Javon Bullard: Has to Clean up Inconsistencies

Georgia moved around defensive back Javon Bullard on his 2022 game film. He spent some time playing as a box defender (hovering around the line of scrimmage) and most of his time lining up against the slot receiver.

I personally liked him better in the slot defender role.

After a rough game against Tennessee, he settled in and performed relatively well.

However, he wasn’t much of a big playmaker in these games.

He was more of a support prospect. A ‘tackle after the damage-was-done’ type (after the catch was made).

There’s no question he can get around quickly, and he flashed an intriguing aggressiveness while defending against the run.

Pass coverage

Bullard can turn, run, and provide solid straight-line coverage against the slot receiver.

However, there are momentary lapses of judgment and slowness to react laced into these games, which did cause some concern.

He is not an NFL corner, but he has a chance in the nickel role. The lack of burst toward the ball and necessary recovery speed disqualify him from being a corner at the next level.

Then he would make a play like this when he turned it on.

Run defense

Bullard shows the ability at times to knife in off the edge and make solid run stops. While there were some inconsistencies in making open-field stops, he did show he was capable of doing that now and again.

Some reluctance against the run showed up on tape. At times, he’s content to just end up by the pile instead of getting involved.

Then there was this play by the goal line that was concerning.

Inconsistency

There’s no question Bullard has what it takes to contribute at a high level, which is the frustrating part. It’s what makes evaluating and grading these types of players challenging.

While players like this will get drafted and play in the league, the question is can a team win with a guy like Bullard? Which version is going to show up on game day?

A tough slot receiver defender with blitzing upside is desirable, the inconsistencies when it seems like he doesn’t want it as badly are not.

The playmaking ability is not consistently there either way. He did flash a burst of speed on one play in support and he accelerated on the sack against Kentucky. I will circle back on 2023 game film and put a final grade on him.

#22 Javon Bullard 5-foot-11, 195 pounds

Daniel Kelly’s Fall 2023 Grade: Third-Round (I wouldn’t select him)

Projected by 22.7% of the NFL Draft Community to be a first-round pick as of November 13, 2023 (nflmockdraftdatabase.com)

Game film reviewed (2022): Tennessee, Florida, LSU, Oregon, and Kentucky (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

2022 stats: 46 tackles (33 solo), 3 passes defended, 2 interceptions and 3.5 sacks

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report

A stocky muscular one-gear runner with decent speed and some inconsistencies on game film. Lined up primarily over the slot receiver and often made stops after the catches were made. Can run around and cover a lot of ground. Often provided tighter coverage, but typically couldn’t make a play on the ball. Slight hesitation shows up at times. Can occasionally blow a coverage on a slant when he tries to rely more on being physical rather than using technique. Decent tackler. Does have a reluctance streak in him. Capable of being aggressive against the run.

What to watch for during the 2023 college football season

1. Playmaker?

2. Where does he line up primarily?

3. Hesitation at times?

4. Any reluctance against the run?

Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock, contributes at Yardbarker, and has written for Sports Illustrated Lions, Jets, and 49ers, as well as a featured guest on ESPN Radio and Fox Sports Radio. For more information about him visit his website at whateverittakesbook.com. He can be followed on Twitter @firstroundmock.