NFL Mock Draft Includes Four Bulldogs in First Round
As the Georgia football program has not gotten into the swing of things with Spring football, a litany of former Bulldogs are on the verge of seeing their dream of playing in the NFL become a reality. The NFL draft is quickly approaching, and there are still several Bulldogs being projected as first-round picks.
In NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper's latest first-round mock draft, he sees the Bulldogs having another spectacular first day of the draft as he has four of them going in the first round. Georgia had a great showing at the NFL combine this year, and it is showing up in the mock drafts as Kiper has three of them going within the first 15 picks.
- Jalen Carter, DT, 6th overall, Detroit Lions
- Nolan Smith, OLB, 12th overall, Houston Texans
- Broderick Jones, OT, 13th overall, New York Jets
- Darnell Washington, TE, 28th overall, Cincinnati Bengals
Georgia OLB Nolan Smith and head coach Kirby Smart at UGA Pro day, Photo by UGAA
Many figured that Carter might fall outside of the top ten due to recent events and him showing up nine pounds heavier at Georgia's Pro Day, but Kiper does not believe that will happen. "Everything I've heard from people in the league, however, is he won't drop too far -- he likely still will be a top-10 selection. Carter's talent is undeniable, and I could see a team such as the Lions taking him here, filling a position of need," said Kiper.
As for the rest of the Bulldogs that Kiper has going in the first round, those remain pretty consistent with the rest of the mock drafts that have been released since the NFL combine. Nolan Smith has been tabbed as one of the biggest risers after the combine, Broderick Jones looks the part of what teams want at tackle, and Darnell Washington continues to do things that he shouldn't be able to do at his size.
Former Georgia cornerback Kelee Ringo is another name that could potentially sneak into that first-round range depending on how the first day of the draft goes. If cornerbacks are coming off the board at a rapid pace then Ringo very well could join his former teammates as a first-rounder.
All in all, as the NFL draft inches closer, it is shaping up to be another big year for the Georgia football program and its players that are looking to take the next step in their careers.
Other Georgia News:
- 2024 QB Dylan Raiola Set to Visit Georgia and Others this Spring
- Nolan Smith Discusses Bulldogs' Future at Linebacker Position
- BREAKING: Georgia Defensive Lineman no Longer with the Team
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