The nation’s greatest defense by the nation’s best team was recognized for its efforts in the opening round. NFL draft.
Five GeorgiaThursday night’s first round saw the selection of defensive players, which is a record for one defense in common draft era. This total surpasses the four Florida State defensive players selected in round one of 2006 draft, and the four Miami defenders who were selected in round one of 2004 draft.
The Bulldogs were the national leader in defense scoring (10.2 points per match) as they allowed 16 touchdowns throughout the season. Georgia overtook Alabama quarterback Bryce Young 4 times in the national title game, en route to their first national championship since 1980.
Defensive end/outside linebacker Travon WalkerHe got it all moving as he moved to No. As the overall winner, he was ranked No. Jacksonville JaguarsThe first Bulldogs player was selected to open the evening. Walker’s play down the stretch and during the pre-draft training season continued to propel him up the draft boards.
He weighed in at 271 pounds and ran a 4.51 40 yard dash at the Scouting Combine – faster than many wide receivers or most running backs who were timesd in Indianapolis.
Defensive tackle Jordan DavisTo the Philadelphia EaglesNo. 13, was the next Bulldogs athlete to be selected. He too had a great combine performance at 341lbs with a 4.78 40-yard sprint.
Davis was named the best interior lineman in the country by the Outland Trophy.
Both are a representation of the potential lure of the NFL draft. Walker and Davis teamed up for eight sacks and 12.5 tackles loss this past season. By comparison Michigan’s Aiden Hutchinson, taken No. 2. Overall by the Detroit LionsHe had 16.5 tackles and 14 sacks in his last season as an individual.
In the first round, linebacker was Bulldogs’ third defender. Quay WalkerHe was ranked No. 22 by Green Bay Packers. Walker was a Bulldogs starter for one year, but the 241-pounder ran 4.52 40 at the combine.
Six picks later, the Packers regrouped with Georgia’s defensive tackle Devonte WyattThe No. 28 pick. Wyatt was a Bulldogs defender at 304 pounds who impressed scouts at the combine with his athleticism and a 4.77 40.
The Packers were the first to pick two defensive players from one school in the first round.
Safety Lewis CineThe record-breaking run of defense for the Bulldogs was completed when he was selected with No. 32. 32 – By the Minnesota Vikings.
Ernie Sims of Florida State was selected in the first round of the 2006 draft. Brodrick Bunkley, Kamerion Wimbley and Antonio Cromartie were also selected. D.J., Jonathan Vilma and Sean Taylor of the Hurricanes were selected in the 2004 draft. Williams and Vince Wilfork were chosen in the first round.