The NFL Draft is leaving the University of Georgia without some of their shining stars. Leonard Floyd, Jordan Jenkins, John Theus, Malcolm Mitchell, and Jay Rome are some of the Bulldogs that hope to be a part of the next level. Looking at their strengths and some weaknesses, one can start to gather an idea of how well these Bulldogs plan to enter the next level.
Jay Rome – Tight End
In his four seasons from 2012 to 2015, Rome had 38 receptions for 398 yards. Rome recorded three total receiving touchdowns in his career. Jay Rome is 6-feet-6-inches tall and weighs about 250 pounds. With his athletic build, Rome is a key target in the 2016 NFL draft. His area of interest is in his athleticism. Rome’s ability to quickly gain ground and momentum down the sideline is important for an offense that is heavily attacked due to their running game. Rome could be a key player for quick passes downfield in tight situations. However, Rome’s past injuries are a concern as he enters the next level.
Leonard Floyd – Linebacker
Standing at 6-feet-4-inches, Leonard Floyd is a player that comes at an offense quick and effectively. In 2015, Floyd recorded 74 total tackles with 37 being solo tackles. Floyd is crucial to serving pressure on opposing quarterbacks. He had 4.5 sacks last season. At the next level, Floyd is a crucial asset to being an explosive attack around the edge. His ability to beat opponents quickly allows for pressure on the quarterback and those linemen. The question in a lot of drafters’ minds is Floyd’s weight. Weighing at only about 230 pounds, scouts are questioning his ability to handle stronger and bigger offensive linemen at the next level.
John Theus – Offensive Tackle
Theus is a tall 6-feet-6-inches, 317 pounds offensive tackle being projected to go quickly in the draft. He started at the right side of the offensive line his freshman year at the University of Georgia, and as a freshman, that is pretty impressive. As a right tackle for the Bulldogs, Theus struggled with protecting his edge. However, when the Dogs moved him to the left side in 2014, Theus really stepped up and started providing good protection.
Jordan Jenkins – Outside Linebacker
From 2012 to 2015, Jenkins recorded 204 total tackles, 107 solo tackles, 19 sacks, and 39 tackles for a loss. On top of those statistics, Jenkins also had three total fumbles recoveries and six forced fumbles. Serving as a captain his senior year, Jenkins stepped up as a leader for the Bulldogs. His experience and build prove he’s a linebacker, however, he has also played defensive end as well. Jenkins is versatile and is easily a great asset at the next level. A few concerns with Jenkins is his ability to be absorbed by tackles and other linemen and also his smaller size, compared to bigger offenses.
Malcolm Mitchell – Wide Receiver
Off the field, we know him as an author, but on the football field, we know him as an athlete that can catch the football in his vicinity. Concerns of his injuries received in college do not trump his statistics from his senior year. Mitchell recorded 58 receptions for 865 total yards. Mitchell averaged 14.9 yards a reception with his longest reception at 44 yards. Mitchell also scored five receiving touchdowns this season. Obviously fitting in with a receiver build at 6-foot-1-inch, 195 pounds, Mitchell has played several other positions and moved around the field quite a bit. However, his stars shine as a receiver and that was made obvious in his senior season.
Marshall Morgan – Kicker
For four seasons, Morgan has literally teed it up between the hedges leading the Bulldogs to incredible milestones. With 64 field goals made, which are 76 percent of his attempts made career-long, Morgan has been an incredible key special teams player for the Bulldogs. Morgan also set an Southeastern Conference record with 19 consecutive field goals. NFL Draft Scout ranks Marshall Morgan third in his position. The tough part of the draft for Morgan will be the need for a kicker, but if there is a need, Morgan is an obvious target.
Keith Marshall – Running Back
With many injuries interrupting his college career, Marshall finally saw an incredible length of playing time in 2015. Marshall recorded 350 rushing yards for three touchdowns. He also had four receptions for 28 yards and one touchdown. In the bowl game, Marshall had 62 receiving yards. Marshall’s health is a clear concern for the scouts as he recovered from several injuries over the past four years, including a torn ACL. However, comparing him to another incredible Bulldog, Todd Gurley, recovery can be the gateway to an incredible rookie season.
As these Bulldogs leave the University of Georgia, many new Dogs hope to fill those big shoes. Jeb Blazevich, Terry Godwin, Lorenzo Carter, Davin Bellamy, and Isaiah McKenzie are just some of the younger UGA players hoping to fill the shoes being left in Athens.
