The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Several stars from Georgia in spotlight at NFL combine
There are 41 NFL draft prospects with Georgia connections attending the NFL combine next week in Indianapolis. That includes 12 players from the University of Georgia and two from Georgia Tech.
Here’s a look at some of the top local products who will try to improve their draft stock at the combine, excluding former Bulldogs and Yellow Jackets:
Edge rusher Will Anderson, Alabama (Dutchtown HS)
The storyline: Anderson is the consensus top edge rusher in this class. He’s usually considered the second-best defender behind only Georgia interior rusher Jalen Carter. Anderson (6-foot-4, 243 pounds) has been compared with Von Miller and has potential to be among the most feared pass rushers in the NFL.
Anderson had a dominant sophomore season, earning an Fbs-high 34.5 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks. His numbers dropped in 2022, but he still impressed, with 10 sacks and 17 tackles for loss. He won consecutive SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors and Bronko Nagurski trophies.
Anderson was a unanimous All-american in 2021 and 2022. And he’s unanimously considered a top-five pick in this draft.
Running back Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama (Dalton HS)
The storyline: Gibbs transferred from Georgia Tech to spend his final collegiate season in Tuscaloosa, where he was featured heavily. He had 926 rushing yards and added an additional 444 on 44 catches.
Alabama lost twice — that’s a disappointing season for them — but it wasn’t because Gibbs was contained. In those losses, Gibbs had 103 rushing yards and three touchdowns against Tennessee. He had 99 yards rushing with an additional 64 yards on eight catches against LSU.
Gibbs is extremely wellrounded, as he’s shown since amassing 219 total yards in his Tech debut. Hall of Fame running back Ladainian Tomlinson recently praised Gibbs, saying he expects an electric combine showing.
Edge rusher Myles Murphy, Clemson (Hillgrove HS) The storyline:
Murphy (6-foot-5, 275 pounds) arguably was the best prospect on Clemson’s defense and likely will be selected within the first 20 or so picks. He moves very well for his size and should excel in the combine environment.
Murphy can attack from anywhere along the front, which helped him accumulate 18.5 sacks and 36 tackles for loss
across three seasons. Murphy might be a top-10 pick, and he’d be a logical fit for the Falcons at No. 8 overall.
Edge rusher BJ Ojulari, LSU (Marietta HS) The storyline:
Ojulari could rise throughout the pre-draft proceedings, making him a potential first-round pick. He finished with 16.5 sacks and 25.5 tackles for loss over his three seasons at LSU. He’s a finesse-based pass rusher with good length who will test well athletically.
Ojulari is the younger brother of former Bulldogs edge rusher Azeez Ojulari, who’s with the Giants.
Defensive back Brian Branch, Alabama (Sandy Creek HS) The storyline:
Branch often is considered this draft’s best safety. Defensive coordinators will love his versatility, aggression and smarts.
“He is not a guy that gets talked about a lot, but everyone in the locker room understands Branch is a great player,” Alabama defensive end Byron Young said in December (via Touchdown Alabama Magazine). “He is versatile, he can cover, he can blitz well, he can rush the passer some, and he’s a good talent. To see how versatile he is, he has been great for us this year. He’s been great since he’s been here.”
Wide receiver Josh Downs, North Carolina (North Gwinnett HS) The storyline:
Downs, a Suwanee native, had 1,029 yards and 11 touchdowns on 94 catches this season. That was his encore to his 2021 campaign in which he had 1,335 yards and eight touchdowns on 101 catches. He was among the best receivers in North Carolina history, finishing fourth in career receiving yards and third in receptions. Downs is small — listed at 5-foot-10, 175 pounds — but he’s a tough player who’s shown the ability to separate and make contested catches. He’s comfortable outside and in the slot.
Downs recently told CBS Sports: “I welcome contact. I welcome physicality. Even though I am 5-10, 180, I am a little stout. I welcome all of that contact.”
Football runs in the family:
Downs’ father, Gary, played in the NFL for seven years. His uncle Dre Bly was an 11-year pro. His brother, Caleb, is the top-ranked 2023 recruit in Georgia (No. 6 overall per 247 Sports). Caleb is a five-star safety committed to Alabama.
Cornerback DJ Turner, Michigan (North Gwinnett HS) The storyline:
Turner is a speedster whose 40-yard dash could drastically help his stock. Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network projected Turner as the No. 23 overall pick in his recent mock draft. Pauline wrote: “I like D J Turner more than most. He’s a polished corner with outstanding ball skills despite being under the radar.”
Running back Tank Bigsby, Auburn (Callaway HS) The storyline:
Bigsby, a former SEC Freshman of the Year, produced 2,903 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns for the Tigers. He was phenomenal his sophomore season, rushing for 1,099 yards and 10 scores. His production dropped this past season — a tumultuous one at Auburn that included a coaching change — but he’s shown Nfl-caliber talent.
Defensive lineman Byron Young, Tennessee (Georgia Military College) The storyline:
The offense drew all the attention in Knoxville, but Young was a valuable piece of Tennessee’s defense. He had seven sacks and 12 tackles for loss. ESPN’S Mel Kiper projected Young as the No. 20 overall pick in his latest mock draft, and Young, should he impress at the combine, the first-round talk could become more popular.
Offensive tackle Wanya Morris, Oklahoma (Grayson HS) The storyline:
Morris, a fivestar recruit, began his college career a Tennessee Volunteer and ended it as a Sooner. He’s a large human — 6-foot-6, 310 pounds — with experience at both tackle spots.
Other local products attending the combine:
Defensive lineman Colby Wooden, Auburn (Archer HS)
Defensive lineman Thomas Incoom, Central Michigan (Valdosta State, Stone Mountain HS)
Defensive lineman Isaiah Land, Florida A&M (Grayson HS)
Defensive lineman Brenton Cox, Florida (Georgia, Stockbridge HS)
Defensive lineman Yaya Diaby, Louisville (North Clayton HS, Georgia Military College)
Defensive back Jammie Robinson, Florida State (Lee Co. HS)
Defensive back Jay Ward, LSU (Colquitt Co. HS)
Defensive back Trey Dean, Florida (Dutchtown HS)
Defensive back Terell Smith, Minnesota (South Gwinnett HS)
■Defensive back Rashad Torrence, Florida (Marietta HS)
Linebacker Owen Pappoe, Auburn (Grayson HS)
Linebacker Shaka Heyward, Duke (Mill Creek HS)
Running back Chris Rodriguez, Kentucky (Ola HS)
Running back Keaton Mitchell, East Carolina (Eagles Landing Christian)
Tight end Davis Allen, Clemson (Calhoun HS)
Tight end Payne Durham, Purdue (Peachtree Ridge HS)
Wide receiver Jadon Haselwood, Arkansas (Cedar Grove HS)
Georgia Bulldogs (12)
Cornerback Kelee Ringo Defensive tackle Jalen Carter
Kicker Jack Podlesny (Glynn Academy)
Linebacker Robert Beal (Peachtree Ridge HS)
Linebacker Nolan Smith (Calvary Day School before IMG Academy)
Offensive tackle Broderick Jones (Lithonia HS)
Offensive tackle Warren Mcclendon (Brunswick HS)
Quarterback Stetson Bennett (Pierce Co. HS)
Running back Kenny Mcintosh
Safety Christopher Smith (Hapeville Charter Academy)
Tight end Darnell Washington
Wide receiver Kearis Jackson (Peach County HS) Georgia Tech (2) Linebacker Charlie Thomas (Thomasville HS)
Linebacker Keion White