Georgia quarterback Carson BeckJeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
1. QB Carson Beck, Georgia
Concerns simmered under the surface after Carson Beck’s performance against the Kentucky Wildcats. His start against the Alabama Crimson Tide didn’t help matters at all. At best, Beck is a facilitator while working from a clean pocket. At worst, he can be rattled without as much upside to create.
“Beck is coming off a tough two-week stretch against Kentucky and Alabama,” Parson said. “He did not play to the level of a quarterback most had labeled as QB1 entering the 2024 campaign. His first half against Alabama was rough, but he rebounded admirably. Beck finished the game 27-of-50 for 439 passing yards, three touchdowns, three interceptions and a fumble lost. Some throws did not have enough velocity behind them, and Beck did not look the same against even competition. This game could be one to haunt Beck during the 2025 NFL draft cycle.”
2. S Malaki Starks, Georgia
Poor angles, missed tackles and an inability to make plays on the ball are so out of character for Georgia safety Malaki Starks. But that version showed up against the Alabama Crimson Tide, which created some doubt regarding how high he could ultimately be drafted.
“Starks is arguably the best safety in this year’s NFL draft,” Giddings said, “but this past week against Alabama created some concerns. The typically aggressive player, who runs around with reckless abandon, was timid at times, slow to come downhill and gave up his leverage repeatedly. He allowed blockers to get into his chest and was slow to disengage.
“After halftime, he and the rest of the Georgia defense looked better. He still had some mishaps in coverage, specifically the insane circus catch by Alabama’s Ryan Williams and a goal-line touchdown to Germie Bernard.
“One bad game won’t nosedive Starks’ overall stock, but these are red flags that will be monitored.”
3. WR Antwane Wells Jr., Ole Miss
Ole Miss’ Tre Harris has been fantastic as the nation’s leading receiver (by a whopping 157 yards). Antwane Wells Jr. was supposed to be the perfect running mate after transferring from the South Carolina Gamecocks. Wells hasn’t developed into the type of weapon many expected upon joining the Rebels’ explosive offense.
“Wells played 42 total snaps offensively against Kentucky. He did not notch a single reception throughout the game from his two targets,” Parson said. “Wells is a talented receiving option, but he needed to perform to a similar level against equal-level competition as he did against the weaker opponents. In games before Kentucky, Wells averaged 68.5 yards receiving and a touchdown per game. SEC play is here, and it is time to step up.”
4. TE Oscar Delp, Georgia
Nobody could fill the shoes left by Brock Bowers, who departed Georgia as arguably the greatest tight end in college football history. But the program still had significant talent at the position. The Bulldogs tight ends have barely been used, specifically Oscar Delp, who has three receptions through four games.
“Delp has been one of the more disappointing players in college football this season,” Parson said. “He was expected to be the Bulldogs’ next great tight end but hasn’t live up to the hype. As a promising and talented player, we hope to see a strong close to the season to build his status as a legitimate draft prospect.”
5. Edge Mykel Williams, Georgia
Georgia’s Mykel Williams is another prospect, similar to Travon Walker, whose draft status is far more about the idea of what he can be rather than the reality of what he currently is.
“Williams has a ton of potential with his combination of size, strength and athleticism,” Holder said. “However, he’s far from a finished product, especially as a pass-rusher. Getting injured in the season opener and missing two games means he’s missed valuable reps for his development.
“Obviously, the injury plays a big factor, but nothing about Williams’ performances so far this season have screamed first-round pick, let alone a top-10 or -15 selection some had hoped he’d be heading into the campaign.”
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