Kirby Smart is no stranger to producing NFL talent in his tenure at Georgia. In his career as Georgia's head coach, he has had as many losses as he has had first-round draft picks (21).
With eight Bulldogs taken in the 2026 NFL Draft some were put in better circumstances than others. Of the eight, these three stand out as they were given the best chance to succeed.
1. CJ Allen - Indianapolis Colts
Not many people expected CJ Allen to fall out in the first round, but it might actually have been a blessing in disguise for him. Instead of joining a franchise that will make him wait and develop, he can start immediately on a team that has already proven successful.
The Colts are a team that was only a few pieces away from going on a serious run in the playoffs in 2025. They found their leader on offense in Daniel Jones, but now they needed someone to do that for the defense. Allen, who came in as a true freshman and led Georgia's defense, fits this mold perfectly in a defense very similar to what Glenn Schumann runs in Athens.
2. Zachariah Branch - Atlanta Falcons
This is the pick that every Atlanta/Georgia fan wanted. In the third round, Atlanta was able to find their true slot receiver in Zachariah Branch. The good thing about Atlanta is that Branch will still get plenty of targets, but he is not expected to do everything like he did at Georgia.
The weaknesses scouts pointed out in the combine is something that he can gradually work on in Atlanta. For now, he can be the versatile short-to-midfield target for Michael Penix to find to pair alongside Drake London for downfield shots. In the end, there are not very many better situations for Branch to fall into.
3. Oscar Delp - New Orleans Saints
The number of teams that Oscar Delp could be drafted by, and it would be a good scenario for him, was limited, but this one feels right. Delp lands in New Orleans, where they have a young quarterback in Tyler Shough in an offense that loves to utilize tight ends.
With Juwan Johnson being a good mentor, Delp can slide into a TE2 role and develop, and be a solid supporter in run blocking. This also relieves pressure off of Johnson, who was heavily targeted in 2025.
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