Why one Georgia football star needs to bounce back
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Why one Georgia football star needs to bounce back
Georgia offensive tackle Earnest Greene was projected to be a top 2025 NFL draft pick. Greene battled a shoulder injury, which limited him to nine starts and 11 appearances. Georgia’s offensive line suffered through some pretty mediocre performances in 2024. The 6-foot-4, 320-pound tackle may not have the ideal size NFL teams are looking for, but Greene has proven that he can perform well against top talent in the SEC. He is expected to play right tackle for Georgia in 2025.
Greene had legitimate NFL draft buzz after starting 14 games at left tackle in 2023. He was part of a strong Georgia offensive line in 2023 that allowed under one sack per game (13 sacks allowed in 14 games). Greene was named to the freshman All-American team and looked like he’d be Georgia’s top offensive lineman in 2024.
However, Greene’s 2024 season did not work out. He battled a shoulder injury, which limited him to nine starts and 11 appearances. Georgia’s offensive line suffered through some pretty mediocre performances in 2024. The Bulldogs finished the year second-to-last in the SEC in rushing yards per game and allowed 25 sacks in 14 games.
Greene’s down year was a reason why Georgia struggled up front despite having three offensive linemen that went on to be selected in the first three rounds of the 2025 NFL draft. Greene will look to bounce back in 2025. Being fully healthy will be key for Greene, who dealt with a dislocated finger this spring.
“If he (Greene) exhibits more refinement and help gets Georgia’s offense back on track, Greene could draw teams in thanks to his quickness as both a pass protector and run blocker,” said Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz of USA TODAY Sports. “But he still has work to do to be considered among the top draft-eligible offensive tackles, and his frame could portend a move to guard.”
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Middlehurst-Schwartz emphasizes that Greene along with several other top college football players like former Georgia quarterback Carson Beck needs to have a bounce back year in 2025 to aid their 2026 NFL draft stock.
The 6-foot-4, 320-pound tackle may not have the ideal size NFL teams are looking for, but Greene has proven that he can perform well against top talent in the SEC. He is expected to play right tackle for Georgia in 2025.