Javon Bullard NFL Draft Overview
Position: Defensive Back
Height: 5-11
Weight: 195
School: Georgia Bulldogs
Awards:
- 2023 AP All-SEC Second Team selection
- Defensive MVP of the 2022 CFP National Championship
- Defensive MVP of the 2022 CFP Semifinal game
𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐭-𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤 – @cravejaaye #GoDawgs | #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/MEkGDHEQiY
— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) April 9, 2024
Javon Bullard 2024 NFL Draft Profile
Javon Bullard saw plenty of work for Georgia in his three years in Athens. The coaches moved him between cornerback and safety, but Bullard saw most of his work at the STAR position. The STAR player is responsible for defending against screens, RPOs, and read options without switching between multiple players. This position highlights Bullard’s physical ability and his ability to dissect what opposing offenses throw at him. Bullard has had to battle injuries throughout his career at Georgia. Kirby Smart praised Bullard for staying on the training table and providing the Bulldog defense with an edge.
#Georgia safety Javon Bullard is a really good football player. His versatility will make him a dynamic chess piece for an NFL defense.
pic.twitter.com/f20r8dFDcT— Kendell Hollowell (@KHollowell_) April 11, 2024
“He makes our team tougher. He’s had injury after injury. He won’t put on a black shirt. He creates a dynamic on our team, and if you think you’re hurt, look at Javon. He’ll go out there and practice daily, have contact, and play with toughness. It’s this mentality that Smart shared that separates Bullard from a lot of players today. “I think in this day and age, football is different, and it creates a little bit of an attitude for our team that makes us better. It permeates the special teams. And even receivers see it. They’re, like, man, if he can go, then I can go. So I think that’s the biggest thing he brings to our team.”
Here is a quick look back at Bullard’s time in Athens and what fans can expect with the draft quickly approaching.
Javon Bullard’s College Career
Despite high expectations for Bullard in the 2023 season, which saw him named to the Preseason Media Days All-SEC First Team, the AP Preseason All-America Second Team, and The Sporting News Preseason All-America Second Team, injuries affected his performance. However, he persevered, appearing in 12 games and ranking third on the team in tackles with 56 and adding two interceptions and five pass breakups.
Rather than opting out of the Orange Bowl, Bullard, like many of his Georgia teammates, decided to stay. His post-game comments illustrate the mentality that Bullard will bring to his future NFL team: “You see guys opting out all over the country. Notice that nobody opted out over here because we finished what we started… The love that we have for this team, man, it goes way beyond football for us. Georgia ain’t going anywhere.”
In the 2022 season, he showcased Bullard’s talent and skill on the field. Bullard played in 15 games, starting in 10 at defensive back. He was fifth in tackles (46), had 3.5 sacks, and added two interceptions. He saved his best play for when it mattered most. Bullard was named the Defensive MVP in both of Georgia’s playoff games. His hit on Marvin Harrison, Jr. late in the third quarter knocked Harrison out of the game and sparked Georgia to the National Championship.
Javon Bullard was not called for targeting after this hit on Marvin Harrison Jr. pic.twitter.com/COkUtGi6X1
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) January 1, 2023
Javon Bullard’s Draft Buzz
Bullard is the #2 ranked safety in the class. Bullard will likely be a first-round selection this year. The Philadelphia Eagles will have the 22nd pick in 2024 and a strong history of taking Georgia defenders.
Strengths
“Exceptional in man coverage – arguably the most proficient man-to-man defender among safeties in the draft cohort. Capable of getting in close to a receiver and possesses the speed to change direction and sprint down the field swiftly. Bullard exhibits rapid hand movements to disrupt receivers early in their routes. However, his peak performance comes when he’s scanning the backfield. He showcases instinctive playmaking abilities and displays aggressiveness and competitiveness, especially in run-defense situations.” (NFL Draft Buzz)
Weaknesses
“There are concerns regarding Bullard’s physical durability and size, leading to questions about his ability to withstand the physical demands of the NFL over the long term. Additionally, there is some uncertainty about his ideal role in the NFL, as his versatility could complicate fitting him into traditional defensive systems.” (NFL Draft Buzz)
Last Word on Javon Bullard
Bullard is a dynamic threat who can help most teams at cornerback and safety. Bullard will also showcase his versatility on special teams.
Main Image: Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK
