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Georgia football: Top-10 NFL Draft classes in Bulldog history

By Kyle Funderburk

Jan 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) in action against the Arizona Cardinals during the second quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) in action against the Arizona Cardinals during the second quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 24, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Thomas Davis (58) talks with the defense on the bench in the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Thomas Davis (58) talks with the defense on the bench in the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

8. 2005

Six players drafted, two in the first round

Certainly a draft that would be much higher without injuries and off the field issues. The 2004 senior class was one of the best in Georgia football history. The group won 44 games in four years. They were also the draft class to play their entire careers with Mark Richt.

The players drafted in this group include:

Thomas Davis-Carolina Panthers

David Pollack-Cincinnati Bengals

Reggie Brown-Philadelphia Eagles

Odell Thurman-Cincinnati Bengals

David Greene-Seattle Seahawks

Fred Gibson-Pittsburgh Steelers

NFL Careers

Thomas Davis might be the best player drafted from the Mark Richt era. he played safety for the Bulldogs and was drafted 14th overall, but he Panthers moved him to linebacker where he’s gone on to have a Hall of Fame worthy career. He has recorded 939 total tackles, 25.5 sacks, 13 interceptions and 18 forced fumbles.

After what Pollack accomplished at Georgia, most expected him to have a great career in the NFL. The Bengals moved him to linebacker and he had a pretty good rookie year. But a vertebrae injury just two games into the 2006 season eventually ended his career after only 16 games.

However, Pollack has gone on to have a successful broadcast career like Matt Stinchcomb with ESPN. He is an announcer for Thursday night football and a member of the College Gameday crew. Pollack even lent his voice to be used during halftime segments on EA Sports’ NCAA Football 14.

His Bengal teammate Odell Thurman had a great rookie year with 15 starts, 98 tackles and five interceptions. But off the field issues with drugs and alcohol ended his career.

Reggie Brown had a few good years in the NFL but as the Eagles brought in more receivers, he struggled to keep his place on the depth chart.

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