
Georgia and JT Daniels doubted by some, ‘Way-Too-Early’ 2022 projection suggests otherwise
ATHENS — Georgia quarterback JT Daniels won’t play another game until Sept. 4 when he lines up across from Clemson. The Tigers will be led by Daniels’ old high school rival, D.J. Uiagalelei.
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But that doesn’t mean the Bulldogs’ quarterback isn’t competing right now — if only with himself — as he looks to tighten elements of his game and make subtle adjustments with his mechanics through his annual work with QB guru Jordan Palmer.
Daniels doesn’t seem to lack for motivation, but in the event he’s having a slow day, the Sporting News 2022 NFL Draft QB Rankings could provide just the right push.
Not only is Daniels not considered the top quarterback prospect, but USC’s Kedon Slovis has been ranked ahead of him by the Sporting News along with the Cincinnati quarterback he out-dueled to win the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl:
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1. Sam Howell, North Carolina
2. Spencer Rattler, Oklahoma
3. Kedon Slovis, USC
4. Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati
5. Tyler Shough, Texas Tech
6. JT Daniels, Georgia
7. Matt Corral, Ole Miss
8. Jayden Daniels, Arizona State
9. Brock Purdy, Iowa State
Still, the 2021 NFL Draft was a record-breaker for the Bulldogs with nine players chosen, including former three-star cornerback Eric Stokes going in the first round.
Only Alabama and Ohio State had more players picked, producing 10 each.
RELATED: Why Georgia will bypass Alabama in 2022 NFL Draft
But the 2022 NFL Draft figures to belong to Georgia with another school record for players chosen if this UGA team handles the offseason in proper fashion.
Team leaders like Daniels and defensive tackle Jordan Davis need to be in top form, which is why it was so concerning Smart felt the need to challenge Davis to keep his weight down after he went through spring drills 10 pounds too heavy.
The good news is there are plenty of other Georgia team leaders who can and will lead verbally and by example, many of them who look to be high-round picks in the 2021 NFL Draft.
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Here’s a “Way-Too-Early” look at Georgia’s top 2022 NFL Draft prospects, and others who might also end up being selected should they decide to declare themselves eligible for the draft.
The players are listed under the categories of their ceilings — the highest they could possibly be taken in 2022:
Day One (First Round)
QB JT Daniels
WR George Pickens
DT Jordan Davis
DT Devonte Wyatt
LB Nakobe Dean
SS Lewis Cine
DL Travon Walker
OLB Adam Anderson
Day Two (Rounds 2-3)
DE Nolan Smith
OG Jamaree Salyer
LB Quay Walker
OG Justin Shaffer
RB James Cook
RB Kenny McIntosh
RB Zamir White
Day Three (Rounds 4-7)
FS Christopher Smith
LB Channing Tindall
LB Robert Beal
WR Demetris Robertson
DL Julian Rochester
CB Ameer Speed
P Jake Camarda