Four Dawgs Drafted

At the conclusion of the 2008 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, four former University of Georgia football players had found new homes.

Marcus Howard, who really turned it on and showed his potential the second half of the 2007 season, got the party started in the 5th round. With the 126th overall pick, the Indianapolis Colts selected the speedy OLB. While Howard may be undersized, he sure can make up the difference with his uncanny quickness and explosiveness for his position.

Eleven picks later and into the 6th round, the Atlanta Falcons selected RB Thomas Brown. Brown, a small but physical tailback, is quick on his feet and a solid pass blocker. He will serve as a nice complement to the physical Michael Turner as another Jarius Norwood-type back. While it may take some time to crack into the lineup, Brown will be an effective and useful runner in the future.

With the 222nd overall pick, the Chicago Bears nabbed the mammoth OG/OT Chester Adams to help add depth to the line. Adams provides versatility, as he played heavy minutes as both a guard and a right tackle for the Dawgs.

To round off Georgia's drafted alumni, Brandon Coutu was drafted 235th overall by the Seattle Seahawks. Aside from a booming leg and spot on accuracy, Coutu provides the ability to hit clutch field goals from distance. The ice in his veins will benefit the Seahawks, and the cold weather shouldn't be a factor for the All-American place kicker. He could make the biggest immediate impact of any of the drafted rookies out of UGA.

Congratulations, guys. Good luck on the next level. You guys all have promising careers ahead.

For those who didn't get drafted, there are several players who have a lot of potential to hit the free agency market as undrafted rookies.

Center Fernando Velasco is an intangible type player who brings hard work, determination, and leadership to the table. He also provides some versatility with his size and experience as both a guard and a center.

Safety Kelin Johnson has decent size, great enthusiasm, and good game speed, but needs some work on his quickness and coverage abilities. He would be a great practice player who can contend for a spot in the lineup on several teams.

WR's Sean Bailey and AJ Bryant also have shots at a spot on several teams due to their playmaking abilities and raw talents, respectively. Bailey, however, lacks ideal speed for a 6'0" receiver and Bryant has faced numerous injuries throughout his college career.

Thomas Flowers excelled throughout his career at Georgia as both a CB and a return man. He has decent size (5'10", 190) and elite speed (4.41) to play at the next level, but his durability is in question and his past character issues could pose a problem. He is a dangerous return man and could be a good role player on special teams.

While RB Kregg Lumpkin and OLB/DE Brandon Miller contain the physical sizes and experience to play at the next level, their lack of speed at their positions really hinders what impact they could have in the NFL. Lumpkin could be a good role runner, but he has durability issues. Brandon Miller is versatile at either OLB or DE, but he lacks that aggressive first and second step off the line. They have a chance, but cracking Sunday lineups will be tough for these two if they don't get faster.

Good luck to all these guys looking for a spot as undrafted free agents. They all had solid careers and each provide something an NFL team could use.