Georgia football could have record 2020 NFL Draft class on tap

ATHENS — A record Georgia NFL draft class was predicted more than a year ago, and it appears the Bulldogs could be on the verge of making that vision a reality.

Eight Georgia players are expected to be selected according to the most recent 7-round mock draft from CBSsports.com, a number that would match the program-high picked in 2013.

Seven Georgia players were drafted last year.

The 2020 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place April 23-25 in Las Vegas, but it will be closed to the public on account of the coronavirus pandemic.

The mock draft, authored by Ryan Wilson, appears as follows:

First Round

No. 10 Andrew Thomas, Cleveland

No. 26 D’Andre Swift, Miami

Second Round

No. 39 Isaiah Wilson, Miami

Fourth Round

No. 112 Jake Fromm, San Diego

Sixth Round

No. 193 J.R. Reed, Indianapolis

No. 204 Solomon Kindley, New England

No. 212 Rodrigo Blankenship, New England

Seventh round

No. 248 Charle Woerner, Houston

Georgia receiver Lawrence Cager might be another candidate to slip into the draft, even though he was unable to workout at the NFL combine on account of his post-ankle surgery rehabilitation.

Defensive lineman Tyler Clark is another UGA player who has appeared in some mock drafts, and tailback Brian Herrien was among the 10 Bulldogs at the NFL combine.

Graduate transfer Eli Wolf posted an individual workout that included some impressive results.

But Wolf, along with others like defensive tackle Michael Barnett and linebacker Tae Crowder saw their NFL draft hopes diminished when Georgia Pro Day was postponed, and then canceled, on account of the coronavirus.

The only true first-round lock in this year’s Georgia draft class is Thomas, though it seems very likely Swift will also be a first-round pick.

The players’ stock is a matter of position, with offensive tackles in great demand, and tailbacks seemingly undervalued.

Indeed, there has been recent speculation that Wilson, as raw as some scouts believe him to be, could end up a first-round pick because of his massive size and potential.

Swift, meanwhile, is viewed by most as the top tailback in the NFL draft and will be the first at his position off the board.

Fromm’s draft stock is a little bit more difficult to determine, as he’s sure to have interviewed well.

Coaches love the possibilities a fast processor and accurate thrower like Fromm could bring to the table, particularly if adjusting his footwork can add velocity and distant to certain throws.

Reed’s drop to a third-day projection has been somewhat puzzling, with analysts citing a lack of athleticism.

Reed has been one of the most reliable open-field tacklers in the SEC, and he was rarely caught out of position or beaten deep.

Blankenship is another wild card of sorts, as most kickers don’t find their way into the NFL draft.

It would seem Smart’s relationship with Bill Belichick could provide Blankenship a great boost if this projection is accurate.