It’s no question, the Georgia Bulldogs had a stacked roster in 2023 and they currently have 18 players available to be drafted in the 2024 NFL draft and play at a professional level. We’re going to go ahead and take a look at the first five players from Georgia projected off the board for the 2024 NFL draft at the end of April. That includes Brock Bowers, Amarius Mims, Ladd McConkey, Kamari Lassiter, and Javon Bullard, so lets dive right in.
Georgia Bulldogs First Pick Off The Board Is Easily Going To Be Tight End Brock Bowers
Brock Bowers burst onto the college football scene from Napa High School in California. Originally, Bowers was a multi-purpose player at the high school level, playing quarterback, tight end, and linebacker, grabbing the attention of scouts and solidifying his reputation as a four-star tight end recruit via 247Sports. Covid-19 might have canceled his senior year in high school but Bowers didn’t skip a beat, making an immediate impact when he committed to the Georgia Bulldogs in January of 2021.
His transition to the collegiate level was smooth and seamless, and as a true freshman, he set a school record for tight ends, racking up 56 receptions, 882 yards, and 13 touchdowns. Then in his sophomore campaign, he didn’t let up, logging 63 catches for 942 yards and seven touchdowns, alongside some notable rushing stats from the tight end.
Bowers’ accolades in college speak volumes about his potential in the NFL. His production, skill set, and recognition in just two seasons have positioned Bowers as a consensus TE1 for the upcoming draft. Given his trajectory, Bowers is on track to be a dominant force in the NFL and definitely has a chance to be drafted in the top five. I honestly think Brock Bowers will get selected by the Los Angeles Chargers with their fifth overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. I think Bowers has what the Chargers are looking for right now to get that team rebuild and back on track.
Next Up Off The Board For Georgia: Offensive Tackle Amarius Mims
Amarius Mims was a five-star recruit out of high school who played very well during his collegiate career until his final season. He started just two games in 2022 but showed promise in the College Football Playoff. In 2023, an ankle injury requiring surgery limited his playing time, but despite the limited starts, he still shows early first or second-round interest for the 2024 NFL draft.
Mims will probably go late first round because of his impressive combine performance in a combine that was full of dolid offensive linemen, really catching the eyes of a lot of NFL teams everywhere that are lacking in that spot. I think the best landing spot for Mims would be the Pittsburgh Steelers. I think that he’s the player the Steelers need to get to protect their new quarterback and keep building that Steelers team up for success in 2023.
Georgia Wide Receiver Ladd McConkey Projected To Be Drafted Next For The Bulldogs
Ladd McConkey was a three-star recruit by ESPN and by 247Sports coming out of North Murray High School. After High School, McConkey opted to join Georgia, and in 2021 as a freshman Ladd McConkey saw action in 15 games for the Bulldogs. He made 31 receptions for 447 yards for an average of 14.4 yards per reception, with five touchdowns.
Then, in his next year as a sophomore in 2022, he played 13 games and had 51 catches for 675 for an average of 13.2 yards per catch, with another five touchdowns. As a junior in 2023, he played eight games and hauled in 29 catches for 461 yards for an average of 15.9 yards per catch, with only two touchdowns, and an elite QB rating when targeted of 137.3.
McConkey is a fluid athlete with excellent short-area quickness, who is capable of creating separation and threatening down the seam. I think McConkey probably goes in the early second round to a team in need of a receiver like the Kansas City Chiefs, especially after the whole Rashee Rice car accident situation that has recently transpired.
Top 10 Defensive Back For The Bulldogs Projected Next Up Off The Board
In High School, Kamari Lassiter was a double threat, shining both as a defensive back and wide receiver. Recognized as a four-star recruit, ESPN might have misranked Lassiter, but both 247Sports and others recognize Lassiter as one of the nation’s top 175 players in the country. Upon committing to the University of Georgia, Lassiter hit the ground running.
In 2021 as a true freshman, he was immediately utilized, not only as a backup cornerback but also making his mark on special teams as well. In 2021, he saw action in nine games, totaling 158 snaps at cornerback, and his freshman stat line included nine solo tackles, one assist, four stops, two pass breakups, and an interception. In Lassiter’s sophomore year in 2022, his role grew, starting all 15 games, he logged 710 snaps for the Bulldogs.
This year saw him record 31 tackles, four assists, and 15 stops. In coverage, he added two pass breakups but didn’t record any interceptions. This performance in his sophomore year earned him a spot on the All-SEC team as he transitioned to his junior year. The best fit for a player like Kamari Lassiter would be with Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions, I think he’s got exactly what Detroit is looking for to sharpen up that defense and stop letting up so many yards.
Fifth Georgia Player Projected Off The Board Is Safety Javon Bullard
Javon Bullard was rated three-stars out of high school by ESPN, and also by 247Sports. Following his high school career, Bullard opted to join the University of Georgia. In 2021 as a freshman, Bullard saw action in 11 games and played a total of 138 snaps at cornerback for the Bulldogs. He only recorded eight tackles and four assists, while adding four stops. Then as a sophomore in 2022, he played in 12 games and played 540 snaps for the Bulldogs.
He made 35 tackles, eight assists, and had 23 stops, and in coverage, he totaled four pass breakups, and a QB rating when targeted of 86.3. Bullard’s junior year in 2023, he played in 11 games and contributed on 555 snaps. Chalked up 45 tackles, 12 assists, and added 13 stops. In the secondary Bullard forced five pass breakups and two interceptions, and gave up an incredible QB rating when targeted of 36.6. A perfect fit for Bullard would be to either the Baltimore Ravens in the second round or the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round. I think both could use this stud at safety to improve their defenses even more.