georgia nfl draft

ATHENS — The Georgia football is 8 1/2 weeks away, but already, the NFL is watching.

The Bulldogs have two players entering the 2023 season that rank among the top at their respective positions in the eyes of the NFL, according to one ESPN analyst.

It’s not surprising when one takes note of the respect Coach Kirby Smart has earned from NFL general managers.

Philadelphia Eagles GM Howie Roseman essentially called his shot in an exclusive interview with DawgNation at the NFL combine last year.

“We have tremendous respect for Coach Smart and the program he has developed,” Roseman told DawgNation in a one-on-one setting.

“When we’re drafting players, just knowing how they are trained and the background, it’s no different than when you are hiring staff, you look for people who have learned the right way.”

The Eagles, who picked captains Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean in the 2022 NFL Draft, ended up drafting three more Georgia players in the 2023 draft: defensive tackle Jalen Carter (1st round), outside linebacker Nolan Smith (1st round), and cornerback Kelee Ringo (4th round).

As if that wasn’t enough, Philadelphia also signed former Bulldog back D’Andre Swift.

Georgia fans will not be surprised to learn who some of the best players on this year’s team are expected to be, with Matt Miller citing tight end Brock Bowers and center Sedrick Van Pran as the best at their positions.

“Bowers is like (George) Kittle from a run-after-catch standpoint,” one AFC scout told ESPN. “but he’s much more athletic.”

Bowers is ranked as the No. 5 overall prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft by NFLDraftBuzz.com.

Only Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry (No. 4) is ranked higher among the SEC players.

ESPN suggested Texas’ tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders was the next-best NFL tight end prospect that will be available for the 2024 NFL Draft.

VanPran, who nearly turned pro after last season, is considered the No. 2 center — behind Kansas State’s Cooper Beebe — in the 2024 NFL Draft per ESPN.

The unquestioned leader of the Georgia offensive line, VanPran has only allowed one sack in 30 starts and was noted as “an elite run blocker with really good mobility.”

VanPran is projected as the No. 46 player — a second round pick — by NFLDraftBuzz.com.

The Bulldogs don’t have any other players listed among the Top 2 at their respective positions, but Javon Bullard could prove the prognosticators wrong.

Bullard, expected to move from nickel to safety, was ranked the No. 20 overall player by NFLDraftBuzz.com.

Georgia fans have watched Bullard grow into a superstar, as he earned Defensive MVP honors in the CFP Peach Bowl win and CFP Championship Game win over TCU.

Bullard is noted as “instinctive, adept at reading routes and anticipating throws and strong in zone coverage,” per NFLDraft Buzz.Com.

Georgia cornerback Kamari Lassiter also pops up as an early pick, projected as the No. 43 overall pick with

Georgia players ranked in Top 200 NFLDraftBuzz.com, with a thought on each player:

(5) TE Brock Bowers

MG: Transcends the position, an ultimate H-Back weapon made for today’s game.

(20) SS Javon Bullard

MG: Assignment-sound and hard-hitting, an eraser that fits any defense.

(71) OT Amarius Mims

MG: Underrated at No. 71, Mims will be a first-round pick.

(76) DT Nazir Stackhouse

MG: Georgia needs Stackhouse to fulfill his potential and grow into a first rounder.

(109) OT Xavier Truss

MG: Prototypical size, but he will have hands full keeping his job.

(113) LB Smael Mondon Jr.

MG: Elite skills, could work his way into the first round as three-down backer.

(119) OG Tate Ratledge

MG: Powerful blocker, has played his way back into elite shape and should be drafted within the first two days if healthy.

(134) WR Rara Thomas

MG: The pressure is on for Thomas to learn the offense and fit in, or he will need another year in school.

(189) LB Xavian Sorey Jr.

MG: Lofty projection considering the lack of experience, but Sorey’s athleticism is off the charts and his ceiling is high.

(199) WR Dominic Lovett

MG: Could be Georgia’s go-to receiver coming out of the slot, reliable hands and solid pass-catcher.

Note: Jamon Dumas-Johnson wasn’t mentioned, but he’s a first-round prospect if the defensive team captain can stay healthy and enjoy a good NFL Combine.