Nolan Smith and Broderick Jones Visit with the New England Patriots
The NFL draft is quickly approaching which means prospects are visiting with teams who might potentially take in the draft. As former Bulldogs Nolan Smith and Broderick Jones, they both took a top-30 visit with the New England Patriots on Thursday, according to Ian Rapoport.
Both Smith and Jones are currently projected to go early in the first round of the draft, and the Patriots currently hold the 14th overall pick for day one. Smith was considered one of the biggest risers following the NFL Combine as he ran a 4.39 in the 40-yard and tested off the charts in several other areas during the event. Since then he has launched himself into possibly becoming a top-10 pick in this year's draft.
Former Georgia offensive lineman Broderick Jones (59) during Georgia’s 2023 Pro Day inside the William Porter Payne and Porter Otis Payne Indoor Athletic Facility in Athens, Ga., on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. (Tony Walsh/UGAAA)
As for Jones, he has long been considered one of the best offensive tackles in his class. He fits the mold of what a top-15 pick at an offensive line position, and he is shaping up to be exactly that in this year's draft. Jones started the entire 2022 season at left tackle for the Bulldogs, and before that he subbed in at left tackle during Georgia's national championship game against Alabama in 2021 and was rather impressive.
Georgia is shaping up to have yet another impressive first day at this year's NFL draft. In 2021, they had five players take in the first round of the draft, and while they might now reach that mark this year, it is looking to be another strong showing at the draft this year. Smith and Broderick appear to be locks to go in the first round along with defensive lineman Jalen Carter and tight end Darnell Washington looking to be in a good position to be taken on day one as well.
The closer we get to draft day, the better knowledge we get of players that NFL teams are looking to take in the first round of the draft. Smith and Jones have already been considered first-round draft picks, but the news of them meeting with the Patriots gives a better idea of the range that organizations are expecting them to fall in the draft order.
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