The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry is one of the most contentious in the country. The rivalry between Auburn and Georgia is the main reason why the SEC West and SEC East have static opponents, and we have seen some incredible games between these two programs over the last decade. Now, the bad blood between these two programs will transfer over to the next level as Auburn and Georgia vie to produce more first round draft picks. Over their long histories, Georgia has had 36 players selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, while Auburn has seen 30 players go off the board.
Auburn +174
Georgia -223
These two rivals each have one player that will be a first round pick barring anything drastic. For Auburn, that player is defensive tackle Derrick Brown. Brown is seen as the most talented interior defensive lineman in this year’s draft, and he will likely be a top ten pick. He has an excellent motor for a big man, and he has the right combination of size and speed that NFL teams are looking for in a run stuffer.
Georgia offensive tackle Andrew Thomas is certain to be a first rounder too. As quarterbacks have risen in priority, offensive tackles that can protect their blindside have been more valuable too, and there are only four highly rated tackles in this class. Tristan Wirfs and Mekhi Becton will likely come off the board before Thomas, but the beefy junior won’t have to wait long to hear his name called. His technique and lack of polish will lead to him being a bit of a project, but the raw talent is there for him to be a difference maker.
The Bulldogs have three other players that could potentially go in the first round, but the most likely player to sneak into Thursday is running back D’Andre Swift. Running backs aren’t as coveted as they once were by NFL teams, but Swift is arguably the best running back in the class. Georgia has perhaps the best pedigree of any school in the nation at this position, producing Todd Gurley, Nick Chubb, and Sony Michel in the last five years.
Offensive tackle Isaiah Wilson and quarterback Jake Fromm could be first round picks too, but their chances are relatively miniscule. Wilson has the bulk you want to see in a tackle at 6’6 and 350 pounds, but he underperformed given what you would expect from a player his size. He had trouble protecting the edge against speedy rushers, and that’s concerning.
The only reason Fromm has a chance to be a first round pick is because of the enormous value placed on quarterbacks. He doesn’t have a first round grade and he never stood out during his time in Athens, but he will almost certainly hear his name called before Saturday.
Auburn’s Noah Igbinoghene and Marlon Davidson have the potential to be first round picks. Igbinoghene is a very intriguing prospect. He played wide receiver throughout his high school career and came to Auburn as a wide receiver before switching sides at the start of the 2018 season. He has showed plenty of potential during his limited time at the position, and while he doesn’t have the size NFL teams covet, he isn’t afraid to get physical. Teams in the back end of the first round like to take chances on talent, so Igbinoghene could come off the board in Day 1.
Davidson started all four years he was at Auburn, and he showed plenty of strength at the point of contact. His technique is solid, and his ability to put tackles on roller skates will make sure he won’t fall out of the second round. Almost every mock draft has him going in Round 2, so it’s hard to count on him making the move to the first day.
Although Georgia should be favored to have more first round picks, the number shouldn’t be this high. Swift might fall out of the first round as teams turn away from using early picks on running backs, while Igbinoghene has the tools to hear his name called on Thursday. With that in mind, Auburn is the right play.
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