Some UGA players slide in newly-released NFL mock drafts
Some UGA players have dropped in various NFL mock drafts since their performances at last week’s combine, but they’ll have a chance to make up for it soon.
UGA’s Pro Day is scheduled for March 19. And that event, NFL scouts will have more time to closely analyze the top pro prospects from the Bulldogs.
Back to the mock drafts: UGA cornerback Deandre Baker was creeping up the boards, somewhere around the middle of the first round. Bulldogs receiver Riley Ridley was perhaps the fastest riser, moving to the back end of the first round. (Note: DawgNation’s Connor Riley offered some thoughts on Baker HERE)
However, after Ridley posted a 40-yash dash time of 4.58 seconds, along with a vertical jump of 30.5 inches (second worst among receivers), he’s sliding down – for now.
Here’s some of this week’s NFL mock drafts that were released this week:
ESPN (Analysis by Todd McShay
First round (No. 29), Deandre Baker to Kansas City Chiefs. Wrote McShay: “Andy Reid has to find a way to improve the secondary, and Baker does a nice job reading routes with terrific instincts in coverage. Only the Bengals allowed more passing yards last season, and Steven Nelson will be a free agent. Once Kansas City gets a corner, it will likely consider a running back in the second or third round.”
The Sporting News (Vinnie Iyer)
First round (No. 26), Baker to Indianapolis Colts. “The Colts are set to lose another breakout cornerback with Pierre Desir hitting free agency. Baker would give them a smart, physical, press coverage presence to compensate. He backed up his size (5-11, 193 pounds) with good speed at the Combine.”
NFL.com (Daniel Jeremiah)
No UGA players projected in the first round.
CBS Sports (Sean Wagner-McGough)
First round (No. 19), Baker to Tennessee Titans: “I just can’t shake the idea of the Titans taking a cornerback. The Malcolm Butler deal looks like a huge misstep. Logan Ryan is entering the final year of his deal. Even with Butler, Ryan, and Adoree’ Jackson in place, the Titans would benefit from another corner in a three-receiver league. And Baker is an incredible talent, checking in at No. 8 on Trapasso’s latest big board.”
If you want to read extensive coverage of UGA at the NFL Combine, you can read DawgNation reporter Mike Griffith’s stories here. The biggest winner out of the all the Bulldogs there appeared to be receiver Mecole Hardman, because of his blazing 40 time.
But again, the more important workouts (simply because of more one-on-one attention from NFL scouts, will be UGA’s Pro Day on March 20. We expect improved performances, times and tests from many of the Bulldogs who are headed to the NFL.
