Jordan Davis Chose Return Over Millions in 2021 NFL Draft
Georgia had a school-record nine players drafted over the weekend in the 2021 NFL Draft, three of whom — cornerback Eric Stokes, cornerback Tyson Campbell and edge rusher Azeez Ojulari — all landed within the first 50 picks.
However, one player came to mind considering the state of the defensive tackle class in this year's draft: defensive tackle Jordan Davis.
There were no defensive tackles drafted in the first round of this year's draft. The first interior defensive lineman didn't come off the board until pick No. 38 overall when Alabama's Christian Barmore was selected by the New England Patriots. There were just two defensive tackles taken in the top 64 picks. It was a historically thin interior draft class.
So, why did Davis return?
This is not a criticism of his decision to return for another year. In fact, he is to be commended for a choice that is far too often uncommon in today's world of college football.
Sources indicated to Dawgs Daily that even without a Pro Day, Davis was slotted to be a top-50 pick in this year's draft. Had he declared for the draft and participated at Georgia's Pro Day, the feeling was that he would have put on an absolute show, worthy of vaulting him firmly into the first-round discussion.
Of course, Davis will likely increase his draft stock this year. With a season where he can continue to develop a pass-rushing skillset, Davis is seemingly on pace to enter the first round of next year's draft.
We spoke to a source close to the program that put it perfectly:
"He's a super freak that's built to stop the modern offense. He would have been essentially a lock for the first round assuming he would have been able to keep his weight down during the draft process. He returned for one reason, and that's to win a national title."
Davis said it best noting that his NFL dreams will have to wait with unfinished business in Athens:
"The NFL is a career goal, but it will have to wait another year. We have some unfinished business. Georgia is my home. I'm not going anywhere. Let's run it back one more time. #RevengeTour"
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