The 12-1 Georgia Bulldogs will play the 13-0 Florida State Seminoles in the 2023 Orange Bowl. How many NFL Draft prospects will play in this game, and what are their projections at the next level?
Orange Bowl Prospect Preview
Florida State and Georgia shared in the disappointment on the weekend of the CFB Playoff reveal, as the teams were the first two left out of the playoff field.
The Seminoles were omitted despite going 13-0 and winning the ACC, while Georgia’s perfect season was marred by one close loss to playoff competitor Alabama in the SEC title game.
The Orange Bowl gives both teams one more statement win to play for, but the Bulldogs will be much better equipped to compete. The Seminoles lost Jordan Travis earlier in the year, and projected early-round draft picks like Keon Coleman, Jared Verse, Trey Benson, and Johnny Wilson have all opted out.
In addition to those players, the Seminoles also received opt-out decisions from Jaheim Bell, Fabien Lovett, Renardo Green, Jarrian Jones, and Akeem Dent.
Georgia NFL Draft Prospects
Brock Bowers, TE
Brock Bowers reaggravated his ankle injury in the SEC Championship game, so it’s unlikely he plays in the Orange Bowl. He’s almost certain to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft, where he grades as a blue-chip and top-10 prospect.
In his time at Georgia, Bowers caught 175 passes for 2,538 yards and 26 touchdowns, earning national acclaim. He’s one of the most dynamic weapons to hit the circuit at the TE position in recent years, boasting elite speed and explosiveness, play strength, and all-encompassing versatility.
Amarius Mims, OT
Like Bowers, Amarius Mims is also working through an injury, so it’s unclear if he’ll play. He participated in Georgia’s practice on Friday, but he has a case to opt out and preserve his 2024 NFL Draft stock as a likely Round 1 pick.
At 6’7″, 330 pounds, Mims is a dominant physical specimen with rare length, mass, and athleticism, and in his limited time as a starter, he showcased impressive balance, power application, and finishing ability.
Kamari Lassiter, CB
Despite having played his way into top-50 territory as a 2024 NFL Draft prospect, Kamari Lassiter is playing in the Orange Bowl without hesitation, rallying with his teammates for one more game.
Lassiter has the speed, explosiveness, and tenacity to win over evaluators, and in 2023, he improved his technique and showcased impressive ball skills at the catch point.
Javon Bullard, DB
A hybrid slot defender with safety and outside cornerback capabilities, the 5’11”, 180-pound Javon Bullard is one of the most competitive prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft.
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Bullard never shies away from contact and dishes physicality downhill, but he also has the foot speed, technical savvy, and awareness to manage space and leverage in coverage.
Carson Beck, QB (2025)
Carson Beck has already announced his decision to return to school for the 2024 season. In the 2025 NFL Draft cycle, however, he’ll enter as one of the top QB prospects in the class.
Beck can be a high-level pocket passer with his arm talent and easy velocity, and he flashed impressive field vision, anticipation, and fearlessness down the stretch.
Florida State NFL Draft Prospects
Braden Fiske, DT
Braden Fiske is the Seminoles’ top 2024 NFL Draft prospect set to play in the Orange Bowl. The 6’3″, 290-pound lineman accrued six sacks and nine total tackles for loss at Florida State after dominating at Western Michigan in 2022, and he chose not to opt out ahead of the draft.
Fiske’s decision to play is no surprise for those who’ve seen him play. Fiske lives and breathes football and has a turbo-charged motor that truly never rests. He doesn’t have great length or flexibility, but he’s a twitched-up, tenacious disruptor who could go top 100.
Kalen DeLoach, LB
Kalen DeLoach has already declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, but he’ll play in the Orange Bowl in an attempt to lead his Seminoles to a 14-0 season. In 2023, DeLoach accumulated 66 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, seven sacks, a pick, two pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and a fumble return touchdown.
At 6’1″, 212 pounds, DeLoach will be more of a hybrid linebacker-safety at the NFL level. His unique build could make finding a fit difficult, but in a league that rewards fast-flowing, hard-charging defenders at the second level, he’s sure to find a home.
Patrick Payton, EDGE (2025)
After a season in which he amassed six sacks, 13.5 total tackles for loss, and 10 pass deflections, Patrick Payton is an early name to watch in the 2025 NFL Draft EDGE class.
At a lean 6’5″, Payton has truly superlative length, which he routinely uses to occlude passing lanes. But he’s also incredibly flexible, with the bend and burst to sink and accelerate under blocks.