Tag: uga football nfl draft

UGA’s Kelee Ringo opens up his predraft process, pro comparison

Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Kelee Ringo has been compared to one of the top corners in the NFL ahead of the 2023 draft.

Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Kelee Ringo has been training with former Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman ahead of the 2023 NFL draft.

Sherman is a very knowledgeable and well-respected former NFL player. He compares Ringo to former LSU Tigers star cornerback Patrick Peterson.

The Arizona Cardinals drafted Patrick Peterson with the No. 5 pick of the 2011 NFL draft. Peterson, who is still in the NFL after 12 seasons, has 34 career interceptions. Ringo would take a long, successful NFL career like that in a heartbeat.

Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

In an interview with “Good Morning Football,” Ringo also noted he has been training with Seattle Seahawks star receiver DK Metcalf. Ringo is originally form Tacoma, Washington, so it makes sense that he is training with some of the local NFL players.

Ringo notes Kirby Smart tries to hold the Georgia football program to a very high standard, which should help him be ready to compete in the NFL.

The most important play in Ringo’s college football career, a pick six against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the national championship game, cemented his legacy as an all-time great Georgia Bulldog. Now, Ringo ready for the next step of his football career. He is expected to be an early selection in the 2023 NFL draft.

Ringo put together a strong performance at the 2023 NFL combine. The Georgia defensive back posted an official 4.36 second 40-yard dash, which was one of the fastest times of any player at the NFL combine. Ringo also posted a solid 33.5-inch vertical jump.

Georgia fans can soak in Kelee Ringo’s whole interview here:

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Todd McShay ranks 6 Georgia Bulldogs in his top 50 NFL draft prospects

Where does NFL draft expert Todd McShay put six Georgia Bulldogs and two UGA transfers in his 2023 NFL draft rankings?

ESPN NFL draft expert Todd McShay has released his 2023 NFL draft rankings ahead of the upcoming college football season. Only the Alabama Crimson Tide (seven) had more players in the top 50 than Georgia (six).

McShay emphasizes that it is early in the NFL draft process and there is still a lot of time before the draft. Last year, McShay did not consider Travon Walker as a first round prospect ahead of the season. That’s an example of how one season can help a draft prospect rise in the eyes of NFL scouts. What happens on the field between now and January matters.

Let’s jump in and see all six of Georgia players that Todd McShay ranks in the top 50 plus two players who transferred from the University of Georgia.

Twitter reacts: Browns pick UGA DB Richard LeCounte

The Cleveland Browns selected former Georgia Bulldogs safety Richard LeCounte in the fifth round and Twitter reacted

The Cleveland Browns selected former Georgia Bulldogs safety Richard LeCounte in the fifth round with the 169th pick. LeCounte is one of the most productive defensive backs in Georgia football history.

Richard LeCounte is a playmaker on defense. The Browns are getting a big-hitter who causes a lot of turnovers. In fact, LeCounte forced a dozen turnovers over his final three seasons at the University of Georgia.

LeCounte was involved in a motorcycle accident that kept him out for the latter part of 2020 season and caused him to fall in the 2021 NFL draft. Now, the former five-star recruit out of Liberty County High School will look to continue his recovery and prepare for the 2021 NFL season.

The Cleveland Browns are getting a steal in LeCounte. Browns fans have a lot to look forward to for the upcoming season.

Here’s how social media reacted as the Cleveland Browns drafted Richard LeCounte:

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6 Georgia Bulldogs picked in the first two days of 2021 NFL draft

The Georgia Bulldogs recorded the second most players (6) of any school during the first two days of the 2021 NFL draft.

The Georgia Bulldogs recorded the second most players (six) of any school during the first two days of the 2021 NFL draft. Only the Alabama Crimson Tide had more players (eight) picked during the draft’s first three rounds.

Ohio State additionally had six players selected in the first two days of the NFL draft.

Kirby Smart and the University of Georgia are likely going to break a school record for the most players drafted in any NFL draft. Georgia’s current school record is eight players selected (2002 and 2013).

Georgia still has talented players left on the draft board like:

  • Defensive end Malik Herring
  • Center Trey Hill
  • Defensive back Mark Webb
  • Defensive back DJ Daniel
  • Safety Richard LeCounte

Four of Georgia’s top available prospects helped Georgia have one of the top defenses in the country last season and in 2019. Richard LeCounte has fallen due to medical concerns.

Eric Stokes, Tyson Campbell, Azeez Ojulari, and Monty Rice make up Georgia’s four defenders who have already been drafted through the first two days of the NFL draft.  On the offensive side of the football, tight end Tre’ McKitty and offensive lineman Ben Cleveland were selected.

Overall, it is another successful NFL draft for head coach Kirby Smart. Smart has had 26 players drafted since 2018 with one day remaining in the 2021 NFL draft.

Georgia has had a first round selection in four consecutive NFL drafts. Only Ohio State (six) and Alabama (13) have longer streaks. The Dawgs are producing an impressive amount of NFL talent and that is not going to stop any time soon.

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Georgia LB Monty Rice drops highlight video ahead of NFL Draft

Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Monty Rice declared for the 2021 NFL draft this offseason. Here are his highlights.

Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Monty Rice declared for the 2021 NFL draft this offseason. Now, the James Clemens High School product will look to impress NFL scouts and find an NFL home.

Rice leaves the University of Georgia with an impressive resume. He racked up 49 total tackles in 2020 and forced two fumbles in four seasons.

Rice finished the 2019 season as a second-team All-SEC performer. Rice recorded a team-best 89 tackles in 2019. He helped Georgia have the top run defense in the country in 2019.

Rice came to Athens as a low four-star or high three-star recruit depending on the recruiting service. Rice proved himself right away and was a big reason UGA didn’t allow a rushing touchdown in 2019. Overall, he was a key piece on some of the most impressive defenses in the country throughout his career.

Rice and Georgia’s defense held opposing teams to the lowest yards per carry average in the nation last season. Rice’s sound gap integrity and consistent tackling helped Georgia’s run defense be so efficient.

Here’s Monty Rice’s career highlights from his time at the University of Georgia:

Monty Rice’s highlights show off some of his top strengths: tackling in the open field, play recognition and his ability to force fumbles. He has the talent to play right away on early downs in the NFL.

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What Georgia Bulldogs are returning for another season?

What Georgia Bulldogs are returning for another season instead of entering the 2021 NFL Draft? UGA returns a lot on offense.

The Georgia Bulldogs have lost a lot of talent to the 2021 NFL Draft, but at the same time, Georgia is returning a lot of key talent on offense and in the trenches. Quarterback JT Daniels headlines the University of Georgia players who are returning for another season in 2021.

The 2020 college football season was unique and will not count against player’s eligibility. Seniors can return for another season.

Here’s all of the top Georgia players who have elected to return to Athens instead of entering into the 2021 NFL Draft:

Georgia Bulldogs RB James Cook returning for another season

Georgia Bulldogs running back Jame Cook is returning to Athens for another season and will not enter the 2021 NFL Draft.

Georgia Bulldogs running back Jame Cook is returning to Athens for another season and will not enter the 2021 NFL Draft. James Cook, the younger brother of Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook, missed the Peach Bowl to mourn the loss of his father.

2021 will be Cook’s fourth season with the University of Georgia, but he’ll be a junior, since nobody lost eligibility in 2020. James Cook came to Georgia as a highly touted recruit from Miami Central High School.

James Cook is projected to start as the third down back for Todd Monken and UGA’s offense next season. Cook is a dangerous receiver and is Georgia’s best receiving back. He could take over as lead running back if Zamir White declares for the 2021 NFL Draft.

Look for James Cook to get more touches next season. He’s averaged 6.6 yards per carry in his career and 11.2 yards per reception. Cook never had more than seven carries in a game during the 2020 season.

The Miami Central graduate gained 320 yards on 47 total touches in 2019. He totaled 61 touches in 2020.

Cook’s best play of the season came when he burned the Alabama defense for an explosive touchdown.

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UGA football senior DL announces 2021 return

Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt is returning for another senior season at the University of Georgia

Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt is returning for another senior season at the University of Georgia. He came to Athens after spending time at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas.

Wyatt was a four-star prospect coming out of Towers High School in Decatur, Georgia. He was similarly rated coming out of Hutchinson.

Wyatt played in 12 games during the 2018 season, during which he recorded 19 tackles and 1.5 sacks. He stepped up his game in 2019 and was a key factor in the Bulldogs’ No. 1-rated run defense. Wyatt had one sack as well in 2019.

This season, Wyatt recorded 21 tackles and several pressures. He started at defensive tackle for much of the year.

The senior defensive lineman has NFL potential, but is choosing to stay in Athens for another chance at the College Football Playoff. Wyatt announced his decision via his Twitter account:

Kirby Smart and Georgia have a defensive boost with Wyatt’s return. The Dawgs are still losing several players in the secondary to the NFL Draft, but have the talent to fill in the gaps.

Sep 21, 2019; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt (95) reacts after defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Sanford Stadium. Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

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Georgia HC Kirby Smart on Jake Fromm falling in draft

Georgia football HC Kirby Smart talks Jake Fromm falling to the Buffalo Bills in the fifth-round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Former Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm was projected as an early-to-mid-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, but ended up falling all the way to the fifth-round where he was selected by the Buffalo Bills with the No. 167 overall pick.

Draft analysts and Georgia fans were surprised as Fromm remained on the board throughout Saturday including Georgia head coach Kirby Smart, who went on NFL Network to discuss Fromm being drafted by Buffalo.

Smart said:

“I thought all along he’d be a third or a fourth-round pick, and he lasted to the fifth, there’s only one quarterback on the field at a time, and so many teams have filled their need. It was a weird year, things happened in a strange way.”

Kirby is right, it seems that most teams that didn’t have early picks like the Bengals and Dolphins already had options at quarterback.

“I’ve been sitting here holding my breath that he’d get picked,” Smart said. “And now he’s going to cold, cold Buffalo.”

Yeah, Buffalo may be chilly, but if I am Fromm I am happy to go to Buffalo.  A team that already has a quality starter in Josh Allen, a promising young coach and a good defense.

Fromm should be able to sit behind Allen for a few seasons to learn the offense and possibly compete for the job in the future.

And as Georgia fans know, Fromm doesn’t shy away from competition.

 

 

Georgia Bulldogs DL Tyler Clark signs UDFA deal

Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Tyler Clark did not get invited to the 2020 NFL Combine and went undrafted

Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Tyler Clark did not get invited to the 2020 NFL Combine and went undrafted. Now he’s signing with the Cincinnati Bengals. Clark teams up with UGA legend Geno Atkins in Cincy:

Clark was snubbed from the combine despite being a key piece of Georgia’s elite defense.

Clark helped UGA have the best run defense in the country, allow the fewest rushing touchdowns, and surrender the fewest points of any team in college football. Tyler Clark played a significant amount in all four of his seasons at Georgia.

As a senior Clark finished the season with 2.5 sacks and 26 total tackles. He was disruptive and contributed to 8 tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Clark has solid size and is strong at the point of attack. He is a good all-around player, but isn’t spectacular in any aspect.

Clark had 6.5 sacks over his career, but his best game by far was in the 2018 Rose Bowl against Baker Mayfield and the Oklahoma Sooners. Against the Sooners, Clark had a sack and a pair of tackles for a loss. Over his steady career as a three year starter, Clark totaled 119 tackles.

Fans may recognize his name from key plays like this:

Jan 1, 2018; Pasadena, CA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Tyler Clark tackles Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield in the 2018 Rose Bowl.  Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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