Georgia Football: NFL Draft projections for Dawgs post combine

Georgia football had several high profile players at the NFL Draft Combine this past weekend and their performances affected their draft stock.

Deandre Baker

Scouting Report: Baker was the best player on the Georgia defense last season, and he is arguably the best cornerback in the draft. He hasn’t given up a touchdown in over two years, and he completely shut down his side of the field. He is an extremely aggressive and physical corner, which bodes well for his NFL future. His physicality is what allows him to stand out in press-man coverage, which is where he truly excels. Does a good job of staying in the hip pocket and will stick to a receiver like glue. He does a sensational job of attacking and fighting through the football at the catch point. Extremely intelligent.

While Baker is a technically sound corner, he does have some flaws. His biggest issue is his speed. He struggles to flip his hips and run with speedy receivers because of his lack of vertical speed and the tightness in his hips. He doesn’t have a ton of experience with zone schemes, and that doesn’t fit his skill set particularly well. Despite his size, (5’11 185) he has shown a willingness to come up and make plays in the run game.

NFL outlook: Baker is the best corner available in this class. He brings the physicality and toughness teams look for at that position. He has already shown the ability to shutdown elite talent, (such as Calvin Ridley and Deebo Samuel) and his skill set should translate to the next level very well. Because of his lack of elite vertical speed, he may struggle with faster receivers early in his career. He projects as a press cover corner that would thrive in a cover 2 heavy scheme, allowing him to be physical with receivers while giving him help over the top. If he is drafted in the right scheme, Baker can absolutely become an elite number one cornerback.

Comparison: Casey Hayward

Draft Projection: 1st round