2019 New Orleans Saints draft prospects: Terry Godwin

The New Orleans Saints already possess one of the finest receivers in the NFL in Michael Thomas. The Saints passing attack was not as diverse as we've seen in years past in 2018 though. Thomas and running back Alvin Kamara were responsible for a large percentage of the team's aerial production. Veteran deep threat Ted Ginn Jr. and possession receiver Cameron Meredith missed much of 2018 with injury. Rookies Tre'Quan Smith and Keith Kirkwood each showed promise, but were unable to consistently produce during the year. Ginn and Meredith are both back fully healthy for 2019, and the coaches expect a big jump from Kirkwood and Smith in terms of both production and consistency. The Saints have had success at finding productive wideouts in the late rounds of the draft or even as undrafted free agents, and may look to do so again in what looks to be a deep class this year. Today's draft profile highlights just such a receiving talent.

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Terry Godwin, WR (Georgia)

5'11 184

Godwin went to Callaway High School in Georgia, where he was a dual sport star in both football and baseball. He was a top-50 USA Today recruit in football, ultimately deciding to come to the University of Georgia over numerous S.E.C. suitors, and was selected in the Major League Baseball draft as well. He started nine games as a freshman with the Bulldogs, and caught 35 passes for 379 yards and two touchdowns. Godwin saw the starting lineup a bit less in 2016 (4 games), but produced similar numbers with 38 catches for 397 yards. He was back as a fulltime starter in 2017, producing 38 receptions for 639 yards and 6 scores. Godwin's production slipped as a senior last year due to a number of nagging leg injuries, catching just 23 balls for 385 yards and 3 touchdowns. Godwin had a tendency to shine most when the spotlight was brightest during his Georgia career, saving some of his best performances for his team's Bowl games and marquee matchups against the likes of Auburn and Alabama.

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Godwin was a standout at the East-West Shrine game, catching the eyes of scouts during one on one battles in practice and catching 4 passes for 80 yards and two scores during the game itself. His outing at the NFL Scouting Combine in February was not the athletic performance that some had expected, but still showed that he had the all-around physical skills that most NFL teams value in a wideout.

40-yd. dash = 4.55 seconds

Vertical jump = 36.5 inches (10th among wideouts)

Broad jump = 117 inches

3-cone drill = 6.96 seconds (8th among wideouts)

Nfl.com comparison = Corey Brown (ex-Panthers)

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Terry Godwin operated much of the time out of the slot while at Georgia, but also produced when lined up outside. He is a sharp route runner who works through the intermediate areas smoothly and can make plays deep. Godwin has outstanding body control and concentration, and has shown the propensity for the spectacular catch. He works the sideline boundary efficiently, and is very effective on back shoulder receptions. Godwin has terrific hands, able to snatch the ball out of the air and bring it in to his body quickly. He uses his body to shield defenders in close quarters, and the leaping ability to win contested catches. He is slippery in press coverage, able to slide past a jam at the line and get into his pattern. Godwin makes his route adjustments at full speed, and has a long smooth stride to help him pull away from defensive backs in the open field.

Godwin has a thin frame, and will struggle against physical corners if he can't slip by the initial press. He is not a good blocker, neither through effort or technique, and gets hung up working through traffic on shorter crossing routes or back to his quarterback. He is a solid open field runner, but lacks the elite explosive burst to make him a homerun threat.

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Terry Godwin has been projected to likely be a Day 3 draft choice, due to his slight build and average college production. He was overshadowed in the Georgia offense by more publicized wideouts Riley Ridley and Mecole Hardman, but may end up as the better pro player. He has the speed to beat defenses deep, along with the natural hands and route precision to be effective anywhere on the field. He must get stronger to deal with the physical coverages of the NFL, and will most likely be utilized from the slot in multiple receiver sets early on in his career, but Godwin has the skillset to work his way into being a solid number two wideout at the NFL level.