College Football HQ

Gunner Stockton's NFL draft projections are complicated for Georgia QB

Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton's NFL draft stock is rising, but the signal-caller is still absent from the majority of mock drafts.
Jonathan Adams|
Nov 1, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) and wide receiver Colbie Young (8) shake hands after the game against the Florida Gators at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Nov 1, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) and wide receiver Colbie Young (8) shake hands after the game against the Florida Gators at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images | Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

In this story:

Georgia Bulldogs

Gunner Stockton has emerged as one of the top performing quarterbacks in college football, but the Georgia signal-caller is not generating a lot of NFL draft buzz. The majority of NFL mock drafts do not have Stockton projected to be selected in 2026.

There is good news for Stockton as the Georgia quarterback still has plenty of time to improve his draft stock. Stockton's draft profile feels similar to former Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett. Both signal-callers had strong college production but lack some of the physical characteristics NFL teams covet.

Bennett was selected by the Rams in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL draft. The former Dawgs standout had more of a sample size for NFL scouts to evaluate, but Stockton is also a bit more mobile than the legendary Georgia quarterback.

Let's explore the latest NFL draft rumors on Stockton.

Georgia QB Gunner Stockton is not projected to be among the top quarterbacks selected in 2026 NFL draft

The early favorites to be potential first-round picks in the 2026 NFL draft include Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, Oregon's Dante Moore and Alabama's Ty Simpson. Analysts are taking notice of Stockton's play, and the Georgia quarterback could improve his NFL draft stock with a run to the College Football Playoff.

"I thought Stockton was more of a system/culture fit than a difference-maker through Georgia’s first six games, but he absolutely carried the Dawgs down the stretch against Ole Miss. Stockton went 12-for-12 in the second half on Saturday and helped Georgia climb back from a nine-point fourth-quarter deficit to score 17 unanswered and send the Rebels packing," The Ringer's Todd McShay wrote on Oct. 19.

"My opinion changed on him after this game—the Dawgs have a dude at QB!" 

Gunner Stockton could return to Georgia for 2026 college football season and eye the 2027 NFL draft

This is Stockton's first season as the Georgia starting quarterback. Stockton is a junior and could opt to return to Georgia for 2026 rather than enter the NFL draft.

In this scenario, Stockton would have another college football season to improve his stock for the 2027 NFL draft. Through Stockton's first nine starts, the Georgia quarterback has thrown for 2,040 yards, 15 touchdowns and only two interceptions while completing an impressive 69.4% of his passes.

Stockton has also posted 321 rushing yards and seven TDs on the ground, showing off his ability to hurt opponents with his legs.

Published
Jonathan Adams
JONATHAN ADAMS

Jonathan Adams is a veteran sports writer who has written for notable outlets and interviewed some of the top athletes for more than 10 years. Since 2015, his sports coverage has been read by tens of millions and has been prominently featured on Heavy, NFL.com, Yahoo Sports, Pro Football Talk, CBS Sports, Bleacher Report and more. Jonathan is a member of the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) and a voter for the Maxwell Award and Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year. He has interviewed many of the biggest stars in sports — Bryce Harper, Jayden Daniels, Justin Jefferson, Bijan Robinson and Micah Parsons to name a few — and has traveled the country to cover the College Football Playoff, NFL draft, Masters, March Madness, Senior Bowl, McDonald’s All-American Game and beyond. Jonathan Adams studied at the University of Central Florida and The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology. He holds master degrees in sport business management, business administration and theology & culture.

Share on XFollow JonDAdams
Home/News