NFL Draft Notebook: How far can Carson Beck lead Georgia and other SEC predictions

In our final NFL Draft Notebook before the college football season starts, we unveil five key predictions for the SEC, the premier conference in college football. Expect one of the top 2025 NFL Draft quarterbacks to lead his team to a national championship, and a Tennessee standout to make an early impact on draft day. We also spotlight three offensive guards to watch this season and more

Five SEC predictions for the 2024 season

1. Georgia wins another National Championship

The Bulldogs are primed for a third National Championship in four years, and quarterback Carson Beck is the driving force behind their title hopes. Beck enters the season with a first-round draft grade and will have plenty of weapons around him, including new additions in running back Trevor Etienne and wide receiver Colbie Young. Defensively, Georgia boasts top NFL prospects like defensive end Mykel Williams, safety Malaki Starks, and outside linebacker Smael Mondon Jr.

2. James Pearce Jr. will be the highest-drafted defensive player

Tennessee's James Pearce Jr. is one of the premier pass rushers in college football. Tying for the SEC lead with 10 sacks last season and ranking second with 14.5 tackles for loss, Pearce’s elite burst off the ball makes him a nightmare for offensive tackles. If he improves his run defense, expect him to be a top-five pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

3. Texas A&M emerges as the surprise team

After two disappointing seasons with a combined 12-13 record, Texas A&M is poised for a breakout. The key factor is new head coach Mike Elko, who will bring the toughness the team desperately needs. The Aggies are set to finish in the top five of the conference, defying predictions from outlets like Athlon Sports. Defensive end Nic Scourton and quarterback Conner Weigman, both highly regarded NFL prospects, will play crucial roles in fueling the turnaround.

4. Arkansas’ offense will make big strides

Arkansas struggled offensively last season, averaging just 23.9 points per game en route to a 4-8 record. But with the addition of offensive mastermind Bobby Petrino as offensive coordinator and transfers like quarterback Taylen Green from Boise State, the Razorbacks are set for a significant boost. The team also revamped its offensive line, aiming to drastically reduce the 47 sacks allowed last year.

5. Luther Burden III will be the first wide receiver drafted

Missouri’s Luther Burden III is one of the most dynamic receivers in the SEC. After finishing second in the conference with 1,212 receiving yards and third with 86 receptions, Burden’s quickness and route-running ability make him a dangerous threat. He’s my top wide receiver prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft and is projected to go in the top ten overall.

Three offensive guards to watch for the 2025 NFL Draft

Donovan Jackson, Ohio State

Heading into last season, I had a first-round grade on Ohio State offensive guard Donovan Jackson, and he carries the same grade this year. What sets him apart is his impressive mobility, highlighted by a 1.59 10-yard split—a time that would set an NFL Combine record for offensive linemen. Jackson leverages this mobility on the field, consistently reaching the second level as a blocker and excelling as a pulling lineman. I wouldn’t be surprised if he develops into a Pro Bowler at the next level.

Tate Ratledge, Georgia

Few offensive guards have excelled in pass protection as much as Georgia’s Tate Ratledge, who allowed no sacks and only two hurries last season. His success can be attributed to his impressive grip strength, which allows him to control defenders once he gets his hands on them, and his strong base, which makes it challenging for opponents to bullrush him. Additionally, Ratledge is an underrated athlete who performs well in space, despite primarily being known as a mauler.

Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona

Arizona offensive guard Jonah Savaiinaea stands out with a rare combination of speed and size. At 6-5 and 336 pounds, Savaiinaea boasts some of the quickest feet in the 2025 NFL Draft, earning recognition from Pro Football Focus as having the best footwork among offensive tackles. His agility has translated into strong pass protection, as he allowed only 11 pressures last season and received an impressive 81.7 pass protection grade from Pro Football Focus. However, scouts may be concerned about his lack of length, which is why I project him to transition to guard at the NFL level.

NFL Draft News and Notes

Tyler Van Dyke new Badgers starting quarterback: This past week, the Wisconsin Badgers announced former Miami quarterback Tyler Van Dyke as their starting quarterback. Badgers fans are hoping to see the Van Dyke who shined in 2021, earning ACC Rookie of the Year honors and carrying a third-round grade on my draft board heading into 2022, rather than the one from the past two seasons. Over the last two years, Van Dyke has thrown 17 interceptions and has been plagued by injuries.

Moving up the NFL Draft board: Washington State offensive tackle Fa’alili Fa’amoe is a prospect to watch this year. With just two years of experience at the position, Fa’amoe has room to significantly boost his draft stock. The main focus for him will be improving his fundamentals, especially avoiding lung blocking, which often causes him to lose balance—a key reason for the 21 hurries he allowed last season. If he can refine this aspect of his game and enhance his hand technique, his athleticism, strength, and mobility could elevate him to a high day two pick.

Small school spotlight: Keep an eye on William & Mary offensive tackle Charles Grant, an FCS standout and one of the more athletic offensive linemen in the 2024 NFL Draft class. With a 32-inch vertical jump and a 1.44-second 10-yard split, Grant shows the quickness and athleticism needed to play left tackle at the next level. His pass-blocking skills are impressive, having surrendered just one sack over the past two seasons. Heading into this season, I have him graded as a sixth-round prospect, but that could rise if he delivers another strong performance and excels in an All-Star game like the Senior Bowl.

Top safety prospect faces injury setback: North Dakota State safety Cole Wisniewski, a top FCS defender and a key prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft, is at risk of missing not only the season opener against Colorado but potentially several more games as he recovers from offseason foot surgery. His absence could be significant, as when healthy, Wisniewski is a proven ballhawk who led the FCS with eight interceptions last season.