Georgia Bulldogs: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Watch List

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As we’ve seen in recent years, the University of Georgia has been putting out pro-level talent every year. This last draft had five Bulldogs get to the next level in a class not containing many upper classman. Yes, we know Nick Chubb is a monster who may be up for a potential Heisman trophy but he’s only a sophomore.

So having said that, who may get themselves drafted in 2016? Just like this last draft, there are not many upper classman, but the ones that are there can make quite the impact!

Let’s take a look at our 2015 Georgia Bulldogs prospect watch list!

Nov 15, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Leonard Floyd (84) reacts after sacking Auburn Tigers quarterback Nick Marshall (14) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Auburn 34-7. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Leonard Floyd

Leonard Floyd is a beast. I don’t mean that the same way I would describe Marshawn Lynch in terms of physical stature. I mean that in terms of doing whatever it takes to make a play. We get told every year about playmakers, and this is a potential first round playmaker. He needs to add a little bulk, but at 6’4″ and 230 pounds he has the build to be that outside edge rusher at the next level.

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Jordan Jenkins

Jenkins takes care of that other OLB spot as a senior. More of a well rounded backer rather than just the pure pass rusher. He needs to show this season he can be the total package at the weak side role. At 253 pounds and 6’3″ he has the prototypical size teams look for at his position and that alone will boost his draft stock. He needs to show that his skill set complete in order to get into the first couple rounds next May.

Malcolm Mitchell

Here is an  interesting draft choice. This may be one of the few times that a player’s draft stock is almost entirely out of their hands. This may sound odd but the top thing affecting his stock is a former teammate-Chris Conley.

Chris did not have jump off the page stats, but he had the physical skill set teams want, and especially the athleticism. If he shows that he was worth his third round status for the Chiefs after being in Georgia’s run first program then that can put the idea in team’s heads to take a chance on Mitchell.

The downside for Malcom Mitchell is the injury history. Let’s be frank-it’s not good. This all depends on what quarterback starts, how often the run, and how Chris Conley does as a rookie. Good luck Malcom.

Sep 13, 2014; Columbia, SC, USA; Georgia Bulldogs fullback Quayvon Hicks (48) rushes for a gain against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

Quayvon Hicks

This could be a dark horse for a late round fullback pick. He has been very productive and especially versatile for the Bulldogs over his career, last season winning the Charlie Trippi Most Versatile Player award. It depends on how teams view him, but he has a chance to be more than the typical fullback at the next level. In Georgia’s run heavy program, the 255 pound monster can potentially make a name for himself as a senior.

Marshall Morgan

It’s not often I write about kickers, but Marshall Morgan is not the average kicker. The SEC record holder for consecutive field goals made should get a look earlier than the typical kicker. Nerves don’t bother him and he simply does not miss. At least not very often. Worthy of a mid to late round pick.

Other players in late round consideration and UDFA potential:

  • Justin Scott-Wesley
  • John Theus
  • Sterling Bailey (with a good enough year could move into rounds 3-5)

Next: Big 10 Prospect Watch List: Michigan State