Ex-UGA players Davis, Dean bypassed by Falcons are now in Super Bowl LVII

Instead of selecting Dean, the Falcons picked linebacker Troy Andersen in the second round (58th) overall. Dean was selected in the third round (83rd) overall by the Eagles.

“Yeah, I would have love to get picked up at any point,” Davis said when asked about the Falcons. “But it being home, that would have been pretty cool.”

Davis said he didn’t have a top-30 visit with the Falcons.

“I think we had a few interviews, but after that there wasn’t that much,” said Davis, who went on to make the PFWA’s All-Rookie team.

Dean was the Dick Butkus award winner, which goes to the nation’s top linebacker.

“During the draft process I talked to a lot of teams,” Dean said. “The Falcons were probably one of them, yeah.”

The Falcons did heavily scout Dean.

“I know they didn’t take me, and I went to the Eagles,” Dean said. “That’s all I know.”

Some teams thought Dean flourished in college because of Georgia’s stout defensive front, which included No. 1 overall pick Travon Walker and Davis, plus Jalen Carter, who is projected to be a top-five pick this year. Dean was free to clean up the mess and shred ballcarriers.

Other teams were concerned about his health.

“It was a lot of stuff that came out about me being hurt and probably won’t be able to play through the season,” Dean said. “It was crazy sitting there on draft day, healthy and hearing all of this. It is, what it is. I landed in a great spot. I’m blessed, and I’m happy to be here.”

Davis and Dean both contributed to the Eagles.

Davis played in 13 games and made five starts. He played 224 defensive snaps and 74 snaps on special teams.

Dean, who played in all 17 regular-season games, had 34 defensive snaps and 340 special-teams snaps.

Davis got off to a fast start over the first seven games and five starts. He had 14 tackles while playing 33% of the snaps. He went on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain and missed four weeks.

“Getting back after the injury was a little challenging,” Davis said. “But that’s something that I’m grateful for. I’m grateful for all of the experiences.”

Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox has taken Davis under his wing.

“He’s one of the guys that is like the spearhead of the team,” Davis said. “So, to be able to learn from him and see his success. ... That guy is a damn-near Hall of Famer. To learn from him and see how works, operates, and what makes him tick, and how he plays his game, adds value to me.”

Davis continued to improve when he returned.

“I’m sitting here learning the ropes from (Cox),” Davis said. “Not only to mention guys like (Javon) Hargrave, Robert Quinn, Ndamukong Suh and Linval Joseph. All of those guys have helped to mold me into a better player.”

Cox is a six-time Pro Bowler and likely is headed to Canton, Ohio.

“Jordan has done a really good job,” Cox said. “He just comes out every day and attacks it.”

Cox doesn’t mind helping out the young players on the Eagles’ defense.

“Jordan always text me or he’ll pull me over to the side in practice and asks questions,” Cox said. “I want the best for all of the young guys because there were guys there for me, too, when I was young.”

Dean has been learning the ropes while playing behind veterans T.J. Edwards and Kyzir White.

“Football is football,” Dean said. “I came in, and I wanted to learn. Defense, special teams and every aspect. I took everything in. I’m definitely going to use it to help me become a better player.”

Dean noted that he’s from Horn Lake, Mississippi, and he knows that Falcons coach Arthur Smith is from Memphis.

“Right there in walking distance,” Dean said.

But he insisted he’s fine with the Eagles.

“It’s all good,” Dean said. ”It’s definitely a blessing to be here. I’m grateful for everything that has come my way. I’m blessed. I cannot complain. The only thing I can do is work.”

The Bow Tie Chronicles