Tag: uga nfl draft

Evaluating Kenny McIntosh’s NFL combine performance

How was Kenny McIntosh’s NFL combine performance?

Georgia Bulldogs running back Kenny McIntosh has the versatility it takes to succeed at the NFL level. McIntosh can run, catch and pass block.

McIntosh has never been a burner. He’s more of a steady back that has good balance through contact and vision. McIntosh frequently breaks tackles and is a good receiver out of the backfield.

The former four-star recruit clocked a 4.62 second 40-yard dash, which is OK, but will not elevate McIntosh’s draft status. McIntosh’s 40 time is the third slowest at his position. However, quickness is more important than long distance speed. McIntosh’s 1.54 second 10-yard split was in the middle of the pack of running backs.

McIntosh impressed scouts with his performance in field drills. He is one of the better receiving backs in this draft class.

https://twitter.com/GeorgiaFootball/status/1632523337426501638?s=20

The 6-foot, 204-pound running back faces stout competition from the 2023 NFL draft running back class. The position is loaded this draft cycle. Pro Football Focus has eight running backs ranked in the top-100 draft prospects.

PFF ranks McIntosh as the No. 17 player at his position and the No. 187 overall player. McIntosh is well worth the risk of a middle- or late-round pick, and it would not be surprising to see him selected earlier than his ranking with PFF.

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Former Georgia Bulldog makes Chiefs’ roster year after tearing ACL

Former Georgia Bulldogs defensive end Malik Herring has made the Kansas City Chiefs’ roster

Former Georgia Bulldogs defensive end Malik Herring has made the Kansas City Chiefs’ roster. Herring was not selected in the 2021 NFL draft after tearing his right ACL at the 2021 Senior Bowl.

Herring was projected to be selected in the middle rounds of the draft before his injury. Herring’s late January 2021 injury was a key reason he was not picked in the 2021 draft.

Herring’s presence helped Georgia have great run defenses that were also disruptive of quarterbacks. Herring had four career sacks, four career pass deflections and 76 career tackles at Georgia.

Now, Herring will have a chance to earn playing time and a spot on the game day active roster. Herring is dealing with an oblique injury, but is happy to make Kansas City’s roster.

The former Georgia Bulldog standout had a strong start in the preseason. He recorded four tackles, a half sack and a quarterback hit in his first game this preseason.

Here’s how Herring reacted to making Kansas City’s roster:

Herring overcame a lot to make Kansas City’s roster. An NFL player’s rookie season is critical for his development.

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Georgia Bulldogs take over the 2022 NFL draft

Sights and scenes as the Georgia Bulldogs made history and dominated the 2022 NFL draft in Las Vegas.

The Georgia Bulldogs won the 2021 college football season national championship, but weren’t done yet. Georgia dominated the NFL combine and then made history with five defensive players drafted in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft. No other college football team has ever had five defensive players in the first round.

Georgia set a new school record for most players drafted with 15. It is the second consecutive year that Georgia has broken its school record. The Bulldogs also had the most players drafted in a seven round draft in NFL draft history.

Senior Day: Every Georgia football senior

The Georgia Bulldogs host Charleston Southern on Nov. 20 in what will be the final home game for numerous seniors on the UGA football roster.

The Georgia Bulldogs host the Charleston Southern Buccaneers on Nov. 20 in what will be the final home game for numerous seniors on the UGA football roster.

Georgia is No. 1 and undefeated. Bulldog fans should thank the current seniors on the Georgia roster. Several seniors elected to return to school instead of declaring for the 2021 NFL draft.

Now, Georgia’s seniors are 10-0 in their final season and are looking to wrap up another perfect year at home. Most of UGA’s senior class have only lost at Sanford Stadium once (2019 game against South Carolina).

Many of Georgia’s seniors are eligible to return for another season next year. The 2020 college football season did not count against players’ eligibility, so there may be a few players on this list who decide to return to Athens following the 2021 season.

However, the current group of seniors should be honored for senior day as if this game will be their last one between the hedges.

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Tyson Campbell receives pro comparison

The Jacksonville Jaguars selected former Georgia Bulldogs cornerback Tyson Campbell with the No. 33 pick in the 2021 NFL draft.

The Jacksonville Jaguars selected former Georgia Bulldogs cornerback Tyson Campbell with the No. 33 pick in the 2021 NFL draft. Campbell’s selection addressed an area of need for the Jaguars and gives them a player with an incredibly high ceiling.

Campbell will be one of the most athletic defensive backs in the NFL as a rookie. The former Georgia star will look to refine his technique to succeed at the NFL level. Campbell has the ability to start in Jacksonville’s season-opener.

Here’s how NFL.com profiled Campbell’s strengths and weaknesses before the NFL draft:

Outside cornerback with undeniable physical traits and athletic tools. Smooth hips and agile feet guide him around the field, but he doesn’t always trust his footwork and overall technique, which leads to occasional bouts with imbalance in coverage. Length and quick-twitch agility could lead to robust improvement and success in man coverage. Poise and confidence in matching routes and playing deep throws are the first order of business and those areas might take a couple of seasons to fine-tune. Campbell’s traits outweigh the lack of polish and could lead to a solid NFL career.

NFL.com compared Campbell to Cincinnati Bengals cornerback William Jackson III. Jackson III has incredible closing speed and athleticism. The Bengals cornerback has started 48 NFL games in his four season professional career. Jackson III has three career interceptions and 41 career pass deflections.

Campbell will look to polish his game and have a solid NFL career like Jackson III. Both players have yet to reach their ceilings. If Campbell can improve his footwork and improve at locating the football, then he may end up having a special NFL career.

Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

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Urban Meyer on NFL draft call: ‘To hell with Georgia’

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer denounced the Georgia Bulldogs on his draft call with sixth round pick Jalen Camp (Georgia Tech)

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer fondly remembers his experience as a college coach and will use it to help guide him in the NFL. Meyer won championships as he notably coached for the Florida Gators and Ohio State Buckeyes in college.

Now, the NFL will present a new challenge. Urban Meyer just finished his first career NFL draft. He ended up selecting several players he recruited back when he was the coach at Ohio State.

On his draft call with sixth-round pick Jalen Camp, Urban Meyer wasted no time denouncing the Georgia Bulldogs. Meyer and Jalen Camp, who was a wide receiver at Georgia Tech, share a common rival from their days in college football: Georgia.

Urban Meyer has several family connections to Georgia Tech to strengthen his distaste for Georgia.

Interestingly, Jalen Camp will practice against former Georgia defensive back Tyson Campbell. The Jaguars drafted Campbell with the first pick in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft.

In fact, Tyson Campbell has scored more touchdowns in the Georgia-Georgia Tech rivalry than Jalen Camp despite playing defense. Yellow Jacket fans may remember this one if they were still watching:

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Oct 27, 2007; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Florida Gators head coach Urban Meyer during the fourth quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. Georgia defeated Florida 42-30. Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports Copyright

One Georgia Bulldog goes in first round of CBSSports’ NFL mock draft

One Georgia Bulldog seems to a be a sure-thing to go in the first round on Thursday night and that’s outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari.

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The 2021 NFL Draft is this week and a number of Georgia Bulldogs are sure to hear their name called during the event.

One Georgia Bulldog seems to a be a sure-thing to go in the first round on Thursday night and that’s outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari, who has consistently been hovering around the No. 20 pick in almost every mock draft I’ve seen.

In CBSSports’ most recent mock draft, they have Ojulari headed to Indianapolis Colts with the 21st overall pick.

From Jonathan Jones:

I’ve been frustrated by the Colts’ lack of activity this offseason, but it’s hard to argue against the results Chris Ballard has gotten. They went the veteran route along the OL, so now it’s time to get the edge rusher in the draft.

Also of note, Jones has former Georgia and Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields slipping to No. 14 overall, where the Chicago Bears trade up to get the former No. 1 overall recruit in the country.

He also has the Atlanta Falcons selecting Florida tight end Kyle Pitts with the fourth pick.

PFF compares Ojulari to Baltimore Ravens defensive end Yannick Ngakoue. Ngakoue is a smaller defensive end, who uses his explosiveness, size, and technique to win as a pass rusher. Azeez Ojulari is similar to Ngakoue in all of these respects.

Ojulari will look to make a large impact in the NFL like the Ravens defensive end, Yannick Ngakoue, who has recorded 45.5 sacks in five NFL seasons. On a similar note, Ojulari will try to continue his impressive production (15.5 sacks in two seasons as a starter) at the NFL level.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper names six Bulldogs in Top 10 positional rankings ahead of NFL draft

ESPN’s Mel Kiper has named six Bulldogs to his updated top 10 positional rankings ahead of the NFL draft. Listen here.

ESPN‘s Mel Kiper recently updated his top 10 rankings by position ahead of the 2021 NFL draft and Georgia football is represented by six players.

McKitty is ranked as Kiper’s No. 6 tight end. McKitty transferred to Georgia from Florida State for his senior season and battled through injuries at the top of the season. He did start the last seven games and caught six passes for 108 yards and a touchdown.

Georgia tight end Tre’ McKitty runs a pattern during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Florida, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Cleveland is Kiper’s eight ranked guard. The Toccoa, Ga., native was named 2020 All-SEC first-team by the league coaches and earned second-team All-American honors from the Athletic. Cleveland had a strong showing at Georgia’s pro day where he ran an unofficial 4.85 forty yard dash and bench pressed 225 pounds 30 times.

Oct 5, 2019; Knoxville, TN, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Ben Cleveland (74) blocking during a game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports

Hill is rated as the No. 7 center on Kiper’s board. Hill was an anchor on Georgia’s line the last two seasons. He was voted as 2020 preseason All-SEC before battling injuries throughout the season. He missed Georgia’s Peach Bowl win over Cincinnati recovering from knee surgeries. He looks to have made a full recovery and participated in Georgia’s pro day.

Apr 20, 2019; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Trey Hill (55) blocks during the Georgia spring game at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Ojulari is the highest rated Dawg on Kiper’s board, coming in at No. 3 among outside linebackers. Ojulari is projected as a first round pick and for good reason. He was a semi finalist for the Chuck Bedarik Award, given to the nation’s best defensive player and was rated as one of the best pass rushers in the nation, according to Pro Football Focus. 

Jan 1, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Azeez Ojulari (13) celebrates after a sack against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the second half of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Campbell is rated as the No. 5 cornerback on Kiper’s board. Campbell had a strong showing at Georgia’s pro day, clocking an unofficial 4.37 in the forty yard dash. Campbell was a lockdown corner for the Bulldogs the last two seasons and led the team with 5 pass break ups in 2020.

Georgia defensive back Tyson Campbell (3) covers a play against Florida during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Kiper has LeCounte rated as the No. 10 corner in the draft. Even though LeCounte’s production as a Dawg was incredible, draft scouts don’t relate that to an NFL field. At Georgia, LeCounte had 8 interceptions over his last 21 games and piled up 176 career tackles. His injury in a motorcycle accident last season kept LeCounte out of the spotlight.

Jan 1, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Richard LeCounte (2) on the field prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

 

A new episode of “UGA Football Live with J.C. Shelton” is here! J.C. is joined by former Georgia tight end Arthur Lynch to talk UGA football, his life as U.S. Army 2nd Lieutenant and more. Listen here:

2 Bulldogs go in first round of Draft Wire’s latest NFL mock draft

Check out which Georgia Bulldogs are selected in this recent NFL mock draft from Draft Wire.

Georgia football has 11 players participating in the 2021 NFL Draft. A few are projected as first round picks.

USA TODAY’s Draft Wire recently released a two-round NFL mock draft, which, no surprise here, features two former Dawgs.

Projected to land with the Miami Dolphins at pick No. 18 is Azeez Ojulari. The edge defender is one of the highest-graded pass rushers in this year’s draft.

Jan 1, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Azeez Ojulari (13) holds the trophy as head coach Kirby Smart and place kicker Jack Podlesny (96) look on after a victory against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Ojulari recorded three sacks and a forced fumble in the Bulldogs 24-21 win over Cincinnati in the Peach Bowl, earning him defensive MVP honors. He followed up with an impressive showing at Georgia’s pro day March 17.

Projected to land with the New York Jets at pick No. 23 (via the Seattle Seahawks) is Eric Stokes. The cornerback has had an impressive offseason preparing for the draft. He ran a 4.25 forty yard dash at former NFL receiver Brandon Marshall’s combine event and then ran 4.29 at UGA’s pro day.

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart, left, cheers on defensive back Eric Stokes (27) as he returns a Florida interception for a 37-yard touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Stokes was a lockdown defender at Georgia, earning All-American honors in his final season with the Bulldogs. He led the SEC in interceptions in 2020 (4) and returned two for touchdowns.
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A new episode of “UGA Football Live with J.C. Shelton” is here! J.C. is joined by former Georgia tight end Arthur Lynch to talk UGA football, his life as U.S. Army 2nd Lieutenant and more. Listen here:

One Georgia Bulldog goes in the first-round of USA TODAY’s latest NFL mock draft

Here’s what Georgia Bulldog was taken in the USA TODAY’s latest NFL mock draft.

The USA TODAY’s Doug Farrar of Touchdown Wire recently released his first NFL mock draft of the year and there is one Georgia Bulldog on the lineup.

That’s star linebacker, 2020 Peach Bowl MVP, Azeez Ojulari. The 2020 SEC sack leader is projected to land with the Tennessee Titans at pick No. 22 in the first-round.

In 27 games at Georgia, Ojulari racked up 71 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 14 sacks and five forced fumbles. And in 2020, his most dominant season, was named a finalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award, given to the nation’s best defensive player, and earned second team All-SEC honors by both the Associated Press and the league’s coaches.

Ojulari would be a great fit for the Titans, who have a good young defensive coach in Mike Vrabel and run a 3-4 scheme similar to what Ojulari played in under coach Kirby Smart and defensive coordinator Dan Lanning at Georgia.

If Ojulari can pick up in the NFL where he left off in the Bulldogs Peach Bowl win over Cincinnati, he’ll be a star wherever he lands.

Ojulari and the rest of the NFL Draft-bound Bulldogs will look to boost their draft stock during the Georgia pro day scheduled for March 17th.

The draft is scheduled for Thursday, April 29 to Saturday, May 1 on NFL Network and ESPN.