It generated some local headlines when it was reported that former UGA outside linebacker D’Andre Walker was scheduled to meet with the Atlanta Falcons this week. Because both football teams are located in the state of Georgia, there’s a lot of crossover with fans.
As it turns out, Walker wasn’t the only former Bulldog to meet in person with the nearby NFL franchise.
On Friday, 13 former UGA players visited with the Falcons as part of “Locals Day,” per the AJC’s D. Orlando Ledbetter. Here’s the rundown:
- Wide receiver Mecole Hardman
- Wide receiver Riley Ridley
- Wide receiver Jayson Stanley
- Wide receiver Terry Godwin
- Running back Elijah Holyfield
- Tight end Jackson Harris
- Tight end Isaac Nauta
- Guard Lamont Gaillard
- Guard Kendall Baker
- Cornerback Deandre Baker
- Defensive end Jonathan Ledbetter
- Linebacker Natrez Patrick
- Long snapper Nick Moore
UGA fans have often criticized the Falcons for passing over the top Bulldogs in the yearly NFL Draft – and they’ve got a good case. Since 2000, the Falcons have only drafted four players from the SEC program located only 60 miles away from the Falcons headquarters in Flowery Branch, Ga.
In 2015, the Falcons passed on Todd Gurley for Vic Beasley with the No. 8 overall pick, which looked like a monumental draft error until Gurley developed knee problems at the end of last season.
This year, Deander Baker will likely be around when the Falcons pick at No. 14 overall.
