With the 2011 NFL draft now in the books and several Georgia Bulldogs moving on to professional careers, (assuming the lockout ends and AJ Green, Kris Durham, Clint Boling, and the rest of the ex-Dawgs do get to strap on the pro helmets) which Georgia Bulldogs could be hearing their names called during the 2012 draft? Despite recent struggles in the win-loss column, Mark Richt has still been pumping talent into the pro game and the 2012 NFL draft will certainly include a few names from those who recently suited up at Sanford Stadium for G-Day.
The offensive line will be a good place to start as two or possibly three linemen could go on to the NFL. Cordy Glenn would have been taken this year if he had decided to leave Athens, but assuming Glenn stays healthy he could see his value increase as he should protect quarterback Aaron Murray’s blindside this upcoming season. Glenn has experience at guard and at right tackle and will be able to add full-time LT to his resume.
Ben Jones the center and spring leader of the offense will also likely go relatively high in the draft. He isn’t the biggest player on the team but he directs the offensive line and plays with a nasty streak while holding his own against some of the best athletes in the college game.
Trinton Sturdivant is a wild card as he will be rehabbing this year from yet another knee injury. Sturdivant could return to the team if the NCAA grants him another year’s eligibility but likely he will simply gear up for a team willing to take a chance on him. If rehab goes well, someone could take a chance late on a mountain of a man that was a freshman All-American in 2007. While it may be risky to take a lineman with three knee surgeries, is it any more risky than taking a punter with your seventh round pick?
Tight end Aron White is another potential draftee whose size and pass-catching ability might net him a selection on the second or third day of the draft. White has shown nice hands and while he may not be a Tony Gonzalez clone, he could certainly be a second TE in a system that values pass-catching ends.
On the defensive side of the ball, Brandon Boykin decided to return to college for his senior season, and the cornerback/return specialist could be drafted simply for his ability to return kickoffs. Boykin has several 100-yard kick returns to his name, and he is a glove at cornerback just like Paul Oliver, Tim Jennings and Tim Wansley were under Mark Richt.
On the defensive front line, John Jenkins could very well follow Terrence Cody and Nick Fairley as previous junior college-to-SEC-to-early round standouts, if his 2011 goes as everyone in the Bulldog Nation hopes it goes.
Lastly, look for both Blair Walsh and Drew Butler to get taken late in the 2012 draft as both have been among the best kickers (and punters) in the college game the last two seasons and should be again next season. The Atlanta Falcons selected a punter in the sixth round in 2011; Butler should receive a call by then.
The Georgia Bulldogs had six players drafted in 2011. Expect that mark to be shattered in 2012.
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