The Georgia Bulldogs have a loaded secondary headed to the NFL. With standout cornerbacks Tyson Campbell and Eric Stokes leading the way, they can have five defensive backs selected later this spring. Will Georgia safety Mark Webb hear his name called in the 2021 NFL Draft?
Mark Webb NFL Draft Profile
- Position: Safety
- School: Georgia
- Current Year: Senior
- Height: 6’1 3/8″
- Weight: 210 pounds
- Wingspan: 79 1/8″
- Arms: 32 1/8″
- Hands: 10 1/8″
Tony Pauline’s Mark Webb Scouting Report
Positives: Nice-sized defensive back who can line up at safety or corner. Aggressive, forceful up the field, and sells out making plays. Stays with coverage assignments, keeps the action in front of him, and displays a burst to the ball out of his plant.
Effectively covers receivers on crossing patterns, sticks on the opponent’s hip out of breaks, and runs downfield with receivers. Works to get his head back around and positions himself to make plays in deep coverage. Physical and gives effort defending the run.
[sv slug=”drizly”]Negatives: Inconsistent getting his head back around to locate the pass and does a lot of face guarding. Late reacting on occasion.
Analysis: Webb is a physical defensive back with nice size who could line up as a corner or safety in zone coverage. He plays with a special teams mentality and should be an asset on coverage units.
Mark Webb’s Player Profile
Despite entering the 2021 NFL Draft as a safety, Georgia’s Mark Webb was a standout high school wide receiver. The Philadelphia native played for Archbishop Wood, where he earned a reputation as a hard-working pass-catcher. His coaches raved about his work ethic, and it showed up on the field. A 6’2″ man-amongst-boys, Webb emerged as a big-play demon his junior season.
Although his numbers — 510 yards and 9 touchdowns — don’t leap off the page, he generated a ridiculous 34 yards per catch.
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Drawing attention after impressive performances at a junior camp in Texas, he began to receive calls from across the nation. The four-star recruit and 21st-ranked receiver in the class held a multitude of offers. In one day, he received offers from Alabama, Georgia, and Iowa. However, his hometown school of Penn State seemed to be the favorite to capture his signature after several official visits.
During a senior season that saw him rattle off 703 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns while leading Archbishop Wood to a PIAA Class 5A State Championship, Webb made his decision. In September, he committed to the Georgia Bulldogs. He stated that playing with his cousin — running back D’Andre Swift –impacted his decision.
Mark Webb’s college football career at Georgia
He arrived in a crowded Bulldogs wide receiver room. While it was not Georgia’s intention to have Webb switch sides to the defensive side of the ball, head coach Kirby Smart asked him if he’d be open to playing safety. Eager to earn playing time, Mark Webb agreed, and four years later, he heads to the NFL Draft at the position.
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As he was learning the nuances of his new position, Webb showcased his versatility. During his freshman season, he appeared in 13 games, predominantly on special teams, with a tackle on a kickoff against Missouri being his highlight contribution. The following year, his playing time increased, making his first start against Middle Tennessee State.
A physical and willing tackler, he registered 6 tackles against Auburn while showcasing an ability to disrupt the passing game with pass breakups against Missouri and Vanderbilt.
Rising to prominence as a junior for Georgia
Webb played arguably his best football as a junior in 2019. Making nine starts at Georgia’s STAR position (a safety/linebacker role), he racked up 46 tackles, 3 pass breakups, and 4 quarterback pressures. Additionally, he further demonstrated his game-changing abilities by forcing a fumble against Notre Dame.
Although he only made three starts in eight games as a senior, he addressed some production concerns by snatching his first career interception. Moreover, he continued to be a tackling force, setting a career-high 9 tackles against Mississippi State. Before the Bulldogs’ bowl game, Mark Webb opted to end his Georgia career early and declare for the 2021 NFL Draft.
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His performances at safety for Georgia earned him an invite to the Reese’s Senior Bowl, where he represented the American team. He produced some impressive practice moments, including an interception against Jamie Newman. Having flown under the radar for much of his career, it was a much-needed boost to his NFL Draft stock.
Mark Webb’s best fits in the 2021 NFL Draft
Georgia safety Mark Webb’s performance at the Senior Bowl elevated his 2021 NFL Draft stock. His ability to be a run stopper should make him worthy of a selection in April. Furthermore, his experience on special teams should help him stick on a roster. There will be concerns about his coverage ability due to a lack of production and several dropped interceptions throughout his college career.
Teams in the market for a safety in the 2021 NFL Draft include the Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins, and Dallas Cowboys.
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Oliver Hodgkinson is a staff writer for Pro Football Network. You can follow him on Twitter at @ojhodgkinson.