Georgia Football: Draft Projections for Every Former Bulldog

The 2015 NFL draft is right around the corner, and many Georgia fans will be watching because there's a chance four or five former Bulldogs will get their names called over the weekend.

Ever since head coach Mark Richt was hired before the 2001 season, the success rate for Bulldogs reaching the NFL has been one of the best in college football. Players like Thomas Davis, Tim Jennings, Geno Atkins, Knowshon Moreno, A.J. Green and Matthew Stafford have made names for themselves on Sundays, and the draft class of 2015 is looking to do the same thing.

So here's a look at NFL draft projections for every former Bulldog.

Todd Gurley

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Draft Projection: 1st Round

There is no question that Todd Gurley will be drafted in the first round. The only question is regarding where he will be drafted.

Because of the ACL injury he suffered last year, Gurley has been all over the place in terms of draft projections. But there is no doubt Gurley will have his name called on Thursday night.

Gurley has the size (6'1", 222 lbs), speed, strength and balance to not only be a starter in the NFL but also a Pro Bowler in his rookie season if he's healthy.

Rob Rang of CBS Sports has compared Gurley to Marshawn Lynch of the Seattle Seahawks. If Gurley is a back like Lynch, the NFL team that picks him up will be a contender right away.

Chris Conley

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Draft Projection: 4th Round

Chris Conley did not have eye-popping numbers when it comes to production at wide receiver (he only had 657 receiving yards last season). But the combine helped his draft status tremendously, as he tested the best out of any receiver.

Conley has the speed and explosiveness to be a solid NFL receiver. But he will need to be more consistent to be a starter. Whoever picks up Conley will be getting a player who has immense character and works hard at his craft. Players like that are few and far between.

Ramik Wilson

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Draft Projection: 5th Round

Ramik Wilson was one of the most productive linebackers in the SEC the last two seasons. He led the conference with 133 tackles in 2013, and he followed that up with a 110-tackle performance in 2014.

Wilson has good size (6'2", 237 pounds) and speed (4.62 and 4.68 40-yard dashes in his pro day), and scouts like his effort in pursuit. But according to Rang, Wilson will run around blocks instead of taking them on. So he would be a better fit for a 4-3 defense instead of a 3-4.

And as for other traits needed to be an NFL linebacker, Wilson is not elite in pass coverage and doesn't have great awareness.

Damian Swann

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Draft Projection: 6th Round

If a scout was to look at Damian Swann strictly from a physical standpoint, he looks the part of an NFL defensive back. Swann has great size (6'0", 189 pounds) and athleticism, and he can play either outside or nickel corner. He improved his draft status after having a senior season in which he notched four interceptions and eight passes defended.

However, the reasons Swann is not high on the draft board are he is not a strong tackler and needs to be tighter in coverage. In order for Swann to have success on Sundays, he will need to be more disciplined in coverage, and he will need to work on wrapping up players when tackling them in open space.

Seventh Round and Free-Agent Projections

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There are a few more Bulldogs to watch for, as they will either be drafted in the seventh round or sign with a team as a rookie free agent.

Defensive end Ray Drew had a strong senior season with the Bulldogs, but he will need to be better in all aspects of his game to make a splash in the NFL.

Hutson Mason was the most accurate quarterback in Georgia history (67.9 completion percentage in 2014)—for one season at least. He does not have elite arm strength, but he's a good decision-maker and a born leader.

Another leader is center David Andrews, who was the anchor of the offensive line the last few years. He does not have the ideal balance, but he's quick and has the legs to drive defenders.

Amarlo Herrera is a smart inside linebacker who has good instincts and was very productive for the Bulldogs during his career. He is undersized (6'1", 244 pounds), but he plays with a ton of intensity and is better in pass coverage than Ramik Wilson.