The Georgia Bulldogs have had 14 defensive players selected over the past two NFL drafts, with three of those prospects being selected by the Green Bay Packers.
Brian Gutekunst selected Eric Stokes in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft. The Green Bay Packers general manager followed that up by selecting Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft.
“We kept the G on the helmet,” Gutekunst said after selecting Walker and Wyatt on April 28. “Obviously they’ve had a lot of success down there in Athens.”
The Bulldogs will once again have plenty of talent on the defensive side of the ball this fall. Will that talent keep Gutekunst going down south? Here are the defensive prospects that Packers fans should get to know for the upcoming college football season.
(Note: Jalen Carter and Kelee Ringo are projected Top 10 picks and not listed on this preview).
Nolan Smith, Edge
If the Packers are going to select a Georgia Bulldog for a third straight year the early betting favorite has to be Smith. The Georgia edge rusher likely would have been a day two selection or possible late first-round pick if he had declared for the 2022 NFL draft.
During his first two seasons on campus, Smith recorded five sacks. This past season Smith recorded 56 tackles, nine tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.
Smith has a quick first step and the speed to win the corner. Although undersized (235 pounds) Smith holds his own against the run and is strong at the point of attack.
“As far as the 2022 defense is concerned, Georgia is incredibly lucky that Smith decided to return in order to earn his degree,” Jordan Hill, the Georgia beat writer for Dawgs247, said. “Smith is a known commodity on a Georgia defense that lacks that on the whole this fall (Georgia lost 8 starters from the 2021 defense), and his leadership cannot be overstated. What also cannot be overstated is the fact he’s 6-foot-3, 235 pounds and boasts excellent pass-rushing ability….
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Packers Wire…