Final Mock Draft: Georgia Wins the Draft Again

After dominating the 2022 NFL Draft, the Georgia Bulldogs are poised to steal the show once again.

Author:
Christian Kirby II
Apr 27, 2023 11:59 AM EDT

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.

Jalen Carter during the Bulldogs’ 42-41 win in the 2022 Peach Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal game. Photo credit Perry McIntyre.

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.

Nolan Smith during the Bulldogs' 33-0 win over Samford Photo credit Perry McIntyre.

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.

Broderick Jones during a game against Samford (Photo by Tony Walsh)

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.

Darnell Washington during a game against Mississippi State (photo by Rob Davis)

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

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