The Georgia Bulldogs had a school record five players selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft. Could a similar number of Georgia players be selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft?
Draft Wire projects, in a recent mock draft, that three Georgia Bulldogs will be selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft.
Luke Easterling of Draft Wire predicts Carter, arguably Georgia’s top interior pass rusher last season, will go at No. 5 to the New York Jets.
On Carter, wrote:
Even with all the Georgia defenders who went in the first round of the 2022 draft, Carter might be the best prospect of them all. He’s the kind of dominant interior presence who could be worthy of a top-five pick.
Next, Draft Wire projects national championship game hero Kelee Ringo to be selected with the No. 15 pick by the Las Vegas Raiders.
Ringo came to Georgia as a five-star recruit. He has immense physical talent and will be counted on as Georgia’s top cornerback throughout the 2022 college football season.
Ringo’s size-speed combination is something NFL draft scouts will love. The former Saguaro High School star additionally is not afraid to provide run support.
Easterling on Ringo:
This defense could use a shutdown, big-play corner to take advantage of their relentless pass rush. Ringo sealed the Bulldogs’ national title with an epic pick-six, and could bring more of the same to Vegas.
Lastly, Draft Wire expects Nolan Smith to be picked with the No. 25 selection to the Seattle Seahawks.
Smith gave the Bulldog defense a big boost with his return for a senior season. Could he elevate his NFL draft stock like Jordan Davis and Devonte Wyatt did in their senior seasons?
Smith is a strong run defender, which will along him to compete for snaps right away at the next level.
Easterling on Smith:
The Seahawks landed one stud pass rusher this year in second-round pick Boye Mafe, but they could use another one next year. Smith may have been overshadowed by other superstars on the Bulldogs’ dominant defense last year, but 2022 will give him a chance to shine.
Among the other Georgia Bulldogs with the potential to be high picks in the 2023 NFL draft are tight end Arik Gilbert and offensive tackle Broderick Jones. This offensive duo is very talented, but needs to gain some experience before NFL teams will consider selecting either player in the first round. Their development will be critical for Georgia football in 2022.
