Kirby Smart to join Roquan Smith at NFL draft next week
Roquan Smith won’t be the only Bulldog in attendance at the first round of the NFL draft next week in Arlington, Texas.
According to Marc Weiszer of the Athens Banner-Herald, Georgia coach Kirby Smart will join his former star linebacker at AT&T Stadium on Thursday night for the first round of the draft.
Georgia's Kirby Smart is one of 15 college coaches confirmed to attend the NFL draft next week in Arlington, Texas, according the league.
— Marc Weiszer (@marcweiszer) April 20, 2018
Smith previously confirmed his plans to attend the draft at Georgia’s Pro Day last month.
Smart will be among a contingent of family and close friends with Smith in the green room as NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announces each pick during the first round on Thursday night.
Smith, the 2017 Butkus Award winner who declared for the draft after his junior season, is a near lock to be drafted in the top-15 picks and could very likely land in the top 10.
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He led the Bulldogs all season on the field, pushing them to the SEC Championship, Rose Bowl victory, and appearance in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
Smith earned defensive MVP honors in the SEC title game and also was named the conference’s defensive player of the year by the AP.
Smart will lead the next Bulldogs team in the annual G-Day spring game this Saturday at 4 p.m. ET (ESPN) before heading to the draft on Thursday.
The first round of the 2018 NFL Draft begins at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday night and will be televised on ESPN, FOX, and NFL Network.