Exclusive; NFL Free Agency Impacts Georgia Players in NFL Draft
The NFL draft prospects of certain Georgia football players have been affected by the mobilization of players across various teams in the free agency market.
The commencement of NFL free agency in the previous week has resulted in several players across various teams relocating. Additionally, a few ex-Georgia Bulldogs have also secured new teams recently. Asides from influencing football team lineups for the upcoming season, this year’s NFL draft picks are also affected by market changes caused by ongoing free agency.
Teams use both the free agency period and NFL draft to address position gaps or strengthen their roster with superior players. The sequence typically starts with exploring options during free agency, followed by making selections through the entry draft. Prior to this year’s drafting event, speculations suggest that certain Georgia alumni may have been affected by several team decisions made in preparation for a new season via free agent acquisitions.
The signing of veteran wide receiver Hollywood Brown by the Kansas City Chiefs is one of their latest moves. Prior to this decision, there was speculation that the reigning Super Bowl champions might choose to draft a first-round pick for a wide receiver with the last selection on day one. However, with Brown now in their roster, such plans may no longer be prioritized.
There were speculations that Ladd McConkey would excel as a wide receiver on the Kansas City team. The thought of him and Patrick Mahomes wreaking havoc in the league could be overwhelming, though it was perceived that he may only have prospective opportunities for landing with them during round one of selections. This isn’t to imply his chances for being drafted then are lost; however, Brown’s acquisition by another team might result in less competition on day one.
Looking at the brighter side, a different NFL group has taken certain steps lately that suggest their inclination towards selecting a former Bulldog earlier in the draft than anticipated by some.
Amidst a challenging phase, the Los Angeles Chargers are currently maneuvering several crucial changes. Despite having an accomplished quarterback in Justin Herbert, they must navigate through the transition of new head coach Jim Harbaugh while also resolving their financial constraints by freeing up cap space. Regrettably, this has led to parting ways with two notable players – wide receiver Keenan Allen and wide receiver Mike Williams who are no longer with the team.
With Williams and Allen no longer on the team, the Chargers may be seeking a new offensive threat to fill their shoes with their fifth overall pick after relying on them as top wide receivers for multiple seasons.
While some mock drafts have suggested that Georgia tight end Brock Bowers may be picked by the Chargers this offseason, others speculate they might opt for a different choice. Yet, it is evident that Harbaugh’s squad requires someone who can catch and receive passes from Herbet – in which case, Bowers could be an ideal fit for the team.
