With April here and the NFL draft right around the corner, the NFL Wires has published its two-round NFL mock draft.
Six former Georgia Bulldogs are projected to be selected in this mock draft, including cornerback Tyrique Stevenson who transferred to Miami.
From Jalen Carter to Darnell Washington, here’s the projected landing spot for these six former Georgia Bulldogs in the 2023 NFL draft.
9. Chicago Bears (from CAR): DT Jalen Carter, Georgia
Carter is believed to be the best prospect in this draft class, but his off-field issues and poor pro day performance have many predicting he could fall to the Bears at No. 9. That’s what happened in this scenario. But would Chicago take a risk on Carter? That’s what GM Ryan Poles and his staff have to figure out, which is why they hosted Carter on a top 30 visit. There’s no denying the talent, but that visit was about getting to know the player. Poles and his staff are being cautious about bringing the wrong person into the locker room as the Bears are still a young, impressionable team. But they’re also in need of talent, and Carter is everything Matt Eberflus is looking for in a disruptive 3-technique. Character is huge for Poles and Eberflus. So, if Carter does indeed fall to ninth overall and the Bears draft him, it would speak volumes about Carter the person. – Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire
Carter’s odds to be first defensive player drafted, per BetMGM: plus-1,000
13. New York Jets: OT Broderick Jones, Georgia
The Jets briefly thought about a trade down, but didn’t want to risk losing out on the last of the top three offensive tackles on the board. As a result, they stayed put at 13 and grabbed Broderick Jones, who is going to be an instant help on the offensive line as the Jets are all-in this year and building around the inevitable addition of Aaron Rodgers. – Billy Riccette, Jets Wire
Jones odds to be the first offensive lineman drafted, per BetMGM: plus-700
24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Edge Nolan Smith, Georgia
A year after drafting a Georgia pass rusher in the first round, the Jaguars get the chance to do it again in 2023. Smith sliding to the 24th pick nets Jacksonville a dynamic athlete who could give the team’s lackluster pass rush a significant jolt. While he’s a bit lighter than Trent Baalke’s prototypical rusher at 238 pounds, Smith’s absurd athleticism (4.39 40-yard dash and 41.5-inch vertical) make him a scary player off the edge. He’s also more stout against the run than you’d expect for a player of his size. The Jaguars can get really creative and cause a lot of issues for opposing passers with the trio of Smith, Travon Walker and Josh Allen. – Adam Stites, Jaguars Wire
Smith’s odds to be first defensive player drafted, per BetMGM: plus-10,000
35. Indianapolis Colts: CB Kelee Ringo, Georgia
Outside of needing a quarterback, there is no bigger need for the Colts than the cornerback position. Drafting solely for need will get a team in trouble, but it works out here when the value is right. The Colts have expressed immense interest in Ringo throughout the pre-draft process. He brings excellent size and speed to the position and has a knack of re-routing wide receivers in press coverage. His athletic traits, along with his abilities at the catch point and tenacity against the run, make him an ideal selection for Gus Bradley’s zone-heavy defense. – Kevin Hickey, Colts Wire
Ringo’s odds to be first cornerback drafted, per BetMGM: plus-8,000
42. Green Bay Packers (from NYJ via CLE): TE Darnell Washington, Georgia
We’re assuming one of these second-round picks is eventually going to end up in Green Bay via the Aaron Rodgers trade. What doesn’t need to be assumed is the Packers’ need at tight end. In Washington, the Packers get the best combination of athleticism, potential and fit in Matt LaFleur’s offense. We know he can block inline; his testing numbers and workouts during the pre-draft process suggest he could be a big-time threat in the passing game. His size and play style are eerily similar to Marcedes Lewis, making this an easy projection. In Washington and Smith-Njigba, the Packers have completely rebuilt the WR/TE positions. – Zach Kruse, Packers Wire
58. Dallas Cowboys: CB Tyrique Stevenson, Miami (former Georgia Bulldog)
The Cowboys have a corner solution for 2023 but not beyond that. Stephon Gilmore was a savvy acquisition, but Dallas has to be prepared for him to A) walk after the season and/or B) performance to fall off a cliff because of age. Add in the pending franchise tag for Trevon Diggs and the free agency of Jourdan Lewis, and the Cowboys must replenish the pipeline. Stevenson is one of Dallas’ 30 national visits and has the physical attributes (height/weight/length/speed) necessary to capitalize on his obviously improving situational awareness. – K.D. Drummond, Cowboys Wire
