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Three Georgia Bulldogs are predicted to go in the first-round of the 2025 NFL draft, according to Mel Kiper Jr.'s latest NFL mock draft (subscription required).
Georgia outside linebacker and pass rusher Jalon Walker went No. 8 to the Carolina Panthers in Kiper's mock draft. Walker provides a pass rush boost to the Panthers, who are coming off one of the worst defensive seasons in NFL history. Walker, who is from Salisbury, North Carolina, joins his hometown team, which would be a cool storyline.
"Drafting Walker would give Carolina a versatile defender who can play off-ball linebacker (where I have him ranked) or on the edge," said Kiper. Walker looked particularly good in two games against the Texas Longhorns in 2024. "His (Jalon Walker's) sideline-to-sideline speed and first-step burst are really awesome traits."
Kiper projects Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams to go No. 10 to the Chicago Bears. Kiper is high on Williams, who looked healthy at Georgia's pro day.
"Williams is a toolsy prospect who can beat blockers with his speed or power," said Kiper. "He missed time with an ankle injury early last season but still picked up five sacks. Given a little more time to develop, he could be a really solid NFL edge rusher."
Williams suffered an ankle injury in Week 1 against Clemson and said he did not feel close to 100% for the rest of the season.
Lastly, Kiper has Georgia defensive back Malaki Starks landing with the Baltimore Ravens, who have the No. 27 pick in the draft. Starks would find a perfect home in Baltimore, who has an elite defense, but needs some secondary help after giving up a lot of explosive plays in 2024.
"Starks closes well to break up passes and stop the run, and he can be used over the slot, if necessary," said Kiper. NFL teams love Starks' versatility.
This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Three Georgia football stars go in first-round of mock draft
Continue reading...
Georgia outside linebacker and pass rusher Jalon Walker went No. 8 to the Carolina Panthers in Kiper's mock draft. Walker provides a pass rush boost to the Panthers, who are coming off one of the worst defensive seasons in NFL history. Walker, who is from Salisbury, North Carolina, joins his hometown team, which would be a cool storyline.
"Drafting Walker would give Carolina a versatile defender who can play off-ball linebacker (where I have him ranked) or on the edge," said Kiper. Walker looked particularly good in two games against the Texas Longhorns in 2024. "His (Jalon Walker's) sideline-to-sideline speed and first-step burst are really awesome traits."
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Kiper projects Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams to go No. 10 to the Chicago Bears. Kiper is high on Williams, who looked healthy at Georgia's pro day.
"Williams is a toolsy prospect who can beat blockers with his speed or power," said Kiper. "He missed time with an ankle injury early last season but still picked up five sacks. Given a little more time to develop, he could be a really solid NFL edge rusher."
Williams suffered an ankle injury in Week 1 against Clemson and said he did not feel close to 100% for the rest of the season.
Lastly, Kiper has Georgia defensive back Malaki Starks landing with the Baltimore Ravens, who have the No. 27 pick in the draft. Starks would find a perfect home in Baltimore, who has an elite defense, but needs some secondary help after giving up a lot of explosive plays in 2024.
"Starks closes well to break up passes and stop the run, and he can be used over the slot, if necessary," said Kiper. NFL teams love Starks' versatility.
This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Three Georgia football stars go in first-round of mock draft
Continue reading...
