Georgia Football: Five Bulldogs Find NFL Homes on Day Three

Round 7: Issac Nauta

Tight End: Detroit Lions

The seventh and final round of the 2019 NFL Draft saw tight end Issac Nauta come off the board. The 6’4 244 pound tight end from Buford, Georgia was drafted by the Detroit Lions. In his career as a Georgia Bulldog, Nauta racked up 905 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. He also had a memorable fumble recovery for a score. Nauta looked like a star in the making early, as he was named a NCAA Freshman All American. Unfortunately that never came to fruition and Issac had a solid, but unspectacular career in Athens. He declared for the draft following his junior season.

2018 Stats: Rec:30  Yds:403  Avg:14.3  TD:3

PFF: Ovr:78.0  Rec:73.0  PBlk:60.2  RBlk:76.3

Joe Marino of The Draft Network gives this critic of Issac Nauta:

"A five-star recruit, Nauta was flashy in college but was restricted by Georgia’s run-heavy offense and other talented pass catchers on the roster. With that said, there were times that he simply took over drives and made critical plays as a receiver. Nauta is most effective running linear patterns to create separation and allowing his ball skills to take over. He needs development in terms of running a more expansive route tree but his modest physical ability does cause some limitations. Despite some technical work needed, Nauta should be a sound blocker both in-line and on the move. Nauta is likely a reserve tight end whose value comes as a blocker and check down option in the passing game. Round Grade – Mid/Late Day 3"

Here are highlights of Isaac Nauta at UGA, courtesy of the Detroit Lions YouTube Channel:

Round 7: Terry Godwin

Wide Receiver: Carolina Panthers

Terry Godwin was the seventh and final Georgia Bulldogs player to be drafted in 2019. The 5’11 180 pound receiver from Hogansville, Georgia is now a member of the Carolina Panthers. The NFL is now the second professional league Godwin has been drafted by. He was also a round 33 pick in the 2016 Major League Baseball Draft. The quick wide receiver did most of his damage in college from the slot. He specializes in route running and gaining yards after the catch. Godwin had good production as a Dawg, catching 134 passes for 1800 yards and 11 touchdowns during his time on campus. He also added a rushing touchdown, a kickoff return touchdown and two scores on punt returns. His best season came as a junior, where he racked up 639 yards and found pay dirt six times. If he makes the team and carves out a role, UGA fans can go see Godwin play at Mercedes-Benz Stadium once a year, now that he’s been drafted by the Atlanta Falcons’ division rival.

2018 Stats: Rec:23 Yrds:385 Avg:16.7 TD:3

PFF: Overall:73.8  Receiving:72.0  Run Block:77.3

NFL Draft expert Matt Miller of Bleacher Report gives his opinion on Terry Godwin below:

"Terry Godwin is a rare four-year starter from Georgia with an accomplished career. The undersized target struggled to play with strength and against press coverage, which will most likely result in his being a full-time slot receiver in the NFL. Fluid routes and football IQ will help him land, and stick, on a roster for many years. GRADE: 5.25 (ROUND 7 – BACKUP CALIBER) PRO COMPARISON: Dede Westbrook"

The 2019 NFL Draft was another successful one for the Georgia Football program placing players in the NFL. Seven Bulldogs in all were selected in this year’s draft. UGA set a school record for the most players drafted at one position, with Hardman, Ridley and Godwin all being drafted at wide receiver. It was the fifth consecutive year that the Dawgs have placed a wide receiver in the NFL via the draft. Now that we know where all the Dawgs draftees are playing professional football, we are certain to be watching and rooting for them. As the great UGA tight end Randy McMichael always says, “Once a Dawg, Always a Dawg!”

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