant ways throughout the year.

Here are 10 players who were snubbed from the 2020 NFL Combine that should still be on the Lions radar.

Reggie Corbin, RB, Illinois

After a 2018 season that saw him average an astounding 8.5 yards per rush and eclipse 1,000-yards rushing, Corbin saw his production drop in 2019, which likely let to him being left off the invitation list.

Corbin’s (est. 5-8, 201) speed, ability to set up defenders, and natural lateral movement skills are all easily at an NFL level, which makes him a perfect candidate for a team that uses a running back by committee approach. If the Lions don’t retain J.D. McKissic, Corbin could be a potential replacement.

Tavien Feaster, RB, South Carolina

Feaster (est. 5-11, 222) played three years at Clemson before transferring to South Carolina ahead of the 2019 season. With solid straight-line speed — especially for a back his size — and the ability to catch passes out of the backfield, there should be some appeal from NFL teams who are looking for a bigger third-down back.

Kevin Dotson, G, Louisana

Dotson (est. 6-4, 324) will likely be the first player drafted who wasn’t invited to the NFL Combine, potentially even in the third or fourth round. Dotson is a powerful interior offensive lineman who is a force in both the run and pass game, earning a spot as an AP first-team All-American and grading out as Pro Football Focus’ top interior offensive lineman.

The Lions are familiar with the Ragin’ Cajuns’ program — they drafted Tracy Walker from there in the third round of the 2018 draft — and met with Dotson at the East-West Shrine game last month. He’s firmly on their radar.

Tyler Clark, DL, Georgia

Georgia’s scheme gives Clark (est. 6-3, 289) the needed 2-gapping experience — nose tackle John Atkins came from the same program — and his body-type, ability to shed defenders and get into the backfield makes him a candidate for the Lions’ big defensive end role. That spot is currently occupied by Da’Shawn Hand and the aforementioned Kevin Strong, but the Lions will be on the lookout for more depth on the defensive line.

Bravvion Roy, NT, Baylor

Speaking of defensive line depth, Roy has nose tackle size but is more of a pass rusher than anchor at the 0-technique. He brings a different style of play than what the Lions have in Damon Harrison and Atkins, but there’s some appeal to having a player like him in the rotation.

Mike Danna, EDGE, Michigan

A favorite of PFF from his time at Central Michigan, Danna (est. 6-2, 257) earned a 27-percent pass-rushing rate with the Chippewas, but he saw his play drop off a bit in 2019 playing in the Big Ten and in a rotational role along the Wolverines’ deep defensive line. In the NFL, Danna will likely begin his career as a pass-rushing specialist with upside and special teamer.

TJ Brunson, LB, South Carolina

Brunson (6-1, 219) was one of only two players to participate in the Senior Bowl, yet not receive an invite to the Combine. He is undersized for the Lions scheme, but his aggressiveness and ability to be physical against the run could earn him a role on special teams. If the Lions decide to move on from Miles Killebrew, Brunson could be a player who could compete to fill the vacancy.

Levonta Taylor, NB, Florida State

Taylor (est. 5-10, 186), a former 5-star recruit, was a big get for the Seminoles out of high school, but injuries and inability to stay at one position have impeded his draft stock. In the NFL, Taylor won’t fit every scheme, but for the Lions, he would fill a developmental nickel corner/safety role.

Jared Mayden, S, Alabama

Mayden (6-0, 201), the other Senior Bowler not invited to Indianapolis, is a reliable tackler capable of playing on defense as a corner/safety option in the slot but his path to the NFL is likely on special teams where he shined in college.

Myles Dorn, S, North Carolina

Dorn (est. 6-1, 198) is a rangy defender who can play deep as well as in the box. His game is drenched in aggressiveness, instincts, high energy, and is a reliable tackler which will make him a natural special teams player in the NFL.

Georgia football alumnus not happy Tyler Clark left out of NFL Combine

A former Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman took to twitter to express his disappointment in Tyler Clark’s lack of invitation to the NFL Combine.

This week, the NFL released its full list of draft prospects invited to the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine. The draft hopefuls will engage in several position-specific skills tests spread across several days, beginning February 27 in Indianapolis.

Of the 337 college standouts summoned to Lucas Oil Stadium, ten arrive by way of Athens, Georgia. The Georgia Bulldogs are among the best-represented college programs at this year’s edition of the Combine, but one former letterman believes there was a glaring exclusion.

Former Bulldog defensive lineman Toby Johnson, who suited up in Silver Britches in 2013 and 2014, took to twitter to express his disappointment in Tyler Clark’s lack of invitation to the event.

https://twitter.com/Future020113SEC/status/1225962331953418242

Clark saw serious action even his his true freshman season in 2016 and was huge contributor in his career beyond. It is worth noting that this is a draft class heavy with defensive line prospects, and maybe that’s the only way this snub makes sense, but a snub is a snub regardless.

It’s nearly certain that Johnson, who was recently signed to play in the new XFL, isn’t the only Dawg feeling disgust.

Georgia football coach Kirby Smart updates status of Brian Herrien, Tyler Clark for Baylor

Georgia football coach Kirby Smart updates status of Brian Herrien, Tyler Clark for Baylor

Georgia football coach Kirby Smart briefly met with members of the media upon touching down in New Orleans on Friday.

Smart told reporters that sophomore running back James Cook would be available for next Wednesday’s game, after being arrested earlier this month, but avoided commenting on the status of others.

It is highly unlikely Herrien plays in the bowl game and we are now beginning to think Clark will be out as well, though that has not been confirmed.

However, we will have a better understanding of who’s ready to go during the practices this weekend. Stay tuned to UGA Wire to find out more throughout the week in New Orleans and on the trail at the All-American Bowl in San Antonio.