The 2024 NFL Draft is over. Eight Georgia Bulldogs had their names called during the three-day event held in Detroit, Michigan. Four more Bulldogs have signed as undrafted free agents. Before we examine what players were taken and what some experts say, we’ll examine a few numbers from the 2024 NFL Draft.
59. It just means more. The SEC once again holds the crown for most players drafted. Ironically enough, the Pac-12 came in second with 43 players drafted, just ahead of the Big Ten with 42. The future continued to look bright for the SEC. Newcomers from Texas and Oklahoma had a combined 11 picks. Texas’s 11 picks were just behind Michigan’s 13. Georgia’s eight players drafted were tied with Oregon and Penn State for sixth-most in the country. Here’s a look at where each of the Bulldogs went, as well as some local sound bites and insights into the picks.
2024 NFL Draft Recap: Georgia Bulldogs
Day 1 Selections
Although Georgia did not have any Top 10 selections, it still had two players drafted on Day 1 of the NFL Draft.
Round 1, Pick 13: Brock Bowers, Tight End, Las Vegas Raiders
Brock Bowers frequented Raiders Training Camp in his hometown, held there from 1996 to 2019. Known as TEU, Georgia ties with Notre Dame, each having six tight ends drafted over the past decade. At his first press conference, Bowers highlighted how his versatility would advantage the silver and black. “At Georgia, I was moved all around. They sometimes put me in the backfield, tight end, slot, and outside receiver. So, I feel like versatility is a big part of my game, and I’m excited to see what’s in store for this next year.”
Round 1, Pick 18: Amarius Mims, Offensive Tackle, Cincinnati Bengals
Tight ends and offensive linemen. That is what Georgia does. The Bulldogs are tied with Alabama and Ohio State, with 14 offensive linemen drafted in the last ten years. Amarius Mims was one of the top targets in the first round but drew some criticism from Nick Saban.
“This guy’s got all the tools — he’s got great size, he’s got great power,” Saban said on Thursday. “But it makes you wonder, how did the guy only start 8 [games?] Like, in the SEC championship game, he played only the first 15 plays, and then he’s out. Takes himself out. I don’t know what he injured, what he hurt, whatever. But you’ve got to be a little more consistent in your performance if you’re going to be a great player and a starter in the National Football League.”
Mims didn’t take the bait when asked for comment. “Everybody has their own opinions of me, and I honestly don’t really care about what he said or what he had to say. I’m just glad to be a Cincinnati Bengal.”
Day 2 Selections
Day two of the NFL draft saw four Georgia Bulldogs drafted, including three defensive backs. A string of Georgia defensive backs were drafted in the second and third rounds. A strong argument could be made that Georgia has also become DBU. Eleven Georgia defensive backs have been drafted since 2011.
Round 2, Pick 34: Ladd McConkey, Wide Receiver, Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh got his guy. The Chargers sent Nos. 37 and 110 to New England in exchange for Nos. 34 and 137. It was Ladd McConkey‘s speed that caught Harbaugh’s interest. “I love the speed, 4.38 [40-yard dash], but he plays to it,” Harbaugh said. He plays to that 4.38 every single play. You can see it in the way that he rages off of the ball, and once he has the ball in his hands.
Round 2, Pick 42: Kamari Lassiter, Cornerback, Houston Texans
Kamari Lassiter was a second-team All-SEC pick in 2023 after breaking up a team-best eight passes and finishing with 37 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss.
Round 2, Pick 58: Javon Bullard, Safety, Green Bay Packers
The Packers love Georgia defenders, with GM Brian Gutekunst selecting four Bulldogs in recent drafts. Javon Bullard, who switched from nickel corner to safety, played 22 games in two years and clinched the defensive MVP in Georgia’s national championship win over TCU.
Round 3, Pick 89: Tykee Smith, Nickel Back, Buccaneers
Assistant General Manager John Spytek had high praise for Smith. “We require a lot of our DBs here. It’s a really hard position to play. But in particular here, we stress them mentally, we stress them physically with the amount we blitz. They have to be resilient and want to make plays on the ball when they have a chance, and from that aspect, Tykee does all those things at a high level.”
Day 3 Selections
Two more Georgia Bulldogs were drafted on Day 3 of the NFL Draft.
Round 5, Pick 141: Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, Center, Buffalo Bills
Van Pran-Granger was a consistent force for Georgia, starting in each of the last three seasons. Although he was a later-round pick, NFL Films analyst Greg Cosell raved about Van Pran-Granger’s ability. “I believe he is one of the better center prospects in the 2024 draft class,” Cosell wrote. “His game is built more on physicality and competitive toughness than athleticism and movement. Still, he showed more than functional lateral quickness and climbing mobility to be an early starter at the next level.”
Round 6, Pick 197: Zion Logue, Defensive Tackle, Atlanta Falcons
We won’t focus on the Falcons’ first-round pick here. Instead, we will focus on Zion Logue. Like some of his predecessors, Logue was more of a role player than a standout on the defensive line. Tori McElhaney, the Falcon’s senior reporter, said there is more to Logue’s game than what is found on the stat sheet. ” The consensus amongst national analysts about Zion Logue is that he is more disruptive than his stat sheet may suggest. Despite his lack of sack numbers, he was a force to be reckoned with on Georgia’s defensive front.”
Undrafted Free Agents
The NFL Draft is just one way to make it to the league; some players take the longer route as undrafted free agents. As of this publication, Georgia had four players sign with NFL teams.
Kendall Milton, Running Back, Philadelphia Eagles
Kendall Milton will find a familiar Philadelphia home and join former Georgia running back D’Andre Swift. Injuries hampered Milton from showcasing his talent and skills as RB1 in 2023. He ended 2023 with 121 carries for 790 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Daijun Edwards, Running Back, Pittsburgh Steelers
As Milton recovered, Daijun Edwards took most of the carriers for most of the season. He signed as an undrafted free agent with the Steelers, joining former Bulldogs’ George Pickens and Darnell Washington. Edwards led Georgia with 165 carries for 880 yards this season.
Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, WR, Washington Commanders
One of Carson Beck’s favorite targets was Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint a big-bodied receiver. 2023 was his best season for receptions (34), receiving yards (535), and touchdowns (4).
Tramel Walthour, DL, Baltimore
Tramel Walthour was another rotational defensive end. As a Bulldog, he recorded 50 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, and 2 passes defended.
The 2024 NFL Draft shows that Georgia has firmly cemented its place in college football’s ELITE.
