Georgia transfer projected as first-round NFL draft pick

Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback A.J. Harris has been projected as a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft in ESPN's latest mock draft. Harris, who transferred to Penn State after his freshman season in 2023 with the Georgia Bulldogs, is a former five-star recruit.

Matt Miller predicts that Harris will land with the Washington Commanders with the No. 25 pick in the draft.

Harris is coming off a great sophomore season with Penn State. He helped the Nittany Lions advance to the semifinals of the College Football Playoff and recorded 48 tackles, one interception and five pass deflections. Harris had a much larger role at Penn State than he did in 2023 with Georgia (eight tackles).

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound cornerback is a rising junior and has what it takes to play at the next level. Harris made a leap after his freshman season and should show significant improvement in his second year as the starter at Penn State.

What ESPN said about A.J. Harris

"Harris has shown ball-hawking skills and loves to press and jam receivers," said Miller. "He's still a bit green, having started only one season, but last season's tape -- along with Penn State's track record in developing defenders -- makes Harris one of the most promising corners in the country."

Losing Harris via the transfer portal hurt for Georgia. There's no doubt he's one of Georgia's most painful transfer exits in recent memory along with quarterback Carson Beck and outside linebacker Damon Wilson after the 2024 season.

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This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: UGA football transfer predicted to be first-round NFL draft pick