UGA blog finds new home
Morning all. As I’ve said a couple of times this week, we’re converting this blog over to a WordPress platform and it will be a permanent move the first of next week.
Those of you who are regulars probably know that I’m not what you’d call techno-wizard when it comes to these things. But from what I understand the technology offered in this new format should make the blogging and commenting experience better for all. Of course, I’ll be learning as we go along, too. But I’m hoping to provide more pictures and video and things like that which should bring the blog more to life.
Of course, this blog is nothing without all you guys so I want to heartily invite (read: beg) you to come over to the new site by CLICKING HERE ON THE NEW ADDRESS and save it in your browsers. As of Monday, Feb. 23rd, this will be the permanent home of the UGA blog you so love or, in the case of some of you, love to loathe. If you’d prefer to copy and paste or just memorize, the new address is: http://blogs.ajc.com/uga-sports-blog/.
See at the new place!
AJC > Sports > UGA > Blog > Archives > 2008 > April > 28
Monday, April 28, 2008
Nine Dogs heading to NFL
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Well, another NFL draft is in the books and, once again, several Georgia Bulldogs were a part of it. Four players were drafted on Sunday - none went on Day One - and at least another five have been snapped up since via free agency.
Defensive end Marcus Howard, who will play outside linebacker at the next level, was the top Dog this year, going to the Colts in the fifth round with pick 161 overall. He was followed by tailback Thomas Brown (Falcons, sixth, 172), guard Chester Adams (Bears, 7th, 222) and kicker Brandon Coutu (Seahawks, 7, 235).
That’s not quite as many as we’ve become accustomed to seeing drafted under coach Mark Richt and certainly not as early. It was the first time since 2000, Jim Donnan’s last year, that no UGA players were chosen in the first four rounds. And the four selections overall ties for the fewest Bulldogs chosen since only two were picked that same year. Only four Dogs were picked in 2007 and 2004.
Which brings me to today’s topic. What does it say that Georgia, a team that went 11-2 last season and finished with a No. 2 national ranking, didn’t have a player selected in the first four rounds? Does that mean that Richt and his staff are fantastic coaches? Does it mean that the Bulldogs have some unbelievably talented underclassmen? Is it merely the manifestation of the adage “the whole is greater than the parts?” Or are some of these NFL types missing in their evaluations?
Like I said, several Dogs got picked up via free agency. As of this writing, running back Kregg Lumpkin (Packers), wide receiver Sean Bailey (Chiefs), defensive back Kelin Johnson (Seahawks) and offensive lineman Fernando Velasco (Titans) are all headed to pro camps. I have information that outside linebacker Brandon Miller also got picked up by the Falcons but they weren’t confirming that as of lunchtime.
Meanwhile, I’m still surprised a guy like David Greene hasn’t thrived in the NFL. And I know Brown is small and had some injury problems the last couple of seasons but I still think he brings an awful lot to the table. I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t make a roster, the Falcons or somebody elses.
Here’s some fun facts to chew on regarding UGA and the draft while you’re contemplating all this stuff:
Most Dogs drafted: 8 in 2002
Most impressive draft for UGA: Probably 2003, when it had two first-rounders and four taken in the first two rounds. Here it is in total - DT Johnathan Sullivan (1st round, 6th pick), New Orleans Saints; OT George Foster (1st round, 20th pick), Denver Broncos; LB Boss Bailey (2nd round, 34th pick), Detroit Lions; OT Jon Stinchcomb (2nd round, 37th pick), New Orleans Saints; TB Musa Smith (3rd round, 77th pick), Baltimore Ravens; LB Tony Gilbert (6th round, 210th pick), Arizona Cardinals; FB J.T. Wall (7th round, 242nd pick), Pittsburgh Steelers.
Best draft pre-Richt era: Probably 1989 when six Dogs were taken. Of course, it was a 12-round draft back then: TB Tim Worley (first round, Pittsburgh), FB Keith Henderson (third round, San Francisco), DE Richard Tardits (fifth round, St. Louis), TE Troy Sadowski (sixth round, Atlanta), QB Wayne Johnson (11th round, Indianapolis), and DE Aaron Chubb (12th round, New England).
Let’s hear what y’all think.
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