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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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Nov 7, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Mark Richt leads his players on the field prior to the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Kentucky 27-3. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Mark Richt leads his players on the field prior to the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Kentucky 27-3. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

4. 2002

Eight players drafted, one in the first round

The first NFL draft of the Mark Richt era was also one of the largest in school history. Eight players were drafted, and half of them had very good careers in the NFL. Especially, Charles Grant, Will Witherspoon and Randy McMichael.

The players drafted in this group include:

Charles Grant-New Orleans Saints

Will Witherspoon-Carolina Panthers

Randy McMichael-Miami Dolphins

Terreal Bierria-Seattle Seahawks

Jermaine Phillips-Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Verron Haynes-Pittsburgh Steelers

Josh Mallard-Indianapolis Colts

Tim Wansley-Tampa Bay Buccaneers

NFL careers:

Grant dominated opposing offenses for eight years with the Saints. He finished his careers with 47 sacks, 423 tackles and 16 forced fumbles. Witherspoon had somewhat of a journeyman career for 12 years, but he was a constant starter for four different teams. He made 949 tackles and 26 sacks in his career.

randy McMichael was one of the best tight ends in the NFL during his 11 years with the Dolphins, Rams and Chargers. He started every game for the first five years of his career. All but one game in his sixth season. He retired with 426 receptions, 4,539 yards with 24 touchdowns.

Phillips had eight decent years with the Buccaneers, intercepting 11 passes and making 417 tackles.

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