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ATHENS - The 2026 NFL Draft is officially one week away, and once again, several former Georgia Bulldogs are hoping to hear their name called in the first round.
ESPN Draft analyst Mel Kiper released his newest mock draft and believes multiple 2025 SEC Champions will be drafted within the first two round.
According to Kiper, the first Bulldog off the board is expected to be elite left tackle, Monroe Freeling. The 6-foot-7 315-pounder shined last season as a junior protecting Gunner Stockton’s blindside and should have a very successful career at the next level. His length, mobility, and potential is a big reason why he’ll likely hear his name called on the first night, and Kiper expects it to come at No. 17 overall to the Detroit Lions.
Next off the board is Christen Miller who sneaks into the first round in Kiper’s latest mock draft. An outstanding run defender who can also create pressure form the interior, Miller stands at 6-foot-4 320-pounds and is one of the top run-stopping defensive tackles in the draft. After a strong career and a really impressive final season last fall, Kiper has Miller mocked to the Houston Texans with the No. 28 overall pick.
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Coming off the board soon after is CJ Allen. After a big junior season in 2025 where he made 88 total tackles, Allen is fresh off a strong private workout and should continue to see his stock rise over the next week. According to Kiper, the 6-foot-1 230-pounder from Barnesville, Georgia could come off the board with the first pick of the second round to the New York Jets with the No. 33 overall pick.
Then comes Zachariah Branch. Georgia’s record-breaking wideout showed NFL speed and big-play ability throughout the 2025 season, catching 81 passes for 811 yards and six touchdowns, finding the end-zone in each of his last three games. Kiper has Branch mocked to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2nd round with the No. 53 overall pick. Branch’s explosiveness and consistency on 3rd down would give Aaron Rodgers another option in the passing attack next fall.
Kiper has another Bulldog coming off the board with the very next pick. With the No. 54 overall pick, Kiper has the Philadelphia Eagles heading back to Athens to select tight end Oscar Delp. After an outstanding Pro Day in Athens, Delp has climbed NFL Draft board and could be an easy day two selection due to his 6-foot-5 245-pound frame, physicality, experience, and soft hands down the field. His stock is rising, and he’ll likely continue to trend of Georgia Bulldog tight ends hearing their name called early in the draft.
