The 2024 SEC Championship Game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Texas Longhorns is set to be a star-studded event, featuring several high-profile 2025 NFL Draft prospects. The title game is expected to attract a large number of scouts from across the country. Which top prospects should you keep an eye on this Saturday?
Georgia 2025 NFL Draft Prospects
- Malaki Starks, DB (Round 1)
- Mykel Williams, EDGE (Round 1)
- Jalon Walker, OLB (Round 1)
- Tate Ratledge (Rounds 2-3)
- Carson Beck (Rounds 3-4)
- Smael Mondon Jr., LB (Rounds 4-5)
- Jared Wilson, OL (Rounds 4-5)
- Daylen Everette, CB (Rounds 4-5)
- Earnest Greene, OT (Rounds 4-5)
- Oscar Delp, TE (Rounds 5-6)
- Xavier Truss, OL (Rounds 5-7)
- Nazir Stackhouse, DT (Rounds 5-7)
- Trevor Etienne, RB (Rounds 6-7)
Malaki Starks’ NFL Draft Projection
Elite safety Malaki Starks is one of the top 2025 NFL Draft prospects overall and is close to being a guaranteed first-round lock. The Georgia DB has demonstrated his ball-hawking nature, collecting six interceptions over his three seasons in Athens. His athleticism, awareness, football IQ, and tackling ability jump out on tape.
Mykel Williams’ NFL Draft Projection
Mykel Williams is a dynamic edge rusher with exceptional size and athleticism, making him a strong candidate for an early selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 265 pounds, he showcases elite agility and impressive power, positioning him as a potential top-10 pick. If Williams can refine his pass-rush strategy and translate his pressure into tangible results, he has the potential to become a standout player at the next level.
Jalon Walker’s NFL Draft Projection
Expect Jalon Walker to be drafted higher than many anticipate. The Bulldogs’ defender has played both as an edge rusher and as an off-ball linebacker during the 2024 season under Kirby Smart, but he will likely be utilized predominantly as an edge rusher in the NFL. This is due to Walker’s explosive movement skills, exceptional bend, and flexibility, which allow him to excel at winning on the edge.
Additionally, the versatile Georgia product possesses strong hand placement, effective arm swipes, and technical pass-rushing moves that will facilitate his transition to the next level. Walker has all the attributes needed, and NFL teams will believe they can fully harness his talents.
Tate Ratledge’s NFL Draft Projection
Tate Ratledge is regarded as one of the top interior offensive linemen eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft, earning a Day 2 grade. The Georgia right guard possesses impressive strength, powerful blocking ability, and solid mobility. His experience as a starter, combined with his effective performance in both pass protection and run blocking, makes him well-equipped to contribute to an NFL team in year one.
Carson Beck’s NFL Draft Projection
Carson Beck’s draft stock has significantly declined. Initially seen as a contender to be the first QB selected in the 2025 NFL Draft last summer, the Georgia passer has not met expectations this season. Undoubtedly, Beck received more hype than warranted, as scouts maintained a late Day 2 to early Day 3 grade throughout the evaluation process.
Now, with more realistic expectations, Beck will enter the NFL as a QB capable of managing an NFL offense with control, accuracy, and poise in the pocket. Although his below-average athleticism and questionable decision-making at times may cause him to drop in the draft, this could ultimately benefit the development of Georgia’s QB.
Texas 2025 NFL Draft Prospects
- Isaiah Bond, WR (Round 1)
- Kelvin Banks Jr., OL (Round 1)
- Cameron Williams, OL (Round 1)
- Jahdae Barron, CB (Round 2)
- Alfred Collins, DT (Rounds 2-3)
- Gunnar Helm, TE (Round 3)
- Andrew Mukuba, DB (Rounds 3-4)
- Quinn Ewers, QB (Rounds 5-6)
- Trey Moore, EDGE (Rounds 6-7)
- Matthew Golden, WR (Rounds 6-7)
Isaiah Bond’s NFL Draft Projection
Isaiah Bond is one of the top wide receivers in the country and possesses the elite traits that could make him a first-round selection in April. Although the Alabama transfer hasn’t produced the expected numbers since arriving in Austin — recording only 510 yards and five touchdowns — the film indicates that much of this is due to his quarterback.
Quinn Ewers has missed several opportunities for explosive plays by not fully utilizing Bond’s elite separation skills. The star Longhorns WR boasts game-breaking speed and is an elusive threat once he has the ball in his hands.
Kelvin Banks Jr.’s NFL Draft Projection
Kelvin Banks is projected to be among the top offensive linemen selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, there is some debate about his optimal position at the next level. Some believe the Texas LT possesses the skill to remain on the outside due to his polished technique and strong anchoring ability.
On the other hand, some teams might prefer him to transition to guard in the NFL because his somewhat clumsy footwork and lack of explosive movement could leave him vulnerable against stronger opponents.
Cameron Williams’ NFL Draft Projection
Cameron Williams has solidified the right side of the Texas offensive line and has emerged as a potential top tackle for the 2025 NFL Draft. This draft class lacks elite physical attributes, but the Longhorns’ right tackle possesses them in abundance.
Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 335 pounds, Williams has impressive arm length, a sturdy frame, and fluid athleticism, showcasing his raw talent. However, 2024 marks his first year as a starter, and he has shown some expected growing pains. Overall, Williams has the build and tools to be a first-round tackle, but he would benefit from returning to school for another season to refine his technique.
Jahdae Barron’s NFL Draft Projection
Jahdae Barron has made a significant impact on the NFL Draft scene with his outstanding performance during the 2024 season. He leads the SEC with four interceptions, and his stats also include 42 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, eight pass breakups, and one fumble recovery, demonstrating his versatility as a player.
Barron showcases excellent ball skills, strong tackling ability, and keen instinctual awareness. He is heading into the 2025 NFL Draft with a second-round grade, positioning himself as a promising candidate for a nickel cornerback role at the next level.
Alfred Collins’ NFL Draft Projection
Texas may soon be sending another defensive tackle to the NFL. Alfred Collins has impressed during his senior year in Austin, showcasing skills that go beyond the stat sheet.
While the Longhorns’ defensive tackle may not be a stat packer, his impact on the game is significant. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing 320 pounds, Collins possesses the physical attributes needed to dominate the interior defensive line in the NFL. He is also projected to have 35-inch arms, which enable him to apply adequate pressure on opposing offenses.
With his talent, teams will be counting on an increase in his production if they consider selecting him early in the draft.
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