Deandre Baker has heard the chatter, but in his mind, there is no uncertainty regarding when he’ll ultimately go in the NFL Draft that gets underway Thursday night in Nashville.
“Some people I know have dropped me out of the first round,” Baker said after Georgia’s Pro Day. “Some people got me high, some people have me low. We won’t know until April 25, but I just know my name will be called on the first day.”
By the estimations of many mock drafts, Baker is slated to go somewhere in the late first round, which is considerably lower than where the Thorpe Award winner was predicted to go late last year.
“He’s going to be a great pro. He’s competitive, he’s physical, he runs well, he’s played in a system where he’s played multiple coverages,” head coach Kirby Smart said. “We asked him to make a lot of checks. He’s going to be a really good pro player. At the end of the day, it’s not going to be the 40-time that measures his ability, it’s going to be his ability to break on the ball, make plays, and cover people, and that’s what he’s proven to be able to do.”
Atlanta Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff, who attended G-Day, was asked to give his take of the former Georgia star.
“He’s obviously quick, fast, explosive, can run, and he can cover the field,” Dimitroff said. “He’s got very good range that way. He’s being reported as one of the best in the country in the draft, so it will be interesting to see how it plays out.”
Baker, who will be in attendance in Nashville, can’t wait for his big day.
“No doubt. You feel excitement, but you also feel relief,” Baker said. “But it’s also exciting, because the draft is coming up. That’s the biggest day of my life that I’ve been waiting on. I’m looking forward to that.”
My Mock Draft
● CB Deandre Baker: We’ve seen some questions arise about Baker over the past few days, but nothing that’s going to keep him from going in the first round. The Philadelphia Eagles need cornerbacks, and no doubt head coach Doug Pederson received a positive scouting report from Smart during the recent coaches’ clinic. Prediction – Philadelphia Eagles, Round 1, Pick 25.
● WR Mecole Hardman: Rounds two and three are set for Friday, and I believe there are three Bulldogs who will hear their name on this day.
Most mocks have Riley Ridley being the first Bulldog wide receiver going, but I believe Hardman will be the man. You can’t teach speed, and Hardman has plenty of that to spare. Prediction – New England Patriots, Round 3, Pick 73.
● WR Riley Ridley: Ridley probably doesn’t project as a No. 1 receiver, but Dawg fans can tell you he’s got some of the best hands you’ll see, and he’s a good route runner. Prediction – Pittsburgh Steelers, Round 3, Pick 84.
● OLB D’Andre Walker: Walker’s groin injury kept him from taking part in Senior Bowl activities back in January, but he’s since gotten back in great shape and apparently impressed during workouts for teams. I agree with the comments that some team will be getting a steal. Prediction – Los Angeles Chargers, Round 3, Pick 91.
● C Lamont Gaillard: Undersized? Perhaps. But didn’t some say the same about David Andrews? He was a free agent and certainly turned out okay. Andrews’ success, I believe, will actually help Gaillard, who will hear his name called on Saturday. Prediction – Arizona Cardinals, Round 5, Pick 139.
● TE Isaac Nauta: Nauta left a year early, and while he posted decent numbers when he had the opportunity, could turn out to be a better pro. He won’t be the first tight end taken, but he’s going to stick wherever he lands. Prediction: Oakland Raiders, Round 6, Pick 177
● DE Jonathan Ledbetter: Ledbetter has always been one of my favorite players for overcoming his early off-field issues to becoming one of Georgia’s most dependable defenders on last year’s squad. Prediction: Oakland Raiders, Round 7, Pick 218.
● RB Elijah Holyfield: Holyfield didn’t do himself any favors with his times in the 40-yard dash, but sometimes those numbers can be a little deceiving. Give Holyfield the rock and he will help a team. Prediction: Wait for it--Atlanta Falcons, Round 7, Pick 230.
● WR Terry Godwin: Teams looking for a dependable route runner with good hands and speed would do well to give Godwin a shot. Prediction: Washington Redskins, Round 7, Pick 253.
