3 Georgia Players Who Could Be First-Round Picks in 2021 NFL Draft

The LSU Tigers and Ohio State Buckeyes dominated the NFL Draft in terms of total number of selections, but put some respect on the name of the Georgia Bulldogs football program. In the first round, UGA offensive tackles Andrew Thomas and Isaiah Wilson were selected by the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans, respectively.

Now that the 2020 draft is behind us, we're now onto 2021, so that got us thinking: Which Georgia players have the chance to be first-round picks next year? These three stand out as the early favorites.

3. CB Tyson Campbell

Teams in need of a star cornerback will no doubt be targeting Tyson Campbell. / Joe Robbins/Getty Images

When it comes to the upcoming cornerback class, Ohio State's Shaun Wade is on a tier of his own, and will be taken off the board quickly. Teams that aren't in the range to take Wade next April, however, should target Tyson Campbell. He's got the speed and coverage ability that will make NFL teams salivate. Campbell was limited to just seven games last season, where he recorded 15 tackles, four passes defensed, and one fumble recovery, but if he can put together a full season of compelling work, his draft stock will shoot through the roof.

2. QB Jamie Newman

Jamie Newman is currently slotted as the third-best quarterback in next year's draft. / Michael Shroyer/Getty Images

It's a near-lock that Clemson's Trevor Lawrence and Ohio State's Justin Fields will be the first two quarterbacks selected in next year's draft, but who's the third-best signal caller of the bunch? Why, that's Jamie Newman. The former Wake Forest gunslinger recently transferred to Georgia for the opportunity to shine in Kirby Smart's offense in his final year, and he's got the arm talent and mobility to make him dangerous against SEC defenses. This past season, Newman completed 60.9% of his passes for 2,868 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, while rushing for 574 yards and six scores on 180 carries. QB-needy teams that can't successfully out-tank the likes of the Jacksonville Jaguars will target Newman in the first round.

1. S Richard LeCounte

Richard LeCounte is projected to be the first Georgia Bulldog to be selected in the 2021 NFL Draft. / Todd Kirkland/Getty Images

When it comes to safety prospects, no one is better than Richard LeCounte. The rising senior has built a reputation of being a rangy, hard-hitting tackler, something that NFL teams will adore once they scout him fully this upcoming season. Last year, LeCounte tallied 61 tackles, four interceptions, three passes defensed, and two forced fumbles. To entice prospective teams further, LeCounte's skillset has been compared to Eddie Jackson of the Chicago Bears. You best believe that LeCounte has the stuff to break into the top half of the first round next year in Cleveland.