Leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft from April 25-27, The Red & Black is previewing each of Georgia’s 14 prospects.
Former Georgia safety Javon Bullard declared for the NFL draft in January after a three-year career at Georgia. The 2023 All-SEC safety could wind up as one of the first players off the board at his position.
Georgia defensive back Javon Bullard (22) warms up. The University of Georgia football team leads the University of South Carolina football team 24-0 at halftime at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. (Photo/Sidney Chansamone, @sid.chansa)
Bullard, who played for the Bulldogs from 2021-23 accounted for 114 total tackles (eight for loss), 3.5 sacks, four interceptions, 12 pass breakups and one fumble recovery in his Georgia career.
The 5-foot-11, 195-pound safety was instrumental in Georgia’s second national title run. He was named the defensive MVP of the CFP semifinal game against Ohio State, where he recorded a sack, a pass breakup, and three tackles. Bullard went on to win the Defensive MVP of the CFP national championship shortly after, with two interceptions and a tackle against TCU.
“I wouldn’t be standing in front of y’all today if it weren’t for Georgia, and the people that brought this program up,” Bullard said at the Bulldogs’ pro day. “Coach [Kirby] Smart, coach [Will] Muschamp, coach [Glenn] Schumann. Even coach [Dan] Lanning, like past coaches I’ve had, coach Fran [Brown]. All those guys molded me into not only the football player, but the man I am today. I appreciate them immensely.”
Georgia defensive backs Javon Bullard (22), Christopher Smith (29) and quarterback Stetson Bennett (13) celebrate. The University of Georgia football team defeats Ohio State University 42-41 in the Peach Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. (Photo/Jessica Gratigny; @jgratphoto)
In 2023, Bullard switched from STAR to safety for Georgia in hopes of replacing longtime starter Christopher Smith, who was drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders. Bullard teamed up with consensus first-team All-American Malaki Starks in the deep backfield, and the two never looked back.
Bullard’s 2023 season was marked by career-high numbers. He recorded a team-high ten tackles against Auburn and had interceptions against both Missouri and Ole Miss.
Georgia defensive back Javon Bullard (22) holds back a South Carolina player. The University of Georgia football team leads the University of South Carolina football team 24-0 at halftime at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. (Photo/Sidney Chansamone, @sid.chansa)
At the combine, he ran a 4.47 40-yard dash and a 1.51 10-yard split while demonstrating his awareness and ability to pursue the ball in the open field.
The former three-star recruit has drawn significant attention from teams due to his high football IQ and willingness to run through ball carriers. Bullard’s instinct to jump routes and attack blockers will serve him as a potential key run-stopper in the NFL.
Although there are some concerns about his open-field tackling and size, Bullard will be a solid addition for teams looking to bolster their run support and man coverage in the coming years.
Georgia defensive back Javon Bullard (22) makes a tackle during the first half of a NCAA college football game between Missouri and Georgia at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia, on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. Georgia leads 10-10 after the first half. (Photo/Mady Mertens; @MadyMertensPhotography)
The defender should end up being an early day-two pick, along with several other Bulldogs, as NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has Bullard as the fourth safety taken in the draft.
“You’re getting a dog, no pun intended,” Bullard said about what an NFL team would get by drafting him. “A guy that’s gonna give 110% no matter where he plays, a guy that’s gonna create value for your team on and off the field. You’re gonna get an asset, not a liability, I’m gonna help your team in many ways.”
