3 Georgia football players ranked Top 5 at positions entering NFL combine

ATHENS — Georgia football will be represented by nine players at the NFL combine in Indianapolis over the next week.

The players’ futures are on the line; teams rely heavily on the metrics produced in the various drills as well as information gleaned from thorough medicals and interviews.

Former NFL player and scout Bucky Brooks ranks only three of the outgoing Bulldogs in the top five of their respective positions entering the combine.

Cornerback Deandre Baker, widely projected as a first-round NFL draft pick, came in at No. 3 among the draft eligible players at his position.

“The 2019 class doesn’t necessarily feature a high-end lockdown corner,” Brooks penned for NFL.com. “But there are plenty of prospects with the potential to start from Day 1.”

Baker would seem to fit that description, but his 40 time at the NFL combine will be looked at closely.

Departing junior tight end Isaac Nauta was rated No. 4 at his position.

“Nauta flew under the radar for most of the season,” Brooks writes, “but the Georgia tight end is a natural pass catcher with a refined set of skills as a route runner.”

Riley Ridley is the other UGA player ranked by Brooks, coming in at No. 5 among the receivers.

“Ridley is a dependable pass catcher with strong hands and precise route-running ability,” Brooks wrote.

Other Georgia players at the NFL combine

• RB Elijah Holyfield (underclassman)

• OLB D’Andre Walker (won’t do field drills)

• OC Lamont Gaillard (played East-West Shrine)

• WR Terry Godwin (East-West Shrine MVP)

• DL Jonathan Ledbetter (Senior Bowl)

• WR Mecole Hardman (underclassman)

Other Georgia NFL prospects

• WR Jayson Stanley

• LB Natrez Patrick