Aaron Murray and the Georgia Bulldogs hope to rebound after a disappointing loss in the 2012 SEC Championship Game (Photo: Brant Sanderlin-AJC)
DraftBrowns.com Staff Writer: Justin Higdon
The 2012 Georgia Bulldogs were a batted pass away from a berth in the BCS title game last season. But eventual-champion Alabama secured its bid to face Notre Dame for the crystal football trophy when linebacker C.J. Mosley tipped Aaron Murray’s pass in the waning seconds, leaving it to fall into the arms of Chris Conley a few yards shy of the end zone as time expired. The Bulldogs were left out of the BCS party altogether, and wound up facing Nebraska in the Capital One Bowl. To Georgia’s credit, they didn’t let the disappointment get to them, and handed the Cornhuskers a 45-31 defeat. Murray returns with the bitter taste of missed opportunity still fresh in his mouth, and as expected from the SEC runners-up, he’ll be joined by a number of talented teammates.
Aaron Murray QB 6’1” 211 – It only seems like Murray has been around forever. He came to Georgia as one of the top quarterback recruits in the country back in 2009, and took a redshirt his first year on campus. Since then, Murray has started 41 games, has racked up 10,091 passing yards, and has thrown 95 touchdowns versus 32 interceptions. The Bulldogs are 28-13 in that span, including 22-6 over the last two seasons. His numbers might suggest stardom, and as a college quarterback he’s been a solid player. However, as a professional prospect, Murray lacks arm strength to consistently get the ball downfield, often throwing his body into his passes to gain zip and distance. In this respect, he is similar to Texas A&M passer Johnny Manziel. Like Manziel, Murray also lacks ideal height, measuring in between 6’ and 6’1” tall. Murray is a fair athlete who can be elusive under pressure, though he’s truly no threat to run. His accuracy improves when he can get into a rhythm with the short passing game, but on intermediate routes he does not demonstrate the anticipation needed to overcome his subpar arm. At various times over the past couple of years, Murray has been touted as a possible second, or even first day draft choice, suggesting a future as a starting NFL quarterback. However, he simply does not possess the physical tools to justify such a projection. More likely, Murray will be drafted in the late rounds and be given a chance to catch on as a developmental backup.
Malcolm Mitchell WR* 6’1” 192 – Mitchell was the top rated cornerback in the country out of high school in 2011, and chose Georgia over Alabama among other high-profile programs. Mitchell was also viewed favorably as a wide receiver prospect, and the Bulldogs immediately employed him on offense. As a freshman, he played in 11 games and finished the season with 45 receptions for 665 yards (14.8 yards per catch) and four touchdowns. Last season, Mitchell added more hats in addition to his role on offense. He tallied 40 catches for 572 yards (14.3 yards per catch) and four touchdowns, but also saw time on defense, and on punt and kickoff returns. This season, Mitchell will focus on offense while continuing to handle return duties. Though not an overwhelming specimen, he has excellent size and 40-yard dash speed in the 4.4 to 4.5 second range. With another strong season, Mitchell is a clear candidate to leave school early for the NFL Draft, and he has already hinted at an early departure.
Arthur Lynch TE 6’5” 258 – A highly-touted tight end out of high school in Massachusetts, Lynch saw action in 11 games as a freshman and caught two passes for 17 yards. He redshirted in 2010, and played in every game the following year without making a single reception. As a junior last season, Lynch finally became a factor in the passing game. He hauled in 24 passes for 431 yards – an impressive 18 yards per catch – and three touchdowns while starting 13 of the team’s 14 games. Lynch has soft hands as a receiver and does an excellent job finding soft areas in the defense. He’s a big target, and while he does not possess great speed he is a strong runner who can break tackles and pick up yards after the catch. As a run blocker, Lynch consistently gets into the pads of his opponent to create leverage, and keeps his legs driving forward. He does a solid job in pass protection, and has long arms and the frame to add strength. Lynch is a late bloomer, just now scratching the surface of the potential he showed as a high school recruit. But with his size, hands, and blocking ability, he has a chance to climb up draft boards with a strong senior season.
Damian Swann CB* 5’11” 190 – Like Mitchell, Swann came to Georgia in 2011 after spurning Alabama and a number of other SEC schools. As a freshman, he played in 11 games and finished the year with five tackles. Last season, Swann became a full time starter and tallied 53 tackles, four interceptions and five pass breakups in 14 games. Two of his interceptions came in the Bulldogs’ bowl win over Nebraska. In addition to his coverage ability, Swann proved to be an effective blitzer out of the cornerback position, with two sacks and five quarterback hurries on the season. He will have his opportunities to face a number of tough receivers in 2013, starting with the team’s opener against Clemson. If he is able to navigate the schedule, and build off the success he had as a sophomore, Swann could very well join his teammate Mitchell as an early entry into the 2014 NFL Draft.
Also keep and eye on: Jay Rome TE* 6’5” 265, Corey Moore S* 6’2” 214, Chris Burnette G 6’2” 322, Kenarious Gates OT 6’5” 318, Amarlo Herrera ILB* 6’2” 245, Garrison Smith DE 6’3” 297, Dallas Lee G 6’4” 300, T.J. Stripling OLB 6’5” 235, Rantavious Wooten WR 5’10” 180, Chase Vasser ILB 6’2” 231