Javon Bullard
Football - S
College
University of Georgia
Hometown
Milledgeville, GA
Javon Bullard was a consensus 3-star prospect who attended Baldwin High School in Milledgeville, Georgia. He played both ways in high school, playing safety on defense and getting some time at both running back and wide receiver on offense. When he graduated, he was a four time 1st Team All Region, and he was a 4-year starter. After considering some scholarships out of state, Bullard decided to stay close to home and attend Georgia University.
Bullard performed well in spring practice for Georgia entering his freshman year and saw action in 14 out of 15 games for the Bulldogs. Though he spent most of his time on special teams, Bullard got to see some action later in the year at defensive back. He tallied 12 tackles in his limited time.
In his sophomore year, Bullard began to see a lot more playing time in the secondary. In September, he was charged with a DUI and missed the Auburn game. He still played in 14 games, starting 10 at safety and collected 46 tackles, 7 TFL, 3.5 sacks and 2 interceptions. From the safety position, the 3.5 sacks were impressive and showed the versatility that he has in the secondary. During the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, Bullard recorded 2 interceptions and a fumble recovery before leaving the game with a shoulder injury. He still was named the defensive player of the game.
This past season, Bullard was named AP All-SEC Second Team and started in 12 games making 56 tackles, 1 TFL and 2 interceptions. After the season ended, Bullard announced that he was foregoing his eligibility and entering the NFL Draft.
Javon Bullard sees and understands the whole field very well. He is instinctive and he makes efficient reads and decisions quickly. He has been used all over the secondary at Georgia and his versatility will help him get drafted on day 2.
He is extremely efficient in zone defense and has cornerback type covering skills when matched up one-on-one. He plays bigger than he looks and he will be as physical as any other safety in this class. When pressing a receiver, he uses his hands well and knocks the receiver off balance off the snap of the ball. When covering a receiver one-on-one, he is fluid when coming out of breaks and changes direction smoothly in coverage. He is able to use his closing speed to make plays on the ball and gets his head turned in a timely manner to make plays on the ball.
Bullard is not as aggressive as he should be at times in coverage. He will play loose, giving up underneath throws. Though he plays bigger and more physical than his size, he still needs to get stronger for the rigors of the NFL. Double moves have beaten Bullard at times, and he has given up more big plays than you’d think while at Georgia. He is always around the ball but needs to improve his overall tackling mechanics to be considered a run stopper at the next level. He will grab and pull a lot of times and not wrap up as he should. He had a DUI during his sophomore season, so questions will be asked and due diligence done on this.
While watching film on Javon Bullard, Draft Nation saw a good pro comp to him in Julian Love. Love was a 4th round pick in 2019 out of Notre Dame and although Bullard has a higher ceiling than Love, they play a similar game. Love has been a consistent performer for both the Giants and the Seahawks throughout his 5 year career and Bullard should be for a team at the safety spot—one that can be counted on to make plays right away.