The Georgia Bulldogs Who Have the Most Potential to Boost Their Draft Stock on Pro Day

As college football season wraps up and the NFL Draft approaches, one of the most critical events in a player’s pre-draft evaluation is Pro Day. For many college players, this is their final opportunity to showcase their skills in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and general managers. The University of Georgia, a perennial powerhouse in college football, has produced numerous NFL-caliber players over the years, and this year’s group is no different. With an impressive roster of talent, Georgia Bulldogs will look to prove themselves in various ways during their Pro Day, aiming to boost their draft stock and secure their place in the NFL.

While Georgia has consistently churned out top-tier talent, this year’s class includes a number of players who have the potential to significantly elevate their draft stock with standout Pro Day performances. From potential first-round picks to players hoping to improve their draft positioning, many Bulldogs have much to gain from their workouts. In this article, we’ll dive into the Georgia Bulldogs who have the most potential to boost their draft stock on Pro Day and what makes them stand out.

1. Jalen Carter: Defensive Line Standout

Jalen Carter is a household name in college football, and his stock is already soaring, but Pro Day could solidify his status as a potential top-five pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Georgia defensive tackle has been dominant throughout his college career, particularly during the 2022 season, and has received national recognition for his powerful play on the defensive line. Carter has been a force in both pass-rushing situations and run defense, showcasing his versatility, explosiveness, and relentless motor.

• Pro Day Expectations: Carter is expected to impress scouts at Georgia’s Pro Day with his physicality and athleticism. Standing 6’3″ and weighing around 310 pounds, Carter possesses rare quickness and explosiveness for a player of his size. His 40-yard dash time will be closely watched, as well as his ability to display quick, strong movements during position drills. If he performs well in these areas, it would enhance his chances of being taken near the top of the draft.
• What’s at Stake: Pro Day is an opportunity for Carter to prove that his dominance on the field translates to testing numbers. While he’s already regarded as one of the best interior defenders in this draft class, showing his strength and explosiveness could help teams become more confident about taking him in the top few picks, a move that could change his career trajectory and net him a lucrative rookie contract.

2. Broderick Jones: Offensive Tackle Prospect

Broderick Jones is another player with significant upside heading into Georgia’s Pro Day. As an offensive tackle, Jones has been one of the anchors of the Bulldogs’ offensive line during their recent successful campaigns. With great size (6’4″, 310 pounds) and athleticism, Jones has all the physical tools needed to be a first-round pick. However, his draft stock will likely be determined by how he performs in testing and drills at Pro Day.

• Pro Day Expectations: Jones is expected to participate in various drills to show off his quickness, footwork, and strength. Specifically, scouts will be interested in his 40-yard dash time, short shuttle, and his performance in the bench press. A strong showing in these areas will further demonstrate his readiness to handle the speed and power of NFL pass rushers.
• What’s at Stake: Jones is already considered one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the 2023 draft, but Pro Day is his chance to make his case as the best of the group. A strong performance could solidify his spot as a potential first-round selection, helping him land with a team that values his skill set. While he’s already on the radar of NFL teams, his performance at Pro Day will help determine how high he’s drafted and which team is lucky enough to get his services.

3. Kenny McIntosh: Versatile Running Back

Kenny McIntosh has been an integral part of the Georgia offense for the past few seasons, and his skill set could make him a versatile weapon in the NFL. He may not be one of the top-ranked running backs in the draft, but his ability to catch passes out of the backfield and contribute in both the running and passing game could make him an attractive option for NFL teams.

• Pro Day Expectations: McIntosh’s Pro Day performance will be heavily scrutinized, especially in the agility drills and 40-yard dash. While he’s not known for having elite straight-line speed, his ability to change direction quickly, make defenders miss in the open field, and catch passes will be key. His performance in the shuttle drills, such as the 3-cone drill and short shuttle, will be particularly important in highlighting his agility and ability to create separation as a receiving back.
• What’s at Stake: Pro Day offers McIntosh the opportunity to prove that he can be an every-down back at the next level. His ability to perform well in testing could help him raise his draft stock and prove that he’s capable of handling a significant role on offense in the NFL. If McIntosh has a standout Pro Day, he could go from a mid-round prospect to an early-round selection, especially for teams looking for a versatile player who can contribute in multiple facets of the game.

4. Darnell Washington: Tight End Phenomenon

Darnell Washington is an intriguing prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft. The 6’7″, 270-pound tight end is one of the most physically gifted players in the draft class, possessing the size of an offensive lineman but the athleticism of a skill player. Washington has shown flashes of dominance in the passing game and has the potential to become a top-tier tight end in the NFL. However, his stock can rise or fall based on his Pro Day performance.

• Pro Day Expectations: Washington’s physical measurements alone are enough to draw attention, but it’s his performance in drills that will determine how high he’s drafted. The 40-yard dash will be a critical test for Washington, as scouts want to see how quickly he can cover ground despite his large frame. His vertical jump and shuttle times will also be important, as these measurements will reveal his ability to get in and out of cuts and separate from defenders.
• What’s at Stake: Washington is one of the most physically gifted tight ends in the draft, and a strong Pro Day performance could move him from being a late-first-round pick to a top-15 selection. The tight end position is in high demand in today’s NFL, and Washington’s rare combination of size and athleticism makes him a coveted commodity. A dominant showing at Pro Day could see Washington’s stock soar, especially if he can impress scouts with his speed and fluidity in drills.

5. Robert Beal Jr.: Pass Rusher with Upside

Robert Beal Jr. is a pass rusher who has shown flashes of excellence during his time at Georgia but has been overshadowed at times by the Bulldogs’ other defensive talent. However, Beal has the tools to be a productive edge rusher in the NFL, with a combination of speed, athleticism, and a relentless motor. While his numbers didn’t jump off the page during his college career, his physical tools and potential are impossible to ignore.

• Pro Day Expectations: Beal will look to impress scouts with his explosive movements, particularly in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and 3-cone drill. The pass-rush drills at Pro Day will be particularly important, as Beal needs to demonstrate his ability to bend around the edge and generate pressure on quarterbacks. His 40-yard dash time will be particularly scrutinized, as Beal’s speed and burst off the line are crucial for his evaluation as an NFL edge rusher.
• What’s at Stake: Beal is likely to be drafted in the mid-rounds, but a standout performance at Pro Day could elevate his stock significantly. If he can demonstrate his ability to cover ground quickly and get around blockers with ease, Beal could attract more attention from NFL teams in need of pass-rush help. A strong Pro Day showing could push him into the second or third round, where his developmental potential as a pass rusher could make him a valuable asset for an NFL team.

6. Jamon Dumas-Johnson: Linebacker with Rising Potential

Jamon Dumas-Johnson, a linebacker who has shown tremendous leadership and ability during his time at Georgia, is poised to make a significant impact on NFL scouts with his Pro Day performance. A versatile player who can cover the field sideline to sideline and be effective in both the run and pass game, Dumas-Johnson’s Pro Day will be crucial for showcasing his athleticism.

• Pro Day Expectations: Dumas-Johnson is expected to turn in an impressive performance in the 40-yard dash, as linebackers with his speed and agility are highly valued in today’s NFL. His shuttle drills, including the 3-cone drill, will be critical to showcasing his quickness and ability to change directions fluidly. His performance in position drills will also be essential, as teams want to see how well he moves in space and reacts to different coverage situations.
• What’s at Stake: A strong Pro Day showing could boost Dumas-Johnson’s stock, potentially elevating him from a mid-round pick to an early Day 2 selection. Teams will be looking to evaluate his athleticism and ability to play in coverage, and if he impresses in these areas, his draft stock will likely rise.