ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper’s 2022 NFL draft Big Board, in which he ranks the 25 best prospects for next year’s event, included one former Georgia Bulldog.
Nakobe Dean made the top-25, checking in at No. 13. Dean is certainly deserving of being high on the rankings. He’s fast, has great instincts, can rush the passer, stops the run and can defend the pass. Dean also ranks No. 2 on Kiper’s rankings of the best inside linebackers.
He’s the leader of one of the best defenses in recent college football history. Dean runs sideline to sideline to blow up plays and is a sure tackler once he finds the ball carrier. He has 30 tackles, 3.5 sacks — he’s a great blitzer — and an interception this season.
But left off the top-25, somehow, was Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Davis. Kiper ranks Davis as his No. 2 defensive tackle in next year’s draft, yet did not have him on the Big Board.
I just don’t understand it. If I’m an NFL general manager – which maybe it’s a good thing I’m not – and I see Davis still available at around No. 10, I’m not thinking twice. Sure, you have to fill your needs, so take your quarterbacks and skill players, but Davis is the best of the rest. He’s 6-foot-6, 340 pounds and moves like a linebacker. I’ve quite honestly never seen anyone like him.
Unlike Kiper, ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay did have Davis on his board. McShay had Davis ranked No. 13 on his list.
