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Les Miles Opens Mouth, Crazy Talk Billows Forth

Brian Grummell — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 19:18:00 EST

Filed under: Chiefs, LSU Football, USC Football, Big 10, Big 12, Pac 10, SEC, The Word

What is it about the SEC that compels folks to regularly combine a fetid brew of boastfulness with ignorance? The latest example Via The Wizard of Odds provides all kinds of quotable outward contempt from LSU coach Les Miles towards count 'em 1)USC, 2)the Pac-10 and 3)the Big 12/everyone else. The following comments were made during an interview with New Orleans radio station WWL as reported by Carl DuBois of The Advocate.

Let's go through this piece-by-piece, shall we? Analysis after the jump.

Les Miles, whose team is a popular pick to play in this season's BCS title game opposite USC, is calling into question the strength of the Pacific 10 Conference, suggesting the Trojans should be a cinch to make it to the Jan. 7 game in New Orleans because of a suspect league schedule.

"I can tell you this, that they have a much easier road to travel," Miles said. "They're going to play real knockdown drag-outs with UCLA and Washington, Cal-Berkeley, Stanford - some real juggernauts - and they're going to end up, it would be my guess, in some position so if they win a game or two, that they'll end up in the title [game].

"I would like that path for us. I think the SEC provides much stiffer competition."

You could have said the same thing last year about USC and yet they lost TWICE in the supposedly weak Pac-10. That same two-time Pac-10 loser also won on the road against the eventual SEC runner-up Arkansas Razorbacks. The score of that game was 50-14, by-the-way.

How about 2005, when USC crushed Arkansas 70-17? They had far more competition that year against Fresno State and Arizona State than Arkansas.

Or look at 2004, when USC won by 11 on the road against Virginia Tech in the opener and stomped Oklahoma in the championship game 55-19. Their toughest games that season were in fact against Pac-10 foes like Stanford, Oregon State and UCLA.

Finally, how about 2003 when USC lost in triple overtime before a frothing Cal crowd and nearly lost the next week on the road against Arizona State before getting its act together and later demolishing a fine Michigan squad in the Rose Bowl. One of the Trojans' easiest games that year was on the road against the SEC's Auburn Tigers, a 23-0 victory. That's more than can be said for Miles whose road record against the Tigers is 0-1 after last year's dreadful 7-3 defeat. For many years now the pattern for USC under Pete Carroll has been to crush out-of-conference foes but struggle in about half of their Pac-10 games. The same thing is likely to happen this year as USC's efforts at going undefeated will be challenged a handful of times within conference play.

It is in fact the Pac-10 which provides the most consistent competition for its members and for USC. In the past 16 years, four teams have gone undefeated in SEC play. In that same time period, only two Pac-10 teams have survived conference play unbeaten. Think about that for a moment: over the past 16 years, the likelihood of a team going undefeated through SEC play is greater than the likelihood of a team going undefeated in Pac-10 play. That pours just a little bit of water on the SEC hype, doesn't it?

Pac-10 teams might not always be as talented, but thanks to the available talent, quality coaching and ability to scheme on both sides of the ball, the Pac-10 is incredibly difficult to survive without recording a few losses. The league might not be as deep as the SEC, but it may just be even more competitive.

Put simply, Miles' argument is both bogus and ignorant.

Miles does acknowledge that he'd like to play USC in this year's title game. But then, the game would be a virtual home game for his Tigers, playing in the Sugar Bowl. Tough talk, eh, coach? Somehow I doubt he'd be as comfortable asking for a piece of USC if the hypothetical title game matchup were in Pasadena.

Anyway, the tough talk didn't end with USC or the Pac-10. The remainder of the rant was more or less "ur conference is teh suck, we r hawt, tackle football, boom. w00t."

"The Big 12 is a conference that might have two really pretty good teams, maybe four. I think the Pac-10 may have one or two really good ones. The ACC certainly, arguably, has some quality teams.

"I don't think there's any conference out there that has as many quality teams as ours."

Ohhh kayyy coach. When do we get to kiss the ring?

My FanHouse colleague Brian Cook Is certain to be scratching his head at all of this. SEC fans are quick to forget that the Big Ten handed two favored SEC teams losses in bowl games last year. Traditional SEC power Alabama also lost, falling to Miles' former bosses at Oklahoma State. Bowl games tend to be a bit flukey, but the bigger picture here is that the SEC's dominance isn't as clear-cut as told by its backers.

Look, I like the SEC, the league has really grown on me. However, this kind of talk is insane. It's unsolicited, it demeans other conferences (whose members sometimes you know, BEAT SEC teams, not that anyone wants to talk about that) and isn't all that intelligent to begin with. It is talk that needs to be challenged.

After reading this, the fact that Les Miles has a vote in the coaches poll ... is frightening. The article suggests that he takes that task seriously, but his views and demeanor arguably show an inability to provide a fair vote on non-SEC teams. Is this a good thing?

Les Miles Opens Mouth, Crazy Talk Billows Forth originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 02 Jul 2007 19:18:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jennings Only Georgia Alumnus In Super Bowl XLI

Ted Kian — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 10:43:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Playoffs, Georgia Football, SEC, NCAA FB History, Super Bowl

After seeing multiple ex-University of Georgia football players in most recent Super Bowl games, only one ex-Bulldog is on a Super Bowl roster this year.

Tim Jennings, a rookie second-round pick, is a reserve cornerback with the Colts. Injuries hampered the diminutive Jennings early in the season and he remains buried on the Colts' depth chart.

Jennings did see action in 11 regular-season games as a rookie, but has been de-activated throughout the playoffs. However, he hopes the Colts' coaching staff decides to dress another cornerback today due to starter Nick Harper's sprained ankle. If so, Jennings will likely play in the Super Bowl.

The Times and Democrat of Orangeburg, S.C., has a nice article interviewing its hometown product on Super Bowl media day.

"My dream scenario is going out there and running on the field," Jennings told The Times and Democrat. "Regardless if it's the kickoff, it's the punt, if it's a defensive snap, anything. When I first go out there and run on the field, that's just my dream scenario. Just to be able to play in the Super Bowl, that would be my dream right there."

In terms of spotlight on the Georgia football program on the biggest media day in American sports, the Bulldogs would have been better served had the Saints and Patriots won their respective conference championship games.

A pair of former Georgia standouts, offensive tackle Jonathan Stinchcomb and defensive end Charles Grant, are starters for the Saints. Perennial All-Pro defensive lineman Richard Seymour is joined on the Patriots by starting fullback Patrick Pass, although Pass was on injured reserve throughout the playoffs.

Last year's Super Bowl featured four former Georgia Bulldogs. Pittsburgh's Hines Ward was Super Bowl XL MVP, while Verron Haynes was the Steelers' third-down back. An injury to reserve linebacker Arnold Franzier enabled Arnold Harrison to be signed off the Steelers' practice squad and dress for Super Bowl XL.

Mack Strong, who as a senior led Georgia to a 10-2 record in 1992, starred for the NFC champion Seattle Seahawks and was the only fullback on the NFC Pro Bowl roster last season.

The 35-year-old Strong, who earned another trip to the Pro Bowl this fall, is the second-oldest Bulldog still in the NFL, behind only 37-year-old Panthers' kicker John Kasay.

Jennings Only Georgia Alumnus In Super Bowl XLI originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 04 Feb 2007 10:43:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brandon Miller Returns To UGA For Senior Season

Ted Kian — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 19:41:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Draft, Georgia Football, SEC, NCAA FB Rumors

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is reporting that junior linebacker Brandon Miller has elected to return to Georgia for his senior season and thus not enter the NFL Draft.

It may seem absurd because it is, but Miller, a part-time player throughout his career who only started five games last season, was seriously contemplating entering the NFL Draft.

The 6-foot-4, 248-pound Miller probably believes his size and speed will enable him to play outside linebacker in a 3-4 NFL defense. However, outside linebackers in 3-4 defenses are playmakers and Miller make no big plays, evident by his 0 sacks and 0 interceptions over his college career.

He also makes few tackles, evident by the 23 he recorded last season over 13 games. However, Miller could have a big senior season and boost his draft status if he moves to defensive end, which nearly every recruiting analyst figured he would play when he was ranked among the country's top prep prospects four years ago.

Miller has tremendous athleticism, but the past three years have proven that he cannot effectively play linebacker in a 4-3 SEC defense. With standout defensive ends Quentin Moses and Charles Johnson both gone, Miller could compete with Marcus Howard, Roderick Battle and the often-injured Jeremy Lomax for playing time at rush end.

By demonstrating that he can rush the passer, NFL teams could view Miller as a potential 3-4 linebacker, since the ability to pressure quarterbacks is the most important attribute of a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL.

Georgia coaches never force players to line up at positions where they do not want. This creates a more harmonious team but also keeps players from realizing their full potential, such as Miller and Coleman Watson, who should have been forced to stay at offensive tackle for longer than a couple of weeks. Miller, though, can still have a great senior season and showcase NFL potential. Hopefully, he makes the wise decision and at least acquiesces to his coaches' apparent desire for him to try defensive end this spring.

Brandon Miller Returns To UGA For Senior Season originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 15 Jan 2007 19:41:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Big Bully Climbs Up NFL Draft Boards

Ted Kian — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 12:43:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Draft, Georgia Football, SEC

Despite a slew of other talented juniors declaring for the NFL Draft in recent days, former Georgia defensive end Charles Johnson is now ranked as the No. 17 prospect overall and the No. 3 defensive end on the big board of ESPN.com NFL Draft guru Mel Kiper, Jr.

Listed at 6-foot-2, 275 pounds but probably closer to 6-1, 280, Johnson led the Bulldogs (9-4) this season with 9.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss.

His lack of height may drop him down some draft boards, but Johnson's performances against SEC competition on film, his Herculean strength and explosion of the snap combine to make him a probable a four-down player and first-year NFL starter at strongside end in a 4-3 alignment.

Johnson, nicknamed "the Big Bully," is likely to be the sixth former Georgia defensive lineman drafted in the first round over the last seven years.

Fellow Bulldog defensive end Quentin Moses gives Georgia a chance for another first-round draft pick in the upcoming April NFL Draft. Moses was seen as a probable top-10 pick and possibly a top-5 selection before a disappointing senior season.

The 6-foot-5, 254-pound Moses is no longer on Kiper's big board of top 25 prospects, but ranks fifth among all his defensive end prospects, four of whom are on the big board.

With the addition of Arkansas superstar Jamaal Anderson, Johnson and Florida BCS national championship game standout Jarvis Moss to a strong group of seniors led by Gaines Adams of Clemson, this is shaping up to be one of the deepest and most athletic groups of defensive end prospects in the history of the NFL Draft.

That may drop Moses into the early second round, particularly since he needs to add weight to be a fulltime NFL starter. Right now he projects as a situational pass rusher as a rookie in a 4-3 NFL defensive alignment and may intrigue some teams as a 3-4 outside linebacker.

However, if Moses runs well at the NFL Scouting Combine and/or during individual workouts, he can easily work his way back among the top 25 overall prospects.

Moses is a high-character individual from Athens who stuck around for his senior season to earn his degree. Georgia fans should hope that both Moses and Johnson are first-round selections.

Incidentally, the sustained success Georgia has of putting defensive linemen into the NFL over the last decade should be a major asset in the recruitment of Cameron Heyward and Miguel Chavis, a pair of prep defensive linemen who are among the three most coveted undecided prep prospects remaining on the UGA recruiting board.

The Big Bully Climbs Up NFL Draft Boards originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 14 Jan 2007 12:43:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Main Difference Between 2006 National Champion Florida And 2006 Peach Bowl Champion Georgia

Ted Kian — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 22:49:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Draft, Georgia Football, SEC, NCAA FB Fans, NCAA FB Coaching

National champion Florida was obviously better than a Georgia squad that finished 9-4 on the season, including a 21-14 setback in what has become an annual loss to the Gators in Jacksonville.

Florida had a veteran fifth-year senior at quarterback, while Georgia played a true freshman. An offensive line that was supposed to be a weakness for the Gators turned out to be a strength, while a veteran Bulldog offensive line underachieved most of the season.

The Gators' defense was obviously more fundamentally sound late in games. Florida free safety Reggie Nelson made huge plays while rarely being out of position. Georgia centerfielder Tra Battle made a plethora of great plays but had more snaps when he was mentally out of position.

Finally, UF had much more athleticism at linebacker, which will be evident after both Brandon Siler and Earl Everett are picked in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft this spring.

But yet Georgia had much better talent and production at running back, defensive end and cornerback. So why was UF a much more successful team?

One simple reason: Florida had big-play athletes at receiver who regularly make catches, while Georgia lacked a true vertical threat on the outside and probably led all NCAA Division I-A schools in dropped passes with an average of 4-5 per game.

How many balls did Florida drop in its 41-14 dismantling of Ohio State that proved the SEC's national superiority? The answer is none, which is how many national championships Georgia will win in the foreseeable future so long as dropped passes continue to be the one constant plague of the otherwise highly successful Mark Richt era.

Ironically, UF has even more receivers on its roster who were not pure receivers in high school than Georgia. The Gators just do a much better job of developing those athletes into competent SEC receivers.

On paper, a deep receiving corps led by a trio of NFL prospects in A.J. Bryant, Mohammed Massaquoi and Sean Bailey, should be a team strength for a Georgia squad next fall that will probably need to pass more than previous years due to a youthful offensive line and to take advantage of Matt Stafford's golden arm.

Unfortunately, the constant drops and lack of general progress by the Georgia receiving crops over the last six years engenders little confidence so long as John Eason remains the Bulldogs' receivers coach, particularly since all 10 of Georgia's returning varsity receivers have struggled with drops in games.

Massaquoi was Bulldogs' only proven sure-handed receiver until Eason tried to motivate him by not starting the smooth sophomore for Georgia's second game against South Carolina.

Massaquoi caught 38 passes as a freshman at UGA and 272 in a spectacular four-year career at Independence High. But for the first time in his football career, Massaquoi struggled with dropped passes over the next several weeks after Eason's motivational ploy backfired.

The Bulldogs have not recruited exceptionally well at receiver, but yet most of their signees at the position have failed to reach their potential, with some (Fred Gibson in particular) not even coming close.

Georgia has become an NFL factory under Richt and his underrated predecessor, Jim Donnan. During his first five years in Athens, Richt coached 34 players who have since dressed for at least one regular season NFL game.

That list includes 2 quarterbacks, 3 running backs, 1 receiver, 3 tight ends, 4 offensive linemen, 6 defensive linemen, 7 linebackers and 8 defensive backs. Note: This list counts David Pollack (LB) as a defensive end and Thomas Davis (LB) as a defensive back, which where their college positions, although both moved in the NFL.

I expect another seven Bulldogs to be drafted this spring in DE Quentin Mosses, DE Charles Johnson, LB Tony Taylor, TE Martrez Milner, OT Daniel Inman, RB Danny Ware and C Nick Jones, while T Ken Shackleford, S Tra Battle and LB Jarvis Jackson should all be invited to NFL training camps as free agents.

Notice the weakness on those lists? Just one NFL receiver churned out by an NFL factory that has posted an outstanding 61-17 overall record while playing in the best conference in America over the last six seasons.

No one can honestly say the Bulldogs have recruited more talent on the offensive line than at receiver during the Richt era. But those project linemen sure played better, since this past fall was really the only year when the Georgia offensive line underachieved for former offensive line coach Neil Callaway, now the head coach at UAB.

The one receiver who went on to play in the NFL from the Richt era, Reggie Brown, was actually signed by Donnan.

Until the Bulldogs get more consistent production from and do a better job of developing talent at receiver, Georgia will continue to lose big games due to dropped passes.

With a veteran, deep set of receivers with game experience slated to return in 2007, Eason's corps needs to produce like those outstanding groups he coaches for many years at Florida State if Georgia is going to contend for the SEC title.

The Main Difference Between 2006 National Champion Florida And 2006 Peach Bowl Champion Georgia originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sat, 13 Jan 2007 22:49:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pollack In No Hurry To Decide About Return To Football

Ted Kian — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 18:51:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Injuries, Georgia Football, SEC, NCAA FB Fans

Carroll Rogers and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has done a superb job of breaking every meaningful story about the recovery of former Georgia great David Pollack from a potentially paralyzing neck injury.

Pollack spoke publicly for the first time since his neck stabilization surgery on Jan. 3 in this article by Rogers.

Pollack's agent had said the surgery went so well that Pollack may be able to return to the Cincinnati Bengals as early as 2007.

But the 24-year-old Pollack exhibited his maturity and comprehension of just how fortunate he is to still walk by telling Rogers that no decision has been made but that he will not rush back into football.

"I haven't given up on the possibility of playing football again, but any decision on that is way down the road," Pollack told the AJC. "My recovery is not complete. I've got a ton of work to do with doctors and trainers, and my neck just has to finish healing. We're going to take all of that one day at a time."

That should be the last we hear from Pollack for a while, since he finished the interview by thanking the Georgia media for their coverage but declining any future interviews until he makes a decision on whether to attempt a comeback. Any attempt would include a greater chance of paralysis than had he not been injured but still not as grave a risk as initially thought shortly after his injury.

Pollack, a first-round draft choice in 2005, joins Herschel Walker as the only Bulldogs who were three-time, first-team All-American selections at Georgia.

The always effervescent Pollack is one of my three all-time favorite Bulldawg players, along with Walker and Terry Hoage. However, this Georgia fan hopes we have seen the last of Pollack playing football. His health is too important to his family to risk. Particularly since it was ovious to all that David Pollack loves playing football more than anyone, he is displaying tremendous maturity by waiting to see how his rehab transpires before making any career decisions.

Pollack In No Hurry To Decide About Return To Football originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sat, 13 Jan 2007 18:51:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Champ Bailey Highlights Another Banner Year For Ex-Bulldogs In NFL

Ted Kian — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 23:16:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Fans, Georgia Football, SEC, NCAA FB Fans, NCAA FB Recruiting

Although he was robbed by being named just runner-up for the NFL defensive MVP award, Champ Bailey this fall proved that shutdown cornerbacks still exist in the NFL, as the ex-Georgia great and future first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer had a league-high 10 interceptions and a career-high 86 tackles.

Bailey, though, was just one of many former Georgia greats to enjoy success in the NFL this year. Dave McMahon of Dawgpost.com provides a well-researched update on how many former Georgia players fared in the NFL this season.

As I noted early in the NFL season, Georgia has become the third best NFL talent factory behind Miami and Ohio State. The Bulldogs tied Tennessee for the third most former players on NFL opening-day rosters, although Georgia's list of quality players in the NFL is only rivaled by the Canes and Buckeyes.

Early in the fall, I researched and wrote a Pulitzer-type series of articles that exhibited the wealth of UGA talent in the NFL. Included in these must-read blogs were the names and status reports of every offensive and every defensive former UGA squad members playing professional football at some level.

Using that list and the encyclopedic-type knowledge of UGA football I have garnered over the years, I formed a hypothetical 53-man roster of former Georgia players who could compete as a team in the NFL right now. Any of the 32 teams in the NFL would probably trade their defensive roster for the talent and depth on that list of ex-Georgia defensive players.

Of course, the hypothetical offensive squad of former Georiga players still able to compete today in the NFL was not nearly as strong or deep.

Marquee high school recruits often look for what schools give them the best opportunities to "go to the league." This is one of many reasons why smart Georgia fans strongly root for past Bulldogs to have success in the NFL, and are embarrassed by the likes of rare malcontents like Odel Thurman who hinder the reputation of the almost all fine upstanding young mem that come out of the Georgia football program.

You should also notice that the positions where the Bulldogs are weakest in the NFL - offensive line and especially receiver - are also the positions where Georgia has most struggled to sign top recruits in recent years.

Champ Bailey Highlights Another Banner Year For Ex-Bulldogs In NFL originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 05 Jan 2007 23:16:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Moronic Decision Of The New Year? Georgia LB Brandon Miller Considers NFL Draft

Ted Kian — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Draft, Georgia Football, SEC, NCAA FB Fans, NCAA FB Gossip, NCAA FB Rumors

In what should have come as a shock to most Georgia fans, UGASports.com reported Wednesday that Georgia junior linebacker Brandon Miller is contemplating forgoing his senior season to enter the NFL Draft this spring.

Ultimately, I expect the 6-foot-4, 250-pound linebacker Miller to come to his senses and stay at Georgia. His physical skills could enable Miller to be a late second-day draft pick in April and then potentially make a practice squad for a year.

The problem is that Miller is not a good linebacker and has few football insticts. He rarely makes tackles, never makes big plays, is lost in space, has a better 40-time than football speed and has horrendous lateral movement.

Rivals.com rated Miller as the top prospect in the state coming out of tiny Miller Co. High in Moultrie. He was rated as the top defensive end prospect in the nation by the Inisers.com. Everyone expected Miller to end up at defensive end, but the Georgia coaches have honored his request to play linebacker.

Now, with Georgia losing its standout defensive end tandem of Quentin Moses and Charles Johnson, and the last three years having shown that Miller cannot effectively play linebacker in the SEC, the Georgia coaching staff has approached him about moving to end, according to UGASports.com.

This potential position switch, combined with his physical talents, has Miller thinking of turning pro early, even though he is unlikely to make an NFL roster in 2007.

Earning five total starts, Miller was the fourth linebacker in a four-man rotation this fall, recording just 23 total tackles, which ranked 13th on the team.

In 2005, he started 10 games and played in all 13 but still recorded just 41 total tackles, which ranked well behind Georgia's other three linebackers, two of whom started fewer games than Miller.

In his three-year UGA career, Miller has 0 sacks and 0 interceptions. Miller is the only linebacker slated to return next fall with significant game experience. However, I am not sure he would start for UGA if he stays at linebacker next year and there is a slight chance he may not even be on the two-deep depth chart by mid-season.

Rising junior Dannell Ellerbee figures to start at mike or will linebacker, young and fast outside linebackers Darius Dewberry and Akeem Hebron both have a chance at starting, beefy junior-to-be Marcus Washington figures to earn playing time at mike as does redshirt Darryl Gamble, who can paly mike or will and has drawn praise for his performance on the scout team. Fellow redshirt Akeem Dent brings great speed to the depth chart.

The best way to describe Miller as a player is with a story. AOL Fanhouse Steelers blogger, J.J. Cooper, a good friend who has watched a plethora of big-time prep football players in multiple states over the last 20+ years, attended a Georgia high school football playoff game in 2003 between Miller's Miller Co. team and Charles Johnson's eventual state championship squad from Hawkinsville.

I could not find the final score of that game and J.J. did not remember it, but I believe it was somewhere around, 45-6, Hawkinsville, which easily had the better all-around squad. Maybe a reader can help me out with that final score.

J.J. called me up after the game and said, "Charles Johnson is a rare player," who does something to help his team win on every play and dominated the football game. Miller, on the other hand, was barely noticeable, other than he looked very impressive entering the field. Three years later, J.J. has been proven a prophet with that assessment.

Georgia fans would like to have Miller back at linebacker and would love for him try to play his natural position of end in 2007. But if he wants to be an idiot and try to turn pro this spring, by no means will this be a big loss to the Bulldog defense.

After all, it should be pretty easy to replace a linebacker who makes few tackles and never records big plays.

Moronic Decision Of The New Year? Georgia LB Brandon Miller Considers NFL Draft originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 04 Jan 2007 15:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paul Oliver Passes Up Solid Money To Stay At UGA For Senior Season

Ted Kian — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 19:53:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Draft, Georgia Football, SEC, NCAA FB Fans

UGASports.com is reporting Wednesday night that standout cornerback Paul Oliver will bypass the NFL Draft this spring to return to Georgia for his senior season in 2007.

After spending the previous two seasons as Georgia's nickleback playing behind 2006 NFL Draft picks Tim Jennings (2nd round to Colts) and DeMario Minter (5th round to Brown) at cornerback, Oliver emerged as a shutdown corner in his first season as a starter at Georgia.

The 6-foot, 205-pound Oliver has six interceptions over the last two seasons. However, he got the attention of NFL scouts this fall by shutting down, Calvin Johnson of Georgia Tech (2 catches for 13 yards) and Sidney Rice of South Carolina (3 catches for 31 yards), both of whom he covered in man coverage for much of both of those Bulldog wins. The Gamecocks and Jackets combined to score just one offensive touchdown against Georgia.

"I decided to come back for several reasons," Oliver told UGASports.com. "I'm close to graduation and that's important to me. I think we have some good momentum and I'm excited about the team we could have next season. And I hope to perform better and improve as a player. I'm excited about playing another season for the Bulldogs."

Oliver, who as a senior at Kennesaw Harrison High was ranked as the No. 1 defensive back prospect in the country by Rivals.com before suffering a knee injury, was likely to be selected somewhere between the late 2nd and early 4th rounds depending on how he fared at the combine and individual workouts.

However, by showcasing more consistency and garnering additional game experience, Oliver has the physical potential to become a first-round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.

Georgia now has five or six solid NCAA Division I cornerbacks on its roster for next season, depending on the rehabilitation of rising senior Thomas Flowers. However, Oliver has already established himself as a shutdown corner against top competition. His return is a major boost for a Bulldog defense that will have to replace star ends Quentin Moses and Charles Johnson, the latter of whom declared for the draft on Monday.

Paul Oliver Passes Up Solid Money To Stay At UGA For Senior Season originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 03 Jan 2007 19:53:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pair Of Georgia Juniors Make It Official: They Are NFL Bound

Ted Kian — Mon, 01 Jan 2007 22:02:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Draft, NFL Fans, Georgia Football, SEC, NCAA FB Fans

Carter Strickland of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution is reporting Monday night that Georgia juniors Charles Johnson and Danny Ware have both decided to enter the NFL Draft.

Strickland has no quotes in this short story, and no official confirmation from either player, their family members or anyone on the Georgia coaching staff. However, I can assure you the AJC would not publish this info without being informed from very reliable sources that both players are gone. Neither defection was unexpected.

The AJC reports that Georgia standout junior cornerback Paul Oliver is not expected to announce his decision until later in the week. Georgia insiders say that Oliver is still undecided and evaluating his options.

The 6-foot-2, 275-pound Johnson, who is in his first season as a starter, would be a steal for some lucky NFL team in the second round, although he may elevate his status to the late first round with good individual workouts.

Nicknamed "The Big Bully," Johnson annihilated the Virginia Tech offensive front in Georgia's win Saturday night in the Peach Bowl, recording two sacks and three tackles for the loss.

Over the season, Johnson was far more productive than Georgia's more highly-touted end, Quentin Moses, as Johnson led the Bulldogs with 9.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss.

The Bulldogs have no obvious successor to Johnson at buck end or Moses at rush end. Rising sophomore Roderick Battle, rising senior Marcus Howard and often-injured junior-to-be Jeremy Lomax are the top candidates at rush end. JUCO transfer Jarius Wynn, who has already moved to Athens, along with redshirt freshmen DeMarcus Dobbs and Kiante Tripp will all compete for playing time at buck.

In 2004, the 6-foot-1, 225-pound Ware became the first UGA freshman to start his first game at tailback in more than 60 years. He rushed for 135 yards against Georgia Southern that day and also tallied more impressive 100+ yard games against LSU and Florida en route to rushing for a team-high 724 yards as a true freshman.

However, Thomas Brown earned more playing time as the 2004 season progressed and Ware fell behind both Brown and Lumpkin on the UGA depth chart by the end of the 2005 season.

Ware was third on the depth chart this fall and did not even play against Tennessee in the sixth game, but ended up receiving more playing time after Brown was lost for the year with a torn ACL.

Ware has expressed public concern about his chances for playing time next fall. Lumpkin returns as a starter and several veteran Bulldogs have claimed Knowshon Moreno is the most impressive of all the current Georgia redshirts.

In addition, Brown's rehabilitation has him on track to participate in fall drills, although the Bulldog coaches would probably prefer to redshirt him if highly touted commitment Caleb King meets NCAA freshman academic entrance requirements needed to enroll at Georgia in 2007.

Ware has battled injuries and fumbles throughout his college career. However, his size, strength and power running style could translate well to the NFL. He is expected to be a second-day draft pick, though, due to a lack of production and consistency in college.

Pair Of Georgia Juniors Make It Official: They Are NFL Bound originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 01 Jan 2007 22:02:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Georgia Juniors Charles Johnson And Probably Danny Ware Likely To Declare For NFL Draft On Monday

Ted Kian — Sun, 31 Dec 2006 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Draft, Georgia Football, SEC, NCAA FB Fans, NCAA FB Gossip, NCAA FB Rumors

Georgia superstar junior defensive end Charles Johnson completely dominated Virginia Tech's offensive line in the second half of a 31-24 Bulldog win in the Peach Bowl on Saturday night.

Next year, though, the competition will likely get a little tougher as Johnson is expected to declare for the NFL Draft. Johnson told Josh Kendall of the Macon Telegraph that he will announce whether he would enter the NFL Draft or return to school on Monday, less than 48 hours after the Bulldogs' season ended.

Usually when players announce their decision this quickly, that decision has already been made. The 6-foot-2, 275-pound Johnson is currently projected as a second-round pick by most draft services but could elevate his status to a possible late first-round pick with good individual workouts. Georgia insiders have expected Johnson to turn pro since he began dominating competition early this fall.

Junior tailback Danny Ware, who has indicated he is ready to leave Georgia in large part due to a lack of playing time which will probably only diminish more next fall, also told Kendall he will announce his intentions on Monday.

Although it may not be in his best interests, many Georgia insiders expect Ware to turn pro as well, although his declaration is not a forgone conclusion like Johnson's.

Standout junior cornerback Paul Oliver declined to comment on his status after the game. The 6-foot, 185-pound Oliver, who emerged as a shutdown corner in his first season as a starter, currently projects as a third-round pick who could move into the late second round with strong workout numbers.

However, by demonstrating more consistency and garnering additional game experience, Oliver could easily be a first-round pick in the 2008 NFL draft. Oliver will wisely wait until he hears back of his likely draft positioning from the NFL advisory committee and discusses his options with his family before making any formal announcement.

While the loss of Ware is unlikely to have much of an effect on the 2007 Georgia offense, the potential losses of both Johnson and Oliver would equate to a major rebuilding job for a Georgia defense that finished this season strong, ranking No. 9 nationally in total defense entering last night's Peach Bowl.

If both Oliver and Johnson turn pro early, the Bulldogs will lose their standout defensive end tandem, two of their top four defensive tackles, three of their top four linebackers including their two best, third-team All-American rover Tra Battle and their shutdown cornerback.

Georgia Juniors Charles Johnson And Probably Danny Ware Likely To Declare For NFL Draft On Monday originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 31 Dec 2006 16:03:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pollack Says His Career May Not Be Over Yet

Ted Kian — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 23:55:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Injuries, Georgia Football, SEC

Most football experts, Cincinnati Bengal fans and Georgia Bulldog fans wrote off the career of David Pollack after it was revealed that he would need surgery to help repair his fractured neck.

After all, Pollack had indicated that he would likely retire if he needed surgery, recognizing that he would be more susceptible to long-term paralysis if he plays again.

But Pollack told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution this surgery does not mean he will definitely retire.

"It doesn't necessarily equal the end of football," Pollack told the AJC, while declining further comment.

Pollack's surgery is scheduled for Jan. 3. All Georgia fans hope and pray the surgery is a success. However, I hope and expect that Pollack will realize his long-term health is more important than the sport he loves so much.

Pollack Says His Career May Not Be Over Yet originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sat, 16 Dec 2006 23:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Football Career Of David Pollack Apparently Over

Ted Kian — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Injuries, Georgia Football, SEC

Legendary Georgia defensive and current Cincinnati Bengals linebacker David Pollack received bad news when he learned that he would need surgery to repair the broken neck he suffered in his second game this season.

The Bengals said no forecast would be made as to Pollack's potential return to football, but Pollack himself has been quoted in two different stories by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution over recent weeks as having said that his football career would likely end if he needed this surgery due to an increased chance of paralysis if he ever plays again.

The AJC could not reach Pollack after this medical decision, but the paper did quote Georgia defensive ends coach Jon Fabris, who had spoken with Pollack after he had learned surgery was needed.

"Even today when he called me, he has been very upbeat and trying to see the good and the purpose of it all," Fabris told the AJC. "He loves football ... but I know that he loves life more so.

"I have never even asked him, 'Hey, what are you going to do?' As much as he loves football, I know that he would love to have a bunch of children and run with his dogs and that sort of thing."

Football Career Of David Pollack Apparently Over originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 15 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Trio Of Georgia Juniors Leaning Toward The NFL

Ted Kian — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Draft, Georgia Football, SEC, NCAA FB Fans, NCAA FB Gossip, NCAA FB Rumors

Josh Kendall of the Macon Telegraph provides a detailed update today on Georgia juniors considering leaving school early for the NFL Draft.

Cornerback Paul Oliver, who elevated his national profile by shutting down Georgia Tech's Calvin Johnson in the regular-season finale, said he's definitely leaning toward returning to Georgia.

However, Oliver said he would definitely leave if the NFL underclassmen advisory committee projects him as a first-round pick and possibly leave if he is projected as a second- or third-round pick.

In other words, Oliver may say he is "definitely" leaning toward staying at Georgia, but you can expect him to bolt for the NFL, because he will likely be projected to go between rounds 2-4. He has yet to register for classes in spring semester if that is any indication of his intent right now.

There was no new information on defensive end Charles Johnson in this article, but Kendall broke two huge news items on junior tailback Danny Ware.

Ware, who rushed for just 302 yards this season and was the third-team tailback until starter Thomas Brown was lost for the year with an ACL tear, has also submitted his name to the NFL's underclassmen advisory committee.

I have heard since mid-year that Ware would likely transfer or turn pro this offseason. I doubt he would be selected before the fifth round and may not even be drafted at all, so I assumed transferring to a smaller school - where he could theoretically boost his draft stock considerably - would be in his best interests if he left Georgia. However, this article indicates he will turn pro.

"I just wanted to see what I measured up to and what they had me projected as," Ware told the Telegraph. "What it would have to say for me to leave, I don't know. I'm still here and getting ready for this bowl game, and we'll see what happens after that."

Georgia fans obviously want Ware to return, particularly since Brown may not recover enough to play next fall and highly touted high school commitment Caleb King needs to improve his SAT score to gain admittance to Georgia, which would leave only Kregg Lumpkin, Ware and Knowshon Moreno as the Bulldogs' scholarship tailbacks in 2007 .

This article gives cause for optimism since Ware said he is not considering transferring from Georgia.

"There's no sense in (transferring)," Ware told the Telegraph. "I might as well stay here and roll with my boys and go out and make plays whenever I can."

However, I expect Ware to also bolt for the NFL, along with Johnson and Oliver. Ware will likely be told that he will not be drafted until the second day of the NFL Draft, although he is likely to be picked by some team since his 225-pound frame and hard-nosed running style could make him an NFL starter some day.

A likelihood of being drafted is probably all he needs to here to leave Georgia's crowded backfield rotation for next fall.

Trio Of Georgia Juniors Leaning Toward The NFL originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 15 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Does Georgia DE Charles Johnson Have The NFL On His Mind This Christmas?

Ted Kian — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 23:05:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Draft, Georgia Football, SEC, NCAA FB Fans, NCAA FB Rumors

Josh Kendall of the Macon Telegraph wrote an update on the possibility of Georgia junior defensive end Charles Johnson forgoing his senior season to enter the upcoming NFL Draft.

Like most highly touted prospects, Johnson is becoming less sure of his desire to return to Georgia next season upon each interview he gives to media members.

He told Kendall he is a "strong lean" to return for his senior campaign, but yet he is submitting paperwork to the NFL undergraduate advisory committee to determine in roughly what round he projects to be selected.

"I don't know man, I'm still deciding," Kendall quoted Johnson as having said. "There are a lot of things you have to look at. You have to look at - the talent that's coming out, how you think you're going to get drafted, you have to look at next year if you come back. You have to look at all different types of things."

Johnson certainly does not sound like a "strong lean" to stay in this update. Adam Davis, NFL draft expert from Consensus Draft Services, is projecting Johnson as a second-round pick, and he has the possibility of working his way into the late first round with good workouts.

This is a deep draft for quality defensive ends, with six potential first-round picks among the seniors, including Georgia's Quentin Moses. Johnson would likely elevate his standing to a probable first-round pick by staying for his senior season. He recorded 7.5 sacks this fall in his first season as a starter, but struggled against some of the Bulldogs' top opponents, such as Tennessee and Florida.

Johnson told Kendall that he would probably stay for his senior season if the NFL advisory committee does not project him as a first-round pick.

But second-round picks make guaranteed money that is probably too good for Johnson to pass up at this point. For example, Cedric Griffin, a defensive back from Texas who went with the middle pick of the second round last year (48th overall) to the Vikings, received 1.62 million in guaranteed money on a contract worth 3.23 million over four years.

The Georgia players are on vacation until returning to practice Dec. 14th. I imagine right now Johnson and his family are learning just how much money he can make next year if he opts for the NFL.

The Georgia coaches are certainly recruiting like they expect to lose Johnson and a couple of more players this offseason. You should as well, because the Peach Bowl against Virginia Tech will likely be the last time we season Johnson in a UGA uniform.

Does Georgia DE Charles Johnson Have The NFL On His Mind This Christmas? originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 11 Dec 2006 23:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pollack Improving, But His Football Career May Be Over

Ted Kian — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 11:04:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Injuries, Georgia Football, SEC, NCAA FB Fans, NCAA FB History

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has another uplifting story on David Pollack, the Cincinnati Bengal linebacker and legendary former University of Georgia defensive end who fractured his neck in the Bengals' second game this season.

This story, which includes pictures, included great news: the restrictive halo Pollack has worn since the injury to stabilize his neck has been removed. For the first time in three months, Pollack could shower.

However, he will not learn for another week whether his neck needs spinal fusion surgery. If it does his football career is over. If not, Pollack has indicated his career may already be over anyway, because he wants to be healthy for his loving family.

It is my contention that David Pollack is the greatest defensive player in UGA football history, the second greatest player in modern UGA history (the last 60 years), one of the five greatest defensive players in college football history and the second most beloved player in UGA history, behind only Herschel Walker in categories 2 and 4.

Please send your prayers out to who will always be the player most responsible for an era of Georgia dominance that saw the Bulldogs finish in the top 10 four consecutive seasons, win three SEC East titles and two SEC championships.

Even though Pollack was in the NFL for that last Bulldog title, the leadership, character and expectations of winning he imprinted on this program were paramount to the 2005 SEC championship squad.

Even if his neck does not require surgery, I hope Pollack never plays again. His injury leaves him more susceptible to long-term paralysis if he is hit the wrong way.

Regardless of his football future, #47 should become the fifth retired jersey number in UGA football history. I know Georgia has essentially stopped retiring numbers because the school justifiably wants walk-ons to be able to dress for home games.

Walker is the only player in modern history to have his UGA jersey retired. But it is difficult to imagine someone may come along in the near future as deserving of that honor as Pollack.

Pollack Improving, But His Football Career May Be Over originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sat, 09 Dec 2006 11:04:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Georgia Seniors Selected For Post-Season All-Star Games

Ted Kian — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 22:31:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Draft, Georgia Football, SEC, NCAA FB Fans

The Athens Banner-Herald broke the news today that a pair of Georgia seniors have been invited to partake next month in the Senior Bowl, the most prestigious and important of all post-season all-star games.

With the NFL Network now televising every practice and drill from Mobile, Georgia fans, along with a plethora of NFL scouts and coaches, will get to watch defensive end Quentin Moses and linebacker Tony Taylor in action all week.

Moses' selection was not a surprise. His draft stock has undoubtedly fallen this year after recording just 3.5 sacks. However, barring injury and/or poor performances in the Senior Bowl and individuals workouts, Moses will likely be drafted by the middle of the second round at the latest. And he should be back as a first-round probability if he runs faster than a 4.6 40 this offseason.

In contrast to the highly-regarded Moses, few viewed Taylor as a possibility for this game before his senior year, but his remarkable season (87 tackles, 5 ints., 3 sacks) and knack for making big-time plays have been noticed by NFL scouts.

"I kept in real close contact with Steve Hale, the (Senior Bowl) president," Georgia strength coach Dave Van Halanger told the ABH. "In the beginning, it was 'OK. We'll keep a watch. We'll keep a watch.' As time went on, Tony just kept making play after play after play. He called me maybe a week and a half ago and said, 'Hey, he's in.' "

Safety Tra Battle and linebacker Jarvis Jackson, both of whom have a good chance to be invited to NFL training camps but will likely be undrafted, have been invited to the Las Vegas All-American Classic.

Georgia's Mark Richt will serve as the East head coach in the Hula Bowl, which ranks behind the Senior Bowl in terms of top participants but well ahead of the Las Vegas All-American Classic.

The ABH speculated that center Nick Jones, tackle Daniel Inman, punter Gordon Ely-Kelso and linebacker Danny Verdun-Wheeler could be selected for that game.

Jones and Inman would be logical picks, since Inman will almost certainly be drafted and Jones is a strong second-day probable pick.

But I would be surprised if Ely-Kelso or especially Verdun-Wheeler (pictured, along with Taylor) were selected for that game unless they were late injury replacements. Neither has the physical talent to play in the NFL.

Georgia Seniors Selected For Post-Season All-Star Games originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 07 Dec 2006 22:31:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Johnson Leads Group Of Georgia Juniors Who May Consider The NFL Draft

Ted Kian — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 11:05:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Draft, Georgia Football, SEC, NCAA FB Fans, NCAA FB Gossip, NCAA FB Rumors

After senior defensive end Quentin Moses is selected by some lucky NFL team in the first or second round of the NFL Draft this April, next up among Georgia players likely to go would be junior defensive end Charles Johnson, assuming Johnson turns pro but apparently he is having a difficult time making that decision.

Georgia fans can be cautiously optimistic since Johnson has yet to even file paperwork for his draft position to be analyzed by the NFL. But Johnson is rated as the No. 1 or No. 2 junior defensive end prospect in the 2007 draft by nearly every recruiting service.

The 6-foot-2, 274-pound Johnson, a first-year starter at UGA, can certainly elevate his status to a first-round pick if he stays for his senior season. Moses was told by the NFL he would have been a third- or fourth-round pick last year. After staying for his senior season, Moses is now likely to be selected among the top 40 picks overall.

However, I would be surprised if Johnson lasts past the second round in the 2007 draft. His family is by no means affluent and the money second-round picks receive may be too much to warrant staying for a senior season at Georgia.

You can expect Johnson to be a starter and four-down defensive end in a 4-3 defense within two years regardless if he enters the NFL this year or not.

Johnson is the only Georgia junior I am currently expecting to enter the NFL Draft this April. The next most likely to leave would be cornerback Paul Oliver, who looked brilliant in shutting down South Carolina's Sydney Rice and Georgia Tech's Calvin Johnson, the top sophomore and junior receivers in the country, respectively.

Oliver, through, did not appear NFL-ready at the same time Georgia was struggling in the middle of the season. He was beaten twice badly against Tennessee and seemed to lack focus against inferior competition like Mississippi State.

He is currently rated as the No. 4 possible junior entry among cornerbacks for the 2007 NFL Draft by Consensus Draft Services.

If he came out this year, Oliver's ultimate draft position would be determined by his workouts and his 40-time. He could go anywhere from rounds 3-5 this April.

However, no Georgia junior in recent memory could help elevate his draft status as much as Oliver with one extra season. He could work his way into a late first-round pick 2008 if he improves his speed and consistency.

Oliver has exhibited big-play potential over his first three seasons in Athens. However, he has only one year as a starter and needs much more game experience before he is ready for the NFL. Plus, right now he has some trouble matching up one-on-one against small, quick and fast receivers.

The other two Georgia juniors who will probably at least privately consider leaving for the NFL this winter are tailbacks Kregg Lumpkin and Danny Ware.

The chiseled, 224-pound Lumpkin already looks the part of an NFL tailback. Lumpkin began to emerge as the Bulldogs' primary tailback even before starter Thomas Brown was lost for the year due to a torn ACL. Lumpkin finished with a team-high 751 yards rushing this fall. However, he has yet to flash breakaway speed and most of his big runs came up the middle.

Lumpkin has a chance to become a second-round pick if he stays in school for another season, but would be lucky to be taken before the late third round this season and may not go until round No. 6 if more highly-rated juniors enter the draft and he runs a poor 40-time.

Lumpkin has already told the AJC he plans to return to Georgia next season. He must know that Brown may redshirt or at least will not be fully healthy, allowing Lumpkin to get 50-60% of the total carries for all UGA tailbacks.

Ware may turn pro to try to get more playing time but that would be a major mistake. More than likely, he will either stay at Georgia, which would allow the Bulldogs to definitely redshirt Brown next fall, or transfer to an NCAA Division I-AA or Division II school next season to boost his draft standing.

Johnson Leads Group Of Georgia Juniors Who May Consider The NFL Draft originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 05 Dec 2006 11:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Early Round-By-Round Projections of Georgia Bulldogs In The 2007 NFL Draft

Ted Kian — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Draft, Georgia Football, SEC

Over the last two days, I provided my first analysis of Georgia seniors and possible juniors for the 2007 NFL Draft.

Obviously, these projections will change as players attend the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, and later conduct individual workouts for scouts and teams. Their progress and projections will regularly be updated on this blog, as I follow the NFL Draft very closely.

However, the following is a round-by-round projection of where I am currently projecting Georgia players to fall in the 2007 NFL Draft, assuming defensive end Charles Johnson is the only junior who leaves early for the pros:

1. DE Quinton Moses
2. DE Charles Johnson*
5. TE Martez Milner
6. OT Daniel Inman
6. LB Tony Taylor
7. C Nick Jones

Please remember these are not rankings of how good I think these players will be in the pros and certainly not a reflection of how good they are right now. Anyone who reads this blog regularly knows I am a huge Tony Taylor and Nick Jones fan, and would not root for my favorite NFL team to select Daniel Inman. I think Jones will eventually be a starting NFL center. Right now, though, it does not appear many NFL scouts share that opinion.

Early Round-By-Round Projections of Georgia Bulldogs In The 2007 NFL Draft originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 05 Dec 2006 11:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Other NFL Draft Prospects Among Georgia Seniors

Ted Kian — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Draft, Georgia Football, SEC, NCAA FB Fans

It appears defensive end Quentin Moses will likely be the only Georgia senior who gets picked on the first day of the NFL draft (first three rounds) in April, but I still expect three or four other UGA seniors to be drafted, and an additional two or three to be signed as free agents and end up in NFL training camps.

The most intriguing physical prospect among this group is 6-5, 254-pound tight end Martrez Milner, who has flustered many Bulldog fans with his drops over the last three seasons. Still, he is Georgia's No. 2 receiver this season with 20 receptions.

Milner is an excellent blocker who possesses separation speed and a great team-first attitude. However, Leonard Pope was a much better player and a slightly better physical prospect, but still did not go until the third round last April.

This year's tight end crop is not as deep as last year's class, although Milner's drops have dropped him to the fifth-rated tight end among seniors by NFLDraftScout.com.

Right now I have Milner going around the fifth round with many teams justifiably scared off by his horrible hands. He could go as high as late in round 3 with great workout numbers or drop to the seventh round.

As someone who has followed the NFL Draft as a fan or reporter for the last 22 years, one of the best laughs I ever had was reading in disbelief that Lindy's Pro Football Preview rated Daniel Inman as its No. 3 overall offensive tackle in the 2007 NFL Draft on a list that included juniors. That No. 3 ranking was one spot ahead of Wisconsin's Joe Thomas.

The person who wrote this must have never watched Inman play and just saw that he was a four-year starter at one of the top programs in the nation, and/or that draft analyst must have smoked some PCP while compiling those rankings. Thomas is a near lock now to be a top-5 overall selection. Inman will be lucky if he is taken by the end of the fifth round.

Although he lacks natural athleticism, Inman may have been a third-round draft pick with a great senior season. Instead, he had a horrendous campaign both on- and off-the-field.

Inman (6-7, 319) lacks the speed and footwork to play left tackle in the NFL, and does not have the functional strength or leverage to play right tackle. However, he has played both positions as a four-year starter at the highest level of college football, never stops battling and will likely make the NFL as a reserve tackle.

Georgia fans will actually miss Inman's play much more than they expect next fall. Right now I have Inman going between rounds 4-7, but he needs to stay out of trouble before draft day.

Without question, Georgia's MVP this season is senior outside linebacker Tony Taylor, who has rebounded from a subpar campaign last year when he played out of position at mike linebacker and looked slow after missing the 2004 season due to an ACL tear.

Since he is now up to 234 pounds, the 6-2 Taylor is still probably not as fast as he was his first two seasons in Athens. But his 87 total tackles are 18 more than anyone else on the Georgia roster and Taylor has recorded seven or more tackles in eight of the last nine games.

Taylor also has five interceptions, three sacks and a somewhat important fumble recovery for a TD against Georgia Tech. NFL scouts will notice his play-making abilities on film. The question will be how he runs in workouts.

Taylor may be slightly slow for a weakside 4-3 linebacker, which is his natural position. He can also play the will linebacker in a 3-4 alignment, although he would probably need to add 10 pounds to do so.

Consensus Draft Services currently ranks Taylor as the No. 14 OLB prospect in the senior class. This makes it questionable if he is even drafted. But scouts can recognize playmaking, so I think Taylor gets selected somewhere between rounds 4-6.

Finally, I am definitely in the minority, but I still expect (or maybe hope) senior Nick Jones gets drafted as well. He is not showing up as a likely draft pick on scouting reports right now, but the 6-3, 295-pound Jones has the solid-lower body strength, quickness, ability to drive low, intelligence and leadership skills scouts look for in NFL centers.

Jones also started two seasons at guard, which should help him secure NFL roster spots as a reserve for at least a couple of years while he develops. Right now I think Jones goes in round 6 or 7, or he could be an undrafted free agent.

The Bulldogs' best chance of having another senior drafted lies in tackle Ken Shackleford, who has the physical skills to play in the NFL, but may lack the consistency or tenacity.

Still, with good workout numbers, Shackleford (6-5, 315) could be drafted in the final three rounds. However, I am projecting that not to happen. I hope I am wrong.

Middle linebacker Jarvis Jackson should be invited to an NFL training camp. He is a solid football player, with great instincts against the run.

Unfortunately, last season showed Jackson is not athletic enough to play outside linebacker. He is also too undersized to play mike in a 4-3 NFL defense and has Plantar Fascitis, a debilitating foot injury that never fully goes away. Jackson has virtually no chance of being drafted.

Nor does safety Tra Battle, who is generously listed at 5-11, 176 pounds in the Georgia football media guide. Battle is a playmaker who has Spudd Webb-type leaping ability.

However, he is regularly out of position, lacks discipline on the field, cannot play cornerback and probably will measure at about 5-9, 160 when examined by NFL scouts. He has a chance to be signed as a free agent for training camp fodder, but I doubt that happens.

Other NFL Draft Prospects Among Georgia Seniors originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 04 Dec 2006 10:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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