Eagles Select Georgia S Javon Bullard in ESPN's Early 2024 Mock Draft
The Philadelphia Eagles stocked up on Georgia products during the 2023 NFL Draft, as three of their seven draftees and one of their draft-day trade acquisitions played their college ball in Athens.
General manager Howie Roseman might continue this trend of picking talent from the Peach State, at least according to ESPN's way-too-early 2024 mock draft.
The site has the Eagles selecting Georgia safety Javon Bullard with the No. 31 overall pick next year, citing Bullard's ability to replace safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
"They haven't found a solution to losing C.J. Gardner-Johnson this offseason, but Bullard brings a very similar skill set to the slot," ESPN writes. He primarily plays nickel and strong safety in Georgia's defense, and he's a physical tone-setter. Bullard had 50 tackles and two interceptions last season."
Bullard played the best game of his collegiate career in Georgia's 65-7 thrashing of TCU in the National Championship last season. Despite finishing with just one tackle, he had two interceptions and one fumble recovery on the biggest stage.
Gardner-Johnson departed this offseason for the Detroit Lions after a career season with the Eagles, as he finished tied for a league-leading six interceptions. Now, the Eagles are facing a void at safety that Roseman attempted to fill with veteran Terrell Edmunds, who has experienced an inconsistent five-year NFL career.
Even if Edmunds were to have a career season, considering the Eagles' financial state and the fact that he is on a one-year contract, it could be unlikely they bring him back.
Therefore, the odds are that they will be in the safety market next year during the draft.
If the Eagles selected Bullard, he would become the first safety in franchise history to be picked in the first round and the fourth Georgia player that the Eagles have drafted in the first round in the past three years.
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Philadelphia Eagles? Click Here.
Want even more Philadelphia Eagles news? Check out the SI.com team page here
Follow Jacob Hare on Twitter.
