ESPN names Georgia’s Jared Wilson and Jack Rogers as NFL draft risers after impressive performances at the scouting combine.
The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine held in Indianapolis was a showcase of the brightest college football prospects eager to prove their abilities to NFL scouts, coaches, and general managers. Each year, the Combine serves as a pivotal moment in determining the draft stock of players, and this year, two Georgia Bulldogs stood out above the rest: Jared Wilson, a defensive back, and Jack Rogers, a standout offensive lineman. Their performances caught the attention of ESPN, which promptly named them among the top NFL draft risers, solidifying their status as first-round prospects and giving them significant momentum heading into the 2024 NFL Draft.
Wilson and Rogers’ impressive combine results are more than just a testament to their physical prowess; they also highlight Georgia’s continued excellence in developing NFL-ready talent. Both players had already demonstrated their skills in college football, but their Combine performances made it clear that they are more than capable of stepping up to the professional level.
This article will dive into the performances of Jared Wilson and Jack Rogers at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, examine what makes them standout players, and explore how their rise in the draft rankings is a reflection of Georgia’s dominance in producing NFL-caliber talent.
Jared Wilson: A Rising Star in the Defensive Backfield
Combine Performance
For Jared Wilson, the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine was the perfect opportunity to prove that he was more than just a product of Georgia’s dominant defense. His performance not only elevated his draft stock but also helped cement his status as one of the top defensive back prospects in the draft.
Wilson’s standout moment came in the 40-yard dash, where he posted an outstanding time of 4.35 seconds, one of the fastest times recorded by any defensive back at the Combine. This lightning-fast speed caught the eyes of scouts, demonstrating his ability to cover ground quickly, an essential trait for cornerbacks and safeties at the next level. His speed would translate to excellent coverage skills, allowing him to stay with the fastest wide receivers in the NFL.
But Wilson’s skills weren’t just limited to straight-line speed. In the three-cone drill, which evaluates a player’s agility and ability to change direction quickly, Wilson blew away the competition with a time of 6.50 seconds, breaking the previous record for defensive backs. This incredible agility is one of the key reasons why Wilson is such an intriguing prospect; his ability to mirror wide receivers in tight spaces and make quick, decisive movements is invaluable for a cornerback.
Wilson also excelled in other important Combine drills, such as the vertical jump, where he recorded a 39-inch leap, showcasing his explosive jumping ability. This skill will be crucial when he needs to contest high throws or make plays on the ball in jump-ball situations. His bench press results, with 24 reps of 225 pounds, further proved his strength, an important asset for a cornerback, as it ensures he can handle physical matchups with wide receivers.
Off the field, Wilson impressed during interviews, showcasing his leadership, football IQ, and maturity. Scouts were eager to hear his insights into the game, as his ability to read offenses and react quickly is one of his greatest strengths. As a result, Wilson’s performance at the Combine not only boosted his draft stock but also highlighted his readiness to make an immediate impact at the next level.
Impact on Draft Stock
Before the Combine, Wilson was already considered one of the top cornerback prospects, but his performance in Indianapolis pushed him higher on many draft boards. ESPN’s analysis of his Combine performance immediately placed him among the “rising” players in the 2024 draft class, citing his ability to showcase elite athleticism and football intelligence. With teams increasingly prioritizing cornerbacks who can excel in both man and zone coverage, Wilson’s versatility and skill set make him an ideal pick for teams looking to bolster their secondary.
As the draft approaches, it’s expected that Wilson will be selected in the first round, with some analysts even suggesting that he could go as high as the top 10. His Combine results, paired with his excellent college tape at Georgia, have solidified his place as one of the premier defensive back prospects in this draft class.
Jack Rogers: A Dominant Force on the Offensive Line
Combine Performance
While Jared Wilson’s Combine performance stole the spotlight among Georgia’s defensive players, Jack Rogers, an offensive tackle, had his own standout showing that firmly placed him on the radar of NFL scouts. Rogers entered the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine as one of the most highly regarded offensive line prospects, and his performance did not disappoint.
Standing at 6’5″ and weighing in at 320 pounds, Rogers already had the physical tools that NFL scouts covet in a top-tier offensive tackle. But at the Combine, he showed that he not only had the size but also the athleticism to excel at the professional level.
Rogers posted a 40-yard dash time of 5.00 seconds, a strong showing for an offensive lineman of his size. Speed isn’t typically an offensive lineman’s most important trait, but the ability to move efficiently and with quickness is essential when it comes to pass protection and pulling on running plays. Rogers’ solid 40 time showed that he has the agility to stay in front of opposing defenders, especially in zone-blocking schemes.
Perhaps Rogers’ most impressive drill came in the shuttle drill, where he displayed exceptional lateral quickness. His ability to change direction fluidly and quickly is a valuable asset for an offensive tackle, who must often adjust to pass rushers moving in unpredictable directions. This fluidity in movement made Rogers a standout in the agility drills, further solidifying his reputation as a highly skilled offensive lineman.
Rogers also posted a bench press result of 30 reps at 225 pounds, further proving his strength. In the NFL, offensive linemen are expected to maintain their balance and power when engaging with defenders, and Rogers’ ability to consistently push through physical challenges was on full display. His performance in the drills showcased his physical prowess, but it was his mentality and work ethic that impressed scouts just as much.
Impact on Draft Stock
Before the Combine, Rogers was already viewed as a solid first-round pick, with many analysts projecting him as one of the top offensive tackles in the draft. However, his impressive showing at the Combine confirmed that he has the physical tools to compete at the highest level, and his stock has only risen as a result.
ESPN’s analysis of Rogers’ performance cited his agility, strength, and ability to execute key offensive line movements as reasons for his rapid rise in the draft rankings. Scouts have noted that Rogers’ combination of size, strength, and mobility gives him the versatility to play both left and right tackle, a trait that makes him even more valuable to NFL teams.
As the draft approaches, Rogers is expected to be selected within the first 20 picks, with some teams even considering him as a potential top-10 pick depending on their needs. His ability to excel in both the run and pass game, combined with his versatility, make him one of the most coveted offensive line prospects in the 2024 draft.
Georgia’s Continued Dominance at the NFL Combine
The impressive performances of Jared Wilson and Jack Rogers are just the latest examples of Georgia’s growing reputation as an elite program that consistently produces NFL-ready talent. Head coach Kirby Smart has built Georgia into one of the most successful programs in college football, and the Bulldogs’ success at the NFL Scouting Combine is a direct reflection of the program’s excellence in player development.
Over the past few years, Georgia has produced a wealth of NFL talent, from star players like A.J. Green and Roquan Smith to top draft picks like Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis. The Bulldogs have become a pipeline to the NFL, with the program churning out first-round talent year after year. The rise of Wilson and Rogers only adds to that legacy, as Georgia continues to develop players who are capable of making an immediate impact in the league.
The success of these two players at the Combine further emphasizes the quality of coaching and development at Georgia. Under Kirby Smart, players like Wilson and Rogers have been able to refine their skills and prove their worth on the national stage. As the program continues to compete at the highest level, it’s clear that Georgia will remain one of the top destinations for high school prospects hoping to make it to the NFL.
What’s Next for Wilson and Rogers?
As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, both Jared Wilson and Jack Rogers will be among the most talked-about prospects. Their Combine performances have put them firmly in the spotlight, and NFL teams are sure to take a closer look at these two rising stars as they finalize their draft boards.
For Wilson, his future in the NFL looks bright. Teams in need of a shutdown cornerback or versatile safety will be eager to select him. His speed, agility, and ability to make plays on the ball make him an attractive option for a variety of teams.
For Rogers, his future is equally promising. Offensive tackles are always in high demand in the NFL, and Rogers’ blend of size, strength, and athleticism makes him an ideal candidate for teams looking to solidify their offensive line. Whether he plays left or right tackle, Rogers has the tools to be an immediate contributor at the next level.
The Future Looks Bright for Georgia Football
With their stellar performances at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, both Jared Wilson and Jack Rogers have proven that they are ready for the next level. Their rise in the draft rankings, as highlighted by ESPN, is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and natural talent. As the NFL Draft approaches, both players are poised to make an immediate impact on whichever team selects them, and their success serves as yet another example of Georgia’s ability to develop NFL-ready talent year after year. The future of Georgia football looks incredibly bright, as the program continues to be a pipeline for the NFL.
