Top victors of Georgia Football from the Reese’s Senior Bowl
The Georgia Bulldogs at the Reese’s Senior Bowl: Top Victors and Their Impact
The Reese’s Senior Bowl is one of the premier postseason all-star games for college football players eligible for the NFL Draft. Each year, a select group of the nation’s best seniors are invited to showcase their skills in front of NFL scouts and coaches. The event has consistently highlighted top talent, and the University of Georgia Bulldogs, with their rich football tradition, have been well represented on this stage. Players from Georgia have made an indelible impact at the Senior Bowl, both through their play and their subsequent success in the NFL.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most notable Georgia football players who have made their mark in the Senior Bowl, detailing their journeys, performances, and how they helped boost Georgia’s reputation as a football powerhouse.
1. Sony Michel (RB) – Senior Bowl 2018
One of the most exciting running backs in Georgia history, Sony Michel’s performance in the 2018 Reese’s Senior Bowl solidified his place as one of the top offensive prospects in the 2018 NFL Draft. Michel had a standout career at Georgia, forming a dynamic duo with Nick Chubb in the backfield. Together, the pair helped Georgia reach the National Championship Game during the 2017 season.
At the Senior Bowl, Michel’s quickness, vision, and pass-catching ability made him one of the most intriguing running back prospects. He displayed a natural ability to read defenses, cut through traffic, and create big plays with his elusive style. His performance in Mobile helped elevate his draft stock, and he was selected 31st overall by the New England Patriots.
Michel’s contributions to the Patriots were immediate, especially during their Super Bowl LIII win, where he rushed for three touchdowns. His performance in the Senior Bowl was a key moment in his path to becoming an NFL champion.
2. Nick Chubb (RB) – Senior Bowl 2018
Nick Chubb, the other half of Georgia’s powerful running back duo, also participated in the 2018 Senior Bowl, cementing his status as one of the top running backs in the 2018 NFL Draft. Known for his powerful running style, vision, and consistency, Chubb was a dominant force for Georgia during his college career.
At the Senior Bowl, Chubb showcased his impressive combination of power and agility. Despite a knee injury that had hampered him early in his career, Chubb displayed his elite burst and ability to break tackles. His strength, ball security, and ability to move the chains caught the attention of scouts, and he was selected 35th overall by the Cleveland Browns.
Chubb has since become one of the NFL’s premier running backs, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and ranking among the league’s leaders in rushing yards each season. His performance in the Senior Bowl helped him gain the attention he deserved, ultimately solidifying his place as one of the most successful backs of his draft class.
3. Roquan Smith (LB) – Senior Bowl 2018
A key leader on Georgia’s defense, Roquan Smith’s play at the 2018 Senior Bowl only further proved why he was one of the top linebacker prospects of his class. Smith was an absolute force for Georgia, known for his sideline-to-sideline range, excellent tackling ability, and football IQ. His speed and instinct for the game were unmatched, and he was considered one of the most well-rounded linebackers in the country.
In Mobile, Smith continued to showcase his speed, instincts, and ability to make plays in all phases of defense. His ability to read plays, cover the field, and engage in both run and pass defense made him a standout at the Senior Bowl.
Roquan Smith was drafted by the Chicago Bears with the 8th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, and he made an immediate impact. Smith has since developed into one of the NFL’s premier linebackers, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors. His Senior Bowl performance was a perfect preview of the kind of playmaking ability he would bring to the NFL.
4. Isaiah Wynn (OL) – Senior Bowl 2018
Isaiah Wynn was one of the most versatile and polished offensive linemen to come out of Georgia in recent years. As a left tackle, Wynn was an anchor for the Bulldogs’ offensive line, protecting quarterbacks and opening up holes for the running backs. At the 2018 Senior Bowl, Wynn displayed his impressive technique, mobility, and strength, earning rave reviews from scouts.
His performance in Mobile solidified him as one of the top offensive line prospects in the 2018 draft, and he was selected 23rd overall by the New England Patriots. Wynn’s ability to adapt to various positions on the offensive line, including both tackle and guard, made him a valuable asset for the Patriots.
Though injuries have affected his career at times, Wynn has proven himself to be an important part of the Patriots’ offensive line. His Senior Bowl performance was a vital part of his rise as a first-round pick and a key figure in New England’s offensive front.
5. Alec Ogletree (LB) – Senior Bowl 2013
Alec Ogletree, one of Georgia’s most dynamic linebackers in recent memory, had a strong performance at the 2013 Senior Bowl. Ogletree was known for his ability to cover the field, rush the passer, and excel in both run and pass defense. His combination of size, speed, and athleticism made him a nightmare for opposing offenses.
At the Senior Bowl, Ogletree showcased his physicality and ability to cover tight ends and running backs in the passing game. His skill set was on full display, and it was clear that Ogletree was ready to take his talents to the NFL. The St. Louis Rams (now Los Angeles Rams) selected Ogletree with the 30th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Ogletree enjoyed a productive NFL career, earning multiple starts and becoming a key part of the Rams’ defense. His playmaking ability and versatility were honed at the Senior Bowl, and his subsequent NFL success proved that his time in Mobile was just the beginning of what would become a solid career.
6. John Jenkins (DT) – Senior Bowl 2013
A standout defensive tackle for the Georgia Bulldogs, John Jenkins was a key piece of the defensive line during his time in Athens. Known for his massive size and strength, Jenkins had a dominant presence in the middle of the line of scrimmage. His Senior Bowl performance in 2013 further showcased his raw power and ability to clog up running lanes.
Jenkins was a force at the Senior Bowl, proving he could disrupt the pocket and be a key force against the run. Though not the fastest or most agile player, his ability to push offensive linemen back and occupy space made him a valuable prospect. Jenkins was selected 94th overall by the New Orleans Saints.
Jenkins went on to have a solid NFL career, contributing as a run-stuffer and providing depth along defensive lines. His Senior Bowl appearance helped establish his reputation as a physical presence who could contribute at the next level.
7. J.R. Reed (S) – Senior Bowl 2020
J.R. Reed was one of the top defensive backs in college football during his time at Georgia. Known for his playmaking ability, ball skills, and leadership, Reed became a key figure in Georgia’s secondary. His 2020 Senior Bowl performance was a fitting end to an excellent college career.
At the Senior Bowl, Reed showcased his ability to cover both tight ends and wide receivers, showing off his quickness and ability to read the quarterback’s eyes. Reed’s skills as a tackler and his ability to make crucial interceptions helped him earn the respect of scouts, and he was drafted in the sixth round by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Though Reed has had an up-and-down NFL career, his performance at the Senior Bowl demonstrated that he had the tools to succeed in the league. His leadership and understanding of the game were clear, and his time in Mobile helped increase his visibility as a capable defensive back.
8. Tray Bishop (S) – Senior Bowl 2019
Tray Bishop wasn’t as highly touted as some of Georgia’s other defensive prospects, but his performance at the 2019 Senior Bowl demonstrated his value as a versatile safety. Known for his physicality and ability to play both safety positions, Bishop impressed coaches and scouts with his ability to cover ground and be a physical presence in the secondary.
Though Bishop went undrafted, his Senior Bowl performance showcased his skill set and football IQ. After the draft, he signed as a free agent and spent some time on NFL practice squads, solidifying the importance of the Senior Bowl for players looking to make their case to NFL teams.
