Denver Broncos GM John Elway surprised much of the NFL on Saturday evening when he elected to spend his team's late second round pick on former Georgia Tech defensive tackle Adam Gotsis, a move which was considered a reach by many onlookers. I personally couldn't care less. Pre-draft grades mean about as much as promises from an SEC football coach; they just don't matter. Reports indicate that Elway felt the need to select Gotsis in the second because he had information indicating that no fewer than three teams were planning to select him with high third-round picks. That above all should provide a testament to how Gotsis is perceived by those whose opinions actually matter. And honestly, the only people who have issues with this pick are those who get off on name recognition. Anyone who sits down and watches two minutes of tape on Gotsis versus some better-known potential pick would understand relatively quickly. The "I've never heard of him so I'm going to dump on him" crowd should be deported at once.
Though cornerback D.J. White was the only other Jacket selected during the draft (he went in the sixth round to the Kansas City Chiefs), six other former players were able to reach agreements with NFL teams. Five of those players -- Demond Smith and Broderick Snoddy (Packers), Tyler Marcordes (Chargers), Chris Milton (Colts), and Patrick Skov (Browns) -- were able to sign UDFA contracts with their respective teams, while safety Jamal Golden was extended an invitation to safety minicamp with the Falcons. I can't say for sure that he wasn't, but it's surprising that Golden was not offered a UDFA contract with a team given his talent level. Perhaps he elected to attend camp in Atlanta rather than taking a low-odds shot with a team in another state. Actually, calling his opportunity a "low-odds shot" would be more or less disregarding everything that Jamal Golden is about. You'd better believe that he of all people will give his NFL chance 110%, no matter what.
Never been so motivated in my life.
— Jamal Golden (@Heartbreak_4G_) May 1, 2016
Check out the FTRS breakdown of every UDFA signing right here. It's also worth noting that a couple of former Jackets from previous years -- most notably B-Back Synjyn Days -- could get second shots in the NFL this season. Stay tuned for any updates on that as well.
Georgia Tech baseball got back on track in a big way over the weekend, completing a three-game sweep of the No. 15 Coastal Carolina Chanticleers at Russ Chandler Stadium. The series, which was twice impacted by weather when part of game one was postponed until Saturday and game three was shortened to seven innings, represents a clear turning point in Tech's season. The series sweep is even more impressive than it seems when you consider that Coastal Carolina was the No. 10 team nationally in RPI, a clear indicator of how talented this Chanticleer team really is this season. The Jackets, currently No. 25 nationally (USA Today Coaches' Poll), have another great opportunity for a statement series win this weekend with three games at home versus No. 3 Miami. The team's record now stands at 30-14 on the year.
Which of Tech's UDFAs has the best chance at making an impact in the NFL?