No Georgia football players are slated to be in Detroit when the NFL Draft begins with the first round on Thursday, but two Bulldogs in this class are expected to have their names called on the first day and perhaps a third.
Tight end Brock Bowers is viewed as a first-round lock and offensive tackle Amarius Mims is widely projected to go in the first 32 picks as well. Wide receiver Ladd McConkey would seem to have a chance to join them.
Georgia has 11 draft prospects that will be waiting to see if their names are called over the three days and seven rounds of the draft. A couple of others hope to sign as free agents.
“They’ve been part of a really good run,” coach Kirby Smart said. “I think most of them have been part of the last 46 of 48 games, they’ve come out on top. There’s a reason why we’ve won those games. You have good football players, and it equates to that. All those guys played a role in those games. They’re tremendous young men, tremendous people.”
Here’s where the latest mock drafts have Georgia prospects.
Projection: First round, mostly in the top 10 picks
One analysis: ESPN’s Matt Miller who has Bowers going No. 10 overall to the New York Jets: “The Jets are all-in for 2024, and Bowers’ middle-of-the-field ability and skills after the catch would help round out this New York passing game that currently lacks a third option behind Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams.”
Projection: Most have in the first round in the 20s.
One analysis: Pro Football Focus has him going No. 22 overall to the Philadelphia Eagles: “Lane Johnson, 34, isn’t getting any younger and has dealt with injuries in three of the past five seasons. At 6-foot-7 and 340 pounds, Mims is raw but an impressive pass blocker, allowing just one pressure on 168 such snaps last year. A season of him developing behind Johnson should set up the Eagles’ offensive line nicely for the next several years.”
Projection: Either late first round or in first half of second round.
One analysis: Yahoo Sports’ Charles McDonald and Nate Tice have McConkey going No. 28 overall to the Buffalo Bills: “Maybe a tad rich for McConkey, but he is a superb route runner and great athlete who can win at all three levels. McConkey can consistently win on the outside, something necessary given the Bills’ current group of pass catchers. (I also kinda like the McConkey-Khalil Shakir two-man game.)”
Projection: Second round by most.
One analysis: The 33rd Team has Lassiter going to Green Bay Packers in the second at pick No. 41: “Lassiter has the speed, athleticism, and transition skills to be a solid cover corner, but he will need to work on his ball skills and get stronger to be more effective in press if he wants to be an all-around starter.”
Projection: Second to third round.
One analysis: ESPN’s Jason Reid has Bullard going in the second to the Buffalo Bills at pick No. 60: “The Mike Edwards signing is part of the solution at safety after the Bills released Jordan Poyer in early March, but I like the idea of drafting Bullard to pair with Taylor Rapp at the other spot. Bullard has experience at free safety, strong safety and nickel. He broke up eight passes last season and had at least 50 tackles in each of the past two years.”
Projection: Third to fourth round
One analysis: The Athletic’s Dane Brugler has Van Pran-Granger going in the fourth round to the Arizona Cardinals at pick No. 104: “character (football and personal) will be a critical factor in whom the Cardinals draft, and Van Pran-Granger is one of the best leaders this class has to offer. He can compete with Hjalte Froholdt for starting center reps in Year 1.”
Projection: Mostly fourth round range
One analysis: The 33rd Team has Smith going in the fourth with pick No. 124 to the San Francisco 49ers: “Smith has some limitations in his coverage ability, but in the correct defensive scheme he can be a versatile chess piece used to impact the game from a bench role.”
Wide receiver Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint
Projection: 7th round or undrafted free agent
Running back Daijun Edwards
Projection: 7th round or undrafted free agent
Running back Kendall Milton
Projection: 7th round or undrafted free agent
Defensive lineman Zion Logue:
Projection: Mostly undrafted free agent
