AJC’s NFL reporter projects UGA star to Falcons in first round

Well, this is pretty interesting news if you’re a UGA fans that also follows the Atlanta Falcons.

In his first NFL mock draft, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s beat reporter for the Falcons, D. Orlando Ledbetter, has projected UGA defensive back Deandre Baker to be selected by Atlanta with the No. 14 overall pick.

While this is Ledbetter’s first mock draft, his opinion, and subject to change, Ledbetter is a veteran reporter and well-connected to the Falcons. Here’s what Ledbetter wrote:

14. Atlanta Falcons (7-9) – Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia: Baker won the Jim Thorpe Award — given to the top defensive back in college football — as a senior. Baker bypassed the Sugar Bowl to start preparing for the combine.

1. If the Falcons drafted Baker, then it may appease UGA fans who are still bummed from the 2015 NFL Draft, when the Falcons had the No. 8 pick and selected Vic Beasley over Todd Gurley. Two picks later, Gurley was quickly taken by the Rams.

Ledbetter has proected one other UGA player going in the first round:

32. New England Patriots (11-5) – Riley Ridley, WR, Georgia: Younger brother of Falcons wide receiver Calvin Riley.

Your thoughts on the Falcons possibly selecting Deandre Baker, along with the team’s past NFL Draft history with ex-UGA players? Please post below.