Final Mock Draft: Georgia Wins the Draft Again
The Georgia Bulldogs made history in last year's draft when the team had a record-breaking five defensive players taken in the first round. Along with first-round history, the Bulldogs' 15 selected players was the highest number of players selected in the seven-round draft era.
Now, the Bulldogs are once again fresh off a national title victory and are looking to once again, dominate the draft with a handful of extremely talented players.
With the draft just hours away, here is a mock draft of how we believe the first round will shape out for these Bulldogs.
Pick 1: Bryce Young (QB) - Carolina Panthers
Pick 2: CJ Stroud (QB) - Houston Texans
Pick 3: Will Anderson (LB) - Arizona Cardinals
Pick 4: Will Levis (QB) - Indianapolis Colts
Pick 5: Anthony Richardson (QB) - Seattle Seahawks
Pick 6: Tyree Wilson (DE) - Detroit Lions
Pick 7: Jalen Carter (DT) - Las Vegas Raiders
Jalen Carter's disastrous lead-up to the draft likely cost him a few million dollars. However, a player with game-breaking abilities such as his will not stay on the board for very long. Since the Raiders' run defense finished in the bottom half of the league last season, Carter's interior presence on the D-line will be greatly appreciated.
Pick 8: Christian Gonzalez (CB) - Atlanta Falcons
Pick 9: Peter Skoronski (OT) - Chicago Bears
Pick 10: Paris Johnson Jr. (OT) - Philadelphia Eagles
Pick 11: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR) - Tennessee Titans
Pick 12: Dalton Kincaid (TE)- Houston Texans
Pick 13: Jordan Addison (WR) - Green Bay Packers
Pick 14: Nolan Smith (LB) - New England Patriots
After missing the back half of his senior season due to an injury, Nolan Smith skyrocketed up draft boards after turning in an extraordinary performance in the combine. While he does not fit the exact mold of an NFL edge rusher, Smith's quick first step and ability to change direction will greatly serve a Patriots defense that already had over 50 sacks during the 2022 season.
Pick 15: Broderick Jones (OT) - New York Jets
Coming off a blockbuster trade for future hall-of-fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Jets will need to protect the 39-year-old signal-caller. Enter Broderick Jones, a freak of nature who did not allow a single sack during the Georgia Bulldogs' 2022 national championship run. While his skills may not be as refined, the Lithonia, Ga native possesses a raw athleticism that should make him an anchor on the Jet's offensive line.
Pick 16: Hendon Hooker (QB) - Washington Commanders
Pick 17: Joey Porter Jr. (CB) - Pittsburgh Steelers
Pick 18: Calijah Kancey (DT) - Detroit Lions
Pick 19: Bijan Robinson (RB) - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Pick 20: Deonte Banks (CB) - Seattle Seahawks
Pick 21: Zay Flowers (WR) - Los Angeles Chargers
Pick 22: Darnell Washington (TE) - Baltimore Ravens
Reuniting with his college offensive coordinator, Washington is the most physically imposing tight end in this year's draft. "The Big O" has a size and athleticism that automatically creates a mismatch with just about any defender on the field. But his most valuable trait is his blocking abilities in the run game. His run-blocking capabilities will greatly serve a Ravens team that finished in the bottom third for total rushing yards during the 2022 season.
Pick 23: Emmanuel Forbes (CB) - Minnesota Vikings
Pick 24: Anton Harrison (OT) - Jacksonville Jaguars
Pick 25: Brian Branch (DB) - New York Giants
Pick 26: O'Cyrus Torrence (G) - Dallas Cowboys
Pick 27: Bryan Bresee (DT) - Buffalo Bills
Pick 28: Michael Mayer (TE) - Cincinnati Bengals
Pick 29: Myles Murphy (DE) - New Orleans Saints
Pick 30: Mazi Smith (DT) - Philadelphia Eagles
Pick 31: Quentin Johnston (WR) - Kansas City Chiefs
Pick 32: FORFEITED
Other Georgia News:
- OPINION: Georgia is Primed For Another National Championship Run
- Quarterback Brock Vandagriff Will Remain With Bulldogs for 2023 Season
- ESPN Releases Pre-Season FPI Top-25 Rankings
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