George Pickens, Georgia Bulldogs. (Mandatory Credit: Joshua L. Jones-USA TODAY NETWORK)
Look for these five Georgia football stars to get taken very high in the 2022 NFL Draft.
The Georgia football program set a school record with nine players taken in the 2021 NFL Draft, and Kirby Smart’s team is just getting started.
Georgia is recruiting at an elite level under Smart. The Dawgs have played in New Year’s Six bowls each of the last four seasons. They have won the SEC East division crown three of the last four years, won the SEC in 2017 and make it to the College Football Playoff in Smart’s second season at the helm. With a big year ahead of them, here are five guys who could get drafted high in 2022.
These five Georgia football stars could make any number of NFL teams very happy next spring.
Georgia football: 5 2022 NFL Draft prospects
5
Adam Anderson
OLB Georgia Bulldogs
Adam Anderson is the Dawgs’ next great pass-rushing phenom
Even though Azeez Ojulari fell during the draft process, Georgia has a reputation to uphold as Linebacker U. With defensive coordinator Dan Lanning gearing up to be a head coach as early as next year, you better believe his position group will have players flourishing. This year’s star pass rusher to keep an eye on has to be outside linebacker Adam Anderson. He can be a day-two pick.
4
Nakobe Dean
LB Georgia Bulldogs
Look for Nakobe Dean to be this year’s version of Monty Rice
It is not just Lanning who helps Georgia linebackers get drafted, it has honestly become the calling card of the Smart era in Athens. Last year saw Ojulari and Monty Rice turn pro. Look for Nakobe Dean to be among them this time next year. If he plays like Rice, he will be a day-two pick. If he can be a transcendent talent like Roquan Smith was in 2017, maybe he can go in the first round?
3
George Pickens
WR Georgia Bulldogs
He may not play this year, but no doubt George Pickens is a stud wide receiver
Had he not torn his ACL in spring practice, wide receiver George Pickens would be a lock to go in the first round. He is the most talented wide receiver Georgia has had since A.J. Green a decade ago. Though there is a small chance Pickens returns to action at Georgia in 2022, his upside is too much for him not to have a solid draft grade entering next year’s process. Pickens could be special.
Now let’s look at the two guys who have the best shot of going in the first round next year…