Draft Dawgs

1st round energy

Well, we did it. I wasn’t sure it could happen, but it did. The 2021 UGA Bulldogs broke the modern draft record. 15 (fifteen) players were taken which is the most ever in the seven round draft era. Let’s take a look back at where they’re all going.

1. Travon Walker, DE, Jaguars. In January I hoped Travon would return for his senior year (selfishly). At the time I thought he was a borderline first rounder and could put himself in the top ten if he returned to school. Clearly I was wrong because here he is going first overall. Can’t get much higher than that. Just another feather in the cap of Kirby. Looking like a ceremonial headdress at this point.
2. Jordan Davis, DT, Eagles. I think this kid is going to wind up being the best player in this draft. He’s a freak. He will be able to play all three downs. He is a great pick for them and will go on to a ten year career.
3. Quay Walker, ILB, Packers. Workout wonder riser. I never would’ve guessed in January he would go that high but he did. He hits all the measurables and will be one to watch.
4. Devonte Wyatt, DT, Packers. They have three Dawgs on the team. I think he dropped a little bit over “off the field” concerns, but he could wind up being one of the best DL taken in the draft.
5. Lewis Cine, S, Vikings. Lewis was the last first rounder taken. He should play immediately at the strong safety position. He can play against the run and in the pass game. In a division with Aaron Rodgers that will be needed.
6. George Pickens, WR, Steelers. Another one where off season concerns probably dinged his status a little, but going to Pittsburgh is a great landing spot. There is no in between with George. He is either going to be a ten year pro or wear out his welcome before the first contract is up.
7. James Cook, RB, Bills. The almost perfect landing spot. Lining him up with Josh Allen, and the WRs…it could unlock their offense. Add in that he can catch the ball out of the backfield and it makes it even better.
8. Nakobe Dean, ILB, Eagles. The head scratcher watching him fall to the third round and the Eagles. If his play translates to the NFL, then the Eagles got another ten year pro in the third round.
9. Channing Tindall, ILB, Dolphins. Another great linebacker taken by the Dolphins. His game needs some work in the coverage aspect, but should project to be a solid pro.
10. Jake Camarda, P, Buccaneers. Second specialist taken and fairly high in the fourth round. The kid can boot it, handle kickoffs, and could place kick in a pinch. And he’s faster than the Florida Gators RB that got drafted before him.
11. Zamir White, RB, Raiders. If he never tore his ACLs he might’ve gone higher. Hoping his best days are ahead of him and he is finally able to become what we all thought he could be in high school. Look for him to be the main back before the end of the season.
12. Justin Shaffer, OG, Falcons. Finally the Falcons take a Bulldog. Could’ve done it sooner, but whatever. Got a dawg here who should make the team out of camp.
13. Jamaree Salyer, OL, Chargers. Strangest sight seeing him last until the sixth round. I think he has the best capability to make the team and be a starter either this year or next year.
14. Derion Kendrick, CB, Rams. Kind of fell due to his speed, but hey he got drafted.
15. John Fitzpatrick, TE, Falcons. The one I wasn’t sure about, but it happened. He is a great blocking tight end and could find himself playing football a really long time with his ability to block.

So that’s all of them. What’s crazy is how Jermaine Johnson II was on this team once upon a time. If Adam Anderson hadn’t got into trouble that would’ve been another first rounder and make the record a bit more untouchable. Next year Jalen Carter and Kelee Ringo look to be first rounders and continue the winning tradition.