2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Javon Bullard

Prospect Summary:

The Georgia defense has been loaded with NFL talent in recent years, with their elite units leading the program to back-to-back National Championships. After the 2021 season, Georgia lost some good linebacker talent to the NFL in Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker, but Bullard helped pick up the slot and was a dynamic defender in the middle of the field for the Bulldogs. In 2022, Bullard recorded 46 tackles, two interceptions, three passes broken up, and 3.5 sacks. He made a lot of clutch tackles for Georgia. Injuries slowed down Bullard during his final season with the Bulldogs, but he played at less than 100 percent and still performed at high level. He totaled 56 tackles, two interceptions and five passes broken up in 2023.

Like Detroit’s Brian Branch and C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Bullard is a dynamic defender in the middle of he field thanks to being extremely well-rounded. What really sets Bullard apart from others is having very good instincts that put him in position to impact the game. He is smart and fast at reading his keys to get in position to make plays. Bullard is good in man coverage to line up over the slot receiver and prevent separation. Bullard also can play man coverage on tight ends, and his pro defense is going to love having him to help neutralize the elite receiving tight ends of the NFL.

With his skill set and versatility, Bullard looks like a real weapon for a pro defense. He can play the roaming safety role in the middle of the field because his instincts put him in position to make plays on the ball and disrupt the offense. Bullard is very good in zone coverage thanks to reading his plays well to interfere with passing lanes, to cover up receivers, and make clutch tackles downfield. Along with being a fantastic zone safety, Bullard is a dangerous blitzer who displays fantastic vision, the strength to fight through blocks, and tremendous closing speed. With Nakobe Dean in the NFL, Bullard came through for Georga in 2022 and was impressive on some of the blitzes.

In the ground game, Bullard will drive downhill and tackle in the box. He is very adept at making open-field tackles and preventing offenses from breaking big plays. Bullard is a willing tackler and will dish out some hard hits. He doesn’t hesitate to get physical in the secondary and rock ball-carriers. However at his size, there are natural concerns about Bullard being able to hold up in the pros with tackling NFL power backs, tight ends and wide receivers.

The only real drawback to Bullard is being undersized. With his flexibility, he is really a Swiss Army knife defender for the NFL. Bullard looks like he has the potential to be a good starter as a pro. In the 2024 NFL Draft, Bullard could be an excellent value as a second-day pick.