ATHENS - Georgia keeps sending players to the NFL, and the next wave already has scouts talking.
Kirby Smart’s program has become a draft machine, producing 84 selections and 21 first-round picks in his 10 seasons at Georgia. Over the past six years alone, the Bulldogs have put 63 players into the draft and landed 15 of them in the first round. That pipeline is why, according to one NFL expert familiar with the evaluation process, Georgia could have several of its best prospects positioned for the 2027 draft in Washington, D.C.
Safety KJ Bolden, cornerback Ellis Robinson IV and linebacker Chris Cole all have the kind of upside that could push them into the first 32 picks. The expert also said he expects each of Georgia’s top prospects to take another step this season.
There’s plenty of intrigue beyond that trio, too.
At defensive back, Khalil Barnes drew praise for his instincts and run support, though questions remain about his length, twitch and man coverage ability. The expert described him as a fit for Kirby Smart’s system, especially because of what he brings in coverage underneath, while noting uncertainty about his play in the post. “He’s more of a zone curl-flat player who’s aggressive in run support.”
Center Drew Bobo got a strong review for his intelligence and positioning. The assessment called him a player who can anchor an offensive line and work effectively to the second level with good angles, while also noting he isn’t a dominant drive blocker. “You can tell he’s a coach’s kid because he plays the game really smart.”
Bolden, meanwhile, was labeled a player with real NFL traits, even if the movement needs refinement. The expert sees him as more of a strong safety than a free safety and believes he can cover tight ends, but also said he must improve his flexibility and coverage ability. “He’s a little long in his movements, but he should be a good press safety.”
Cole’s evaluation centered on versatility. The expert said he often lines up away from the line of scrimmage and looks more like a safety than a classic outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.
He’s viewed as a hybrid with upside, one whose role at Georgia fits him well. “He’s a space player, but with his size he may play outside ‘backer in a 4-3 scheme.”
The running back room got its own scouting notes, with Nate Frazier described as a hard runner but not an especially elusive one. The expert called him a straight-ahead back who runs through arm tackles and said the passing-game piece will matter, too. “I’ll be interested to see how he catches the ball out of the backfield on a consistent basis.”
On the offensive line, Earnest Greene III was projected as a right tackle at the next level. The concerns were foot speed and space blocking, but the length and size stood out, along with his fit in a gap scheme. “I’m sure he’ll be working on that flexibility.”
Gabe Harris still needs more snaps on tape, according to the evaluation. The edge defender was described as long and well-built with good run defense, but with stiffness and some unfinished rushes. “There needs to be more tape on him.”
At tight end, Lawson Luckie was pegged more as an NFL H-back than a traditional tight end. The expert said he can move and catch, but struggles to move people in-line and may be challenged if asked to function as a true ‘Y’. “He’s more of an on-the-move space blocker and pass receiver.”
Robinson drew a length-based evaluation that highlighted his ability to handle bigger receivers. The next test, though, will be how he fares against smaller, quicker wideouts and in off-coverage. “We’ll want to see how he handles smaller, quicker receivers, because he handles the big, tall guys really well.”
Quarterback Gunner Stockton got a more cautious assessment. The expert praised his leadership and game management, but said he still has to process faster, work through progressions and prove he can drive the ball deep. “He’s a talented kid and a great leader, but we have to see if the traits equate to the NFL.”
Raylen Wilson rounded out the list with another favorable review. The expert said he should probably stay another year, but sees him as a legitimate NFL Will linebacker who can play three downs.
The only real nitpick was taking on blocks. “He’s smart, tough and instinctive, and he has good vision and good skill in space.”
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