In recent years, the Georgia Bulldogs have been a factory for NFL talent. In the 2020 NFL Draft, seven Bulldogs were selected, including left tackle Andrew Thomas, right tackle Isaiah Wilson, and running back D’Andre Swift. In fact, we have seen six Bulldogs hear their name called in the first round of the NFL Draft since 2018. This year, the top Georgia prospects for the 2021 NFL Draft comprise another strong group.
While this year’s Georgia class likely won’t offer a player who will be selected early in round one, it will offer a few early second-day prospects that will have bright NFL futures. Before we take a dive into Georgia’s top 2021 NFL Draft prospects, let’s take a look at the other draft-eligible Bulldogs that just might have a future playing on Sundays.
Georgia Bulldogs who could see the field on Sundays
Jordan Davis, Nose Tackle, Junior (6’6″, 330 pounds)
He gets overshadowed by names such as Christian Barmore, Marvin Wilson, Tyler Shelvin, and Jaylen Twyman, but Georgia’s monster nose tackle Jordan Davis just might be the best run-stuffer in the entire 2021 draft class.
Davis constantly demands double teams and is extremely powerful. Traditionally, nose tackles do not get selected very high on draft day, but Davis has early Day 2 potential.
Eric Stokes, Cornerback, Redshirt Junior (6’1″, 185 pounds)
There is a battle between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Georgia Bulldogs to determine which team has the best cornerback tandem in college football. One half of the Georgia tandem is Eric Stokes, a player who possesses world-class speed and an amazing blend of size and length.
Stokes is a boundary cornerback who thrives playing press, utilizing his frame and impressive route recognition as ingredients to his success. He must improve his balls skills, but in a pass-happy NFL where cornerbacks are at a premium, Stokes could hear his name called in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Monty Rice, Linebacker, Senior (6’1″, 235 pounds)
In a fairly weak 2021 linebacker group, one name to keep an eye on is Georgia’s Monty Rice. Rice has great size, excellent range, and the capacity to make plays sideline-to-sideline.
Rice is a thumper, as he can really lay the lumber and is stout against the run. He enters the 2020 season — if there is a season — included on the preseason watch list for the Butkus Award, which is given to the nation’s top linebacker. If he can live up to that billing, he might be able to squeak himself into Day 2 consideration at the 2021 NFL Draft.
Trey Hill, Center, Junior (6’4″, 330 pounds)
As Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline points out, “Trey Hill is another exciting underclassman who could develop into a first-round pick. Hill is more mobile and agile than recent first-rounder Cesar Ruiz, and dare I say he’s also better sliding in space, but he does not display the sheer power or brute force of Ruiz despite tipping the scales near 320 pounds.”
If he should declare, Hill is another potential Day 2 pick for the Bulldogs.
Top Georgia 2021 NFL Draft prospects
Tyson Campbell, Cornerback, Junior (6’2″, 185 pounds)
On the field, Tyson Campbell has yet to show the consistency needed to secure himself as a legitimate first-round talent. He suffered a foot injury that made him miss five games and lost playing time to D.J. Daniel over the course of the 2019 season. With that said, the former five-star prospect brings immense talent to the table, including his breathtaking speed.
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Campbell wasn’t completely AWOL in 2019; in nine games, he was able to secure 15 tackles, a sack, four passes defended, and a forced fumble which he recovered and returned for a 64-yard touchdown.
In addition to his elite acceleration, Campbell has an amazing god-given athletic profile. He possesses an impressive arsenal of size, length, and speed that will have NFL scouts salivating.
If we have a 2020 college football season and Tyson Campbell is afforded the opportunity to showcase his talents, his 2021 Draft stock will soar. He is a first-round talent who needs to develop into a first-round football player.
Richard LeCounte, Safety, Senior (5’11”, 190 pounds)
Richard LeCounte is one of the top safety prospects in all of college football. His versatility and dynamism were fully on display in 2019, as he filled the stat sheets with 61 tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss, four interceptions, three passes defended, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries.
LeCounte is a very good communicator and leader. Also, LeCounte has plus ball skills, can match up with tight ends, plays with tremendous instincts, and consistently demonstrates the ability to make plays in the box.
As I pointed out previously, “LeCounte is a monster in run support, utilizing his functional athleticism to make plays on the football sideline-to-sideline. He can deliver a blow and is a sound fundamental tackler. He isn’t afraid to mix it up and cover, as his athleticism and movement skills allow him to mirror tight ends. When you watch film on the Georgia defense, #2 stands out, as he plays like his hair is on fire.
LeCounte is a top-50 player in the 2021 NFL Draft and will likely hear his name called early on day two. LeCounte, a true enforcer in the secondary, should find his name into the starting lineup for some lucky NFL team in no time.
Jamie Newman, Quarterback, Redshirt Senior (6’4″, 230 pounds)
Jamie Newman is battling the likes of Kyle Trask (Florida) and Brock Purdy (Iowa State) to be “QB4” in the 2021 NFL Draft. Before he starts focusing on the 2021 Draft, he’d better hope there is a 2020 college football season, and he must beat USC transfer J.T. Daniels out for the starting quarterback position.
Newman, a graduate transfer from Wake Forest, lit it up for the Demon Deacons in 2019, throwing for 2,868 yards and 26 touchdowns. In addition to putting up points and yards through the air, Newman contributed significantly in the running game, running for 574 yards and six touchdowns.
Newman thrives in an RPO style offense, as he can make plays with his legs. While his running ability won’t draw comparisons to Lamar Jackson, Newman is a tough and physical runner. He has good arm strength and his outstanding mobility is his best trait.
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Newman’s mobility and effectiveness as a runner are on full display in the clip below. Don’t sleep on Newman, as he possesses the talent to thrive in today’s NFL.
Newman must become more technically sound and improve his accuracy, but the raw tools are there to be coached. Due to his immense athletic ability, I can’t see a scenario where Jamie Newman lasts through Day 2 of the 2021 NFL Draft. With that said, if he plays out of his mind in 2020, he could ascend to a potential first-round selection. The 2020 season is huge for Newman.