ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper has former Wake Forest quarterback Jamie Newman rated as a “Day 3″ prospect.
Newman, who opted out of the 2020 season after transferring to Georgia, would be a good late-round pick for teams looking for an athletic quarterback to develop, Kiper said on a conference call with media members Monday.
The quarterback class has five players, including former Georgia quarterback Justin Fields, projected to go in the first-round of the draft. Fields transferred and finished his career at Ohio State.
The draft will be held April 29 through May 1 in Cleveland.
Newman could possibly have improved his draft status if he had played in 2020.
“No regrets of not playing this season,” Newman told reporters after a Senior Bowl practice Jan. 28.
Following his four seasons at Wake Forest, Newman transferred to Georgia as a graduate student. He was projected to be the starting quarterback.
Newman cited concerns surrounding the coronavirus pandemic for opting out.
“I got that (question) in all 32 interviews (with NFL teams) — why did I opt out? It was a collective thing,” Newman said. “COVID hit differently for me and my family. Unfortunately, I had a family member who was affected by COVID. That’s what went into my decision.”
On “Day 3″ of the draft, teams pick players in rounds four through seven.
Last season, former Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm was picked in the fifth round (167th overall) by the Buffalo Bills.
Also, Georgia pass rusher Azeez Ojulari is projected to be the final player taken in the first round of Kiper’s most recent mock draft.
“Azeez Ojulari showed this year off the edge,” Kiper said. “I’d like to see him maybe add five to 10 pounds on that frame. I’d liked to have seen another year, but based on what I saw, he’s worthy of being a late first- or early second-rounder.”
Falcons’ 2021 draft position: Here are the pick’s in D. Led’s Mock Draft 1.0: Top five picks
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence (QB, Clemson)
2. New York Jets: Ja’Marr Chase, (WR, LSU)
3. Miami Dolphins: Penei Sewell (OT, Oregon)
4. Falcons: Justin Fields (QB, Ohio State)
5. Cincinnati Bengals: Devonta Smith (WR, Alabama)
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