Georgia Tech, rebuilding its program again following a coaching change, won’t make many headlines during the NFL pre-draft process. But it could have a first-round pick for the first time since 2010.
Here are the two Tech products heading to the NFL scouting combine next week in Indianapolis:
Edge rusher Keion White
The storyline: White already is capturing national headlines. NFL Media draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah ranked him No. 8 overall on his big board. ESPN’s Mel Kiper had White going No. 19 in his last mock draft. It was out-of-nowhere hype to most outsiders; turns out, NFL evaluators have long admired White.
White, from Garner, North Carolina, was the gem hidden among Tech’s struggles. He’s considered an excellent athlete – which means he should stand out next week at the combine – and despite being 24 years old, he’s relatively new to his position with room to grow.
White (6-foot-5, 280 pounds) played four games from 2020-21. He broke out in 2022, with 7.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss. He delivered in Tech’s upset victory over North Carolina, sacking UNC quarterback Drake Maye, considered a Heisman Trophy candidate, three times.
NFL teams will revisit that game and wonder if they can consistently extract such dominance from White.
“Definitely my versatility,” White said when asked what he considered his best attribute at the Senior Bowl. “So being able to play multiple positions, from three (technique) to five tech to seven through nine. … It’s like what (Steelers coach) Mike T(omlin) says, your best ability is your availability, so if I’m available at all positions, all spots across the board, that’s going to help me.
“My game is all about being physical, playing with physicality and power. And just being a dominator out there.”
White would be the 12th first-round pick in Tech history. Edge rusher Derrick Morgan (No. 16) and receiver Demaryius Thomas (No. 22) were the program’s most recent first-rounders, in 2010.
“Overall, White is one of my favorite players in the class and could emerge as the top defender in the class,” Jeremiah said.
Linebacker Charlie Thomas
The storyline: Thomas is the only other Yellow Jacket who received a combine invite. The Thomasville native participated in the East-West Shrine Bowl a few weeks ago and projects as a Day 3 selection. He made second-team All-ACC this season after a productive 2022 season.
Thomas had 112 tackles, including two sacks, and two interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He’s listed at 6-2, 207 pounds and considered a solid athlete who needs work from a technical standpoint. Thomas will need to play special teams to make an NFL roster.
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