Georgia defensive front ranks top three nationally per On3
Kirby Smart has built the Georgia football program into a NFL Draft pick-producing machine over the past few years, especially on the defensive side of the ball. There’s no position where that is more true that the defensive line/EDGE spots where Georgia has had five first-round picks in the past three years.
According to Jesse Simonton of On3Sports, more could be on the way. Simonton started the defensive portion of his position-unit rankings on Monday where he ranked Georgia’s d-line/EDGE group as the nation’s third best. Ohio State is No. 1 followed by Michigan at No. 2.
“After several straight seasons with multiple 1st Round NFL Draft picks, the Bulldogs’ defensive line took a step back in 2023 — ranking 20th in run defense and 65th in tackles for loss,” Simonton writes. “The unit projects to be much more effective this fall, though, as Kirby Smart’s defense will be spearheaded by a versatile front of experience, upside and depth. The Dawgs bring back super-seniors Warren Brinson and Nazir Stackhouse on the interior, while Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins and Christen Miller, who flirted with transferring this spring, will be important rotational pieces at end.
“Former 5-star Mykell Williams is a breakout candidate, as he’s transitioning from 3-4 end to edge and is seen as a potential Top 5 pick in many Way-Too-Early Top 25 mock drafts.
“Then there’s the upside pieces, which include sophomore Damon Wilson, who has star potential at edge, sophomore end Gabe Harris and sophomore tackle Jordan Hall.”
It’s apparent that Georgia isn’t lacking for talent nor experience up front. The Bulldogs return thousands of snaps on the defensive line and at outside linebacker and the group is littered with blue-chip talent.
Williams’ move to more of a stand-up EDGE role helps Georgia gets its best players on the field. He played outside linebacker/EDGE in UGA’s beatdown of Florida State in the Orange Bowl and flourished, tallying four total tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, 1.5 tackles for loss and a pass breakup. He did that in what amounted to one half of play as the Bulldogs turned to their reserves for the second half.
Georgia also has a pair of up-and-comers on the interior of the defensive line in Miller and Hall. Those two saw their first significant action in 2023 and are expected to be major pieces to the puzzle in 2024. One guy Simonton did not mention, 2024 five-star signee Joseph Jonah-Ajonye, could also make a significant impact.
