5 Georgia players to watch out for on Day 2 of 2024 NFL Draft ft. Ladd McConkey
The Georgia Bulldogs had two players selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft on Thursday night. As Day 2 of the draft approaches, more prospects from the program are prepared to hear their names called.
Even after Brock Bowers and Amarius Mims were both taken in the first round, many talented Bulldogs players are still available to be selected. Out of the nine remaining Georgia players that have entered the 2024 NFL draft, here are five to watch out for in the second round.
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Five Georgia players to watch out for on Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft
#1. Ladd McConkey, WR
Georgia receiver Ladd McConkey is a speedy wideout with exceptional route-running ability. He leverages himself extremely well and has excellent vision to see things develop down the field.
He's had some struggles with injuries and drops, but when healthy, McConkey could be a major threat through the air for an NFL offense. He was limited to nine games last season but still racked up 478 yards receiving and two touchdowns.
McConkey also spent time as a punt returner for Georgia in 2022. He returned 16 punts for 197 yards, giving him a return average of 12.3 yards.
McConkey is projected to go early in the second round, but he has very stiff competition in his position. Players like Adonai Mitchell, Keon Coleman and Ja'lynn Polk still remain on the board, with teams like the Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams all looking to add pieces to their receiving core.
#2. Kamari Lassiter, CB
Georgia cornerback Kamari Lassiter is an athletic and intelligent corner who plays well in both man and zone coverage. He is an NFL-ready defensive back and can help out with defending the run game as well.
Lassiter has work to do with his speed and transitional burst, but he has all the tools to be successful at the professional level. His playmaking ability has been called into question by NFL scouts as well, after finishing with just one career interception in 44 games.
Lassiter is projected to be a late second-round or early third-round selection. He could be looked at by teams like the San Francisco 49ers or the Kansas City Chiefs, who are looking for some depth in the secondary.
#3. Javon Bullard, SAF
Georgia safety Javon Bullard played three seasons with the Bulldogs and finished last season with 56 tackles and two interceptions. His best season came in 2022 during the Bulldogs' title run, when he recorded 7.0 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and two interceptions.
Bullard is a nickel safety who possesses outstanding football instincts and awareness. His burst and length aren't ideal for an NFL safety, but he is an extremely intelligent football player.
He could end up being a late selection on day two of the 2024 NFL draft, but Bullard will likely fall to the third round around the 70th overall pick.
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#4. Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, C
Center Sedrick Van Pran-Granger played four seasons with Georiga before entering the 2024 NFL draft. He has plenty of experience playing alongside some of the top offensive linemen in college football.
He is a quick and powerful center who blocks well at the second level, which is a major boost in the run game. His length isn't ideal, and he'll need to improve his footwork to be effective at the professional level.
But Van Pran-Granger could still be a useful developmental player for a team to grab in the draft. The late second round might be a bit high to take a chance on him, so it's more likely he'll be taken in the third or fourth round. But he should be on the teams' radar toward the end of the second round.
#5. Tykee Smith, SAF
It's tough to gauge where Georgia safety Tykee Smith could fall in the 2024 NFL draft. He could be taken late in the second round or forced to wait as late as round five. Regardless, Smith is a highly efficient defensive back who plays more like a smaller linebacker.
He is highly efficient but struggles in certain pass-coverage situations. Smith doesn't have the size or length many teams look for at his position, and for that reason, he could fall further than round two.
He finished last season with the Bulldogs, recording 46 solo tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and four interceptions. He is extremely productive, but he may not have the ideal frame for his position at the NFL level.
Which Georgia player do you think will be selected first in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft? Let us know in the comments below.
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