Analyzing NFL depth chart fits for Georgia’s newest draft picks

The 2020 NFL Draft will be remembered as one of the best in the history of Georgia football.

Seven Bulldogs heard their names called in the draft, tying the most in the Kirby Smart era. Three of those selections — Andrew Thomas, Isaiah Wilson and D’Andre Swift — came in the first 35 picks.

Now the questions turn toward the fall. When, and how much, will these former Bulldogs see the field in the NFL? Here’s a look at how each of the seven draft picks fits in on the depth chart with their new team.

Andrew Thomas, NY Giants

When a team spends a top-five pick on a tackle, it usually means he’s in line to at least compete for a starting spot right away.

Such is the case for Thomas, who went to the New York Giants with the fourth overall pick. The Giants have struggled mightily on the offensive line in recent years, but have invested plenty of capital into improving up front this offseason.

In addition to drafting Thomas, New York signed tackle Nate Solder from the New England Patriots. Solder manned the left tackle spot in New England, so it’s possible Thomas could start on the right side before eventually moving over.

Either way, the two-time All-American is set to immediately make his mark in the Big Apple.

Isaiah Wilson, Tennessee Titans

Just like his former bookend teammate Thomas, Wilson is also in a spot to earn playing time right away.

The Tennessee Titans selected Wilson with the 29th overall pick in the draft. This is a hole Tennessee needed to fill after losing former right tackle Jack Conklin in free agency.

As it stands, Wilson will likely be competing with Ty Sambrailo to start on the right side. Sambrailo obviously has the edge in pro experience, but size and upside could see Wilson starting at right tackle in week one.

D’Andre Swift, Detroit Lions

Many thought Swift could be a first-round pick and the first running back taken in the draft. Instead, he had to wait until the third pick of the second round when he heard his name called by the Detroit Lions.

Swift slots in as the third piece of an all-SEC backfield trio in Detroit, joining former Auburn back Kerryon Johnson and former Alabama star Bo Scarbrough. He is perhaps the biggest receiving threat of the three, putting him in line to earn some early playing time as a third-round back in addition to sliding into the three-man backfield rotation.

“I think just getting into space a lot more, but at the running routes in the slot versus whoever,” Swift said on a conference call with Detroit reporters about what skills he wants to showcase in the NFL. “Just being able to use my abilities to really showcase my talents, I think I can do that a lot more as far as getting in space and just getting mismatches.”

Solomon Kindley, Miami Dolphins

The third and final Georgia lineman selected in the draft, Kindley went to the Miami Dolphins in the fourth round.

Kindley was one of three offensive linemen drafted by the Dolphins, joining tackles Robert Hunt and Austin Jackson. All three of these picks come in at well over 300 pounds, with Kindley the heaviest at 339 pounds.

This trio joins a group that has also been addressed in free agency. Kindley will have a tough fight to earn playing time, but his size and physical nature could earn him an early role and an eventual starting spot down the line.

Jake Fromm, Buffalo Bills

Fromm tumbled in the draft, waiting until the fifth round to hear his name called by the Buffalo Bills.

Buffalo is entering just the third year with former first-round pick Josh Allen under center, so Fromm isn’t likely to be challenging for a starting spot any time soon. However, his football IQ and diligent preparation could be a tremendous benefit to Allen as he tries to become one of the top signal callers in the NFL.

“All I know is to stay humble and hungry and go and make that room better any way I can,” Fromm said on a conference call with Buffalo media. “If it’s making Josh better, it’s making the team better. For me, I’m just trying to compete and do the best I can and make that room better and make the team better.”

Charlie Woerner, San Francisco 49ers

The only Georgia receiver or tight end selected, Woerner went to the San Francisco 49ers in the sixth round.

Woerner didn’t exactly light up the stat sheet while in Athens, hauling in 34 passes for 376 yards in a four-year career. But the 49ers likely valued his blocking ability, adding another potential force up front to aid a strong running game.

If he makes the roster, Woerner will be learning from one of the best. San Francisco tight end George Kittle is regarded as one of the best blocking tight ends in the NFL, providing Woerner a chance to develop into a solid situational player.

Tae Crowder, New York Giants

Crowder lands in the better-late-than-never category, going to the Giants with the final pick to become 2020’s Mr. Irrelevant.

It’s usually an uphill battle for final picks to make the roster, but Crowder has a chance. His speed and agility at linebacker could make him an asset on special teams. The 2019 semifinalist for the Butkus Award, given to the best linebacker in college football, could also prove to be a quality piece of depth in the event of injury.