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AJC > Sports > UGA > Blog > Archives > 2008 > April > 28 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USNine 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.
Permalink | Comments (44) | Post your comment | Categories: Football
Comments
By David
April 28, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
I think it says two things:
We have done a great job building a team-oriented program, especially in terms of team speed and fitness.
We have some of the best underclassmen we have ever had, especially Stafford and Moreno, two future NFL stars (if they keep working)
By Chip Towers
April 28, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Couple of other draft things: At least two other Bulldogs could end up on rosters — defensive back/kick returner Thomas Flowers and/or wide receiver A.J. Bryant. Can’t think of anybody else right off the bat… .
As for the rest of the league, here’s some information provided by the SEC office you may find interesting:
Here’s the details from this year:
2008 (6): Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas - 4th to Oakland; Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU - 5th to Kansas City; Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida - 8th to Jacksonville; Jerod Mayo, ILB, Tennessee - 10th to New England; Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt - 14th to Chicago; Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas - 22nd to Dallas
First-rounders previous years: 2007 (11), 2006 (4), 2005 (10), 2004 (6), 2003 (4), 2002 (6), 2001 (5), 2000 (6), 1999 (8), 1998 (10), 1997 (4), 1996 (4), 1995 (3), 1994 (6), 1993 (6)
By JJ
April 28, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
David Greene was the Tom Brady of the NCAA. I never saw him making it in the NFL.
By Bob
April 28, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
I think the dawgs have a great team environment, but think that the underclassman are overwhelmingly talented. Think about possible high draft picks from our current starters…
DB - Allen, Jones LB - Ellerbe, Curran DL - Owens OL - Sturdivant QB - Stafford RB - Moreno
I think all of these guys will eventually be first or second round draft picks.
Am I leaving anyone out?
By Chip Towers
April 28, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
Reshad Jones projects as an eventual high pick.
By Steve
April 28, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
Thomas Brown’s history of injury no doubt dropped him significantly in the draft standings. I believe that he is more than capable of making it in the NFL, provided he can keep from blowing the knee out again. For us old-schoolers - remember Eddie Lee Ivery from Tech in the late 70s?? Incredible collegiate runner, got hurt against Georgia his senior year, went to the pros, got hurt again, dropped out of sight permanently. Same with Marcus Dupree from Oklahoma in the early 80s. One of the most dynamic RBs ever to don a jersey, but blew his knee out very early in his NFL career - gone, and a damn shame for both of these guys.
Brown proved over and over that he was a back to be reckoned with. Most of us in the Dawg Nation will always wonder what might have been had he not gotten blue-crossed so much in Athens. Best of luck in Flowery Branch, TB!! You deserve it!
By Pago Flyer
April 28, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
Man, I forgot about Richard Tardits. HE sure was fun to watch.
By Thomaston Dawg
April 28, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
Lumpkin was a heck of a back when healthy, as well. I can see him having a long career of 3rd and short carries if he can stay out of the trainers room.
By jferg NC dawg
April 28, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
I think that our underclassmen are unbelievably talented. UGA generally has, what, 15 seniors to move on each year? This year, we had 8 or 9? This means we have a ridiculous level of talent moving up through our ranks. This SHOULD be evidenced by SEC Champ teams over the next few years…. Bonus: Mark Richt and staff are also very good at getting mediocre players to play well in the system.
By Clint
April 28, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
Paul Oliver was taken in the supplemental draft in the 4th round, I think. He no doubt would have been a high draft pick if he had been eligible, and played last year.
By Lane
April 28, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
MR and staff are doing a great job. MR, is certainly no Goff or Donnan. Is it possible that MR’s best job was in 06, with no quarterback and Stafford taking “baby steps”, throughout the season. The 06 OL had absolutely no depth, with Inman being penalized @ what seemed like every play. The OL, in 07 while inexperienced was talented and was “coached up” and coachable, beyond belief. The OL, gets no recognition except when things go wrong. Prior to 07, the group was decimated by suspensions, players leaving and others just not working out. Remember Ian Smith and Seth Watts were getting playing time, both left the team last year.
If you listen to MR, he hates cross training the O lineman, which limits their progress and impeades continuity.
Unless something goes terribly wrong, the next few years should be very pleasant.
By Hunk Erdown
April 28, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
How many seniors did we actually lose? How many juniors “declared” early?
I think for the few number of folks we lost, the numbers are pretty good for how many are going to the next level for a shot.
I think the world of T Brown, and wish him God’s speed in his future. My advice to Thomas would be to work on his side to side and obleak (sp) movement… runninig through those NFL boys won’t cut it for him.
By KD
April 28, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
I think it bodes well for our underclassmen, but I also think UGA doesn’t get the media attention of comparable schools like LSU and USC.
By TNT
April 28, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
You left out KIANTE TRIPP OL as a draft pick in his senior year
By Cuz
April 28, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
Richard Tardits from Biarattz France. I think that is how you spell it. Never played football in his life before college and became an All-American. We used to hollar “Go You Hairy Frog!”.
By Beach Dawg
April 28, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
So Chip, of that great draft in 2003 how many made it — me thinks only two remain. I enjoy your writing, thank.
By dallasga6
April 28, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
Don”t forget that Paul Oliver was selected in the summer supplemental draft..[acedemics]. cost team that picked him a 4th. round pick in the draft..
G.A.T.A…
By used cars
April 28, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this
Did Mikey Henderson hook up with anyone. I might have missed it, but never saw his name mentioned.
By Chip Towers
April 28, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
used cars: Last time I heard from Mikey he wasn’t interested in pursuing football beyond UGA.
By shane #1
April 28, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this
Hunk, I agree with You 100%. UGA had nine seniors that were starters, at one time or another. If Chip is correct four were drafted, and the other five will try out as free agents. Henderson is a project at lb, and isn’t big enough to be an everydown de. I see Him coming in on passing downs to rush the qb. TB, as others have pointed out, has had injury problems and is not big enough to be an every down back in the NFL. He has a great work ethic and will be a big help to the Falcons on special teams and as a third down back. Kelin is also undersized for a safety. Miller lost His starting job as a senior. Bailey blew out a knee, and like Lumpkin, missed a lot of games. Cotu is a kicker and most NFL teams do not wamt to “waste” a high draft choice on a kicker. Who knows? ‘Nando and the “Big Cheese” may be sleepers. Given the facts I didn’t expect any high draft choices from this group. IMO, except for Miller, They were a bunch of overachievers Who did well to get a look from the pros. As for the good year They had I think it was a combination of all the reasons Chip gave. 1-They were hard workers that played as a team. 2-The Coaching staff did a heck of a job. 3-There is a ton of young talent at UGA.
By Dawg Fan
April 28, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this
David Greene a terrific quarterback hasn’t had a chance to show himself because he was always signed to a team that had an all star quarterback. (Seattle, New England, Kansas) So he is assigned as a back up but has never been needed. If some team like Atlanta could get a hold of him —- Great !!
By AltamahaDawg
April 28, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this
Le’sack.
By War Eagle
April 28, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this
Auburn had 13 seniors, THREE were drafted in second and third rounds, TWO fifth and sixth round, PLUS THREE free agency.”Six out of 13 ain`t bad”as Meatloaf sings
By War Eagle
April 28, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this
It should be 8 out of 13 ain`t bad.
By AltamahaDawg
April 28, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this
ah, you butchered it.
By ............................................BuLLdawg
April 29, 2008 6:14 AM | Link to this
You don’t have to be drafted to make the NFL, and being drafted is no assurance either - no matter where you are drafted.
Quite a few non-drafted Bulldogs have gone on and played in the NFL. Do talent evaluators miss it often ? Well, yeah.
What does it say ?
55 NFL Bulldogs and 19 Georgia Tech NFL players. That’s the bottom line. If you don’t get to play in the NFL, like David Greene, and you sit here all these years later and cannot bring yourself to say his passes lack zip (like Matt Ryan’s deep floating balls), and that that is the reason why Seattle dropped him from the 53-man roster and cut him; then, that does not alter the facts of what is the case with a fine kid who was short on talent and long on intelligence. David Greene certainly has nothing to be ashamed of, and he has lots of money now to go on to something he can excel at; and, to do so with his head held high.
He played in some NFL preseason games.
He just didn’t do as well in them as DJ Shockley has.
Not close.
What it says when only 3 other college football programs in all of America have more players in the NFL than UGA, is that our tough schedules bring flocks of NFL talent to our program.
When you play the Number 7 toughest schedule and top SoS among all Final AP Poll Top football teams last season, it is not as easy to look good as when you play in fact the Number 40 SoS of Boston College, or the Number or Number 38 SoS Ohio State, or Number 49 SoS Arizona State, or Number 60 SoS Florida State, or Number 61 SoS Georgia Tech, it is easier to look good. But, then those are not the players you compete against in the NFL - now, are they Chipper ?
Southern California played the Number 73 SoS last season. Why does Southern California not have more in the NFL than UGA ? Duh. They are not used to competing against the best. Our players are.
By ............................................BuLLdawg
April 29, 2008 6:16 AM | Link to this
We shall see how many players actually get to play in the NFL, or at least at some point make a 53-man roster.
But, what does it say comparing UGA with Georgia Tech ?
It says that UGA in our worst NFL year will add far more players to the NFL than Tech in its best year.
Come to UGA.
Play against good opponents - all of whom consider us their Rival.
Go on to the NFL.
Play the same players you played while you were at UGA.
And, kicked their collective butts here, as we will in the NFL.
Win a Super Bowl MVP.
Be somebody. Play good opponents who themselves go on the NFL. Make a name for yourself. Make an NFL 53-man roster. Dominate the Super Bowl. Be like Danny Ware and take home a Super Bowl Ring.
I have no idea what your point is Chipper; but, it should be that UGA looks extremely good when looking at the NFL. The likelihood one of our players like say Thomas Brown of the Falcons, will make the NFL is highly more likely than all but 3 college football programs in America. But, our players are doing better in the NFL than those just 3 programs because they were ready for it : Not some AJ-C sports writers who try to make it out that somehow 4 Bulldogs drafted and almost a dozen who are all we lost almost all have a shot at the NFL is somehow not good while Tech getting only 3 drafted is somehow better for their recruiting than the great showing of The Bulldogs leaving our program compared to their losing ways at Tech playing SoS Number 61 – not 7 like UGA.
The facts are that UGA hangs its head to no one in discussion of the NFL, especially when we returned our entire team from last year and will again next year. I thought you knew ?
By TheBigBone
April 29, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
bulldawgcrap, it don’t mean nothing.
By D-Man
April 29, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
Chip, that would be a great followup blog or column regarding David Greene..what happened to him? What are his thoughts? Any regrets? Etc…?
By I-DOG
April 29, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
War Eagle,
Congrats to the Auburn players taken. I think someone got good value with Q Groves dropping a bit.
What do you think of Auburn running the spread offense this year? It seems to me that Auburn is always our most physical opponent. It doesn’t matter if AU has the better team or UGA, Auburn HITS and plays great smashmouth both offensively and defensively.
Do you think the spread will make Auburn a little too finesse offensively? Maybe wishful thinking on my part, but do you have any concerns?
By I-DOG
April 29, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
Chip,
This is mostly a factor of having a small senior class and many of the high draft pick NFL prospects were underclassman.
If you look at the recruiting classes the last two years and what is shaping up this year, there should be large numbers going to the NFL starting in 2010
By Chip Towers
April 29, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
Hey, in case any of you guys are interested, UGA has gotten in a new shipment of about 300 Larry Munson Bobblehead Dolls and they can be ordered off the Bulldogs website, www.georgiadogs.com. Remember, all proceeds go to the Noah Harris Scholarship Fund.
By daledog
April 29, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
that’s two prominant websites (sportsline and si) that have already declared Stafford as the #1 Draft pick for 2009. ESPN predicts he’s 3rd. Dang, let the kid win us a title first.
By AltamahaDawg
April 29, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this
Stafford isn’t going to defy all advice and leave early for the NFL.
By Bill
April 29, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this
Richard Tardits - what a name to remember. A rugby star from France who learned and did good in American football. I knew Richard in college and he was a smart, approachable, and very likeable guy. Probably making a fortune today in international business. Does anyone remember the famed “Tardits Route” to the QB (and a sack)?
By I-DOG
April 29, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
Interesting to look at the recruiting rankings of the players from the 2003 and 04 recruiting classes versus who will get a shot in the pros. It combines the reliability of recruiting player rankings and this draft discussion:
in 04, two five star players were signed: Brandon Miller and Charles Johnson. Johnson was drafted after declaring his Junior year. Miller’s story is well documented on these boards. He contributed, but not nearly like we hoped a 5 star player would.
These were the four 4 star recruits from that class:
Josh Jonson - washed out Seth Watts - a backup for several seasons before leaving program Thomas Brown - great contributor, drafted to NFL AJ Bryant - showed flashes as a freshman, battled injuries, didn’t live up to potential…
Kelin was a 1 star player and had a good career and will have a shot in the NFL
The other twelve were 3 star recruits
Blake Barnes - career backup, transfered Danny Ware- great freshman season, struggled to find time in crowded backfield, left early for NFL Brannan Southerland - great UGA career so far, could be first player at his position, but it is one that doesn’t get drafted in the first half of the first round. Antonio Sims - washed out Jeremy Lomax - expected to be a big contributor this year Demiko Goodman - slow steady progress, but unlikely to be NFL pick Brandon Lang - Washed Out Chester Adams - 2 year starter, drafted to NFL Jamar Bryant - washed out Kenneth Harris - Contributing, but unlikely to be a big NFL pick Ramarcus Brown - career backup, unlikely to be top NFL pick Danell Ellerbe - 2 year starter, could be a high NFL pick
This class overall wasn’t as talented as the last three the Dawgs have signed or the current verbals.
By War Eagle
April 29, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this
IDOG, When a complete change is made with your offense and a new OC, several things can happen. Auburn has the players and depth for the spread, hopefully as we get into the season we get better. The QB is key position, Kodi Burns is the man(Clemson game).I saw a clip today had Auburn #1 offensive line in SEC and country..They are mostly soph. and RS. I think that a little overboard, but nice feeling anyway.Its still amazing in 2005, Auburn had 4 first round draft selection(all top 10), plus three starters out of the chute and Jason Campbell, third year starter, who has done very well.
By truthman
April 29, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this
What about World Heavyweight Wrestling Champion Bill Goldberg!!! Another great DAWG who might have made it in the NFL, but certainly chose the right “business,” didn’t he!!
By ............................................BuLLdawg
April 29, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this
Bill
That’s good stuff Bill.
You know what I’ve found useful about recruiting rankings ?
First, not how many stars a recruit is assigned, but what their ranking is nationally at their position. There are 120 Bowl Championship Division schools.
And, secondly, not how many average stars a recruiting class has, but the overall ranking of our football program national recruiting annually.
And, I believe rather than looking at one recruiting class, that you take the players on the team who will not return to the team the following year, and see what their hopes are at this of the year of actually making an NFL camp via either being drafted or being given a free agent contract to join an NFL camp.
It’s not so much the opening day roster next Fall which will be the tell, but certainly, if they don’t make the 53-man roster at anytime next Fall, then they likely are done. There have been a couple who came out of our program that year, didn’t make a 53-man roster the following year, and then went on and made it in subsequent years like Josh Mallard.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/college?letter=g
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/college?letter=a
You either are, or are not, on a 53-man roster - like David Greene at Kansas City.
ESPN reports 55 Bulldogs today, Georgia Tech 23, and Auburn 41.
By ............................................BuLLdawg
April 29, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
I’m not sure how well I would say Jason Campbell has done. This is his 4th year after a 1st round draft pick (25 overall.)
Last season, he threw 12 TDs and 11 interceptions. Total. Redskins Lost 7 of his 13 games. Jason was sacked 21 times. His NFL Passing Efficiency Rating is 77. He had 1 rushing TD (lost that game) and 5 fumbles. After his knee injury, Jason Campbell missed all the last 3 games. Redskins won every game, all 3.
Yet, we read War Eagle just tell us this ?
” Jason Campbell, third year starter, who has done very well. “
Uh, no. I don’t think so.
By auburn suxs
April 30, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
Hey bulldawg , I will have to say Jason has done well and this year will be the tell tell all on him. Wareagle I really don’t beleive auburn even has the best offense line in the sec west. They were freshman last year and need I remind you of what happen in the UGA game , first pass was under pressure and INT, and I lost count on how many times we sacked COXS, he had no time to throw all game. I also saw a lot of the line standing there with no one to block ,because they could not handle our front four speed. I could be wrong ,but I don’t know, time will tell, just like it did with COXS, GO DAWGS!!!!!
By AltamahaDawg
April 30, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
daledog, that’s not 2 qualified independant opinions, its just a reprint of the mock draft by a writer. Did you notice he actually predicted Atlanta to finish dead last and then trade away its first pick?
Stafford is a prostyle QB. They are always adviced to stay as long as possible, and very rarely has anyone gone against the advice, even more rarely, successfully. Relax.
By Go Hawks
May 1, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this
It means we didn’t lose hardly anyone, we are incredibly talented and young. Nothing more than that.
There is a reason everyone expects us to be 1 or 2 in the country.
People are reading too much into the draft and what it says about the state of the Dawgs.
By I-DOG
May 1, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
War Eagle:
Auburn with a very good offensive line is dangerous, I hate to hear that.
The Auburn game scares me this year and here is why: I think UGA has the better team, but the Dawgs played two fantastic games against Auburn the last two years when the teams were pretty evenly matched. Auburn may be due, plain and simple.
Similar situation with TN and UGA. TN played some of their best football in the last two seasons in the two UGA games. I think Georgia is due agasint TN despite TN having a pretty good team themselves in 08